Comments on: Financial Peace University | Review #1

By: Jeremy Walter

Jeremy Walter — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:49:12 +0000

Erin-

I can see your frustration – but Dave Ramsey and his organization are a for-profit organization. While their goal is to help people “win” with finance, they also have a responsibility to make a profit. I don’t agree with a lot of what Ramsey says, and especially what he does with his personal money, but it’s unfair to criticize him based on the fact that the website pushes for people to purchase products. That’s what they do.

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:53:41 +0000

This program may work but I think some aspects of it are kind of a rip-off. For instance, when you go to the web site, they want to upgrade for a yearly fee. Then you can use there on line budgeting software for a while but then they want to charge you after that. You would be better off using a free budgeting program like Mint. While you are taking the class, if you miss a class you can watch one video for free and after that, you have to pay $9.95. I think a lot of people are like me and my husband and it was hard enough to scrape together the money to take the class and then they just want to keep trying to get more money out of you. I think this is taking advantage of people who are hurting financially.

By: Rick Cadden

Rick Cadden — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:55:32 +0000

Adam, great comment! I am in the middle of leading another class with 60 people. I do fun and games with them and try to be uplifting and excited. I usually sit with different small groups to see how they are doing. I try to be a resource for the class. HOw would you describe “not getting any value” from the leader? That may help me with my class as a leader. Thanks
Rick

By: Adam@RabbitFunds

Adam@RabbitFunds — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:05:35 +0000

I took this course last Fall and am certainly glad that I did. I think that the techniques that he teaches are very relevant. My biggest complaint about the course is the class setting itself. We had a leader (not really an instructor) that provided little value. I actually always left after watching the video and before the class discussion as I didn’t find any value in it. Now maybe that was part my fault since I clearly wasn’t contributing.

By: Jeremy Walter

Jeremy Walter — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:01:18 +0000

I’ve helped teach FPU for two classes now at our church- and it’s phenomenal. The lessons that are taught are truly life changing. The challenge is to get everyone to implement the lessons, take it from mind to heart to wallet.

My one critique of FPU, and Dave Ramsey in general, is that there is a hint (sometimes more than a hint) of a love of money going on. The 1 Tim 6:10 passage is actually quoted on the second lesson page of the FPU workbook, so it is addressed by Dave. However, some of Dave’s comments in the videos over the 13 weeks just make you wrinkle your nose with some discomfort.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:05:30 +0000

My wife Esther and i took the class before we got married almost two years ago, and am glad our pastor made us take it. We were mad at ourselves for previous ignorance, but we were also excited as we positioned ourselves to get out of debt.
It becomes even more exciting when you get accountability partners from your class to check on you so you do not fall of the wagon on your commitment.

By: NiTara Printup-Whitehead

NiTara Printup-Whitehead — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:20:10 +0000

Myhusband and I just started FPU 3 weeks ago and Imust say it has been amazing. I am the “nerd” and he is the “free spririt” (lesson 2) and to see him really understand and appreciate a budget and how this is going to change our lives is great!. He has jumped in with both feet and I just know that this will enhance our marriage. I listen to Dave on the radio in Atlanta and listen to the CD’s in the car since I am a realtor and spend lots of time in my vehicle. I have even started to tell my friends about it because I can see how it could truly change their lives as well. Unfortunately, they seem to want a quick fix or for me to just tell them how to “do it”. I try to expolain that the experience is great and being in class and listening objectively for 13 weeks will change their lives….. MAny of them are a work in progress. Hopefully as I “live like no one else” they will see that in my future I will be “LIVING like no one else” I can’t wait to scream “We’re debt free!” According to the debt snowball we should have this accomplished by December 2011!

By: Jim Adkinson

Jim Adkinson — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:54:10 +0000

FPU is life changing. While my wife and I didn’t do FPU, we did the basic plan via Dave’s Book the Total Money Makeover. His ministry is wonderful and my wife, after getting completely debt free, are living life in a much more Biblically relevant manner. As a CPA, I see clients all the time that are living beyond their means. I have started getting several copies of Dave’s books each Christmas (he puts everything on sale for $10) and give them to people that I feel are ready for the drastic lifestyle change that is the Financial Peace Plan. If there is anyone that is on the fence about this plan….DO IT…..IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE>

By: FinancialBondage.org

FinancialBondage.org — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:24:02 +0000

FPU was great. The best money I ever spent.

By: Rick Cadden

Rick Cadden — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:56:03 +0000

Trust me, FPU works! I facilitated it many times at churches and have seen lives changed before my eyes. It is common sense money management that works. Just do what Dave says! LOL My wife and i are in the middle of Baby Step 2, paying off all debt. We did a peer to peer loan at 5% for 18 months and then it will all be paid, cars and all, excluding house. Then on to Baby Step 3, fully funded Emergency Fund. Just do it!

Rick