Ramsey Urges Nurse to Challenge Low Child Support Payments
A Philadelphia nurse earning about $85,000 asked Dave Ramsey whether to hire a lawyer or pay down debt while her ex pays only $50 a month in child support for two children. Ramsey told her to fight, but the article says seeking a support modification could deliver guaranteed monthly cash at a lower legal cost than a contested relocation case. It also warns that pausing a 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar employer match would give up $6,800 a year in retirement savings to free up just $3,400 in cash.
Jamie, a nurse near Philadelphia, makes about $85,000 and brings home roughly $5,000 monthly after taxes, insurance, and retirement deductions. Her $2,300 rent takes almost half that amount, while her ex earns $120,000–$130,000 and pays just $50 monthly for two children under an every-other-weekend arrangement.
Pennsylvania’s support formula weighs both parents’ earnings, the number of children, and the custody schedule. A modification through the county Domestic Relations Section usually costs far less than a disputed move-away custody fight, and pausing a retirement plan with an employer match would surrender $6,800 yearly while freeing only about $3,400 in cash.
This story may resonate with single parents and caregivers navigating support orders, especially those whose incomes differ sharply from a co-parent’s. If more parents seek modifications, county support offices could see added demand, while families might gain steadier monthly resources. It could also prompt broader discussion about retirement trade-offs when covering immediate expenses. The impact likely depends on local guidelines, legal costs, and each household’s circumstances.