Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Faith and Finance

Home
Evangelical
Business, Finance and Religion
Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt

Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt

Last updated on: December 6, 2010 at 5:30 am by Tim

Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt 2010-12-06T05:30:22-05:00 Tim

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Book Review:

If you haven’t visited the site Stuff Christians Like, you should check it out immediately. (Well, try to curb your enthusiasm and finish this article first.) Jon Acuff is the mastermind behind the blog and book Stuff Christians Like and creates hilarious articles that cause you to think (or just plain laugh out loud).

Just this year, Acuff was recruited by Dave Ramsey to be a part of his team in Nashville. Through this merging of minds came the book Gazelles, Babysteps And 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt. Jon Acuff is responsible for writing this witty work and puts together an outstanding summary of Dave’s quips and sayings that we fans love to hear.

I’ve Read Dave’s Books…Why Do I Need a Summary of What Dave Says?

Well, I suppose you don’t actually NEED to buy this book, but if you’re looking for an enjoyable read and also a fun reminder of what Dave Ramsey instills to his fans, this book’s for you. You can even read it and give it to your brother for Christmas – I won’t say anything.

In all seriousness, Jon has a unique way of getting Dave’s points across quickly and adds his touch of hilarity to make the examples stick. If that doesn’t convince you to read his book, then the pre-chapter art should do the trick – each picture is hilarious.

Stuff I Liked About the Book

I think I laughed while reading every page of the book. Sometimes it was because of a joke, but most of the time it was because the examples were frighteningly personal. I won’t spoil the 37 Things that Jon writes about, but these few might strike a chord with you as well.

Hobbies Eat Money

Jon nailed this. With just the first paragraph, Jon successfully reminded me of how expensive hobbies beg to be dropped like they’re hot. From expensive guitars to that bicycle that cost as much as a used car, you can’t afford to take on these pricey hobbies.

Managing Money Arguments

Let’s face it, you’re going to argue about money with your spouse one of these days. The five pieces of advice Jon gives in this chapter will save you the embarrassment of pulling your foot out of your mouth. This chapter alone is worth $10! I mean, that’s like $2 for each of the five tips in this one chapter…a no brainer.

Generosity of ‘Future’ Me

How many times have you said or heard “When I’m out of debt I’ll give.” Or my favorite “I can’t wait until I’m rich so that I can give away a lot of money.” The idea of putting off giving until later is a dangerous habit. Budgeting to give while you’re getting out of debt is the best way to prepare to give like no one else.

Beware the Temptation to Do It Yourself

Maybe I enjoyed this section because I’m that guy who tries to save money by having my wife cut my hair. (It’s been 2 years so far and we’re still together…) Some things just aren’t worth the stress or risk of doing it yourself. Don’t pay any more stupid tax and know when to say no to a do-it-yourself project.

Does Dave Believe This Stuff?

Jon finished the book with a section called “Does Dave Believe This Stuff?” and it really summed up the book

perfectly. Dave Ramsey doesn’t tell us to pay for things with cash and eat rice and beans because he wants to watch us suffer – he’s lived financial mistakes and he’s living what he teaches because the principles work! I admire his company and the way Dave lives his life like no one else because it’s an inspiration for those out there who want to say that they too are “DEBT FREE!”

If you can’t tell from my summary, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to any Ramsey fan out there who wants a good laugh and great reminder of his teaching.

ALL

Book Reviews

Personal Finance

Previous Post

December 3, 2010

5 Powerful Hymns About Stewardship

Next Post

December 7, 2010 How to Steal a House: 25 Years of Free Rent

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category ALL Bible and Money Biblical Perspective Book Reviews Budgeting Business Corner Churches and Pastors Debt Encouraging Scriptures Entrepreneurship Faith and Economics Family and Money General Personal Finance Giving Inspirational Quotes Investing Making Money Other Personal Finance Retirement Reviews Round Up Saving Self-Improvement Taxes Uncategorized

Select a Month January 2019 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 November 2016 October 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 January 2015 November 2014 October 2014 August 2014 April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: James says that if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is blessed in what he does.

Select your answer to see how you score.

TRUE FALSE