Dave Ramsey TMMO book/Christmas gift ?????

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

For those of you Dave Ramsey fans I have a question. I was thinking of giving his TMMO book to family members as gifts? I am thinking about giving it an in-law who I know could really use it, don't know if they will get insulted or not. Some other family may benefit from readng it (if they read it). I also would be giving it 3 people in the 18-21 age range (or do you have any other suggestions for this age range). What do you think? Would you be insulted? I am just trying to help my family in these economic times. Thanks for your help.

 

[robsmom]

I think that it is a great that you want to help but not for Christmas. I think it could be akward and it really is a bit insulting. I put it in the same classification as giving a weight watchers cookbook or a self-help book on anger management. I think if you want to help you could bring him up in conversation and talk about how much he has helped you. then you could lend them your copy or if they seem interested you could give them their own copy. I think for the 18-21 yr olds it would be a great gift for a graduation or other transition type of event. If I was graduating and someone said "as you start your adult life, i think this is a great book to help you on your journey" it would seem more generic and more of a preventive measure. If the person already has debt issues and they get it for Christmas, I think it seems more like an intervention. On the other hand, if you really think they need an intervention, have one. Talked to them, give them the book but don't do it for Christmas...to passive agressive.

 

[Sandi S]

Well-intentioned, but if they see it as an insult, the book won't help them. I could see it as back-to-school, house-warming for a young person type gift (depending on your relationship with the recipient).

It is such a great book though...

 

[hlkeck]

I seriously was thinking the same thing today!!!! I was considering signing up for his website, and it comes with a free TMMO book - and I was wondering who to give it to that wouldn't be offended...

Good question - I think the way to handle it is to say, this isn't a personal attack, but it's a book that we love and we want to share with others! Hope you love it too!

 

[CowboyCO]

Sure -- go ahead -- and wrap it up with the "The South Beach Diet" book as well. Probably it will go over about as well...

Personal finances are -- personal. And certainly not Christmas fodder. Although you view it as giving someone a lifetime gift, the recipient may not receive it in the spirit in which it was given.

I would just give them the book now and say "This book really helped me change my life, so I'm giving a copy to everyone I care deeply for"

And say no more.. You can lead a horse to water...

 

[RitaE]

I can assure you there are many people who would be insulted. Right up there with a 3 month subscription to Weight Watchers Online or signing them up for an at home consultation with their local Christian Scientist Recruitment Center.

There is just a whole class of gifts that fall under "If they haven't asked for it don't give it."

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Ok, I will not give it as a Christmas gift. I knew I could count on you to keep peace in the family. How about when they come to visit (live out of town will be visiting in two weeks)? How about I give it to them as something to read on the flight home? If I do this, I would like to put a little note with it. If it is a good idea than what should I write on the note.

Here is another question. What book would you give an 18yo starting out? He is going to open up his 1st checking account tomorrow. I asked SIL if he knew how to balance a checking account, how to write a check or fill out a deposit slip. I also asked her if he was setting up a budget. She said she did not know any of the answers and she never thought to ask any of these questions. (She was glad I mentioned them to her). She also said he has asked her several times about building credit.

 

[edandcolleen1995]

Yeah, I would pass. We are huge Dave Ramsey fans but would not give that as a gift to anyone.

If a friend/family asked about being debt free, for sure would give it to them.

But we keep our "beliefs" to ourselves. We have friends and family that do their own thing and know what? That is fine. We don't need to impose our ideas on them if not asked.

So hold off on that as a gift

edit: Saw your last post about giving as a gift for the flight or such. NO!! Just let it go. Don't do something like that. If they ask you about $$ advice, sure. But don't go bring up money, weight or sex with anyone but your DH/DW....

 

[RitaE]

Leave the book out somewhere they can see it and if they ASK you about it, then tell them.

I personally wouldn't go any further however. As somebody said earlier, finances are a personal issue.

 

[wdwfan16]

DO NOT DO IT!!!!!

This is not a gift.

