Too much month left at the end of the money?

Too much month left at the end of the money?
BOOK REVIEW:

If you or someone you know has too much month left at the end of the money, get this book! The Total Money Makeover from Dave Ramsey is a simple, no-nonsence approach to handling your debt (becoming debt-free) and getting a hold of your families financial future. (A great gift for a wedding present.)

With the media hyping the economy woes, many people are taking a harder look at their own finances; maybe being forced to with creditors breathing down their necks, or ARMs adjusting at an alarming rate. So many times we end up doing stupid things with money because we have learned it is just "the way you do it", and we never ask why.

With this book, Dave teaches you how to control the "man in the mirror". It is a "how-to" on making your money work for you. He teaches you with the motto: If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

He gives you 7 Baby Steps from starting your emergency fund to paying off debt, saving for retirement, college funds, and paying off the home mortgage, all the way to building wealth. These are simple steps, but it is not easy. There is an intensity needed to gain momentum. One main instruction is planning your monthly budget "on paper, on purpose" BEFORE the month begins, BEFORE you get that paycheck. You need to tell your money where to go instead of trying to figure out where it went at the end of the month.

The book is a mix of instruction, explanation of money myths, inspirational stories and humor from Dave. It is a trip into the world of being Debt-Free. Using cash only and not exposing yourself to risk by getting back into debt - for anything! Unusual to think: a car without a payment? a house without a mortgage? a student without a loan? It is all possible, we just need to change the way we think about money.

Besides this and many other books (and programs including Financial Peace University taught at many local churches), Dave Ramsey is a radio talk show host. Currently you can hear his program in the Seattle area on AM 630 from 3pm-7pm PST (or those times at www.kcisradio.com), or by listening to it live online from 11am-2pm PST at www.daveramsey.com. You can also listen to some archives there of previous shows if he is not live at the time.

He is a little fanatical, but it is because he really believes in what he teaches. I highly recommend this book, even as a quick read to see what is out there on personal finance. Maybe it can help you or a friend. Change your family tree!!!