This.

 

I travel a lot so 5/3 ATMs are not aways available. I get around the ATM fees by using my Discover card for purchases I make during the week and getting cash back in return. No ATM fees.

 

Note: This only works if you pay your balance every month.

 

WE do that but use the BP Visa.

Guilty of number nine, but we deny ourselves in so many other areas that I don't care.

 

Have never in my life paid interest on a credit card.

 

I don't agree with Dave on everything, but we have followed his self-righteous principles for a while now. If things continue as planned we will be completely out of debt next summer. The thought of being 36-years-old without any payments is quite appealing. Hopefully it works out like we are hoping.

 

I've said this before.

 

I used to be a critic of Dave Ramsey because the math didn't make sense. What I FAILED to take into account is the psychology of his plan.

 

Congrats to you and your wife. As some who know me really well will tell you I hate debt BUT I will take some if I think it's a wise use of my money. I applaud anyone who can be debt-free. The amount of stress you and your wife will have as compared to others is less than 1/10th.

Exactly. And his logic is flawed, anyway. You're already overpaying if you eat out — what difference does it make if you spend $5-7 more on an appetizer?

 

You are correct overall. I do think that too many times an appetizer is overkill though.

Why in the heck do I work hard and not get to enjoy the benefits? I have broken many of these rules and have never had financial difficulties. He would recommend I never spend $150 at Ruth's Chris when I can get just as full at Applebee's for 40-50. If I can afford it, my wife and I enjoy the nice night out with the quality service and food. I choose to enjoy my hard earned wages. I am not interested in saving for my kids, they know that. I paid for all four of their college educations and they are all gainfully employed. They get it. I do understand there are people that live beyond their means and may need his advice, but there are plenty that know how to manage their money, enjoy what they want to do and are not heading to bankruptcy. I don't want a boat or RV, but if someone does and can afford it, do it. My guess is he is rich as heck and has ordered a few appetizers in his life.

Why in the heck do I work hard and not get to enjoy the benefits? I have broken many of these rules and have never had financial difficulties. He would recommend I never spend $150 at Ruth's Chris when I can get just as full at Applebee's for 40-50. If I can afford it, my wife and I enjoy the nice night out with the quality service and food. I choose to enjoy my hard earned wages. I am not interested in saving for my kids, they know that. I paid for all four of their college educations and they are all gainfully employed. They get it. I do understand there are people that live beyond their means and may need his advice, but there are plenty that know how to manage their money, enjoy what they want to do and are not heading to bankruptcy. I don't want a boat or RV, but if someone does and can afford it, do it. My guess is he is rich as heck and has ordered a few appetizers in his life.

 

I think this is probably aimed at people who either struggle with the money or youngsters who are still trying to get started.

I've said this before.

 

I used to be a critic of Dave Ramsey because the math didn't make sense. What I FAILED to take into account is the psychology of his plan.

 

Congrats to you and your wife. As some who know me really well will tell you I hate debt BUT I will take some if I think it's a wise use of my money. I applaud anyone who can be debt-free. The amount of stress you and your wife will have as compared to others is less than 1/10th.

 

Psychology is a good word for it.

 

What I like most about his plan of building wealth are the WHY's of it. It's partially about enjoying the benefits and pleasures of wealth, but it's also about being a great giver. We started the plan and all I could think of was expensive toys and luxuries that would one day be ours. Now, I find myself daydreaming about the surprising ways we can be generous with others who aren't doing as well.

 

As to this list, I'm surprised there is nothing car-related. I think Americans waste more money on cars than anything else.

You are correct overall. I do think that too many times an appetizer is overkill though.

 

Agreed.

This.

 

I travel a lot so 5/3 ATMs are not aways available. I get around the ATM fees by using my Discover card for purchases I make during the week and getting cash back in return. No ATM fees.

 

Note: This only works if you pay your balance every month.

 

I get around them to........don't use them. I have NEVER once used an ATM machine, and to this day have no idea what my PIN is for my Debit Card.

The cable package is the tough one for me. I'd love to trim down what I pay but... man I love all these sports channels.

I am not guilty of any of those things. He is also against credit cards, in general, even if you pay them off and do not pay any interest. He says you will buy things you wouldn't normally buy. I do not agree. I have a credit card for which I receive points. I get money back with these points. Therefore the things I buy actually cost me less. And I don't buy things I wouldn't normally buy,

 

Might not be true for you, but I would guess that for most people that it is not the case.

Might not be true for you, but I would guess that for most people that it is not the case.

 

If memory serves me right he cites studies that show we spend, on average, 18% more when using credit vs. cash.

 

The bigger issue for me is just pay the thing off every month.

I find that Dave makes a lot of sense. I think that in context those who have actually read his book would know that he doesn't have an issue with someone who can afford it splurging on a meal like Ruth's Chris.

But he does have a problem with someone who has 30k in school loan debt, 20k in car debt and 1200 per month rent spending that much on a meal.

 

As to this specific article, sometimes the fried pickles are just worth it

I get around them to........don't use them. I have NEVER once used an ATM machine, and to this day have no idea what my PIN is for my Debit Card.

 

Having seen your cell phone I'm not shocked at this.

The cable package is the tough one for me. I'd love to trim down what I pay but... man I love all these sports channels.

 

I took the cable package item to mean don't get a package that you don't use. I have the package that has all of the extra channels/ HD/ DVR and Showtime. I don't consider it a waste as I actually do watch them.

I am reminded of a mantra that I've repeated at auctions many times.

 

We buy things:

 

A. With money we don't have

2. For things we don't need

D. To impress people we don't like