Dave Ramsey: like or dislike?

[castleview]

He's good for getting out of debt, but I don't think he's a guru for investment. I've seen him on Larry King a few times and I like that he's also realistic with recent college grads when they ask about taking a job they're not sure of. Maybe because my parents retired from the first job they had out of college and tried to push that philosophy on me, I liked that Ramsay said new grads will have close to 20 jobs over their lives. Find something you're good at and enjoy.

 

[wdwiala]

This all reminds me of this video:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/1389/saturday-night-live-dont-buy-stuff

 

[Tiger926]

Other, because there's always an "other"

I like DR in theory. Basic principle is sound and I followed it when I was getting out of debt from graduate school. Cash only, envelopes to budget money into catagories, wants vs. needs, being frugal now to reach a goal, etc.

However, I don't like his all or nothing guidelines. I was never gazelle and was never going to be gazelle. (a term he uses for the all out, pedel to the metal attitude). I do believe in gray areas. He doesn't. I am agnostic so the christian based part of his seminars are not really a motivating factor to me. I do not believe that all credit cards are bad and I would never have no cc, because I'm not comfortable putting rentals, deposits and large purchases on my debit card.

I also am just slightly put off on the sheer number of items he sells and the price (you have to pay to be in his website for pity's sake), I mean the man is making a fortune off telling people to not buy stuff as he's selling them stuff.

Funny isn't it? Take my advice with everything else in the world, EXCEPT one product, and that product is ME!

Tiger

 

[C.Ann]

I've never heard him speak - so I can't address that.. However, I purchased his books for two couples who were in serious trouble - not brought on by their own doing (serious medical issues and such) and they could not thank me enough..

I first read about him on the BB board and knew his system could help these folks who otherwise might have lost everything - or had to file bankruptcy..

Both couples now live on a "cash only" basis - and one was able to completely pay off their mortgage and can now look forward to an early retirement in an area where the weather is better for their health issues..

My motto is: "Whatever works to reach your goal.."

 

[Bob NC]

I've saved $1000's with CC's and never have paid annual fees or interest on them.

Just curious. How have you saved 1000's by using credit cards?

 

[disneyfans95]

I listen maybe 2x a week. I enjoy the message but don't take everything he says as the only way to handle your money.

The key (for any of the talking heads out there) is not accept everything they say as bible.

For my family, I will use my AMEX for a ton of stuff. I don't want my debit card out there all over the place and have had luck with AMEX when it comes to disputing charges or looking out for my account.

99.9% we pay off the balance at the end of the month and it works very well for my family. But according to Ramsey we are doing it wrong.

I do think listening to him helped us be better with a written budget, putting off a few purchases and being sure to not apply for any unneeded credit like store cards or such.

 

[4nana]

I watch him occassionally, feel he's right on spot with much of his advise and life lessons, his program is obviously working for many many people. His program has done wonders for helping many, incl our dear DD3 & DSIL who are working hard to change their life style through not being so wasteful, budgeting more wisely, living on cash basis, in the meanwhile they're reaping a more healthy nest egg and college savings for our grands. Matter of fact, we're looking forwward to going down to take care of our sweet grands in Oct. while they go to one of his live Total Money Makeovers.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

As I respect the many comments about religion and DR, I think most folks are missing the point in regards to that. The reason that DR incorporates religion/Biblical principles into his debt-free plan is because that is what worked for him. If you read one of his books, he tells about that in the beginning. He used religion/spirituality to get himself out of debt and he is sharing that approach with other people. It's really that simple. I've read many different types of books in which the author uses their own life experiences to help others...sometimes it's spiritual, karma, inner-self, saying nice things to yourself and etc, etc, all with the intention of sharing with others.

 

[ICF]

Just curious. How have you saved 1000's by using credit cards?

from the rewards I earn from using them.

Thanks to the Amex Hilton Honors card, I haven't paid for a hotel room in years. I also have a disney visa that had over $200 on rewards on it for the trip we just took in June.

That trip alone, since we drove down I was able to get 2 free nights in the hotel (probably would have paid close to $200 for those) and had $225 on the disney rewards card.....so roughly $425 in 'savings' from using CC's on just that trip alone.

 

[Tiger926]

from the rewards I earn from using them.

Thanks to the Amex Hilton Honors card, I haven't paid for a hotel room in years. I also have a disney visa that had over $200 on rewards on it for the trip we just took in June.

That trip alone, since we drove down I was able to get 2 free nights in the hotel (probably would have paid close to $200 for those) and had $225 on the disney rewards card.....so roughly $425 in 'savings' from using CC's on just that trip alone.

Same with us - hotels, cash back cheques, warranties (got a free laptop when the other one was defective), free travel insurance, and ability to dispute charges.

Tiger

 

[Keli]

Big fan