'We Lost $1 Million in Retirement Savings' Dave Ramsey’s 8 Tips for Moving On

We’ve all felt the sting of losing money — whether a few thousand dollars in the stock market or an unexpected expense derailing our budget. But what if you lost $1 million in retirement savings as you approached retirement?

That’s the nightmare Stacy, a 55-year-old stay-at-home mom, and her 61-year-old husband faced after pouring their savings into a failed business venture.

Their story, shared with hosts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel on Dave Ramsey’s podcast, sheds light on rebuilding after a devastating financial loss.

From tackling debt to regaining stability, here are the actionable steps Cruze and Kamel shared to help Stacy and her family recover.

It's natural to feel a profound sense of loss after such a financial setback. Losing $1 million in retirement savings would leave anyone reeling.

Allow yourself to grieve the loss — a crucial step in processing what happened — but avoid becoming mired in regret. As the co-hosts of the Dave Ramsey Show emphasize, focusing too much on past mistakes can paralyze your ability to move forward.

Not only did Stacy and her husband lose $1 million, but when her husband’s business venture failed, he was unemployed for two years before finding work.

Shifting their focus to rebuilding their future has been key for Stacy and her husband. By channeling your energy into creating a positive financial future, you can begin to write a new chapter.

Feeling consumed by financial loss is easy, but taking a step back can provide much-needed clarity. “It's a hard pill to swallow, but you know how to save,” Cruze tells Stacy. “You guys had a million dollars at one point.”

Losing money is challenging, but it’s not the end of the world. You’re not facing war, famine, or life-threatening illness. 

You’re not waking up to a world without clean water, functioning infrastructure, or fundamental freedoms. Even in tough moments, we have more support and opportunity than we realize.

Stacy and her husband’s situation may seem dire, but they still have their health, a roof over their heads, and the chance to rebuild.

Reflecting on what you do have, whether it’s family, friends, or even something as basic as a job, can shift your mindset and remind you that recovery is possible. After all, setbacks, no matter how massive, are temporary if you approach them with determination and perspective.

Assessing your marketable talents is a critical first step in recovering from a financial setback.

In this instance, we learned Stacy is a skilled artist who can sell her work for $3,500 per piece. By focusing on increasing sales and improving her online presence, she has the potential to turn her talent into a steady income stream. 

In addition to art sales, Cruze and Kamel suggested that Stacy explore other opportunities to reduce the family's financial pressure.

Finally, she can connect with local art communities, galleries, and friends to grow her network and build a foundation for financial recovery.

For Stacy and her husband, tackling their $80,000 in consumer debt is crucial.

Ramsey’s team recommends using the debt snowball method, which focuses on paying off debts from the smallest to the largest, regardless of interest rates. By eliminating smaller debts first, they can build momentum and motivation as ‌they tackle larger balances.

Ramsey’s group also advises against consolidating loans, which often move debt around instead of lowering it. Instead, Stacy and her husband must prioritize frugality, allocating as much of their $135,000 income as possible toward debt repayment.

Stacy’s ability to sell her art, even sporadically, could boost their efforts.

Rebuilding their retirement savings will be a long-term commitment for Stacy and her husband, but it’s essential. 

As Ramsey’s team recommends, they should aim to save 15% of their gross income for retirement while continuing to tackle debt. Balancing these two priorities is critical to creating a stable financial future.

Stacy’s husband’s $135,000 salary provides an opportunity to begin gradually contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or Roth IRA. Diversifying their investments will also be key to avoid repeating foolish mistakes.

Thanks to compounding interest, even modest, consistent contributions grow significantly. Stacy and her husband can rebuild the nest egg they need for a secure retirement with steady effort and wiser financial decisions.

Recovering from a financial setback is also about mental resilience. Acknowledging the emotional toll of losing $1 million is important, as is finding support. Engaging with local groups or online forums can provide a sense of community and encouragement.

Ramsey’s co-hosts emphasize the importance of emotional tools like Ken Coleman’s career assessment materials, which explore new skill-aligned earning opportunities. They also recommended Rachel Cruze’s “Contentment Journal,” as it can support a positive outlook during recovery.

Consulting with a financial planner can provide Stacy and her husband with personalized strategies for managing their situation. A professional can create a plan that balances debt repayment with long-term investment goals, helping them maximize their resources.

For example, a financial planner can help allocate their $135,000 income more effectively, identify the best tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and explore ways to make Stacy’s art sales a more consistent income stream.

Stacy and her husband’s story underscores the importance of diversifying investments and having a contingency plan.

Investing $1 million into a single business venture proved catastrophic, but spreading the risk across multiple investments may cushion future blows. 

Creating emergency savings or other income streams provides an additional safety net.

Their experience also highlights the value of transferable skills, Ramsey’s team points out. Stacy’s ability to create and sell high-value artwork demonstrates a marketable talent that can supplement their recovery.

Recovering from a financial disaster like losing $1 million in retirement savings is daunting, but Stacy and her husband’s story proves it’s possible. They are taking steady steps toward recovery by tackling debt and leveraging their skills.

While most of us haven’t faced a loss that large, even smaller setbacks can be overwhelming and affect your financial fitness. 

A Federal Reserve report reveals that nearly four in 10 Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense. 

Stacy and her husband’s resilience demonstrates that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with focus and determination.