Dave Ramsey -- Egads!

[Disneefun]

I've always liked Dave Ramsey's advice and have read most of his books. However, until recently I've not had a chance to listen to his show. Well, we finally got a station here that carries the show and I think I need to rethink how much I like him.

For someone who preaches the benefits of getting out of debt, he sure does the best he can during the show to separate you from your money. Tickets to live events, classes, kits, books you can buy (not get out of the library like I do), insurance products, paid access to his website, mattresses, ELP's, etc. It goes on and on. I know he has to pay the bills and accept advertising, but gee whiz. SO much of this stuff goes directly into his pocket it makes me wonder just how committed he is to helping people get out of debt vs. helping fill his pocket. And he's marketing to he people who are most vulnerable. They want out of debt and want the magic bullet, but they probably are in the least position to pay for this stuff because they have debt. Oy.

I still think his basic premise is good, particularly for those new to finance, but I'm questioning the other stuff. I know a lot of people on here love him and I don't want to offend. I'm just thinking out loud.

 

[DawnM]

HA! That is true!

However, I have never given a dime to him and don't intend to. I borrowed his book from the library and just follow his principles.

Dawn

 

[nbodyhome]

I prefer Clark Howard. He'll mention his book, but also how to get the best price and will encourage you to buy it as cheaply (even used) as he can!

 

[Chicago526]

Yeah, I wouldn't go so far as to call him a sell-out, but he's comming darn close to it. No one should work for free, but there is a line you can cross, and he's standing on it.

 

[Whosemom]

He does have a lot of stuff to sell. And that Financial Peace University program is VERY expensive. But, to be fair, I have heard him advise many people to find his books in the library. Of course, not in the ads, but when he is talking to a caller, yes.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

You know, I am a big Dave fan - I found him about 9 years ago when he was plugging his Financial Peace book on The Gayle King Show (1/2 hour talk show that lasted about 6 months). But I see your point. I work with a lady who is B-R-O-K-E (has trouble keeping up with her heat bill and definately does not have her $1000 emergency fund in place), but she forked over the cash to see one of Dave's live events??!!!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I do agree with you also. I'm a big fan of his books, I consider him to be one of the top authors out there when it comes to advice on how to do a budget get out of debt, etc etc I even still listen to his program alot when I'm working at home -- I'll put it on over the computer

But his entire "package" is just ultra-commercialized now. Bee Alive Jelly? That thing he is selling to protect yourself against identity theft -- The Financial Peace Jr items.. to me he has just gone over the top.

I've also noticed lately that it seems like a high percentage of the calls he takes are geared toward leading into selling a product or event "John from Dallas has a question! What a coincidence, I'm going to be in Dallas in 12 days and it is almost sold out!' Quick, everybody go get your tickets at ......

It used to be much more low key, that is for sure.

 

[Stein]

He is running a business for sure. I work for a non-profit, but am responsible for revenue, so I can see exactly his point. One of our VP's has a saying "No margin, no mission." That explains why we need to make money, I think he is the same.

I listen to his show for free on the internet. I assume he needs to run ads to pay for the streaming and hosting bill..

I have purchased three of his books and financial peace jr and think they were well worth the money. He only accepts debit cards, not credit cards and often recommends people getting his book from libraries or sharing his materials with others.

One of his missions is to teach more in high schools and oust the programs sponsored by major credit cards, who give them for free.

It concerns me that there is concern when someone like Ramsey builds a business from the ground up by selling a valid product while the same critiques are not levied against CCCS, other debt consolidation or credit card companies.

He is making plenty of money as he should. I am sure he works much longer than 40 hours a week, has created 200 jobs with his company and does many people good. Isn't this what this country is about?

 

[snowbunny]

It concerns me that there is concern when someone like Ramsey builds a business from the ground up by selling a valid product while the same critiques are not levied against CCCS, other debt consolidation or credit card companies.

