The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey {A Review}

  I recently enjoyed reading through "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. I have long heard of Dave Ramsey (through blogs, on the radio, friends talking and even on TV) and have even read books of his before but it was fun to read this book yet again. If you want an easy to read book that will take you step by step through the process of getting on track financially then this is a great book for you!

  Even for those of us that do live frugally normally and budget and stuff like that - this book is still encouraging and helpful. I find it challenging to think how we could do things even better. It is fun to read all the real life stories of many people that have used his system and have been able to get their finances on track and working for them.

   I appreciate his including Bible verses and biblical principles in his writings. The Bible is full of advice on money and we would do well to pay attention to it.

   I really like Dave's motto: "If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else." Meaning if you are willing to make some sacrifices now and live in a way that may not go along with our culture then later you will be living in much better shape than those around you. Delayed gratification isn't necessarily a popular idea right now but it works much better.

   I also really appreciate his teaching on preparing for emergencies and then if you are prepared most "emergencies" won't even feel like emergencies any more because you will have money set aside for car repairs, sickness or whatever. When we fail to plan ahead life can tend to become one emergency after another but if we are prepared true emergencies are pretty rare and little ones aren't even felt. I have been thinking about how this concept can work in more areas than just financial but I will share more on that another time.

   Anyway.... I did enjoy this book. We don't follow all his ideas to the letter (though I don't think it would hurt) but I do find his book encouraging and helpful. I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.