Dave Ramsay for beginners

[niccig]

What's the best book for someone who's anti-budget, but slowly coming around? DH mentioned talking about finances with a few guys at work, and one highly recommended Dave Ramsay. So while, the fire is hot, I want to get a book. DH isn't Christian, so how much of that is in the book, or is it easily ignored. Don't want him put off by that. The message of "live your wage" is much needed in this house.

Thanks.

[crayonblue]

To address the Christian aspect, I read one of his books (Financial Peace Revisited? or something like that) and I don't remember anything specifically religious. I may not be remembering correctly but nothing stood out to me. Hope this helps!

[goldenpig]

I haven't read Dave Ramsay but I know he has some sort of stepwise plan and a "debt snowball" where you pay off smaller debts first even if they aren't the highest interest ones. Maybe others can chime in.

I checked out several finance books a few months ago from the library and really liked The Millionaire Next Door. That one is a good one for talking about living well below your means and not keeping up with the Joneses. It talks about "wealth underaccumulators" who make a lot but spend almost all of it, and a lot of doctors are in that category. I know you mentioned your DH likes camera and dive equipment like my DH does. Anyhow, I suppose I'm not one to talk given my recent wardrobe splurges but it's good food for thought for people who tend to spend freely.

[Uno-Mom]

I have DR on the radio right now! DH and I are following his techniques and it's made an enormous difference in our lives.

That said, DR is a strong evangelical Christian. DH and I aren't, but we "are" a different brand of Christian. We look at things differently than Dave does, but we can respect his point of view. We aren't touchy or offended by the religious side, if that makes sense. We are just deeply impressed by his behavioral logic. It works!

That said, some of our friends are actively uncomfortable (or even hostile, for various reasons) towards DR's branch of Christianity. Some of them would struggle to get past when he mentions his faith. (For example... he says things like: "to be healthy with $, you need to give generously. For me (DR) that means giving to my local church... but it's important to give in some way no matter what." To me, that's fairly inclusive. To someone else, the mention that DR chooses to tithe to his church could seem preachy or offensive.)

When we recommend his stuff to friends, we make sure to tell them that he does talk about his faith, personally, drives his financial choices. It's not something he brings up on every page but it is mentioned. I know that MANY people of different faiths or no particular faith love DR. His main point is always about the money and lifestyle.

Why not check one of his books from the library - glance through it and see how the tone strikes you? If his friends are into it - that's HUGE! Ah, positive peer pressure!

[Uno-Mom]

Originally Posted by goldenpig

I haven't read Dave Ramsay but I know he has some sort of stepwise plan and a "debt snowball" where you pay off smaller debts first even if they aren't the highest interest ones. Maybe others can chime in.

I checked out several finance books a few months ago from the library and really liked The Millionaire Next Door. That one is a good one for talking about living well below your means and not keeping up with the Joneses. It talks about "wealth underaccumulators" who make a lot but spend almost all of it, and a lot of doctors are in that category. I know you mentioned your DH likes camera and dive equipment like my DH does. Anyhow, I suppose I'm not one to talk given my recent wardrobe splurges but it's good food for thought for people who tend to spend freely.

Yep, you recall correctly. Funny you mention the Millionaire book - it's one DR recommends constantly. I read it and thought it was pretty interesting.

[niccig]

Originally Posted by Uno-Mom

Why not check one of his books from the library - glance through it and see how the tone strikes you? If his friends are into it - that's HUGE! Ah, positive peer pressure!

I'll get a book out tomorrow.

Not sure if the peer pressure will work. DH likes his comfort. I think giving up cable would be impossible for him. He has gotten shaken by his work mentor, who a few short years ago was the best in DH's field, being told to take a 20% paycut or expect a layoff. He's 13 yrs older than DH, and ageism hits DH's work. I keep telling DH we need to prepare for this to be him. I want to save as much as we can while DH still earns what he does. But still don't think he can go all the way...I'll get the book and even if incorporate some of it, it will better than nothing.

[Tinochka]

I will highly recommend him. We are on the budget for almost 2 years. DR was just saying that you need to share. In good time it was 10% from your earning. We went through the course, which my DH parents recommended to us and paid for us (I believe it was not more than $ 100 - money well spent).