“Why Not to Take a Page from Dave’s Book” – 18 Pieces of Dave Ramsey Advice to Think Twice About

We all know Dave Ramsey has loads of money tips, right? But what if some of them are, well, not so great? Don’t get me wrong, some advice can be handy, but there are a few tips you might want to toss out the window. So let’s dive in and look at 18 pieces of Dave Ramsey’s advice that could use a second opinion!  

Why Dave’s Zero-Sum Budgeting Won’t Always Add Up

 

  Dave’s all about that zero-sum budget life. In his world, every penny you earn needs a mission. Cute, right? But here’s the kicker—it can actually leave you in a tough spot. What if your car breaks down or you have an unplanned medical bill? Your zero-sum budget just went from neat to a hot mess.  

When Owning a Home Becomes Mission Impossible

 

  In Dave Ramsey’s universe, mortgages are a big no-no. He’s like, “If you can’t pay for it upfront, you can’t have it!” That’s nice, Dave, but how many people can drop a bag of cash for a house? Most of us can’t. With a mortgage, you can still invest in a home, build equity, and actually achieve the American dream. Dave, not everyone has a mattress stuffed with cash.  

How Living on Rice and Beans Makes Life Less Spicy

 

  Dave tells you to give up all your guilty pleasures. Say goodbye to dining out or catching a movie. The man wants you to live on rice and beans until your debt is gone. Sure, you’ll pay off debt, but you’ll also pay insanity. A life without a little joy is a life not fully lived, my friends, so go ahead and splash out!  

Credit Cards Are Your Frenemy, Not Your Enemy

 

  According to Dave, credit cards are the villain in your financial fairytale. No benefits, just pure evil. But that’s not the full story. If you manage your credit cards well, you can actually build a solid credit history. Plus, you could rake in some awesome rewards or cashback. Dave, you’re missing out, buddy.  

The Dangers of Being a Solo Finance Ranger

 

  Dave’s like, “You don’t need no financial advisor!” But that’s not always true. Sometimes, you need someone who knows the ins and outs of money stuff. An advisor can help you make informed decisions, so you don’t end up financially stranded. It’s okay to ask for directions, Dave.  

Why Playing Insurance Agent Will Make Your Head Spin

 

  Dave says you should become an insurance fan. Imagine trying to understand all the jargon—deductibles, premiums, copayments—while still managing your job, family, and, you know, sleep? Insurance agents exist for a reason. Don’t kid yourself; you’re no insurance prodigy. If you skip this part and choose wrong, you could be left holding a massive bill.  

The Fallacy of a Thousand-Dollar Safety Net

 

  Dave advises that a $1,000 emergency fund will save the day. But in reality, that won’t even cover an emergency room visit. $1,000 might have been a lot in the 1980s, but times have changed. With inflation and the rising cost of living, you should aim for a more robust emergency fund that covers at least three months of living expenses. Why set yourself up for disaster?  

Why Student Loans Aren’t Always the Enemy

 

  Dave loathes student loans, calling them the worst form of debt. But hold on a minute—some careers you can’t step into without a diploma. Medicine, law, engineering—these fields demand higher education. And for that, you might need to take out a loan. When handled responsibly, student loans are like an investment into a future of higher earnings.  

Cash Isn’t Always King

 

  Dave’s mantra is cash, cash, cash. But let’s think about it—carrying bundles of cash? Not only is it risky because you might lose it, but it’s also not practical. Ever tried paying for a flight in cash? What about online shopping? Plastic money, like credit and debit cards, provides convenience and a layer of security. Plus, they help you keep track of your expenses.  

The One-Size Money Plan That Fits None

 

  Dave’s financial baby steps are like that pair of jeans in the back of your closet—you know, the one that never really fits, but you keep hoping it will someday? His steps assume everyone’s financial journey is the same, but that’s far from the truth. What if you have health issues, or what if you live in an area with a super high cost of living?   

The Missing Chapter on Saving for Retirement

 

  Dave is so busy telling you to avoid debt that he kind of skips over retirement savings. But what’s the endgame here, Dave? Work till we’re fossils? You lose the magic of compound interest by putting all your money toward debt and ignoring investment opportunities. That’s when your money makes money, and that makes more money. You get the picture.   

The Mysterious Case of the Ignored Credit Scores

 

  Dave dismisses credit scores as if they’re yesterday’s news. But here’s the scoop—a good credit score can score you better interest rates on loans, which means you pay less in the long run. It can also affect things like your ability to rent an apartment or even some job opportunities. Ignoring your credit score is like ignoring your health; it will catch up to you.  

The Tiny Expenses That Will Sneak Up On You

 

  Dave’s take is to not sweat the small stuff and just focus on your big debts. But let’s face it, little expenses, like daily lattes or those impulse buys, can quickly add up to a mountain of spending. Ignoring these is like ignoring crumbs on your floor—soon enough, you’ve got a mess that’s hard to clean up.  

Why Dave’s Envelope System is a Bit Stale

 

  Dave endorses an envelope system for budgeting—yes, actual paper envelopes in the 21st century. But we live in a digital world now. We have budgeting apps that track everything for you. It’s easier, cleaner, and you don’t have to stand at the grocery store counting cash while everyone glares at you.  

Don’t Put Investing in the Backseat

 

  Dave’s advice to pour all your money into debt repayment sidelines a huge opportunity: Investing. By ignoring investments like stocks or retirement accounts, you miss out on a chance to grow your wealth exponentially. Remember, the stock market isn’t going to wait for you to figure things out.  

Timeshares Are Not Always a Money Pit

 

  Dave suggests that timeshares are the black hole of vacation spending. But you know, timeshares can offer predictable vacation costs and decent accommodations for a relatively low price. If you’re the type who actually takes regular vacations, a timeshare can be a cost-effective choice.  

Why Dave’s Steps Don’t Dance to Life Changes

 

  Dave’s financial plan is like a dance stuck in one groove. But life isn’t static! What if you get a job in a new city? What if you’re expecting a baby? His plans don’t adapt to life changes, making them about as flexible as a wooden plank. Don’t take his advice as the be-all and end-all.  

Why a Car Payment Doesn’t Mean You’re a Failure

 

  Dave tells you that car payments are a big mistake. Buy in cash or not at all! But let’s get real: not everyone has thousands sitting in the bank. A good financing plan can get you a reliable car without breaking the bank. And no, that doesn’t make you a financial failure – you might be planning ahead for the future.  

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’