The Total Money Makeover

REVIEW 4 STARS - extremely good

How the blurb describes the book:

Build up your money muscles with America's favourite finance coach.

Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Then get with the program, people. There's one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that's with The Total Money Makeover!

By now, you've heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you're tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, then take a look at this - it's the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits.

And it's based on results, not pie in the sky fantasies. With The Total Money Makeover, you'll be able to:

Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt-meaning cars, houses, everything

Recognise the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you)

Secure a big fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!

Where Financial Peace gave you the solid saving and investment principles, this book puts those principles into practice. You'll be exercising your financial strength every day and quickly freeing yourself of worry, stress, and debt- and that's a beautiful feeling. The total money makeover- it's the one financial workout that assures everything will work out.

Reviews in the blurb:

"For families and individuals hoping to protect and grow their portfolio, Dave's counsel is vital. He has dispensed a fortune in good advice." Bill First, MD, Republican Senate Majority Leader

"Already a best-selling author and a star on the radio, Dave Ramsey has done it again with the Total Money Makeover" Sean Hannity, Hannity and Colmes on Fox News Channel

"Been there and back. Here is some trusty and valued input to get your mind and your money on the good foot. Dave Ramsey tells it like it is." Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top

Our Review:

Dave Ramsey is one of America's top home budgeting advisers. He has several books, runs classes, a home budgeting radio show, and even has his own Television Show. While The Total Money Makeover is not his first book, you don't need to have read any other Dave Ramsey book to understand this one.

Dave was not always a money guy, In fact, he went bankrupt. He decided to change himself and focus on the basics. He famously declared after going bankrupt, "I did it my way, and my way wasn't working." He really wanted to be honest with himself, and he really wants you to be honest with yourself.

You can really tell while reading this book why he has become popular. He tells it like it is and gives straightforward advice. Plus he is not afraid to call ideas or ways people spend money "stupid". In short, Dave is not afraid of stepping on people's money spending ways, if he doesn't agree with them.

He lays out his easy step by step guide to reaching your own money goals. However, sometimes it feels like he lacks some of the finer details, preferring to give you the big picture.

He has quotes throughout the book which give you small glimpses into his money ideas:

"Over 97% of people don't systematically pay extra on their mortgage."

"When your spouse gets the raise you are expecting, don't raise your lifestyle with it. Save more! Invest more!"

"To make more money, you have to plan to make more money. Some people's problem is income, not spending."

The book is littered with interviews of people who have used Dave's services in the past to turn their budgets around. They tell their own tale of money woes and then their newfound budgeting talents. Most of these stories are extremely inspirational. However, due to their being a lot of them they can get a bit boring.

The advice in the book is truly great. And anyone who reads this book, regardless of if you are Bill Gates or flat broke; you will be able to take something away from it to help your money situation.

But what kept striking me over and over again while reading is he uses general ideas to describe what to do. He doesn't get down to the nitty gritty and tell you what you should be doing day-by-day or purchase by purchase. Had he included more of this, this book would have been rated the full five out of five stars. However, it still rates an extremely good four out of five.

Pros:

Very straight talk on what you should and should not do in your budget.

Has lots of very inspirational stories from people who have turned their financial lives around.

Adds a sense of humour, not only about the book, but about money in general.

Talks very openly about his past and how he became bankrupt. (interesting)

Cons:

Does not tell you how to do it on a day-by-day basis. Only gives a general guide.

Has too many inspirational interviews with people, can become a tad boring.

The Total Money Makeover

Nelson Books

Written By Dave Ramsey

My name is Adam Goulding and my story is quite simple. Four years ago my bank balance was so low paying rent was a big problem. March 15th 2005 was the day rock-bottom was hit emotionally and financially for me.

Then like a flash of lightning, a thought so extremely simple, yet a powerful realisation hit me. Whatever happened in my life with money up to March 15th 2005 wasn't working! Most decisions about my money to then were wrong.

Then my girlfriend, Renee (now my wife) let me in on her system for growing money.

Now I have written a book on getting out of debt and a free monthly newsletter. Myself and my wife have turned our household budget around. Saving money in all sorts of ways. Plus getting rid of our credit cards and loans. Find it at http://www.mrhomebudget.com.au My nick name is now Mr Home Budget.