Dave Ramsey is a popular financial guru known for doling out no-nonsense money advice. Since 1992, Ramsey has helped millions of people get out of debt and get right with their money.
While his advice works for many, not all of his wisdom is worth following. Here are some of Ramsey’s sketchiest tips for how to manage your money . You might want to think twice before putting these plans into action.
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Don't invest until you are debt-free
Ramsey really hates debt. He suggests followers get ahead financially by paying off any and all debt before contributing to their retirement plans.
Some experts have criticized this strategy, saying people who follow it might end up working well into their senior years due to a lack of retirement savings.
By waiting to invest, you rob yourself of time to watch your investments compound. You could be leaving a lot of money on the table for the satisfaction of not paying a few hundred dollars in credit card interest.
Obviously, you should pay off credit card bills and other debts if you can. But you shouldn’t ignore planning for your post-working years either.
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Choose a 15-year mortgage
While Ramsey is a big advocate of saving up until you can pay for things in cash, he does tolerate home mortgage debt.
However, he suggests home borrowers wait until they can make a down payment of at least 20%, and urges them to opt for a 15-year mortgage over a 30-year home loan.
Ramsey’s advice requires you to put a lot of money into a down payment and monthly mortgage payments. Many people can’t afford to buy a home this way.
Pay off your home as quickly as possible
Yes, not carrying debt is a reasonable and helpful goal. But Ramsey suggests that you should be life-poor in order to be house-rich.
Paying your mortgage in full should come before renovation projects, hobbies, family trips, or other nonessential activities, according to Ramsey. Few people can manage to live this lean.
If you love living frugal and hate debt as much as Ramsey does, maybe it could work. But for most people, the occasional modest vacation or round of public golf is good for the soul and helps you to relax, refresh, and be happier in life.
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Buy actively managed funds
Ramsey is a big believer in investing money in actively managed funds that deliver consistent returns year over year.
This sounds reasonable, but research has found that over time, passively managed funds that simply track the market outperform actively managed funds that try to beat the market.
Not only do actively managed funds not perform as well, but they also come with higher management fees.
Never use credit cards
This may be good advice for chronic overspenders, but a sweeping command of “thou shalt not use plastic” isn’t necessarily good advice for everyone.
Credit card overuse is a problem in America, with millions of consumers paying high-interest debt. However, those who manage cards responsibly can earn a host of great perks, such as cash back and free travel.
Also, some security experts note that paying for things with credit cards offers some valuable protections in disputes with merchants, and helps to protect you from losing money in instances of fraud.
Use the 'snowball' method of paying off debt
Many people swear by the “snowball” method, Ramsey’s triage process for attacking debts. With this approach, you pay off debts with the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on all other bills.
Then, as each new balance is paid off, you tackle the next-smallest debt using the same method until your slate is wiped clean.
Any approach is better than just ignoring the mounting bills. But using the snowball method isn’t usually the cheapest way to tackle credit card bills.
The alternate approach, called the avalanche method, instead focuses on paying off the most expensive (highest-interest) debt first. This approach can save you more money in the long run.
Still, many people prefer the snowball method. It gives you the powerful psychological boost of reducing the number of individual debts you carry, and can generate the feel-good enthusiasm you need to keep going.
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Don't support kids and grandkids
In a perfect world, Ramsey would be absolutely right: He insists parents and grandparents should not support young family members through loans or any sort of cash gifts.
Ramsey believes family relationships can be ruined when you bring money into the equation.
He’s not wrong. Money can ruin things. But this one-size-fits-all advice overlooks the realities of modern living.
With the soaring price of things such as homes and college tuition, many grown children require assistance to get ahead and reach a point of financial independence. This may come in the form of helping your child with college tuition or chipping in for the down payment on a house.
If parents and grandparents have the means to help and they want to do so, that is their right.
Draw down retirement funds at an 8% clip
Ramsey has some dubious advice on how to tap retirement funds. He suggests drawing down funds at an 8% clip, basing that advice on the belief that you can count on 12% annual growth for your retirement funds.
However, 12% is much higher than the stock market’s long-term growth rate of about 10% annually. You are better off working with a financial planner who can provide tailored guidance about when to make withdrawals and for what amount.
Bottom line
Some devoted followers credit Dave Ramsey with transforming their financial lives. Many Christians appreciate his Bible-based method of handling money.
But if that approach doesn’t resonate with you, there are many other financial experts you can consult, including a good financial advisor.
When you are ready to start investing , these experts can help you craft a plan that will hopefully help you to minimize debt and maximize returns.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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