Question

This might be a silly question, but has anyone ever invested in Dave Ramsey’s financial peace University? And if so, what did you think of it? And were you successful with it?  

Answer 1

Id watch some videos first and see what you think. Dave clearly knows what he's doing but it wasn't for me. TBM helped me 10 times more. I also was really turned off my the FPU community. They can be cut throat and vicious haha

Comments

Agree with this! I found it difficult to stay focused because the first couple of baby steps can take so long. TBM has made saving while paying off debt more realistic for me!  

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@deuteranopia4 same! And this community she built is so kind and uplifting. I feel like you need that support group when you are facing debt or anything! I don’t think you get that with Dave

Answer 2

I did. Went to the classes. Didn’t do a lot of good. Everyone wasn’t on board. Found The Budget Mom and things clicked more this time.  

Answer 3

I got it brand new, unopened, at a yard sale for $2

Answer 4

YouTube Dave Ramsey baby steps and watch him. I think he has sound principals and didn't need a class. If you can follow direction, no class needed. I also like his free budget app every dollar.  

Answer 5

I think Dave’s class is worth it. It’s also a lifetime membership so if you need to go back you can. I think this was crucial on getting my husband on the same page. Its definitely a good foundation. However the TBM method really gave us traction in how to budget.  

Answer 6

We enjoyed it. It was a good foundation to get my husband and I on the same financial page.  

Answer 7

Worth the $$

Answer 8

I’m in the class now! Worth it 100%!  

Answer 9

I did the program at a discounted rate through our church. They are great principles but they’re verrrrry strict. I really can appreciate Mikos realistic approach to our off debt and still save a little from each check too.  

Answer 10

I went through it years ago (2007 or 2008) I enjoyed it, but I was married to someone who couldn't save two pennies, so it did nothing for us. I'd budget, leave mortgage pmt in acct for auto withdrawal and any other auto withdrawal bills, and give him his leftover $17 for the week. He would use his card anyways. He and I were both young. My current husband is much more focused and good with money. He never went through FPU but knew the concepts and is very good with them

Answer 11

FPU can also be borrowed from the library. I also have found it on YouTube and I listen to his podcast. I love a lot of what he says but hate how condescending he can be at times so becomes hard to watch/listen to some stuff.  

Answer 12

Too much judgement for me personally but great ideas

Answer 13

It has very very valuable information. It set a foundation and TBM was the finishing touch. I was able to borrow the CDs from a friend though. Someone had suggested checking your local library too.  

Answer 14

Yep, we did. It's still in its shrink wrap #7yearslater

Comments

We went to see him in Houston a long time ago and bought it there. We already has his Total Money Makeover book and the envelope system but just never bothered to open up the FPU

Answer 15

Yes! It literally changed our lives and we share it with others and changed theirs too!  

Answer 16

I did it about 10 years ago and it was priceless. The investment is well worth it IF you commit to following through. I would suggest finding a class to join so that you have the accountability to stay on track with going through the lessons. Many churches offer Financial Peace University to the community, so maybe you could start by calling around? My parents actually gifted us the class because it helped them get out of debt and they wanted that for us. We did FPU before we had any kids but had a lot of student loan debt. I am SO THANKFUL that we took the course because it made us buckle down and pay off all our student loan debt BEFORE we had kids, when we still had a double income. Give it a try. it can't hurt!  

Answer 17

Yes it was worth it. Especially surrounding yourselves with people who wanted to be weird also. lol! The support at our table was awesome

Answer 18

Before you purchase anything check your church and library- I know both of ours have DVDs you can take out. I was required to read some book of his in college, I found him to strict for myself personally. But we’ve never had a huge issue with debt, more with where to correctly put our money so it’s more beneficial to us. I prefer this (by paycheck), I feel like the end goal is the same with both but this is realistic living and sustainable. I also feel like everything you need to know on his methods you can do off YouTube, Pinterest and his podcast.  

Answer 19

Yes, I bought it last month and have gone through the whole thing already. It has blown my mind and changed everything about how I view money and our future. I am so thankful for the principles and sound teaching. I also read The Total Money Makeover from the library and it was amazing too, so if you can find his books for free, I'd start there. But, I am very glad I bought the full course too because it is incredible.  

