Whats up with Dave Ramsey?

[JonC]

The issue I have is not with Ramsey (financial plans are a dime a dozen, and most will work for many if followed). I also always thought (I guess wrongy) that the get out of timeshare thing was a paid advertisement.

The issue I have is that people, and finances, are different. I took Ramsey's course in Church and quickly realized his plan was like many scientific formulas....it works "in a vacuum". But I did take and apply a lot of his advice.

 

[Reynolds]

The issue I have is not with Ramsey (financial plans are a dime a dozen, and most will work for many if followed). I also always thought (I guess wrongy) that the get out of timeshare thing was a paid advertisement.

The issue I have is that people, and finances, are different. I took Ramsey's course in Church and quickly realized his plan was like many scientific formulas....it works "in a vacuum". But I did take and apply a lot of his advice.

I am quite sure the timeshare exit was a paid advertisement.

 

[atpollard]

Never knew any in our church that paid ANY money.

“There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch” (somebody likely paid).

AI Overview (so use with caution and verify the facts if it is important to you, I merely present as a point of reference to support that my empirical experience was different from that of ‘your church’)


Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) is not always free, but there are opportunities to access it at no cost, particularly for veterans and through specific community initiatives. While a standard FPU membership may require payment, Ramsey Solutions (the company behind the course) offers free access to certain groups and through partnerships.

Here's a breakdown of how to potentially access FPU for free:
1. Veterans:

• Ramsey Solutions has offered free FPU to veterans in the past, with a recent initiative providing free access to 10,000 veterans, according to VA News.
• This offer may be part of a limited-time promotion, so it's worth checking for current opportunities on the official Ramsey Solutions website.
  

2. Through Partnerships:

• Some churches, credit unions, and other organizations partner with Ramsey Solutions to offer FPU classes to their members or communities at no cost, according to Alt-FW.
• For example, 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation, Fort Wayne Door, and Abundant Life Church - Fort Wayne have underwritten free Ramsey+ memberships (including FPU) for some individuals, according to Alt-FW.
• You may find free access by searching for FPU classes offered by organizations in your area or through your employer.
  

3. General FPU Access:

• While not always free, FPU is included with a Ramsey+ membership, which provides access to the course, the EveryDollar budgeting app, and other resources.
• You can often find promotional periods or discounts on Ramsey+ memberships.
• Additionally, some FPU classes may offer a free trial period before you commit to a full membership.
  

To find out about current free offers:

• Visit the Ramsey Solutions website and look for promotions or partner programs.
• Check with your local church, credit union, or employer to see if they are offering free FPU access.
• Search online for "free Financial Peace University" or "free Ramsey+" to see if any local organizations are hosting free classes.

 

[JonC]

I am quite sure the timeshare exit was a paid advertisement.

I don't see how they can sue the guy. It isn't that hard to get out of a timeshare anyway. People buy them...as long as you just want out and are not thinking of making money.

I have a points timeshare (points in a collection), but just enough to do what I want apart from "real" vacations. Works great for me, but I think people buy out of pressure and regret the decision. Definitely not an investment.

 

[atpollard]

I don't see how they can sue the guy.

According to the articles on the first few posts, Dave Ramsey endorsed a company that advertised it could get them out of their timeshares, they gave thousands of dollars to this company based on Ramsey’s endorsement, the company was fined for fraud and went bankrupt, and Dave Ramsey continued to endorse them (and receive payments for his endorsement) long after their “alleged fraud” was first uncovered and right up until they went bankrupt.

It is for a court to determine what facts are true, but THAT is how they can sue Ramsey. He allegedly did more than just sell advertising space to them.

 

[JonC]

According to the articles on the first few posts, Dave Ramsey endorsed a company that advertised it could get them out of their timeshares, they gave thousands of dollars to this company based on Ramsey’s endorsement, the company was fined for fraud and went bankrupt, and Dave Ramsey continued to endorse them (and receive payments for his endorsement) long after their “alleged fraud” was first uncovered and right up until they went bankrupt.

It is for a court to determine what facts are true, but THAT is how they can sue Ramsey. He allegedly did more than just sell advertising space to them.

I would agree if Ramsey was endorcing the company as in a sponsorship....I disagree with their logic if it was really just a paid advertisement.

I mean, if Mint mobile cheats a customer do they get to sue Ryan Reynolds? If I find a peanut shell in my Snickers and chip a tooth could I have sued Betty White? If I invest in gold and end up loosing money compared to the market (the crash doesn't come) can I sue William Devane?

 

[atpollard]

I would agree if Ramsey was endorcing the company as in a sponsorship....I disagree with their logic if it was really just a paid advertisement.

