Vending

Ohio couple faces nearly $1M in debt after vending business expansion

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September 28, 2026

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An Akron, Ohio, couple is nearly $1 million in debt after expanding a vending machine and micro market business, according to a Moneywisereport. The husband left his job to start the venture about three years ago. His wife, identified as Emily, recently described the family's finances on the Dave Ramsey radio show.

Emily said her husband acquired too many machines too quickly. The operation includes leased and rent-to-own equipment, and she said its income is insufficient to support their family of six. Both spouses have returned to work, while the family has used retirement savings and sold one rental property to help cover its obligations.

The debt combines business borrowing with personal obligations, including credit cards and about $200,000 in home equity lines of credit, Emily said. She estimated the business is worth about $450,000, but said much of any sale proceeds would go toward debt tied to the machines. The couple is also trying to sell a vacant property.

Emily said her husband favors bankruptcy, while she wants to repay their debts. Show host Dave Ramsey suggested that selling the business and their home could substantially reduce what they owe, though he cautioned that bankruptcy might not erase as much debt as they expect. The account illustrates the difference between a vending machine's sales and the profit left after equipment, inventory and other operating costs.

Vending