Financial Peace University

He is on tv and I think radio and I think solid advice. I have never gone but read were others got good from it. Basically get of out debt. I do not know if it is worth it at this time to spend that much money but I doubt your husband would feel out of place. Sounds like you have been very responsible with your money and economy will return if health care does not destroy us. God Bless G. W

N.,
I have gone through Dave Ramsey twice because once you do the class you can do it again free. I learned so much and you even pick up more the second time. I like to listen to him on TV and the radio as you pick up on things other people do and his advice can inspire you to keep on track.
As far as religious Dave is very much an excellent example of a good Christian and he expresses that living by the way of the Lord is the only way.

Yes if you and your husband can go together it is better. Even though you boys are small make them Dave Ramsey jars and you can teach them now how to save money the right way!

B.

N., I don't know anything about the course, but you sound like you and your husband have a good financial head on your shoulders. I say save the $100.

You can buy his book for a lot less, and take it one chapter at a time. If you read the literature online re: his extended course, you'll discover that these are franchise things offered by churches, and they take about 3 months to complete, meeting weekly. Just do it 'by the book.' My son-in-law and daughter have done exactly that, in Albuquerque, and they are proceeding vigorously on the program, but independently. Neither is particularly religious, at least not church-bound, and apparently his book is not oriented that way. Perhaps the churches sort of ramp it up a bit. But they are staying true to their commitment to see this financial plan through and it is working for them.

I would recommend this course no matter WHAT your financial situation - scrimping or money falling out your ears. You will find it to be a true blessing to both your finances and your marriage! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! :)

After paying off debt, his next steps involve building wealth. Check out the website and the baby steps.

It is so worth it! We were and still are in debt when we went through FPU last October. My in-laws paid for us and it has been the biggest blessing. It has truly changed our lives. Since then, we have paid off 3 debts and we'll pay off at least one more this year - that's over $10,000 in one year. We will have all of our debt (except the house) paid off in 2 years (half the time we originally expected). Dave Ramsey is hilarious and has a very simplistic approach, very common sense. There are some references to his faith, but he doesn't pour it on thick. It may be a great thing for your husband to experience. I may open his eyes and heart to explore his own faith. It's in a totally different environment than church. The most "religious" part is the last segment on giving. But, that is by far, the most important and best lesson he gives. I highly recommend it. Go for it - it will be the best thing you can do for your marriage and your children. Start good habits now with them, and they will not fall into the curse of debt. Good luck!

my church was offering this also but we couldn't do it I was so disappointed, but we hope to do it next session even if we have to pay $100. Our church offered to pay the fees for those church members who needed it... you might be able to speak with one of the facilitators and ask if you can pay a lesser amount, it will pay off in the end. I have been follow the program (from the book) but my DH isn't really on board so we don't follow to a "T" but we still have been able to pay off well over $10k in two years and we are on our last $1000 now, will be done by the end of the year, and we don't make very much money... I would love for my DH to go so that he could see and hear the info presented by someone other than ME!!! and then he could participate in discussions with others, rather than just me, I think it is good for them to hear things like that from someone other than the wife sometimes... but anyhow I do listen to his radio show for encouragement, and he does use scripture but doesn't force it down your throat, or as a guilt trip. Best of luck, my best advice is ask if you can pay a reduced amount (or half now half later) it will benefit you in the long run!

Another option is Pastor Barry Cameron's ABC's to Financial Freedom. He is my Pastor at Crossroad's Christian Church. He and his family used God's principles and got out of debt in 2 years and our church is also debt free. I HIGHLY recommend it. Check out the website www.crossroadschristian.net There is a book and a workbook. Maybe you can order it online or go by and pick it up at our church bookstore. Good Luck.

It is worth it. It teaches some good principles and is universal and relates to all groups not just Christians. You can listen to him on the radio as someone suggested. Also, occassionally he offers his books at half price or $10.00 per book. I bought both books and workbooks during the 4th of July sale. Check half price books also, they might have the book, but you would have to order the workbook if you want it. My sister took the class at her church and I borrowed her CD's and used my books/workbook. If your husband is not a christian, interacting with a group might just be the seed to him accepting Christ. Whatever you do, get out of debt and stay out; you'll feel tons better.

I think it's well worth the money. It's not just about getting out of debt, it's about changing your attitude toward money in general. It's common sense. We took the online course, but think that getting together with a group would have been better so we could have supported eachother through it. It's not easy, but definitely worth it. Good luck!

Hi, Nichole...