I mean, if Mint mobile cheats a customer do they get to sue Ryan Reynolds? If I find a peanut shell in my Snickers and chip a tooth could I have sued Betty White? If I invest in gold and end up loosing money compared to the market (the crash doesn't come) can I sue William Devane?

Yes. It is for a court and jury to decide if the case has merit. You can sue Dave Ramsey for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is YOUR burden to prove that he is responsible, but you have a right to claim that he is responsible and state your case in court.

 

[NSH]

You hit the nail on the head JF - "condescending..."

I agree, I thought his advice was often helpful but the delivery bothered me. I think it was apart of his 'character' or 'shtick' to be that kind of hard man but it came across as too hard sometimes.

 

[Ben1445]

I agree, I thought his advice was often helpful but the delivery bothered me. I think it was apart of his 'character' or 'shtick' to be that kind of hard man but it came across as too hard sometimes.

You don’t understand him. First of all, he is one of the kindest people I’ve ever heard. The too hard at times that you don’t like is when people are doing stupid things. If more parents let their children know when their behavior was stupid, Dave would not have the same job.
To go into debt for things that you don’t need is a stupid thing to do. To continue to do it and defend it is really stupid.
You probably think I’m too harsh right now. There is a point where foolishness has to be called out for what it is. Sometimes shame is the only effective solution when personal responsibility is lacking.
He is very understanding with all his callers unless you double down on stupid and then he doesn’t understand. At that point he will let you know that you have just doubled down on stupidity.
Again, Dave is trying to help people and if you lack responsibility and restraint, shame is practically the only tool left to help you get on track. Embarrassment is good if it helps correct the problem. It is a God given emotion.

 

[NSH]

You don’t understand him. First of all, he is one of the kindest people I’ve ever heard. The too hard at times that you don’t like is when people are doing stupid things. If more parents let their children know when their behavior was stupid, Dave would not have the same job.
To go into debt for things that you don’t need is a stupid thing to do. To continue to do it and defend it is really stupid.
You probably think I’m too harsh right now. There is a point where foolishness has to be called out for what it is. Sometimes shame is the only effective solution when personal responsibility is lacking.
He is very understanding with all his callers unless you double down on stupid and then he doesn’t understand. At that point he will let you know that you have just doubled down on stupidity.
Again, Dave is trying to help people and if you lack responsibility and restraint, shame is practically the only tool left to help you get on track. Embarrassment is good if it helps correct the problem. It is a God given emotion.

I said his advice was helpful, I don't pretend to understand him, just offering a hip-shot opinion like every one else. I have not had a 'job' in over 15 years and I am not in debt. Right now I don't have a credit scrore!

 

[Ben1445]

I said his advice was helpful, I don't pretend to understand him, just offering a hip-shot opinion like every one else. I have not had a 'job' in over 15 years and I am not in debt. Right now I don't have a credit scrore!

That is great.
But I’m not here to be the Dave of the BB.
My point was just that in order to make use of a personal feeling of shame and embarrassment, you have to be embarrassed. It seems like a hard thing but it is each persons own decision that brings them there. There is a purpose for that “hard” front. It isn’t pretend. It has a purpose. When the good is accomplished by it, the soft side comes out.

 

[Salty]

That is great.
But I’m not here to be the Dave of the BB.
My point was just that in order to make use of a personal feeling of shame and embarrassment, you have to be embarrassed. It seems like a hard thing but it is each persons own decision that brings them there. There is a purpose for that “hard” front. It isn’t pretend. It has a purpose. When the good is accomplished by it, the soft side comes out.

I disagree! Maybe for some, that is the only way to reach them. But for other - all Dave will do is turn them off!
Don't turn someone off if it is not necessary. And I really don't care how nice someone really is. Remember, you get one chance to make a first impression. And that first impression has been made to me.

 

[Reynolds]

Sometimes, when you push too hard - you push people away

His ratings don't seem to suggest he is pushing too many away.

 

[Ben1445]

I disagree! Maybe for some, that is the only way to reach them. But for other - all Dave will do is turn them off!
Don't turn someone off if it is not necessary. And I really don't care how nice someone really is. Remember, you get one chance to make a first impression. And that first impression has been made to me.

He doesn’t begin with anyone by shredding their self image.
But tough love is hard to accept.
It doesn’t bother me whether anyone likes him and his advice or not.
I was just saying that there is a legitimate reason for his approach that a lot of people can’t handle. But his advice is also radical when it comes to today’s thinking.
But it does work if you follow his advice.
But you can’t help someone on radio or YouTube, or podcasts, or anything public without offending someone. But that is not a reason IMO to not help someone.
If you have a softer more palatable approach that is half as effective, go for it. In a country where people spend more money than they make, it would be great if more people could tackle the issue.