No but am thinking of going to one of his seminars next year in Lexington. I've been listening to his radio program lately and although most of the things he talks about I can't relate to, some of it does.

I've never been to a seminar, but I've been listening to him daily on the radio for about 11 years. I wish dh would listen to him and heed some of his advice.

Linda

I'm reading "Total Money Makeover" right now, and so far, I've done almost everything he recommends before I ever read it. Comes from being a single mom for 20 years, I guess. I don't think I'd pay for his course.

I haven't taken one of his courses, but I do listen to him on the radio & have read "The Total Money Makeover". His advice is excellent, but nothing substantially different than my parents taught me or I learned in college. My parents always tried to live debt-free & even paid off their house early. My mom used to use a credit card for convenience & paid off the balance each month; my dad won't even do that. If you have questions or think that his advice would help you, it would probably be an excellent course to take. It's definitely sound advice.

I listen to his radio program every day, and I like him a lot.
We live debt free...no bills except telephone, electric, insurance and taxes. I think he gives excellent advice. I bought his book for my daughter.

I bought his latest book through Amazon.com last night, used. I'm trying to pay off everything I owe, including my house eventually, long before I retire. I paid off quite a bit this year and would've paid off more if we hadn't gone on vacation. Next year I'm staying home and getting rid of everything but my mortgage and school loan.

My DD and DSIL went to one at our church last year. They had 60,000 in credit card debt. The support was wonderful for them. They cancelled all credit cards and are paying them off. Will get one of their cars paid off in Feb. They do not live above their means now and that is the most important lesson that they learned.

This is gong to be a long post, but this is one of my favorite topics.
Do you have to pay for the course?
The reason I ask is there are so many options to get out of debt that are free. I am not a fan of paying for advise to get out of debt.

Also you do not want to close your accounts except any joint accounts you may have. Lock the cards up or even freeze them in a container of water(something I have been advising folks to do for 15 years).
One important factor in your credit score is the ratio of available credit to balances. You want to shoot for less than 50% of the limit.
If you are going to be single soon the most important thing is to make sure you have established open accounts in your name.

Sit down and make a list of each card,the balance,minimum payment,interest rate and the monthly interest amount.

1. High interest cards you will want to call and ask for a lower rate if you have been a good long standing customer they will do this.
   2. If you are only making the minimum payment it really helps to add the monthly interest amount to the payment. this will help pay them down faster.
   3. Once you have paid off a card take that money and apply it to the next card.

I know this is more information than you asked for but lol as my DH says never ask me about 3 things. Credit,gardening or greyhounds because you will get tons more info that you wanted :):)

karla

You don't have to buy his book or pay for the course....he pretty well details what to do on his radio program.

You start with the account with the lowest balance and throw all extra money you can scrape together on that. And when that is paid off, you go to the next account, and so on like that. He advises keeping a $1000 emergency fund to start out and then 3 to 6 months expenses put aside for an emergency fund. He doesn't believe in credit at all, except for house payments, and then only a fixed interest rate, no more than 15 years and a payment that is no more than 1/4 of your monthly income.

I don't care what my credit rating is, because I don't use credit...and that is the idea behind his plan. That means paying off all bills and never financing a car. Live below your means, at least until you are out of debt and get a handle on spending.

When you have money, you don't need credit.
You budget every penny...even the money you plan to just use as money to blow...entertainment, etc.

I am a BIG Dave Ramsey fan.DH and I went to a Live event and it was great -very motivating!!

DH and I are doing the Financial Peace series and are hitting on the debt. He teaches learning where your money goes and spending all your money on a piece of paper before the month starts(making a budget).

When I lost my job 1 1/2 yrs ago because the factory closed down-I am thankful I got a handle on doing a budget because DH will tell you that is what kept our heads above water.

It is hard to not spend money!! But, it helps to have someone that you can talk to and bounce things off of-Dave Ramsey calls them "accountability partners". They will be your little voice telling you to hold out and not borrow the money to buy Christmas-and instead make cookies and spend time with your friends and loved ones.

But, be careful who you pick because you would be surprised the reaction you get when you tell people you are on a budget and cannot do _____________. You will realize your true friends quickly when they are ok with coming over and playing a game and having snacks instead of going to dinner and a movie.

Two important things I have learned:
1. Pay yourself first. Put money into savings.
2. Cut up cards and close all but one credit card account. You don't need department stores cards as their interest is very high. Pay cash for everything. If you have to use a credit card for emergencies, you will have only one to use.

" don't care what my credit rating is, because I don't use credit..."
Do you pay house and car insurance?
Your credit rating is often used to set rates.

I'm debt free and have been for some time, but I still care about my credit score because it is sometimes used for other purposes (although the legality/fairness of that is a topic of debate.) and you never know when circumstances can change.