Any Dave Ramsey followers here?

Hi Joe!  I took a Dave Ramsey/Financial Peace University 13 week Class at my Church a couple years ago and my small group decided to take it up now since there's a church wide study going on, given our difficult economy.  If you'd like some support around following the principles and would like to be in a small group, I can connect you with the ways to do that.  Wishing you all the best in your job search.

Lori   

Thank you Lori I may take you up on that.  I was on a pretty good plan, I just need to get the income level back up so I can continue.

Looks like Lori and I attend the same church!

If you need any of the forms that are used for budgeting I have electronic versions of them that I may be able to send you.

I am in a small group studying the same thing. I am on baby step 2 or 3 right now.

Cool, nice to meet you Michael.  Thanks MCC for bringing people together, who wouldn't otherwise meet.  Our church has 10,000 people among 5 campuses and Michael and I have not yet met, and maybe would not have without this forum.

In case anyone else wants to check out Kensington Community Church, it is www.kensingtonchurch.org.  There are other MCC'rs who attend, but I won't call them out.

Have a great day!

Lori

HUGE FAN!!! Thanks for asking and discussing everyone!

I have several clients as well that I work with that are 'followers' as well as attending Kensington. I soon shall be as well

If you have not tuned into Dave's show - Do it ASAP @ 7pm on 103.5fm

I have tried to respond to this over the last hour in the most thought provoking way I can.  I am asked this type of question every week about the Jim Cramer's, Dave Ramsey's, and Suze Orman's of the world.  But before you read here is my disclaimer:

Yes, I am in the financial services industry.

Yes, I have great respect for their MARKETING skills

With that said,

Why are so many people NOT financially free?

Is it only because of debt?

Does it only apply to those living beyond their means?

Are there others who have, by most people's standards, a good amount of money that are still in financial bondage? 

Is being out of the financial "rat race" REALLY financial freedom like many are claiming?

Can any amount of money make anyone TRULY free? 

Financial Freedom is a state of being, NOT a state of your wallet or purse!  It's a choice, not a circumstance!  Do you know someone (like your grandparents, parents, friends, etc) that had/has plenty of money and no "debt," but never wants to spend it and complains about having no money?  I have met many of these people who worry more about money than many who survive month to month. I know people who would be Dave Ramsey's poster children, but have a hard time driving 20 miles because gas prices are more than $1 per gallon!!!  

Financial pundits, like Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman have added value to those that are uncontrollable spenders.  What about those of us who are not?  Can paying off a mortgage and calling into his radio show screaming "We are debt free!" while Dave plays Mel Gibson's voice screaming "Freeeeeedommmm!" really make me free???  Please!  If that's the case, I'll sell off my home, rent, pay off my credit cards and auto loan, and then play my Braveheart soundtrack so I can feel warm and fuzzy inside!  

The only "tyrant" that threatens our freedom is our own mind, not debt or the seeming lack of money.  It's relative to our perspective. Although financial conditions can affect us, we still choose how we act in that moment. Wise stewardship of our resources will help create conditions towards financial freedom, but ultimately, our perspective determines whether we are broke or free.

I applaud any individual educating themselves in the world of finance but I had to defend my industry on this topic.

I do agree that some of his teachings have merit and I wasn't trying to rain on your parade, because I don't know anything about you.  And that is why I felt compelled to respond to your post.  How can anyone suggest anything to anyone without knowing the facts?  That is what I find the most troubling.

Brian - no hard feelings here. I agree with what you are saying that a financial advisor must first understand the clients current state of affairs.

I have heard and read Dave tell people to contact a local financial advisor many times. I do agree someone may get into trouble by going into a financial program blindly, but I also believe people need to educate themselves properly before going into anything new, be it a financial program, exercise, anything that can have damaging effects if done improperly.

I also took Dave's "Financial Peace university" and now I am facilatating a class in Farmington hills, beginning in March.  It has truly changed my way of thinking and it is done with such a common sense approach! BUT you have to do the work!  Many people are resistant to change, as we all know if you have ever been in sales, but if making one small change can give a person hope - then I really don't see the harm in it. 

BTW: the first time i took this class i had been out of work for 4 months and i could get unemployment because I had worked at a church (non-profits that don't pay unemployemnt taxes so therefore not eligible!) What a life lesson.  But through perseverence, wonderful friends, a new way of looking at spending, saving and my CHOICES and an amazing network of amazing friends. . . i am now on my way back! Please don't lose hope, your faith can take you through and you WILL be a stronger, wiser you for persevering!