Notable Websites Series – Dave Ramsey

If you have been reading my blog then I am sure that you can predict that I could not do a “Notable Websites Mini Series” without including the official website of Dave Ramsey. I typically visit Dave’s site once a day, Monday through Friday. My favorite feature on this site is the Dave Ramsey Radio Show. You can listen live if you tune in between 2 pm and 5 pm eastern time. I however, found that I prefer to listen to the archives at my own pace, so I listen one day behind.


Dave’s site contains a wealth of information where you can visit the online store, learn about Financial Peace University, read Dave’s column, and get information on where you can see Dave live among many other things. And if you have some spare money to spend, you can join the My Total Money Makeover online community.

The official Dave Ramsey website is a must visit for anyone on a total money makeover.

The Total Money Failure

The question has been asked, how is my total money makeover progressing? Well, it is not. This is why I emailed the Dave Ramsey Radio Show and exactly why I should call the show and speak to Dave.

As mentioned in many of my previous posts, Step 1 of the Total Money Makeover involves; a) be current with all of your creditors, b) write a budget, and c) save the $1000 mini emergency fund as fast as possible. So where am I? Struggling with “a”. I could easily pay my creditors and be current if only they would quit sending a new bill each month! Yes, I know this will not happen.

In Dave’s book, The Total Money Makeover, he discusses that it takes gazelle intensity to be successful in the plan. I have seen gazelle intensity in reading some of my reader’s blogs. I have read about treadmills and other unused objects being sold.

I think everyday about how I can bring in more money. What do I have to sell? DJ and I are not possessions-rich. We do not have expensive toys, recreational vehicles, exercise equipment, excess furniture and both of our vehicles are low value (per Kelley Blue Book). I can only think of one item that DJ and I own that has any value and is not in use, a generator.

Photo by me

On another’s blog, I recently commented that even while working your total money makeover, that sometimes it is ok to spend a little more money on something if it brings you peace of mind. This generator is an object that gives me peace of mind. We live in hurricane central and since we purchased the generator we have not been threatened by a hurricane. It is just our luck that if we sold the generator, we would find ourselves in a hurricane and without power for days or even weeks. If it was just DJ and I, this would not so much be a problem, but now we are a family. We have a child to think about, so I will not be selling our generator.

I know that it will be ok. I will figure something out and begin progressing through the steps. I have been looking into other sources of income and ways to cut back on spending. It will all work out, somehow.

Dave Ramsey Radio Show – Still a “No Go”

If you have been following my posts you likely remember that I posted about my “invite” to go on air with Dave Ramsey on his radio show. I was asked my phone number, of which I provided; however, if they have called me then I have missed the call and no message was left.

I have been trying to find the strength to call on my own, which is certainly possible, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t know why I can’t do it. I’ve been listening to the radio show enough now that I have an idea what he will say.

If in the future I make it on air, I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

Hopelessness?

Last night I sent an email to the Dave Ramsey radio show. I explained as briefly as possible my current financial situation, how I felt our situation was hopeless, and asked how to proceed when it seems impossible to catch up where we have fallen behind. Shortly after submitting my email I received an auto-response, “Dave receives hundreds of emails and even though he addresses some on air he cannot possibly reply to them all”, along with links to FAQ’s and such.

Today I listened to the first third of the show (I will listen to the rest tomorrow) and about 30 minutes into the show; Dave starts to talk about hopelessness. Even though my email or name was not mentioned in this segment, I felt that he was talking to me; our forest is so thick we cannot see out, we need a lumberjack.

Then later I received a reply email from a representative for the show. They want me to take my question on air with Dave. I replied that I will go on air. I have to admit, I am scared; but I know there is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not a freight train.