Comments on: Who is Dave Ramsey?

By: Tina

Tina — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:38 +0000

My family began DR’s plan in February 2009. We weren’t overwhelmed with debt, but we had the attitude that it was “just how it was”. That there was no way we would ever be out of debt, so we just plugged along making our payments and buying things on credit cards and payment plans. Since starting Dave’s plan we have paid off nearly $10,000 in debt. Our last debt will be paid off this month (November 2009) and I can’t even begin to say how good that feels! We haven’t suffered. Our daughters still do all the things they love. We live on a budget, but we still eat out and go to the movies, just not as often. There are several side benefits that I didn’t anticipate: our marriage is better because we no longer argue about money. We are healthier because we don’t “run through the drive-thru”. Our family talks more and we spend more time together doing simpler things (playing board games, hiking and playing with the dog). The best thing is Dave’s plan is not complicated. It’s common sense and approachable financial advice for average people.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:19:19 +0000

I disagree with you Ed, if you have the money then why would you not want to invest in Real Estate when it’s low? According to your philosophy it sounds like everybody should invest in real estate when it’s at it’s high point? Dave encourages you to invest in Real Estate with cash. If you do this, you won’t have to worry about horrible markets because you can wait it out till you can sell your real estate for a good profit.

The same holds true for mutual funds. It’s better to buy mutual funds with a good long track record in down markets because it’s on sale. I’m glad i got such a good deal on my mutual funds last year.

By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:10:58 +0000

Dave is a shill for real estate. For the past 3 years he has been telling people to buy real estate. How’s that working out for those of you that listened to him and bought a house in 2006 or 2007 or 2008? He’s also a shill for stocks. It’s always a good time to buy stocks and real estate according to him. Again, how did that work out for you who took his advice and bought stocks a year or two ago?

He’s right about debt. Getting into debt is stupid. But buying real estate in the middle of the biggest real estate crash ever is just as stupid.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:35:28 +0000

Exactly – personal finance is personal and in our case, following a modified-DR approach has disciplined our spending and debt reduction. My family is in a position I truly did not think we’d ever see: within 18 months of paying off all non-mortgage debt. Thanks again for the good post!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:11:28 +0000

Michelle, I don’t understand the polarization either. DR and other personal finance gurus aren’t like politicians in he sense that we vote them in and we are then forced to accept the laws and policies they pass. We are free to pick and choose the best of all worlds and find what works for our situation. Which is how it should be.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:34:43 +0000

It’s funny how controversial (and emotionally charged) some of the PF-blog commentary about Dave Ramsey has become. On one PF forum, my posting a simple comment about DR’s take on Social Security started a 10-page flame war with really really nasty comments about him and me for listening to him…so it’s nice to read a balanced post! I personally agree with your perspective. The programs (FPU, TMMO, The show on TV & Radio) are popular because they work for many, many people. He’s got the ‘personal’ side of personal finance down-pat – and his approach does address that aspect first, which I think turns off a lot of folks who think numbers rule the world! Also, even though Dave Ramsey is hard-core about his plan and his philosophy, you can customize his plan to your situation – you won’t fail if you attack larger interest-rate debt first, since overall, you are paying the debt and laying groundwork for a better financial future.

By: Writer's Coin

Writer's Coin — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:47:55 +0000

This is a great intro since he’s become one of those personalities you’re “supposed to know” about. Thanks!

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 06 May 2009 02:43:17 +0000

I coordinate his FPU program at my church. I can’t find anything out there as comprehensive and understandable as his stuff. I’m a huge fan.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:49:06 +0000

I volunteer with my local Habitat for Humanity’s Family Support Committee. Any family that wants to purchase a Habitat house must first undergo a series of financial classes taught by our committee. The families must work with a mentor and prove that they can live on a budget that includes what their new home payment and utilities would be. We use the Financial Peace University as a teaching tool in this class.

I definitely think that behavior changes are a crucial part of living on a budget and reducing debt. Mental victories are important to success. However, sometimes choosing the best financial solution over the most motivating psychological choice is important too. Sometimes the best course of action is a combination of budget and debt reduction lifestyles and techniques.

By: Bargain babe

Bargain babe — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:46:16 +0000

Thanks for the summary on Dave Ramsey, I’ve been wondering about him for awhile. He is becoming a household name – at least among the pf community.