ExcellentDecember 4, 2008 This is a must read for everyone who needs to learn how to get out of debt in a very practical way.
Full of information for those in debtDecember 2, 2008 Like most adults, I'm in debt. Not really swimming in it like the average American, but I have debt nonetheless. Although I haven't started his plan yet, I've read the entire book from cover to cover and found that his plan makes complete sense. He basically puts information that already existed into an organized outline (Baby steps). Before reading this book, I had no idea about the differences of a mutual fund and a savings account. I was financially illiterate, but not anymore.
I've already begun making spreadsheets and a strict budget and next month I'll begin the emergency fund (baby step 1). Dave Ramsey explains how to invest and what not to invest in. He goes over a secure retirement plan and how you can have a solid savings account once you're "debt-free".
I'll be buying Suze Orman's books as well just to have more insight about financial debt and investments. Overall, this is an excellent book to help you start paying off those debts if you've already tried everything else and failed, but like Ramsey states, you MUST follow his plan with no shortcuts or substitutes.
Finally the answer! - Simplistically!November 17, 2008 This is a great book on financial fitness for those struggling in the money area - but also emcompasses some great ideas for those of us who thought we were relatively fiscally fit and smart about money. Everyone will learn something - Great read - great book - apply the principals and we won't have the economic issues we have in the US today!
A Top-Notch Book for People Serious About MoneyNovember 17, 2008 Where do I begin? So many people have written stellar reviews for this book; mine will be just my experience in reading and living the book. I used to be terrible with money. I would spend every paycheck, living and anticipating for the next one. I had many, many things, most of which are now sold. It's a nasty habit, spending money you don't really have. I got huge into credit card debt (not too huge, though). Even buying such frivolous things as a Starbucks beverage or music CD became the norm for me. Until I lost my job.
After undergraduate school, I was out of a job for three months. During that time a friend loaned me this book, and it was a good thing because I had been wanting to read it for quite some time. Once I started applying Ramsey's methods after the 2nd chapter, I already noticed a change. After I was hired at my current job, I started to see each paycheck as a step in Ramsey's direction; each check was a part of the Baby Steps, and each step was towards wealth. I'm only three months into Ramsey's methods, but already I feel the change of habit. I no longer find interest in things I used to buy, and I only pay for things I can afford in cash.
Like Ramsey said, it's not about head knowledge (though it could help), but a change in character. This book is recommended to anyone wanting to break free from constantly being in debt. As a person living out the beginning of his wealthy life, I will honestly say it's tough, but I know it's going to be worth it. It already is.
Financial Fitness Program, Not a SchemeNovember 16, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is not a "get rich quick" scheme. It is a "financial fitness" program meaning that it will take time. In fact, this book outlines a life style that will help you trim fat (dept) and eat healthy (sound financial advise). This book has much of the same adivse that your grandmother would give, except that it has steps called "baby steps" which help make advice become a reality.
This book is a realistic approach to avoiding dept and building wealth. This book promotes setting a clear goal, sacrafice, giving, and staying on path. If you follow this path it will not be easy, but it will be worth it. This book is hardly boring and contains real-life success stories.
Everyone should read this book because Dave Ramsey really believes in helping others. And instead of just giving all his money away, he gives advise so that you can manage and build your own wealth and in return, pass it on.
