What’s with the Dave Ramsey haters?

[Brian Ellis]

Over the years of being involved in REI, I have seen so many people bashing Dave Ramsey.

I don’t understand why it is impossible for people to see some value in what he’s teaching. I don’t even think he’s targeting a Biggerpockets type of audience. I think it is bad misinformation to the newbie looking to get his/her first deal, when you say Dave Ramsey doesn’t know what he’s talking about. You need to have your finances in order First.

If you’re investing in real estate already, chances are Dave Ramseys total money makeover is irrelevant. And at some point you have already implemented some of what he’s teaching.

I only bring this up because it was one of the first books I read. I was making minimum wage at the time, bringing home $300 a week, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, drinking 3 coffees a day, spending money on scratch tickets and blowing money on card games. I had been clean for about 3 months and just barely able to pay my weekly rent at a sober house. 

I read that book and it STARTED to change my life financially. Maybe it did change it completely. But I started paying off my debt, I started saving what I could, and eventually I was able to purchase my first home. I quit cigarettes, I quit gambling, I started making coffee at home, and eventually I became responsible with money. Fast forward a few years and I was able to buy my first house. THEN I implemented what is taught in Rich Dad Poor Dad. Somewhere along the way I understood what kiwosaki was teaching, and I have since been able to scale to 4 properties over the course of 5 years since getting that first property. I’ve used debt (from equity) to scale. But im financially responsible now, I still implement what Dave teaches. Having reserves in place, and not carrying credit card debt. I still carry those same quality’s I first learned. 

My point is I don’t think it is bad practice to understand the basics, especially if you are first starting out. So don’t completely disregard what is being taught in total money makeover. Not everyone is privileged with a high paying W2 job.

Just my 2 cents on the subject.