Recently we drove through Nashville, Tennessee. We are big fans so we wanted to check out Dave Ramsey’s office building and to our surprise, we got to meet and shake his hand as well! He has a beautiful office building. Right when you walk in the front door, you see his studio on the right surrounded by glass. He was LIVE on the air when we got there and I was so excited that we would get to see him that I immediately started waving like a crazy girl! He waved back with a big smile while trying to concentrate on his serious caller who was deep in financial trouble. Our hostess, Martha, showed us around his office, told us about his day-to-day operations, and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how his radio and tv shows are broadcast.
For those of you who don’t know who Dave Ramsey is… he has a radio talk show for three hours a day Monday through Friday, is on the Fox Business Network, has a 13 week DVD series called “Financial Peace University”, does LIVE events throughout the U.S. that are ultra motivating and inspiring, wrote “The Total Money Makeover,” as well as many other books and appearances. He’s a busy man! My husband and I first heard of him in 2005 and have been listening to him ever since. I can’t say that I agree with everything he says, but his basic plan of handing finances is AWESOME!! And the presentation of his message is entertaining, motivating, and VERY informative. I have learned a lot from him! Basically, he teaches common sense. You know… don’t spend more than you make, live on a written budget, be in control of your money, GIVE money away, and one of his biggest points… DON’T borrow money!! Every Friday on his radio shows he allows callers to call in who have recently paid off all their debts (does not have to include mortgage) and they get to share their story and then SCREAM “We’re debt FREEEEE!!!” It’s SO fun to hear other people’s stories.
I could talk a long time about financial stuff and I don’t want to edify man too much, but truly, Dave is a super generous and kind man. He was very sweet to us when we met him and Martha got to tell us more about how much he GIVES to others. He gives a lot of money away to others and different ministries! Also, he has great family values. Every day, he locks his building doors at 5:30 and makes all of his employees (some 300 of them) go home to their families. He doesn’t want people working late. I, as a stay-at-home mom with a husband who goes to work every day, can really appreciate this!
Our personal experience with Dave: My husband I actually coordinated his “Financial Peace University” 13-week course at our church. It was a blast! We had a lot of FUN getting to know our small group and talking about financial topics with them. We also called in to his show over two years ago and did our debt-free scream! Now that was NEAT! I loan out his “Total Money Makeover” book often as I think it’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to improve their financial situation. Good stuff! The book’s worth buying by the way in case you’re wondering!
At its roots, the message of financial peace goes further than just finances. It’s all about having a SOLID marriage that glorifies God and that is unbreakable. And it’s TRULY all about giving God the glory, not just with our words, but with our life… our marriage, our children, our home, our things, our schedules, our food, and… our finances. The fact that someone as popular as Dave Ramsey points people to Christ in his business practice and on his radio show makes him my favorite go-to resource for financial questions of any sort.
Giveaway: If you’d like to win a copy of Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover,” leave a thoughtful comment. Winner will be chosen on May 31st, 2011!
From random.org, the number selected was number 1. So, Katee, you’re the winner! Congratulations!
Unconventional Homemaker 
Oh how much fun! What a good ministry to follow!! Your debt free story most definitely encourages me (and many others I’m sure)!
My husband and I took Financial Peace University several years ago and learned so much, but soon after we took the class we loaned our book to our neighbors, and they moved away and took our book with them. We’d love a chance to receive the book again! Thank you for sharing your very encouraging story with us. Congratulations on being debt-free!
I’d love to be entered! 🙂 First, I think that’s neat that you guys were able to actually meet him. But what I find really neat is what you said about him closing the doors at 5:30 and he and all his hundreds of employees go home to their families. That’s truly amazing in this day and age. There is always so much that needs to be done. I admire that about him. That’s something new I learned about him from your post. I knew he had awesome financial sense but I didn’t know that about his sense of family and priorities. That’s rare for someone with as successful as he is. Thanks for doing the giveaway, that’s awesome!
It’s awesome that you got to meet Dave Ramsey! I also would love to call and give a debt free scream on his show. Hopefully, we will be able to do so in the near future.
I used to listen to Dave Ramsey’s radio show when I was in college. Now his teachings are shaping the way my husband and I live.
Thanks to you, for introducing us to “The Total Money Makeover” I have been able to stay @ home where I belong to honor my family. Althought I did work on Saturdays & Sundays to help provide due to the “economy”, by using our money wisely & putting it to good use I have been able to STOP the Sundays! And as we continue our journey of debt snowballing Saturdays will be a thing of the past too! Dave Ramsey & The Total Money makeover has been a GOD send for our family & changed our lives!
I can’t wait until one day you can call Dave Ramsey and do your “debt free” scream, Michelle. You SO deserve a big celebration when you get there! You and your husband have been so DILIGENT!! Keep up the great work! Chugga chugga, chugga chugga, CHOO CHOO!!
We are at the very beginning of our freedom from debt process, and we live very close to Dave Ramsey’s studio (we’re in Nashville). His show has been a big inspiration to us, and so we’re starting the process very soon. We have student loan debt from my husband and me, credit card debt from the birth of our daughter (it carried over two insurance plan years, so the deductible reset!), and then a car payment. But I feel confident! Thank you for this lovely giveaway!
We are BIG Dave Ramsey Fans! We’ve taken Financial Peace University and listen to his radio program regularly and we have learned so much! Honestly, I don’t think we would be able to run a farm and make it work if we weren’t using Dave’s principles. Staying out of debt and doing things the old fashioned way has been a huge part in allowing my husband to stay out of corporate America and pursue his dream. Next step: Pay off the house. Cheeeeeetttttaaaaaaahhhhhh! =)
Great, GREAT giveaway, BTW!