In my blog I advocate using Dave Ramsey’s techniques for getting out of debt and gaining financial security. It is sound advice and simple to follow. There is no worrying about which credit card has a higher interest rate or balance. You pay off the smallest first and apply the extra money to the next smallest debt and so on. It’s called snowballing. There are other financial self help professionals out there, like “sister” Suzie Orman, I just think DR’s plan is much simpler to follow.
I do however have some problems with DR and his FPU. FPU is a class that goes for several weeks teaching the basics of his program and allowing people to get together to find solutions for their financial issues. It costs around 200 for a couple to attend the program which is usually held at a local church.
When Honey and I first read DR’s book and were getting serious about getting our finances under control we decided we wanted to attend FPU for the camaraderie and support. Long story short, because we were not a straight couple we were told we would have to pay for the class individually, doubling the cost and out of our budget. Our feeling were a little hurt and our “pride” was also hurt. Honey contacted the leader of the local FPU and was told it might be better if we bought the course and followed it alone in our own home. Being the out and proud women we are, we called the national FPU number to complain about the discrimination we were being subjected to. They were no better at the national level, again suggesting we buy the material and use it ourselves in our own home.
That’s when we decided to use the book to map out our own plan, block out all the conservative christian talk we heard on his radio program and use the information we gained from the close minded right wing to benefit us, the liberal minded left wing. Republicans are known for being the “money” party so we’ve decided to beat them at their own game and use their knowledge to benefit our community.
It’s working so far. Giving us the opportunity to donate money to those who support our equal rights and social change. Yeah for us!
3 responses so far ↓
Shootsie // March 19, 2008 at 8:50 am
Hi, found your post on google. I’ve been listening to Dave Ramsey lately and really like his philosophy, but like you feel a little shafted that he doesn’t include the possibility of gay relationships in his plans. For example, me and my potential future partner can never be legally married — so how do we handle things like buying houses together, and budgeting mutual income. Anyway, glad to see someone else is in the same boat.
beecharmers // March 20, 2008 at 2:14 am
Shootsie I totally hear you. I figure there’s no law against cherry picking ideas and using what works for us. Not everything he says is flawless in our case- but it has sure put us on the right track budgeting. We eat a whole lot better for less money and have been able to get our debt to a manageable amount. It’s adds such a sense of security to our home.
I do not know what we do about unmarried partners, this has been a thorn in our sides for a long long time- I am ashamed to say that some how it always gets pushed to the end of the “to do” list.
david jensen // April 22, 2008 at 7:30 am
My partner and I attended a Dave Ramsey seminar in Colorado Springs, CO. I contacted the Dave Ramsey office afterwards and asked if they supported gays and lesbians. I wanted to know before I told my friends about attending Dave Ramsey seminars or buying his materials. I never received a direct answer but was asked if “I wanted their approval,” along with some Bible quotes. I was extremely offended. It is unfortunate when individuals and companies exploit the Bible for their own personal and business gain. I questions what Dave Ramsey is pushing… Is it his views on the Bible or finances? I certainly believe that he and his company do not accept gays and lesbians.
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