Archive for the ‘dave ramsey’ Category

Financial Peace University : Buyer beware

Posted: October 10, 2007 in dave ramsey, marriage, money, Ron Paul
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yesterday we attended our weekly seminar from Dave Ramsey.  It was entitled:  Buyer Beware

 One of the points that stuck out at me the most was how effective marketing schemes are.  Dave demonstrated how we get duped by scientifically conjured techniques from marketing agencies by things like eye-catching product labeling and repetitive advertising.  We say, “that stuff doesn’t work on me”  … O, yeah?!?  Have it your _____.  Melts in your mouth, not in your ____.    Repetition in advertising works.  (Who is Ron Paul anyway?) 

 He also gave some useful tips on making major purchasing decisions (over $200) like waiting overnight, consulting with your spouse, research and know about the product you are planning to buy, know the opportunity cost (if I spend $1000 on this cruise, then I can’t invest it in my mutual fund), and know whether the purchase would be filling a want or a need (either are okay to fill, the point is to be honest with yourself).  Practising these five disciplines are a sure fire way to keep us from making stupid and impulsive purchsing decisions that we will regret.

More tips from Dave:

Beware of the following as a consumer…

  1. 90 Days Same-As-Cash
  2. Zero-interest loans
  3. All credit cards
  4. “Let me check with the manager.”
  5. Impulse product offers
  6. High-pressure sales tactics
  7. Get-rich-quick schemes
  8. Zero-risk investments
  9. Cosigning loans
  10. Anything that sounds too good to be true

ending financial stress

Posted: September 28, 2007 in dave ramsey, marriage, money, providence
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It is such a great blessing to have little to no stress over financial issues.

 My wife and I have been attending seminars through Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and have learned a lot.  We are on week 7 now and I am starting to get the hang of managing our finances according to the guidelines Dave gives. 

 When we started the program I hadn’t balanced our checkbook for about three years and we just signed on our first home.  That is proof of God’s providence if I ever experienced it.  I know that God put this all together in perfect timing.  Without God’s help our finances would be in shambles.

 So far, we have kept a zero balanced budget for two months, we are practicing the envelope system using 5 envelopes and from what I recollect, the system has cut our spending back nearly $200 dollars a month at Wal-Mart alone.  We have started building our emergency fund and we are ahead of schedule.  God is so good.