I wrote a review last month of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Live. Really, it was a big let-down.
I was a big Ramsey fan. I listened to his radio archives while at work probably 3-4 times a week. I found him witty, compassionate, and I even enjoyed his political rants. I didn't agree with everything, but I always enjoyed his show.
Since the Total Money Makeover Live, I haven't listened to his radio show. He lost his luster to me after I saw him in person. I sort of miss him.
I knew the live event would not be targeted at me. I knew it would be for the clueless, for the beginners, for the novices. That's why all the selling bothered me so much. Maybe people who sit mindlessly in front of their TV aren't bothered by 15 minutes of selling every hour, but I was. This was an expensive, paid event, and he just wanted more money. Left a very bad taste in my mouth.
All of the things that make Dave charming -- world-class, really -- on radio were gone. All that was left was a slick, repeatedly rehearsed, corporate Power Point from a soap box about how bad "they" are and all of the fine Dave products you could buy.
The compassion, the spontaneity of Ramsey on radio was all gone. All that was left was bitter, self-righteous whining, condescension, and snake oil. This wasn't the Dave Ramsey I knew. And now I feel like I was not seeing his true colors all along.
It's really kind of sad. Like I said, I really liked Dave Ramsey, and I'm grateful he convinced me to generally live without debt. Maybe it's just time to move on.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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7 comments:
This reminds me of a tongue-and-cheek sticker that Cartoon Network sent a former co-worker of mine after he bought a DVD set of "Aqua Teen Hunger Force". The sticker said, "Why watch for free when you can pay?" But you make a very good point -- if you're the type of person that will benefit from Dave Ramsey's advice, you probably shouldn't be paying to go see his live events. Borrow his book from the library, go to his website and listen to his radio show... for free.
I felt exactly the same way when I first saw Clark Howard. Listening to him on the radio hasn't been the same since...
One it sounds like you've outgrown him, he was what you needed at one point in your life but now he no longer speaks to you. The hard sell would leave a bad taste in my mouth too, I hate infomercials. It sounds like one of those free seminars where they make money selling you products, only you paid for the priviledge!
I agree with Miss M. You've outgrown him, and learned all you could.
Time to move on! :)
I'm on to Warren Buffet and other Fortune 500'ers right now.
Fabulously Broke in the City
"Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver."
The relationship is over. You're just not that into him anymore, and that's okay. Like Fab says, time to upgrade - the best way to get over the old is to move on to the new :)
I hear you. We listened to DR for about a month via podcasts, and I think I'm a little burned out on him too. Thanks for the heads-up about the live show. Sounds like a big letdown.
"I knew it would be for the clueless, for the beginners, for the novices."
same here, I have graduated from the Dave phenomenon.
He is a big Capitalist!
If you were to buy everything he suggest you will be deep in debt.
I see why he is rich and his followers are poor.
I'm sure his success rate is low. many may get out of debt, but not stay out. He is worst than the Shopping Centers.
His books and products are flaky. He was even selling $3 keychains on his site
So desperate
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