Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

[puppylove]

A while back somebody on this forum (I can’t remember who) had given a recommendation to read the above book and I just wanted to say THANK YOU very much. Its changing my tune to life!!!

 

[ltbpoe43]

Agreed. My wife and I started using these techniques in Feb 06 and none to soon. 4 months into the plan, our 12 year old son was diagnosed with brain cancer. Because of the few steps we took prior to that - I was paying off stuff like a madman - we were able to squeak (and I mean ssqquuueeeaaak) by for almost a year on just my salary alone.

Now son is okay - he’s in monitoring phase, wife is back at work part time, and we are breathing a little easier financially.

I can tell you from experience, I hope I’m never that scared again. Everyone should be ready for that rainy day because they do indeed come.

Good luck and God Bless.

 

[whatevergirl]

Agreed. My wife and I started using these techniques in Feb 06 and none to soon. 4 months into the plan, our 12 year old son was diagnosed with brain cancer. Because of the few steps we took prior to that - I was paying off stuff like a madman - we were able to squeak (and I mean ssqquuueeeaaak) by for almost a year on just my salary alone.

Now son is okay - he’s in monitoring phase, wife is back at work part time, and we are breathing a little easier financially.

I can tell you from experience, I hope I’m never that scared again. Everyone should be ready for that rainy day because they do indeed come.

Good luck and God Bless.

I have been meaning to buy his book…it really looks insightful. I’ve read Suze Orman’s books…and have learned so much…has changed my thinking on saving money. My husband is the saver, and I’m the spender…and we are now in sync. But, I’d like more Biblical principles towards finances, too.

I’m glad to hear your son is better…Your family is in my prayers.

 

[AlaAnnie]

Whatevergirl - If you go to his website, you can probably find a local radio station that airs his daily talk show. What you hear on there for a short period of time will be a good bit of what you would read in any of his books. The guy is very consistent.

 

[MooCowSteph]

Hello, I thought I’d bump up this older thread. We just got his book from the library and started reading it last night. We’re not too far into it yet, so I am not sure what kind of impact it’s going to have, but I am excited. We don’t spend a lot of money on discretionary stuff, but I guess everyone can cut a little. I need to change my attitutes about money, though, and that’s where I am really hoping this book with be helpful. And I have a feeling it’s going to tell me I can no longer enjoy the slightly expensive clothes DD and I enjoy!

 

[1ke]

I need to change my attitutes about money, though, and that’s where I am really hoping this book with be helpful.

I think you will find Dave Ramsey’s philosophy very helpful in this regard

And I have a feeling it’s going to tell me I can no longer enjoy the slightly expensive clothes DD and I enjoy!

I don’t really think that this is true. Ramsey’s main point is to focus on your goals, create and maintain a spending plan, and don’t spend more than you make.

If you are not in debt, save up for, and can afford specific brands-- then there is nothing wrong with making the purchase.

If it conflicts with, or diverts money from, your primary goals-- then yes, it could be problematic.

But, if you’ve funded your emergency savings, retirement, monthly obligations, and are putting away adequately for you “periodic expenses” then I don’t believe buying nice clothes would be in conflict with your spending plan.