Just married last year, Ashley and her husband dream of going on an African hunt. The Oklahoma City couple were planning to go on a safari to celebrate their 10th anniversary — and save for a home first.
But life has taken an unexpected turn, which is why Ashley called The Ramsey Show for advice.
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“We entered a raffle and found out that we won a nine-day all-inclusive hunt in South Africa,” she explained.
Although the $20,000 package is described as “all-inclusive,” she discovered they’d have to pay up to $15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — including airfare, transportation, gun rentals and taxidermy. The taxidermy piece was important to Ashley.
“I’d like to have a zebra rug,” she explained. “That would be pretty cool.”
“You can buy them,” Ramsey noted.
Ashley wasn’t sure whether they should spend so much money on a luxury vacation while they’re still saving for a home.
“If you could help us with our first marital financial hurdle,” she asked Dave Ramsey.
Ramsey’s advice surprised her — and, he admitted, even himself. Because her answers surprised him.
Decision time: African hunting trip or first home purchase
When Ramsey asked about the couple’s finances, Ashley said they made $275,000 a year.
“In our first year of marriage, we are debt-free with our fully-funded emergency fund,” she added.
What’s more, they are on track to buy their first home in April 2026 with an $87,000 down payment.
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That’s when Ramsey came around. He told Ashley he had expected to declare a “hard no” on the trip and advise the couple to stay on track with saving for their first home.
“You gotta do this stuff in order,” he said.
But he noted that based on what Ashley revealed about their financial position, the trip would only set them back a few months on a down payment — but be a priceless experience.
“So instead of spring with $87,000 (for a down payment), we’re going to do summer with $90,000 and an African trip,” he said. “And that would put you in the same place, wouldn’t it?”
Making intentional choices and taking the trip
Ramsey always recommends staying extremely focused on paying down debt and getting your financial house in order, with no fun splurges to sidetrack you from your goals.
But Ashley and her husband have already got their house in order and are in a position to make intentional financial decisions based on values.
“The point is not Africa,” he said. “The point is, do you do a dream thing when you have the money at the right time?”
If they want to spend the money on an African hunting trip, they can do so without derailing their financial future. So Ramsey wholeheartedly encourages them to do so.
“I did not expect that,” Ashley said, delighted.
Ramsey’s co-host John Deloney laughed.
“Her husband needs to get her a zebra, man,” he said.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