Oh absolutely - and that includes "subprime" mortgage bankers who have been getting extremely rich putting naive, low-income consumers into mortgages they can't afford -- soon to be seen asking Congress for a federal bailout from their shoddy predatory practices. (Privatize the profits, socialize the losses!)

However I think D. Ramsey has somewhat crossed the line into hucksterism...I don't really watch Suze Orman but from what I see surfing the tube, she plugs her books and that's about it. And her main claim to fame isn't helping down and out people become debt free.

 

[Jeanne B]

I agree with the others here, I haven't listened to Dave Ramsey in 6 months or more and I happened to flip to the station he's on a week or so back and I noticed a lot more advertising. There was one thing in particular that I remember chuckling about, seems like it was the identity theft protection. I must say, I was a little turned off. I understand he needs to make a living but I think he's going a little too far.

 

[Tosie]

I only occasionally listen to him over the web and his commercials are annoying. But he doesn't come here so I don't need live event tickets and I don't need any of his products. But his plan has gotten us on track (we're on baby step 3)!

 

[Miss_Nellie]

..... He only accepts debit cards, not credit cards ....

Actually, if you read the fine print, one can use a credit card. It's just his policy that you can't. If someone wanted to use a credit card they could. Of course if you do use a credit card it goes on to say that you are a shady and dishonest character.


* The Lampo Group, Inc. and Dave Ramsey recognize that the Visa and MasterCard virtual monopoly on the debit card industries prohibits merchants from only taking debit cards. As such, it is impossible for us to ensure that every order has complied with our debit card policy. We trust that all of our customers hold EXCEEDINGLY high levels of INTEGRITY and maintain EXTRAORDINARILY high standards of TRUTH and HONESTY. Basically, anyone ordering from us who does not follow this policy is a shady and dishonest character. Don't put yourself in this group. You're better than that. Stick to our policy, NO CREDIT CARDS, and make us all happy.

 

[CarolA]

I have a friend who used to work for Dave. The thing to always keep in MIND is that DAVE really only cares about HIMSELF LOL! If it will get him $5 he will sell his mother on that show...... ALL of his endorsments are based not on what's best for his audience, but HOW much he got paid.....

Dave is very very rich thanks to listeners like you..... (And the truth is that you don't really want to meet him.... I have and it's not pretty LOL!)

 

[pearlieq]

Basically, anyone ordering from us who does not follow this policy is a shady and dishonest character.

Wow! What a load of crap!

I never cared much for the guy in the first place but I really take umbrage at that. If he was that worried about people using credit cards, stop working with Visa/MC, even if it means not accepting debit cards.

Oh wait, that would mean people could only use checks/money orders and it might not be as convenient for people to buy his products. He might miss out on a sale or two.

What was I thinking. Of course the best course of action would be to accept CC's but impugn the charachter of those who use them.

What a jerk!

 

[figment52]

I've always liked Dave Ramsey's advice and have read most of his books. However, until recently I've not had a chance to listen to his show. Well, we finally got a station here that carries the show and I think I need to rethink how much I like him.

For someone who preaches the benefits of getting out of debt, he sure does the best he can during the show to separate you from your money. Tickets to live events, classes, kits, books you can buy (not get out of the library like I do), insurance products, paid access to his website, mattresses, ELP's, etc. It goes on and on. I know he has to pay the bills and accept advertising, but gee whiz. SO much of this stuff goes directly into his pocket it makes me wonder just how committed he is to helping people get out of debt vs. helping fill his pocket. And he's marketing to he people who are most vulnerable. They want out of debt and want the magic bullet, but they probably are in the least position to pay for this stuff because they have debt. Oy.

I still think his basic premise is good, particularly for those new to finance, but I'm questioning the other stuff. I know a lot of people on here love him and I don't want to offend. I'm just thinking out loud.

That is exactly how I feel about Suse Orman

 

[jenr812]

It's interesting how this exact type of thread pops up every 6 weeks or so... Just an observation.