I want to start dave ramsey but..

**toolzlover** · 04-23-2009, 10:05 AM

I want to get started with Dave Ramseys system but I am not able to go to the classes. I am wondering if I should buy the book or save for a bit and buy the FPU home study course. I want to learn all that I can just not sure where to begin. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

**smythwicks** · 04-23-2009, 10:22 AM

I started Dave about a year ago with just his book....I even made up my own envelopes ! The biggest thing is get your expenses on paper and start a budget. At 50 years old, I had NEVER had a budget!!! Now a year later, I still look forward to the end of the month, so I can start next month with a clean slate. CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS!!!!! Call them and ask to cut your rates! STAY OUT OF THE MALL!!! and walk into the grocery with your week menu, grocery list and CASH!!!! I LOVE SPENDING ONLY CASH...I even pay my bills with CASH!!! Check books can hurt almost as much as credit cards.

**auntie2many** · 04-23-2009, 10:24 AM

Several areas of the USA are having a live simulcast of Dave Ramsey tonight and his ideas and tips in the ever changing world of finance that the USA is experiencing. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and is 1-1/2 hours long. Look on his website or perhaps call some churches near you to see it it is available in your area.

I thought that perhaps this would introduce you to his style.

With the kit from FPU you get CD's, books and work books that you can listen to anytime. He alsp has a radio show. I am a Dave Ramsey fan and feel that if you could manage at all that entire course is the way to go.

**ecgsmama** · 04-23-2009, 12:15 PM

I would just start by getting his book (Total Money Makeover) at the library or through interlibrary loan and making sure it is right for you. I read TMM, absorbed every detail, instituted the baby steps, and paid off my mortgage not long ago. However, I borrowed TMM from my mother-in-law and she has never done anything with it.

I'd make sure it was right for you before you invest too much in it.

I think it is well worth the money and I love Dave, but purchasing it and not using it would set you back even farther.

**kmonokwe** · 04-23-2009, 01:24 PM

I was also going to say check out your library for the book. You can really get started with the book, and then take the class when you can afford it!

**ladykemma2** · 04-23-2009, 01:56 PM

honestly i would just listen to the radio archives for free. EVERYDAY.
then i would purchase or attend the FPU course.

**xtena** · 04-23-2009, 04:04 PM

Ditto the above, check the book out from the library; browse the free sections of his website and listen to the archives.

**Cricketlegs** · 04-23-2009, 05:01 PM

I did it with just the book and it has been a huge sucess for us. We aren't done but we have come a long way.

We may still have debt but it is really shrinking and the most important part--we changed the way we looked at and felt about money and the direction our lives were going.

I spent $12 of my last $20 on the TMMO and it was the BEST $12 I ever spent in my life.

GET STARTED--that is the most important part. Don't wait.

**never2late** · 04-23-2009, 09:50 PM

I also just checked it out from the library - had to a wait a bit to get it as there's a waiting list. I've been working the program for the past 6 months and love it! I am on the email list for Border's books and when I got a 40% off one item coupon guess what I used it on? Best purchase I've made in a long time. Good Luck!

**qsaver704** · 04-23-2009, 11:58 PM

I agree with all the ideas above. I would re mention the idea of waiting for the book at the library. We only have one copy in our county with three libraries. It is always checked out or on a list. I like the idea of listening to free radio shows. I also think if you read this board enough you can pick it up. Many people know the steps. no credit, pay off debt, first $1000 etc. I understand quite a bit of the plan and only have a mortgage left, but have never read his book.

**toolzlover** · 04-24-2009, 08:24 AM

Thanks for all of your help! I ordered the book this morning and have been checking out his website. I signed up for the free 7 day trial so that I could look at his budget sheets etc. and that really helped too. He has such great ideas.

**Denvergirlie** · 04-24-2009, 08:39 AM

I never attended a class, or for that matter even fully read the TMMO book. I did listen to his radio show, streaming on web these days. I also hang out at another forum board (living like no one else) (stupid "typed spam thing"...). It's a forum board that only discusses Dave Ramsey and is free to join. Not as busy as DR's paid website, but it's a good resource as well.

At it's base, very easy plan.

BS 0 (Baby step) get current on bills
BS 1 save $1K for emergencies
BS 2 attack debt, pay lowest balance first and snowball payments until all debt is gone
BS 3 save 3-6 month emergency fund
BS 4 save 15% for retirement
BS 5 save for kids college (if you have kids and want to help them with this)
BS 6 pay off mortage
BS 7 build weath and give

Sure, there are more details and more sub steps that can be tweaked for each family/ person, but at it's core it's a very easy plan.

good luck

Live like no one else now, so you can live like no one else later
Debt is dumb
Don't take advice from broke people
Change your family tree