Dave Ramsey is my hero!

I have just finished reading yet another inspiring book by Dave Ramsey. Now, I have read his, "The Money Answer Book," "The Total Money Makeover," and "Financial Peace Revisited." If you have not read any of his book, drop what you are doing and go check one out from the library now. You will be amazed at how motivating and fulfilling his books make you feel. Ramsey's books are filled with not only financial advice, but spiritual advice as well as he often quotes scripture in his books.

The book that I just finished reading was "Financial Peace Revisited," and it was definitely worth the read. In this book, Ramsay talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly of personal finance. He discusses financial hardship and what it takes to get out of it. The thing I enjoyed most about the book is that Ramsay starts off discussing the reasons why most people get to the financial dilemma that they are in now. He not only discusses the reasons, but what people can do to change their lifestyle of debt. Ramsey sheds light on how personal finances and the reduction of debt can be completed in an easy to understand fashion. What's also interesting about the book is that Sharon, Ramsey's wife, also gives her opinion on each chapter and/or her family's personal battle with finances. After describing, why and how people get in debt, Ramsey describes how to get out of debt. The book ends with description of his "Baby Steps" formula and an appendix full of free worksheets, plans, and letters for use in your own life.

The next book in Dave Ramsey's collection is "The Total Money Makeover." I read this book last year, because it was a gift from my father. Let me be the first to say, this book is probably one of my all time favorite. I read it in about 2 or 3 days and loved every minute of it. "Total Money Makeover" is amazing not only because of the detailed instructions of how to become debt free, but because of the inspiring stories of real people that have gone through Ramsey's steps and are living better lives because of it. The book is filled with letters of people just like you and me, that once struggled financial and are now working towards living a richer, more fulfilling life by being debt free. After reading these awesome testimonials, Ramsey discusses in detail each one of his "Baby Steps":

1) Save $1,000 emergency fund
2) Pay off all debt except mortgage
3) Save fully funded emergency fund (3-6 months expenses)
4) Save 15% of income for retirement
5) Save for college fund for kids
6) Pay off house
7) Get rich by being debt free

After reading this book, if you are not struck by a sense of motivation to get out of debt then you should check your pulse to see if you are alive. I'm telling you Dave Ramsey's plan is the way to go. I have been working on these steps since last year and am fortunate enough to say that my husband and I have no debt except our house. I assure you, it is the most wonderful feeling in the world to be financial secure and words really can't describe the sense of pride, security, and joy of working your way to financial freedom.