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

[sbsteel]

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

I think Financial Peace is a safer gift giving present.
actually give it mostly as a wedding and graduation gift [with money tucked in it ;o)].

I believe she answered you quesion in her post.

Seriously, I think this is a very bad idea (unless they specifically ask for it). It can come off highly offensive, despite your best intentions. It would be like giving an overweight person a diet book or a Jewish person a Bible - just not a good idea.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I believe even Dave himself would say not to do it unless you know it would be something the people are interested in.

He does suggest for graduation gifts doing something like offering money to read the book and report on it.

But for what you describe--it is similar to voicing unsolicited financial advice.

The other day he mentioned--even in his circle of friends there are people who do not agree with his opinions on finance and he won't bother talking to them about it. Now if they asked his opinion--then he'd go gangbusters on him.

I believe you are well intentioned--but it just isn't the right way to pass along the message.

I have heard of people keeping a supply on hand...and then if the topic comes up they will gift it to the person. But I've never heard of anyone giving it as a holiday or birthday gift. It's kind of tacky when you really think about what the PURPOSE of you giving the gift is.

My dad gave me a finance book once as a gift. It wasn't Dave Ramsey--but I still didn't read it. I kind of wish I did, but the manner in which it was given just felt very off putting even thouhg the it intended merely to be helpful.

It was an autographed copy though. It still didn't impress me.

 

[aestapa]

We actually ordered a set of Dave Ramsey books for my MIL for Christmas last year. BUT...we had just been discussing budgeting and she was frustrated with trying to do it on her own.

Also, we had let her know that we were doing the Ramsey plan and she was very interested. She was so in trouble financially that she didn't want us to get her anything for Christmas because she could not afford anything for us. We felt that given the situation, it was appropriate. She loved the gift and had her DH read it as well. It has helped to change their family budgeting.

She was ready & willing...and in a situation that did not allow her to purchase it for herself. If that had not been the situation, I don't know if we would have given it to her for a Christmas gift....maybe just "on a random Tuesday".

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Here are some of the reasons I would like to give her the TMMO. She lives in another state from us, so just leaving it on the coffee table will not work. She will be visiting in two weeks, I know we will see her just don't know if it will be at our house so we can leave the book out. Also, every time she talks to me or my SIL she is always saying how much financial hardship they are in (credit card collections calling, being upside down on their mortgage and being behind on everyday bills, etc.). How should I be taking these conversations? Maybe as a sign for help.

 

[bumbershoot]

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.

Well, this is a perfect way to start a conversation!

Your SIL's son is asking these questions, and I think you're saying that your MIL is the one you want to give the book to. So in the context of helping your nephew, you could mention that you've found a system that is working for you, works for others, and actually talks *against* the need to build credit. That it's about not using credit except maybe for a mortgage. And so on.

Honestly, I built my credit starting at 17, with 3 cards I got in college, and by 27 I had destroyed it all b/c it's funny, they will give you cost of living loans in graduate school, but all of that ends once you're graduated. The damage I was doing while in school took a bit over a year of being OUT of school to take effect, and by the end of that I had NO cards and destroyed credit. So...yeah...building credit (unless he's going to go buy a house NOW) at 18...is difficult if you don't have really really solid knowledge.

So start the talks about your nephew. If there's interest, the SIL will tell you.

Also, every time she talks to me or my SIL she is always saying how much financial hardship they are in (credit card collections calling, being upside down on their mortgage and being behind on everyday bills, etc.). How should I be taking these conversations? Maybe as a sign for help.

Since the SIl is calling, you should just talk to her. Don't send them books unless they ask about them, and they might ask about them b/c you could give her basic info on the phone during those calls.




My friend gives books to her friends, once she is done with them. One book she gave me was Rich Dad Poor Dad. I was interested in it, until it was given to me. Iv'e never opened it. But I found out about Ramsey through the Dis, and just like rewards websites, first I thought it was nonsense, but now I'm coming around very nicely, and seeking out the info on my own.

 

[tnd]

I would not give that book as a gift. If you wanted to give it at another point in time, especially if they are struggling, that would probably be okay, but this would not be on my list of holiday gifts.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Well, this is a perfect way to start a conversation!

Your SIL's son is asking these questions, and I think you're saying that your MIL is the one you want to give the book to. So in the context of helping your nephew, you could mention that you've found a system that is working for you, works for others, and actually talks *against* the need to build credit. That it's about not using credit except maybe for a mortgage. And so on.

Honestly, I built my credit starting at 17, with 3 cards I got in college, and by 27 I had destroyed it all b/c it's funny, they will give you cost of living loans in graduate school, but all of that ends once you're graduated. The damage I was doing while in school took a bit over a year of being OUT of school to take effect, and by the end of that I had NO cards and destroyed credit. So...yeah...building credit (unless he's going to go buy a house NOW) at 18...is difficult if you don't have really really solid knowledge.

So start the talks about your nephew. If there's interest, the SIL will tell you.




Since the SIl is calling, you should just talk to her. Don't send them books unless they ask about them, and they might ask about them b/c you could give her basic info on the phone during those calls.




My friend gives books to her friends, once she is done with them. One book she gave me was Rich Dad Poor Dad. I was interested in it, until it was given to me. Iv'e never opened it. But I found out about Ramsey through the Dis, and just like rewards websites, first I thought it was nonsense, but now I'm coming around very nicely, and seeking out the info on my own.

I am actually talking about a SIL not my MIL, although my MIL would probably benefit from Financial Peace.

I also learned about Dave through the DIS, checked it out at the library first and bought it when he did his $10.00 sale. Wish I had known about him years ago.

P.S. Someone told me about Rich Dad Poor Dad (bought it at the bookstore)and after reading it, I realized I wasted my money. I should have checked it out at the library first. Needless to say I donated my copy of RDPD to my local Goodwill. Now before I buy any books I check them out from my local library first.

 

[sk!mom]

Also, every time she talks to me or my SIL she is always saying how much financial hardship they are in (credit card collections calling, being upside down on their mortgage and being behind on everyday bills, etc.). How should I be taking these conversations? Maybe as a sign for help.

Those conversations are your opportunity to suggest Dave Ramsey and share how helpful his books have been to you. It woud be appropriate in that discussion, initiated by her, to offer to share the book.

It's just not an appropriate gift.

 

[tara32]

Those conversations are your opportunity to suggest Dave Ramsey and share how helpful his books have been to you. It woud be appropriate in that discussion, initiated by her, to offer to share the book.

It's just not an appropriate gift.

+1!!!

And, since she mentions her dire financial shape in every conversation, it will be easy to bring up Dave Ramsey and how his books are the best. Then just offer her your copy

I have never read Dave Ramsey though I have heard of him. Is he like David Bach? I really like Bach. the thing that seemed off-putting to me about Ramsey was either he took the credit for, or people reading his book gave him credit for , snowballing method to debt repayment. In fact, almost every debt planner recommends the same