Kevin O’Leary is hardly known for diplomacy when it comes to money advice. And in this case, he didn’t hold back. In a recent interview with Moneywise, O’Leary bluntly dismissed Dave Ramsey’s anti-prenup stance as one of the stupidest ideas he has ever heard.
Ramsey has built a large following as the debt-slayer and marriage-money guru. He has historically advised couples to forgo prenuptial agreements. He also mentioned that prenups undermine trust or signal the expectation of divorce. O’Leary disagrees emphatically.
Kevin’s core argument was that a woman should never surrender her financial independence. Thus, signing away rights or protections via marriage without clear safeguards is reckless. As he puts it, a prenup isn’t about preparing for divorce; rather, it is about protecting individual freedom in joint decisions.
Why O’Leary Says Ramsey Got It Wrong?
There are various reasons why Kevin argued for Ramsey’s advice. Let’s look at some of those:
1. Financial Independence Matters
Kevin O’Leary argues that many women and men underestimate how much a marriage in modern society entails financial partnership, and not just emotional sharing. He insists that going into a marriage without a legally sound financial foundation is putting trust ahead of structure.
In his own words, “A woman should never, ever give up her financial independence.”
He casts the “anti-prenup” recommendation as outdated and risky in a world where dual-income households and joint assets are common.
2. Experience and Investments Back His View
O’Leary points to his own business background and the recognition that financial frameworks are not the enemy of love or marriage. Instead, they support them. In the Moneywise interview, he discussed having invested in a company called HelloPrenup, which shows that he acts on his convictions.
So when he labels Ramsey’s advice “moronic” or the “stupidest idea,” it’s not mere hyperbole; it is based on his experience and positioning.
3. Marriage Reality has Changed
Ramsey’s advice made sense in a different era, perhaps when one spouse earned most of the income. Kevin O’Leary’s point is that in today’s world, financial entanglement happens fast.
Additionally, asset value fluctuates, lives are longer, and careers evolve. Hence, saying “just trust each other” without legally protecting oneself is naïve.
In short, love and trust aren’t a substitute for legal clarity and financial manoeuvres.
The One Money Move Every Woman Should Make
While O’Leary has many views, he emphasizes one simple money move, especially for women. He mentioned that women must retain control of the financial assets and structure of their marriage so that their financial independence is preserved.
In the Moneywise interview, he urges every woman to sign a prenup before marriage, as a protective measure.
He frames it not as a negative act but as a smart safeguard, protecting their future, which is akin to having insurance. He further stated, “You should never enter a marriage with your financial life, assuming that you’ll trust the system without documented protection.”
In practical terms, this means:
- Continue maintaining your own bank account and credit line rather than fully merging everything.
- Agree on how assets, income, and liabilities will be managed and protected.
- Understand how marriage affects taxes, asset ownership, estate planning, and potential debts.
- Ensure you’re in the driver’s seat of some financial decisions, not just along for the ride.
This is the “money move,” O’Leary says, every woman should make, or even maybe every adult who is entering a serious partnership.
What Does This Mean for Couples & Individuals?
There are some significant points to note about how the advice will affect relationships and personal finances.
For Women and Men
O’Leary’s message is empowering. It rejects the notion that one should give up autonomy just because one is getting married. Being legally and financially prepared is not cynical; it’s responsible. And in doing so, one reduces the stress and imbalance that can strain a marriage.
After all, O’Leary argues, “What kills most marriages isn’t infidelity; it’s financial stress.”
For Dave Ramsey’s Followers
Ramsey’s advice has worked well for many in reducing debt, building savings, and aligning finances with values. However, O’Leary’s critique highlights a blind spot in the assumption that one size of marriage advice fits all. He suggests that the modern partnership demands more nuanced planning.
For Financial Advisors & Planners
O’Leary’s blunt commentary is a reminder that advising clients on marriage isn’t only about joint spending, budgeting, or debt. It is also about asset protection, tax planning, and legal frameworks. The line between personal finance and structural planning is thinner than ever.
Risks & Counterpoints
It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees with O’Leary’s tone or absolutism. Some critics even argued:
- Prenups can feel unromantic or signal distrust to one partner.
- Financial structuring alone doesn’t guarantee a successful marriage, and shared values matter a lot. (Research shows couples who argue about money are nearly three times more likely to divorce.)
- Over-emphasizing independence in marriage can undermine the “team” aspect of the relationship.
Kevin O’Leary’s 15% investment rule is blunt and may not fit each person’s budget or life stage.
Hence, while his money move is powerful, couples must discuss, adapt, and apply the advice based on their unique circumstances.
Key Takeaway
Mr. Wonderful did not crumble words while taking an opposite stance against Dave Ramsey’s advice. Moreover, by stating bluntly that the anti-prenup stance is the stupidest idea, he stood against a widely held belief in the personal finance space.
He offered a more significant and actionable recommendation. He said that being financially independent, smartly structuring the marriage finances, and treating legal protection not as distrust, but as sound planning, is the way ahead.