 

[secretpantssam]

I agree, I think giving it as a christmas gift might upset them. If you think they need it, just give it to them as a regular day "This book is great, you should read it" gift. I think if it's their christmas gift they might get insulted and refuse to read it and that wouldn't help them at all.

 

[MiniGirl]

I agree. The most I would do is leave it out on the coffee table. If they ask about it and seem interested, then you could say something like, "Well, we're finished with it. If you'd like to take it with you, you are welcome to it." That is about as far as I would go though.

 

[johnsontrio]

I seriously was thinking the same thing today!!!! I was considering signing up for his website, and it comes with a free TMMO book - and I was wondering who to give it to that wouldn't be offended...

Good question - I think the way to handle it is to say, this isn't a personal attack, but it's a book that we love and we want to share with others! Hope you love it too!

Me! and I would be glad to pay the postage....

 

[pearlieq]

If one has a spare copy, how about donating it to the local library. I can't think of a better way to "spread the word" and it could likely reach people there who really need it.

Just a thought...

 

[TnTWalter]

I think Financial Peace is a safer gift giving present. Its for anyone whereas TMMO is perceived as more for if you're in debt how to get out. Financial Peace is more of the overall picture of financial freedom.

I actually give it mostly as a wedding and graduation gift [with money tucked in it ;o)]. I do keep many for an accessory Christmas gift to family and friends I'll give something they've asked for or I know they enjoy and this is an extra treat.

Also, I stock up on the books and cds when they are $10. If I'm talking to someone and they are interested, I often give it to them right then if at my house or next time I see them. No occasion required.

It has changed my life for the better and if I can help anyone have the same financial peace I have, I will gladly do it.



I would compare Financial Peace to a general health book like 'the care and keeping of you' or something like that. whereas TMMO is more 'the south beach diet'.

 

[sk!mom]

No way!! That's kind of like giving a weight loss book to an overwieght person. Unsolicited advice is never appreciated and almost always offensive.

 

[tonilea]

LOVE Dave Ramsey, but there is no way I would give the book to anyone as a gift. We have loaned out our copy of "Financial Peace" to DH's boss, but he requested it. Mostly, after seeing DH's debt thermometer in his office. lol Kinda like one of those fund raising thermometers.

I did make some coomments about DR to my family and my Mom read the book, but it didn't do much for her. She is old school and it is how they live anyway. lol

 

[maleficentmom]

:

I can assure you there are many people who would be insulted. Right up there with a 3 month subscription to Weight Watchers Online or signing them up for an at home consultation with their local Christian Scientist Recruitment Center.

There is just a whole class of gifts that fall under "If they haven't asked for it don't give it."

Seriously, this poster is right. Maybe if you find the book helpful personally, then you could get into a casual conversation about all the things it has helped you with, and then if they seem interested tell them you would be glad to let them have or borrow the book, but not a gift.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I think Financial Peace is a safer gift giving present. Its for anyone whereas TMMO is perceived as more for if you're in debt how to get out. Financial Peace is more of the overall picture of financial freedom.

I actually give it mostly as a wedding and graduation gift [with money tucked in it ;o)]. I do keep many for an accessory Christmas gift to family and friends I'll give something they've asked for or I know they enjoy and this is an extra treat.

Also, I stock up on the books and cds when they are $10. If I'm talking to someone and they are interested, I often give it to them right then if at my house or next time I see them. No occasion required.

It has changed my life for the better and if I can help anyone have the same financial peace I have, I will gladly do it.



I would compare Financial Peace to a general health book like 'the care and keeping of you' or something like that. whereas TMMO is more 'the south beach diet'.

Which one do you give as a wedding gift and which one do you give as a graduatio gift?

 

[Chicago526]

I think it really depends on your relationship. If you are already really open with each other on the subject of personal finances, they are always sharing with you their troubles and such, then I think it might be okay to give it (not as a xmas gift though...). If they are the type that are usually private about their money, then I'd skip it.