My husband and I took the FPU course and loved it! It seems like a lot, but it's well worth it. Well, to us it's been. We learned a lot and enjoyed Dave's sense of humor and insights. There are scriptures in the program, but there are quotes from other sources (not just religious-based stuff). Although, Dave is a very Christian person, and you will see that he gives a lot, because that's where you find true happiness.

If you have any more questions about the course, please, feel free to ask me about it. We really enjoyed it, and Dave has a GREAT sense of humor that we really liked, and so did the rest of the class. He puts things in a very easy-to-learn fashion and just does a great job with the course.

While Dave is a Christian, his courses are still considered secular. They are fantastic. You will make back your 100.00 investment and more by implementing what you learn. I love Dave. I highly recommend.

I am really late in my responce so I am sure you have made a decision. But I wanted to say, it is not a religious study but it is based on biblical principals of debt and good stewardship of our money.
We took it and saw many in our group get out of debt in 2 years, applying what he says. He even has a group here in Arlington for counseling one on one and they are fabulous.
We own our home, pay off one credit card monthly with no finance charges and have invested for our future based on his sound advice.
You will benifit a lot as a couple to agree and be on the same page with your money from now on if you take the course.
Good luck!

I've heard it's a great program, but you could also explore online, and via radio and tv. Also see if you could check out one of his books from your local library.

I HIGHLY recommend Financial Peace to everyone. It is completely worth it, in our opinion.
We took the class at our church last fall. We had $12,000 on a credit card, $800 for a fridge at Lowe's, over $17,000 from my MIL for a loan...long story, and my husband and I needed a lot of dental work...a LOT. By implementing a plan for really the first time we have really paid off so much. My husband only makes $36,000 and we're expecting our third (very unexpectedly) in about seven weeks. (You actually posted a great answer about my tube tying question and we have kids close in age). We now owe $0 on the card...it's canceled of course:)...$0 on the fridge, we've paid over $2000 in dental work (we have insurance that took a lot of cost off too), and we now only owe exactly $6000 to my MIL!!!
It honestly does feel like a raise when you've got a plan for everything. It is SO hard sometimes, but it feels so good to know you're making it.
Also, it is totally not all about debt. He has WONDERFUL ideas laid out for every money matter you can think of.

My husband and I completed the course last night actually through our church. Remember that the $100 is for your FAMILY and it is a LIFETIME membership. You can take the course as many times as you like. For that $100, you'll get a set of CDs with the full content of the DVD's you'll view, plus two additional CDs. You'll also get his book Financial Peace, a workbook, sets of forms for everything from insurance, retirement, college planning, to monthly budgeting and figuring out your net worth.

A really cool feature that comes with taking the course is you get free membership for his on-line resources for the duration of the course. These are great tools & easy to use. You can sign up to get weekly emails sent as well.

Especially given your faith differences & how that can put a strain on any marriage, I'd encourage you to take it for how it can strengthen your marriage, not just your finances. Dave is quite entertaining to watch and listen to & it's well worth the initial investment.

Again, my hubbie and I would both recommend this course to anyone. Feel free to message me if you have any other questions.

Wow, $100. Hmmmm, I would say no. I've gone through the program and it's very good with some really good insight but I think you could save and get the tips from others on here...maybe. The best thing I got from the program was to write down everything purchased...everything! It helped us see where to cut back. The other big tip is to build an emergency fund. Basically you have this savings for when the AC breaks, etc. so you don't use your credit cards. We started building it with $20/paycheck and it saved us when the AC did break, when we had to have the roof replaced from hail, when the fridge broke. There are many concepts...I have the DVD set if you want to borrow it...I'm in Keller and work in NRH if you're in the area...I may have two copies...? Much luck.

Hi N., maybe if you absolutely cannot afford it, your church can offer you a scholarship or something. I think the information that you will hear is invaluable. You also get a workbook, book, all cd's to share with friends and you get to go online and do the budgeting for free for the duration of the course 13 weeks. I took it and we've paid of almost $42K debt in less than 2 years. You will learn things you've never heard before and I thought I had heard it all. Do it. P.S. the work book has some scriptures, but it is not overly christian at all. I don't think your husband would mind it. Good luck.

Hi N.,

Hi agree with Stephanie's response. My husband and I took it and loved it. Dave does mention some verses from the Bible, but not a whole lot. And Dave does have a GREAT sense of humor! It helps you even if you don't have a lot of debt to get out of. I would recommend it.

Dave Ramsey's show pays everyday from 1 to 4 on 570am. You can also listen from his website- http://www.daveramsey.com/tdrs/
We did not completely follow his plan down to the letter, but we have paid off all of our debts- house included,and we are in our mid 30's.
His ideas work- he is not overly preachy. I listen to him almost every day.