Getting Out of Debt

J.,

I have never heard of Dave Ramsey but do know that a lot of women work an at home based business to get their families out of debt. I in fact run a business out of my home that helps us with various bills and expenses. I make 50% of all my sales and I have a blast doing it. There are other ladies I know who run the same business that I do who have been able to lower their debt significanly only being away from home a few nights a month.

I personally have never used Dave Ramsey's material to get out of debt, however, he came to speak at out church and he was amazing. Very useful and helpful tools to use for people who are in debt, but who are also just looking to budget better. He shared his life experiences and how he came to where he is now, which is always great to know you are not alone. He had great tips that I took with me so I do feel his material is probably just as rich as his speeches. Good Luck to you...

My husband and I have been using Dave's system for 3 years and though we are not completely debt free, we have no credit card debt and more in our savings than ever. My husband who was a skeptic at first is such a believer he now helps facilitate the classes. WHile it is something you can do on your own, I'd highly recommend going to a Financial Peace University class. The support and accountability it provides do wonders. Good Luck!!!

I agree with Teri...the book is amazing and most of it common sense, but it works. In less than a year my husband and I were out of debt and living happy and comfortably and not worrying about money all the time. I strongly recommend the book to everyone!

Good Luck!
J.

Hello -

My hubby and I were in mild debt and quickly became huge fans of D.R. Highly recommend continueing to listen to his show and read his second book.

It's a lifestyle change BUT it's for the better. No debt, Cash only living that have lifted a weight off our shoulders and will teach our son how to respect and handle money.

Another book we love is Harry Browne 30 minute money management...I think that's the title. It's a great intro on how to invest for longterm returns.

Best of luck!

Courtney

P.S. I don't agree with Nora's advice with the Credit Cards. That is exactly what I use to think and I found myself purchasing things I don't need. Even if you're paying them off, it might be to tempting (as it was for me) to make unnecessary purchases. And there are reports which state that CC users on average spend 30% more then they would if they were only purchasing with cash. Something to think about.

I got the book and workbook and we have made much progress in the last two years (paid off almost 40,000) by working hard to snowball debts and just making smart choices like not buying anything unless we have the money now for it. We are down to just 3,000 now and hope to be debt free in 2010. I highly recommend the books. When you read his story and messages, they make a lot of sense. It's like you have a strong support system coming from him. I've also seen hiw show on TV and it is very motivating!

We used Dave Ramsey and it changed our lives!!!!! He has a radio show on am 1220 from 1-4 in the afternoons and last year at about this time I started to listen to him. So I told my 20 year old son that Dave's book was all I wanted for Christmas. It was an easy read. It took me about 2 days my husband about 3. We started January 1st. Wrote a budget and never looked back. The budget is hard at first. It took us about 3 months before we had it down. We had a little over $8000.00 in credit card debt, which by August was gone!!!! We don't make a lot, probably under 60K, but boy when you do a budget and follow your money, it really shows you how you waste it. We now have money in a savings account that has actually stayed there, we are working on a fully funded emergency fund and the best part is there are no more money fights. He is involved, it isn't all on me, and it has made our relationship with each other better as well as our relationship with God better. I have recommended it to everyone I know, a few have had success, a few not so lucky. But the ones who have succeeded say the same thing, has made life better. It takes a lot of sacrifies, but in the end it is worth it. Mentally you have to be ready or it won't work. You have to be to the point that you are sick of not knowing where your money is and tired of giving money to credit cards. Dave's book The Total Money Makeover is on sale on his website www.daveramsey.com for $10. It will be the best 10 dollars you have ever spent!!!!

My brother and his wife use Dave Ramsey and love him. Highly suggest it!

Hi J.,

I would definitely recommend the program. My husband and I went through the course and just finished almost a month ago and we are doing a lot better with our money. In the 13 weeks that we took the class we have paid about 2K off and we are still working at it. I know this will be a benefit to you and once you buy the materials you can reuse them and even take the classes again to refresh free of charge.
Happy Holidays!!!

C.

I have two sisters that have used his program and had success (out of debt now). I personally have not used it because we haven't ever really been in debt. But I think he has sound advice for the most part. I disagree with the cash only as I use my credit cards and pay them off every month so I am getting more for my money by getting the rewards. If you don't ever pay interest or fees, then it's better to get the rewards of using a credit card.

I personally haven't heard of Dave Ramsey, but I work in the credit field and the only person who has not given people wrong advice is Clark Howard (HLN). You can also see his website at www.clarkhoward.com. He's more of a money coach and as I said, has always given people the correct advice (unlike Susie Orman).

Clark also isn't in the business of making money off you (he doesn't try to sell you anything) - which, in my eyes weighs a lot. He truly looks out for you, not his own pocket book. So, if Dave tries to sell you something, I would think he's looking after his own pocketbook and not yours. - just something to ponder.

Hey J.,
Have you ever heard of Primerica? We help you get out of debt faster than any other company. We have an overview as to how we do this tonight if your interested. It's at 7pm in Oakbrook. Or you can schedule a time to get a complimentary FNA (financial needs analysis) report done. And if you like what you see and what we do, then we can start to get you out of debt. Let me know if your interested.

Thanks
K. S.