This wife from Nebraska resents her husband’s 'low' income of just over $60K— but the Ramsey Show says she signed up for a ‘Corolla forever’ lifestyle. How to get by with what you have now

Her husband, a high school teacher, makes roughly $60,000 a year, she shared with John Delony and Jade Warshaw in a letter featured on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show.

Normally, that would be enough for a family of four in Nebraska, but it doesn’t cover the $125,000 debt they have looming over them.

Hanna has considered getting a job, but believes her salary would only cover the costs of daycare. The dilemma has left her emotionally drained.

“I'm grateful for all the blessings God has given us, but today I felt some break inside and I don't know how to move forward,” she wrote. “What do I do with the feelings of resentment that I have?”

Hanna's story underscores the challenge of managing a family-sized debt burden on a single income, while also working to get on the same financial page as your partner.

Financial tightrope

In 2023, roughly 30% of families in the U.S. relied on a single income in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and the median household income was $80,610.

Like Hanna, many moms are struggling to find work as they tackle the rising costs and limited availability of childcare. In 2021, 79% of mothers reported family care as the leading reason for [exiting](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/understanding-americas-labor-shortage-the-scarce-and-costly-childcare-issue the workforce, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, the family’s six-figure debt burden has made it essential for them to find ways to boost income. Hanna wishes her husband could find a new job or side hustle, despite his attachment to teaching.

“I understand he wants to make a difference in these young people's lives,” she wrote. “However, we can't make ends meet.”

Delony agrees.

"I don't believe you have the right to ‘make a difference’ or ‘work your passion’ when you've put your family $125,000 in the hole,” he says.

However, if her husband can’t be convinced to switch careers, he believes the only solution is to embrace the modest lifestyle and make other adjustments.

Embracing the ‘Corolla forever’ lifestyle

Teaching isn’t a lucrative career. As of 2024, the average school teacher earned $69,597 a year, according to the National Education Association (NEA). For many of these professionals, the mission is more important than the compensation.

Delony is familiar with the sacrifice, having married an elementary school teacher himself.