Comments

@sequestration great podcasts to listen to from their whole team as well.  

Answer 20

We did it in 2014. That is when our journey began. My hubby really got serious when we found the budget mom. So 4 years later. Is it a good class yes. Worth money yes. For the accountability. But you can buy total money makeover and learn same principals.  

Answer 21

Yes! Loved it. We did it at home and really helped us get on the same page. Gave me confidence to talk about money and say no.  

Comments

Also agree with above. You can buy or borrow from library total money makeover and read aloud together.  

Answer 22

Watch the free videos first. Make sure his ideas are in line with yours before spending money. Personally I can't stand him and refuse to pay for anything he runs, owns or endorses but that is just my opinion. Research and form your own opinions before committing.  

Answer 23

We did it twice but it never seemed to really address everything and the sheets were pretty much unusable in my opinion. Principles are solid but not any different than you will get here. This is the first system that actually makes sense. I just feel like DR was missing some practical physical elements to make it work for us. TBM has filled the gaps.  

Answer 24

We did it twice but it never seemed to really address everything and the sheets were pretty much unusable in my opinion. Principles are solid but not any different than you will get here. This is the first system that actually makes sense. I just feel like DR was missing some practical physical elements to make it work for us. TBM has filled the gaps.  

Comments

For the first time in 10 years I feel like we are finally winning.  

Answer 25

I haven’t but I couldn’t survive with DR’s YNAB app!  

Comments

@reverence are you talking about Every Dollar app? I think the YNAB app is a different one. Every Dollar is the Ramsey one. I love it too!  

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@bathetic oh I thought he was affiliated with YNAB oops. I am definitely talking about YNAB, I’ve never used every dollar

Answer 26

I did it, it was free, however I am single and Dave Ramsey was hard to get into because it was mostly couples in the program I felt defeated

Answer 27

Go to the library to read all of his books first. That's what I did. Just reading them inspired me to pay off $12k in credit card debt in 13 months, and cut them up. I fell off track after that, but have been back on for the last 1. 5 years and have paid off $30k of my mortgage. $36k to go, I'm so excited to be COMPLETELY debt free!  

Answer 28

Dave Ramsey got me motivated to stick to a budget and aim to “live like no one else”. I definitely recommend getting his books. I have not done the course, but have watched his videos. It’s great stuff. But, I struggle with rule following . For me, I needed a plan that was more flexible. So I took pieces of his plan and morphed them to fit my needs and goals. Even if you don’t follow his plan to a “T”, it is full of many good nuggets that you don’t want to miss. But beware- the Dave Ramsey FB groups are vicious. Very rule based and no straying allowed!  

Answer 29

I didn't do the financial peace. But read his book and started there. Came across TBM and I've been able to save for the sinking funds which I think are very good if you choose what's important to you. And I enjoy knowing exactly how to budget, Dave is pretty vague on how to do the actual budgeting. I do use the snowball but I know TBM says avalanche or snowball works.  

Answer 30

Loved it son much

Answer 31

We read the TMM and then did a [private] class at our church based upon FPU. I really enjoyed both, and in all honesty they were game changes for us in our budget journey of starting a budget, keeping to it, paying off debt and getting a fully funded ER fund. We're much better off now than had we never attempted those things 5+ years ago. (If you've never read The Total Money Makeover I think I'd start there first and then decide on FPU)

Answer 32

I just took FPU last year and it was worth it even just for the workbook you get. However, his Every Dollar budget program was not for me. I have been budgeting by paycheck long before I stumbled across TBM. (Finally happy to find people who understand how I budget and not look at me crazy for not budgeting by month) But FPU is a great place to get your start from and an outline to build from. I don't follow Dave's way 100% down to the letter, but he has some great tips and suggestions to help you on your financial journey.  

