I picked up a copy of “The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness” by Dave Ramsey at the library a couple days ago.  I have hardly put it down since.  Dave Ramsey does an excellent job presenting his methods for a Total Money Makeover.  He provides many real life testimonials from every day people like you and me that he has helped since he did his own makeover.  He provides several worksheets at are easy to use and comprehend.

In the “The Total Money Makeover” Dave also does a good job breaking down many myths about money and debt.  His discussion on “Keeping Up with the Joneses” will be an eye opener for many who read his book.  Daves presents seven simple baby step to follow and his reasoning for each one.  While the seven steps (listed below) are simple to understanding they will be hard for many of us to implement.  He wants us to change our behavior and attitudes towards money and debt so we don’t fall back into the same traps that got use into financial trouble in the first place.  As Dave puts it we need to focus on the plan with “Gazelle Intensity”.

Dave baby steps for a Total Money Makeover are:

  • Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 cash as a starter emergency fund
  • Baby Step 2: Start the Debt Snowball
  • Baby Step 3: Finish the Emergency Fund
  • Baby Step 4: Invest 15 Percent of Your Income in Retirement
  • Baby Step 5: Save for College
  • Baby Step 6: Pay Off Your Home Mortgage
  • Baby Step 7: Build Wealth

If you are serious about getting out of debt or just want a boost in staying focused on your financial goals then pick up a copy of “The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness“.  You will find reading this book for the first time or reading again time well spent.