As global markets reel from U.S.–China tariff shocks and escalating recession fears, personal finance guru Dave Ramsey is telling investors to breathe — and buy.
Ramsey, known for his blunt wisdom, offered a reality check amid the media frenzy. “The market's down well over the last two years. [But it] is still net up 80% — let’s not forget that,” he said.
Criticizing what he called the press’s focus on panic over prosperity, Ramsey quipped, “Did you hear any headlines going, ‘You’re so rich you can’t breathe?’ Nobody said that.”
His advice for investors caught in the tariff-triggered rollercoaster?
“Take a dad gum chill pill,” he said. “Seriously… 100% chance that the American economy is not going to crumble over this.”
Ramsey dismissed short-term hysteria around Trump’s 104% tariff blitz on Chinese imports. “Do I know how much it’s going to fall under the Trump tariff thing — whatever the flip you want to call this thing he’s doing right now? I can’t tell. But aside from all that, doesn’t matter,” he said. “The only person that gets hurt on a roller coaster is those that jump off in the middle. Keep your hands inside the ride at all times, boys and girls.”
He compared falling prices to a shopping spree for the long-term-minded. “We smile when it goes down and buy more. It’s on sale,” he said.
Dave Ramsey shares blunt words on 401(k)s
Ramsey also reiterated his foundational advice for retirement savers, urging workers to make full use of 401(k)s and Roth IRAs — even in rocky times. He cited a study from his team showing that “80% of millionaires said investing in their company's employer-sponsored retirement plans such as a 401(k) was a major factor in building their wealth,” TheStreet reported.
For those getting a late start on savings? “Between your 401(k) and Roth IRA, you can really gain back some lost ground and make a comeback for the ages,” Ramsey wrote on his website.
And when it comes to trimming the fat, Ramsey advised canceling subscription services, skipping the pricey vacations, and dining in instead of out.
“Cutting some things from your budget can be painful,” he admitted. “But remember, you’re making short-term sacrifices that will help you retire on your terms.”
Bitcoin slipped to $77,559, down 2.5% in 24 hours, while Ethereum dropped 5% to $1,485.
Altcoins followed the trend — XRP down 5.6%, Solana slipped 3.3%, and BNB tumbled 0.4% all slid amid broader macro jitters.