Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" Classes

I agree with One&Done. I have gone through the Financial Peace University classes (and I have also seen Dave's Total Money Makeover Live). I have both of his books (financial peace AND total money makeover). It's not necessary to attend the classes, because they follow the Financial Peace book to the T. It does add an effect, seeing Dave talk on the issues, he really drives his points home when you attend the classes over just reading the book, but i fyou are already relatively good with money, I think the book will do you just fine!

I will say that you can just read the book and get it, but the classes are really helpful in seeing that people of ALL WALKS OF LIFE have to budget and live by it.
I will also say that being in a class WITH your partner makes a difference in how well you will work your plan together. If you are reading separately, you are less likely to discuss it, because you aren't even reading the material at the exact same time. When you leave a class, you get in the car, and naturally, discuss. Right then.

So I would say that unless you have some SERIOUS time issues (dying relative in the hospital), then it is worth the time commitment. It is only like 2 hours once a week for a couple of months. By the last 2 classes, you could probably skip if you wanted, but the first month or two is incredibly important motivationally and as far as communication-wise with your spouse. And it is helpful (when you argue about it, and you will, everybody does!) to go back the next week and see that EVERYBODY is struggling with it, not just you.

I did not take this specific class. But, when my husband and I were first married, we took a financial planning class through our local community college. It was a huge eye opener for both of us. Totally changed the way that we viewed spending, saving, etc. It taught us how to set realistic goals and work towards them. It was one of the best things that we did for ourselves and our future. So, while I can't specifically comment on what you will learn at Dave Ramsey's class, I can say without hesitation that taking some kind of financial planning class with your spouse is definitely worth the time.

I have not attended this class, but my husband facilitates them, and I do listen on the radio occasionally.

If you are anything like me, and you opt to just get the book, you will not read it, or be very diligent about applying it. I am always more committed when I pay for something, or commit to going to it. Also, taking the class with others, will help you be accountable to others. You will probably focus on the ideas more if you are in the class, rather than reading the book, and going to the class together ensures that you and hubby are both hearing it, and opens you both up for discussion on your situation.

I highly recommend the classes. We didn't have "that much" debt either, but the class taught us how to view and deal with our debt in a completely different (and better!) way. The financial lessons you will learn are sound, even if they seem crazy at first, because they go against what most banks and friends are currently doing. There's a reason for that! What we're currently doing isn't working! :-)

We have paid off both cars, a credit card, some medical debt, cancelled services that were costing us hundreds (or more) each year and we didn't even realize that we had them, and gained a HUGE sense of control and accomplishment over our money. We have not only stopped "borrowing" from our savings every month, but we have built up $10,000 in savings and always have leftover in our checking. We have also handled two major car repairs just out of our checking "cushion" without borrowing from savings.

We started in March of 2011, so all of that has happened in just the last 16 months after taking the classes. Best of luck to you!

Went to the class and loved it!!! The class motivates you in a way that just reading the book can't do. When you are in the class you are with people in similar situations and that gives you motivation to change your spending habits. My husband and I will be doing the class again as a refresher because our finances have changed again. I highly reccommend it!!!

Not necessary to attend the classes--just get the book.

I highly recommend taking the class. We loved it so much we took the class twice. We don't think we would have gotten into it if we just read the book.

We also didn't have debt besides our mortgage. BUT there is sooooo much more to it. He speaks about all aspect of money/finances. It also was great to do it as a couple, it really helped us bond even more. You will love taking the class, GO.

what you have said are all very good reasons to go to the class. in my situation, i was never taught how to budget and account for my money, so i was literally just paying bills as they came, and i feel we just got lucky that we didn't end up drowning completely.

the biggest lesson i got from it was to be accountable for where your money goes. he teaches you lots of tricks and tips about investing, what is important and what isn't, and a lot of reasons to get OUT of debt and STAY OUT of debt.

i absolutely recommend it. 100%. do it! you won't regret it!

(it was also great for our marriage because we were doing it together. we developed some common goals and dreams and are now working towards them. that and facilitating communication. it was great!)

we had the book for six months and it sat around untouched, before we took the class. i can't say strong enough - TAKE THE CLASS. it's a whole different level of eye-opening.