The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey (2007, Abridged, Revised, Updated, Compact Disc)

I bought this on my daughter recommendation and she read the paperback and thought the book had good ideas. I bought the book on Audio CD. If you don't mind being yelled at by a Fundementalist Christian who thinks using the Bible as almost the only reference for financial advice and thinks it lends authority to his financial thesis, then I would recommend book. I used a lot of patience to listen past the author's Christian bias and need to bully and literally yell at the reader with shame messages and making you feel stupid. I don't even have credit card debt and I felt brow beaten and abused. The central idea of the book is sound. I agree with the author that we should avoid using debt as it is foolish to enter into financial bondage just because we lack self control, good planning and patience. Being debt free is the way to be and Dave Ramsey has good steps to take to get you there. If you need someone to assume you are a Christian and yell at you to get you to do what is financially in your own best interest, then this is the audio book for you. If you can listen past an abusive authors voice to find the good content then this book is good for you. I can only recommend this book because it has good ideas. Dave Ramsey, your voice betrays a different poverty. Having mastered your money, now master your tongue. All you need is love.

I have read this book, twice. And now I am reading it a third time. The first two times I read it, I read the older version. I think the only difference between the 2003 printing and the 2007 printing is newer success stories. The main idea of the book is to get you to realize the problems of being 'FINANCIALLY FAT' as Dave Ramsey puts it, and then work to get out of debt. America has a debt problem, and Dave Ramsey HAS THE SOLUTION. Stop buying stuff you don't need, with money you don't have, to impress people you don't like. Get out of debt, save for retirement, and get on the road to FINANCIAL PEACE. If you are not in debt, READ THIS ANYWAY (or listen to it on audio)! I was not in debt when I read this, but this has helped me, and I have gotten a few of the 'Baby Steps' behind me, and I am looking forward to the future. If you cannot afford to buy this book, go to your library and check it out (if they have it)! This book will change your life!
PS - If you are looking for a 'get rich quick' kind of book, this is not for you. You have to 'Live Like No One Else Now, So Later You Can Live Like No One Else'.

I purchased the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover, because my husband and I are nearing retirement age, and wanted to learn how to prepare for a fixed income. We don't have much in our retirement fund, and it looks like we will have to work until we die, even though my husband is 65 right now. Our only debt is our mortgage, but want to have some money to enjoy our golden years. The CD's were very easy to understand and enjoyable to listen to. We want our grown kids to listen to them, because they are full of life changing advice, in a world of financial troubles. I wish this was taught in our schools. I am very happy I made this purchase, only wish I knew what I know now, when I was young. But the wonderful thing is..isn't not too late to impliment now. I give this program an A+, because it delivers more than hope, but real results if you follow the principles. Thanks Dave.

Dave Ramsey is a Christian and teaches Christian values along with his message on debt. "Getting-out" of debt is not about finding ways to avoid paying it--like so many scams on the market today! "Getting-out" of debt is--YOU taking responsibility for your actions of creating the debt and deciding to really do something about getting it PAID-OFF in FULL.
Buy this book today! You can even start working on the strategies before the book arrives. Begin by NEVER borrowing money again -- do this today! That includes credit cards, family & friends, the pay-day loan store, home equity loans, debt consolidations, even CAR loans -- all designed to keep you strangled by debt! And begin to work on putting $1000 in the bank as your "emergency fund", today.

Once the book arrives, you'll be eager to begin your journey to financial freedom. This book teaches things that I've never heard anywhere else. I'm living "Debt-Free"; except for a small amount remaining on my mortgage which I should be finished paying in about 2 years. And the money is building up really fast in my retirement plans! Life couldn't be better! Thanks Dave!

I had been trying tot get a hold of these CD's. This man is a God sent. he has a practical way of making your life better financially. Will it cost a little sweat? Yes. Will it cost a litlle sacrifice? LOTS. Will it cost you money. Only the money you make and put on your bills...oh and the cd, video or book you need to get started. I'd heard about it from a friend and my life has never been the same. If your looking for financial peace, you'll find it following Dave Ramseys strategies.