Dave Ramsey’s Smart Money Event
I finally had a chance to talk to my daughter and hear what she had to say about Dave’s Smart Money Event. You know I was biting at the bit to hear all about it! I would have loved nothing more than to have had her actually write this review, but given that she has no idea I’m even writing a blog about our own journey, you’ll have to hear her review second hand from me.
First of all, she said it was packed! No surprise given that it was a sold out event. She said it was held in one of those mega churches, but they had poor traffic planning as all but one entrance was blocked off. As a result, the event started 1/2 hour late. They had general seating, which needless to say, had them quite a distance from the stage. Thank goodness for numerous large screens!
The one thing that surprised my daughter was that she actually preferred listening to Dave more so than his daughter Rachel. After reading Rachel’s book a few weeks ago, she had a similar opinion. She preferred Dave’s book. My daughter said she must just be an old lady at heart. Thanks kid.
Dave and Rachel each reviewed some of the baby steps of the plan. When it came to talking about making a budget, my daughter said she didn’t have a very favorable opinion of Rachel. Apparently Rachel said that when she and her husband wrote out their first monthly budget, they only budgeted $50/month for food. My daughter felt that was overly stupid. Remember, I’m just relaying what my daughter said about the event.
Given that the event was so crowded and that it had started late, my daughter and her husband had to leave midway through the lesson on baby step 6. This is the one about paying off your mortgage early. This is really unfortunate as my daughter said she doesn’t feel that given the high cost of where they live, they will ever be able to afford to pay off their house early. My daughter also said they won’t stop contributing to their retirement. On the bright side, she did say they will focus on paying off their vehicles.
Overall, she said that it was a worthwhile event and she was glad they went. As for my son and his wife, I have not spoken with them personally. We have a strained relationship, so I hear most things secondhand from my daughter. She did say that they are now pumped up about paying off a $3,500 credit card and a vehicle. I do believe some good came of my kids and their spouses attending. Most 20/30 year olds tend to think they already know it all and would rarely admit they learned something new. I’m pretty sure I did back then too.
I am still very happy they attended. What they do with the information is now up to them. At the very least, a seed has been planted. Have any of you attended a Dave Ramsey event or taken his course? Even though we are now working through the baby steps, I’d go in a heartbeat if Dave ever held one near us. Never too old to learn something new!
Lucy
I went to a Dave event a few years back when we were just starting our debt journey. I had already read his books and listened to his radio show, so I didn't really learn anything new – but he it was very inspiring to see him live! If only I had started paying attention when I was your daughter's age! … We did stop contributing to retirement for a couple of years, per Dave, and we regret it, so I'm with your daughter on that point. Paying off their cars is a great idea, though! I hope they follow through.
Hindsight really is 20/20. Interesting point about the retirement. We were all set to stop ours but then my DH changed his mind. I'm fine with continuing to contribute as we are very behind in that area as well. Thanks for commenting. I'm enjoying reading your journey, too.
I've only read his books and listened to his radio show on podcast. Like you said, the seed is planted and it's a start. I also think having an emergency fund is first priority. Something always comes up unexpected and without it (was there for years) it's almost impossible to get debt paid down
I so agree about the emergency fund. I have never felt that $1,000 is quite enough though. I imagine, though, that if he suggested a higher amount there individuals who might not feel his plan would be workable.
I think you are right and at least it's something to cover most emergencies that come up like a repair or appliance replacement. I remember one year our oven died. I didn't want to charge it, didn't have any savings, so went without for almost 4 months! The stove top still worked it was summer, so I used our grill a lot that summer, as well as microwave and crockpot. Finally labor day sales rolled around and I had enough cash for a new one LOL
Amazing how you can make do when you have to, or in your case, choose to be wise and wait until you can pay cash.
Never seen Dave in person but been through FPU online once and twice at local churches. I never stopped contributing to retirement as my 'security gland" wouldn't let me. I'm glad your kids heard him speak and the seed is planted
Thanks Jean! I've heard good things about FPU that is offered at churches. If my DH wasn't away so much, I'd certainly want us to go. I think that even though a lot of this becomes repetitive, it also reinforces it.