3 Reasons to Skip Dave Ramsey’s Advice (And What To Do Instead)

Over the past 7 years, I’ve created my net worth from the ground up, challenging some conventional financial wisdom along the way. While experts like Dave Ramsey advocate for a life almost entirely free of debt, with the exception of a mortgage, I have a different perspective on debt's role in wealth building.

Dubai, UAE - May 09, 2024: Close-up Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover book in the bookstore.Photo byhamdi bendali/Shutterstock.

To me, debt is not a burden but a powerful tool for wealth creation when used wisely. It can act as a lever to acquire valuable assets, like businesses or real estate, helping you reach financial independence much faster. However, this isn't a green light for reckless borrowing.

Learn to recognize the risks and always practice diligent debt management. Before leveraging debt, you should conduct a thorough assessment of your financial health, considering income stability, creditworthiness, and debt-to-income ratio. This way, you can determine whether debt is your lever towards wealth or a liability. Some of Ramsey’s advice, I believe, actually stops people from getting rich by fearing the strategic use of debt.

#1 Strategic Allocation Of Investments

When it comes to retirement savings, Ramsey suggests investing 15% of your income in tax-advantaged accounts, but there are limitations to consider. These caps can inadvertently extend the timeline to financial freedom. The future tax implications on withdrawals are uncertain because not retirement accounts grow tax free, as some are taxed at your income tax bracket which is likely to be higher in the future than today. Most traditional retirement accounts also have many limitations on what you can invest in which can force you into slower investment vehicles.

Instead, I champion the investment in oneself—focusing on becoming more skilled at high income earning positions such as marketing, sales or management. When you become a more valuable employee or asset to the marketplace, you get paid more which ultimately allows you to invest more helping you create financial freedom quicker.

#2 Rethink Investment Vehicles for Higher Returns

On the topic of investment vehicles, the safety of low-cost index funds is often highlighted due to their broad market exposure and lower risk compared to individual stocks.

However, if we acknowledge the truth about individual retirement accounts and the limitations of solely relying on them, coupled with the insight that nearly all billionaires have built their fortunes through equity in private companies, it becomes clear that aiming for something beyond index funds is crucial for those with ambitious financial goals.

In search of higher returns, I propose looking into private equity as an alternative. Know this about investing: if you have really big goals for yourself, you shouldn’t be throwing your money into slow vehicles; you should be going all in on yourself, and after that is exhausted then all in on a venture that can push you to the place that you really want to be.

Private equity provides a unique opportunity for significant growth and substantial returns, especially when compared to the more modest gains typically associated with traditional index funds.

Moreover, private equity allows investors to contribute to the growth and development of innovative companies and industries, leading to financial gain and a sense of personal achievement. It's an investment avenue that requires thorough research, some time investments and, ideally, guidance from financial professionals that have experience in private equity.

#3 Focused Effort vs. Diversified Income Sources

Investment wisdom typically suggests starting with a modest allocation and incrementally increasing it. However, the quicker you can increase your investment amount as a percentage of your income, the quicker you will allow compound interest to work for you and the quicker you will become financially independent.

As you continue to build more skills that pay you more, your goal should be to increase your investment percentage up to 50% of your income. When you do this, you dramatically increase the chance of complete financial freedom.

Concentrate on excelling in a single, high-potential role, instead of spreading yourself too thin with a bunch of jobs. When you are focusing on too many things, you often never become great at anything. People that become incredibly skilled in high income producing jobs will create much more wealth for themselves compared to the person that is balancing 3 lower level jobs.

Ramsey often suggests getting a second or third job. I believe it is more wise to focus on one thing that has uncapped earning potential and go all in on creating as much value in that position as possible. Negotiate bonuses or commissions based on your performance so you can have a quantum leap in your income in order to invest more back into yourself then other high growth investments.

Take Control of Your Finances

Overall, building wealth is a deeply personal endeavor, and the most effective strategies will be tailored to your unique circumstances and risk tolerance. Self awareness is crucial in deciding where to place your time, energy and money. But remember in order to achieve extraordinary wealth, you must do things out of the ordinary.

You simply cannot become exceptionally wealthy doing exactly what the average Joe does with his career and investments. Success leaves clues, so don’t hesitate to educate yourself and model after the world's richest people.There's no one perfect strategy that works for everyone. Therefore, find people that have what you want, educate yourself on their financial strategies and mimic what they do to the best of your ability.

About The Author:

Jeff Sekinger is a financial innovator and entrepreneur who has founded three influential firms: Nurp, 0 Percent, and Orca Capital, revolutionizing financial education, asset management, and Forex trading. Today, based in Miami, Florida, his work with these ventures is setting new industry standards and empowering entrepreneurs with strategies for financial independence and success.

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