Answer 33

I’m in it now

Answer 34

I haven't done the class. but listen to his podcasts every day. He is very motivational. Yes sometimes he can be a little over board and a bit condescending almost but I look past that. I love TBM and how she actually SHOWS us step by step how to budget and is also very motivating. So I. like them both♡♡♡

Answer 35

I did, twice, and never finished either. It’s VERY radical

Answer 36

Unpopular opinion here, but I think he knows what he is doing. We haven't taken the class, but his books and podcast are very helpful and motivational. He is the reason we have been able to pay off over $20, 000 in debt since November and will be able to be debt free in about a year. Any other program and we wouldn't be on track to pay it off so quickly. It really depends on what your personal goals are. He has financially helped millions of people

Answer 37

Save your money and follow the process here. You can get his books from the library and read them and they basically tell you the same thing you learn in FPU.  

Answer 38

You can listen to his book on audio on YouTube for free. He even narrates it. Honestly though, I have made more progress with Miko.  

Answer 39

Dave Ramsey was who I started with on my budget journey. I borrowed from the library his money makeover per my dad recommend. I read it pretty quick. Got my head ready to tackle our debt but TBM helped me actual budget by showing the steps and I eventually want to do the envelopes. So I was inspired by both and really took GOOD THINGS FROM BOTH lol.  

Answer 40

YouTube. Library to read his books. Use that money to pay off debt.  

Answer 41

The fact that I’m involved with this group shows that I’m still struggling. Never made it through step 3 of Dave’s plan, but must say that I think he’s spot on about the debt snowball. I think the positive reinforcement of paying the smaller balances off and watching your snowball really get rolling outweighs the advantage of the avalanche. Worth the extra payment at the end for me to get the momentum. Dave has this my-way-is-the-right-way-dummy mentality, but that really works for some people. His audience seems to be people that really need the strict guidance. Like the no credit card for any reason. He uses a blanket NO because the majority of people seeking his help have self discipline problems with credit. He can’t pick and choose who can and can’t use it and pay it off entirely every month, so he just says don’t do it. Don’t tempt yourself or test yourself. Just say no. You know you better than anyone though. I feel I could do it for the rewards, but my past record doesn’t suggest my feelings are to be trusted  so for now I’m abstaining. More to your question though, do it through a local church. I don’t think it costs anything that way. (I don’t think ) I hate paying for budgeting help when I’m cutting my expenses.  

Answer 42

I actually looked into it before I joined here. It seemed really good until I get to the part where he told me to not save for retirement right now. and that’s the worst advice to ever give anyone! So I decided to look elsewhere.  

Comments

@kegan I skipped over that recommendation, too. But then I don’t have debt at 18% interest either. I felt it was better to not touch what I haven’t been seeing/touching for years.  

Answer 43

We did years ago. Went to the classes. We took our then 13 yr old son with us to the classes. We didn't implement as we should. He will probably retire at 40 and is very comfortable. He says it's the best thing we could have ever done for him.  

Answer 44

We have followed the baby steps and gotten debt free and will have an fully funded emergency fund at the end of this month. I think his steps are super simple and easy to follow but at times I have to ignore his political and religious comments on the show. We did not do FPU, I checked his book out at the library, and listen to the podcast.  

Answer 45

I took it and I am glad I did. I am not a DR purist but I believe in a lot of what he says and I like his not so soft stance on things. It got me to debt free and to pay cash for my last car. Kept thinking Dave would think I am idiot if I got a loan. lol. Financial Peace is toned down compared to some of his podcasts. Its more educational than rant. I did it with my church which I enjoyed because it was interactive and helpful to participate with other people. You can get the basic data from his books and podcasts if you dont want to spend the money. His podcasts keep me motivated on a daily basis. Then there is Miko who is a wonderful change of pace and filled holes where I didnt align with DR so I now have a hybrid budget progam that really works for me.  

Answer 46

We did FPU and I really wish we hadn’t. I mean, we learned things, but we did things he said but because we weren’t successful in following his methods, we have no savings and not enough in our retirement accounts. TBM method is SO much easier to follow and stick to.  

Answer 47

Weve taken it twice. First time we paid $100 to attend it at a local church. It was amazing and eye opening. 2nd time we attended the class on our military base for free. We are debt free, have been for a while now and have a big home downpayment saved up. His plan works. Hes considered "harsh" but hes honest. Some people need to hear the harshness to light a fire under their behind. Some people need a more gentle approach. We are Christians so his program was in line with our beliefs. I recommend him to everyone if they ask about financial advice.