J
onathan, a 36-year-old who inherited $3.5 million after his mother's tragic death, was struggling to manage the financial burden and find purpose in life. In March 2024, he called into Dave Ramsey's show seeking advice on how to navigate this new reality. Jonathan admitted that despite earning up to $85,000 a year, managing such a large sum of money felt daunting.

    Before discussing investments, Dr. John Delony asked Jonathan about coping with his mother's loss. Jonathan shared that the first year was tough but his children motivated him to move forward. Ramsey advised finding purpose and getting back to work, emphasizing that it wasn't just about needing the money but having a reason to get up every morning.

    When discussing investments, Ramsey stuck to his straightforward approach: "I buy two things – real estate and mutual funds." He warned against investing in something you don't understand, citing the risk of losing money. Jonathan had already invested $1.8 million in real estate, including a rental property that was expected to be worth $1.2 million once completed.

    In addition to his real estate investments, Jonathan decided to invest $200,000 in starting a boat tour business. Ramsey applauded this hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose and engaging with work that keeps you moving forward.