The Total Money Makeover Updated and Expanded: A Proven Plan for Financial Peace

Written by Dave Ramsey

Narrated by Dave Ramsey

Read by the author.

Do you want to build a budget that actually works for you? Are you ready to transform your relationship with money? This New York Times bestseller has already helped millions of people just like you learn how to develop everyday money-saving habits with the help of America's favorite personal finance expert, Dave Ramsey.

By now, you've already heard all of the nutty get-rich-quick schemes and the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of quirky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. If you're tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, Dave is here to provide practical, long-term help. The Total Money Makeover is the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely changing your finances. And, best of all, these principles are based on results, not pie-in-the-sky fantasies. This is the financial reset you've been looking for.

The Total Money Makeover Updated and Expanded will give you the tools and the encouragement you need to:

• Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt--from your cars to your home and everything in between using the debt snowball method
• Break bad habits and make lasting changes when it comes to your relationship with money
• Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths
• Set aside enough money to pay for unexpected expenses and emergencies
• Save enough money for your retirement
• Live like no one else, so later you can LIVE (and GIVE) like no one else!

 

This new edition of The Total Money Makeover Updated and Expanded includes new content that will help you tackle marriage conflict, college debt, and so much more.

Testimonies, QR codes, and useful information can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: May 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9781400342549

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for the company, Ramsey Solutions.

Reviews for The Total Money Makeover Updated and Expanded

[koralis-426659 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read this on and off for the last couple of months. Finally finished it today. I definitely took some notes while reading, like the budget envelope and snow ball effect.

My only issue was that a lot of these people used as examples were either married or were well off from the get go. Not everyone’s life is cut and dry. My mother raised my sister and I alone and couldn’t deposit money into her 401k. She just know is starting one at 46 years old.

I have 4K worth of credit card debt that I’m trying to pay off by March 2021. Hoping the tips I learned from this book help.

[sunnydrk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book is motivating with the stories. However, if you don't know anything about Dave Ramsey's baby steps, this book can be confusing. It is not laid out in a manner that is concise. Dave rambles a lot, which is fine if you are already familiar with his plan but, not if you aren't. While familiar with his plan, I had more expectations for this book.

[lvstrongpuff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book. This is the kick in the butt I need to fix my debt. I am excited and scared to get started.

[tgraettinger_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very solid, practical advice on how to steer your financial ship.

[trile1000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sound, solid advice for those who struggle with debt and "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. Perhaps not as advanced or comprehensive as some other financial planning and wealth building books but a great introduction to how to get started with getting your money under control.

[hgbutchwalker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy to read and very practical. Harder to do, but then everything worth doing is. Everyone should read this, even if you're not in financial trouble. Watch out, though, that you don't get caught up in treasuring the things of this earth. Ultimately, our treasure is in heaven

[kristymk18-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My brother gave me this book after he read it and it inspired him to make changes in his financial life. I have debt, but I never considered it a big deal because I thought "everyone has debt, it's a part of life." However, it does cause stress and stop me from doing things I wish I could. After reading The Total Money Makeover I have a clear concise plan and am excited to tackle my debt, build my savings, and start my retirement fund.

[theindigoquill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The other editions and the Financial Peace University kit I purchased myself.

See full review at theindigoquill . blogspot . com

Debt. It's a dirty, disgusting, embarrassing four-letter word. A lot of us journey through high school graduation and immediately jump into the Student Loan pool, swim through the waves of credit cards and get caught in the undertow of financial crisis. Then we find ourselves stranded on an island, surrounded by the sea of debt, wondering how and when we got there. The next question is, how do we avoid reenacting Tom Hank's legendary role in Castaway and escape before we grow a foot-long beard and become BFFs with a volleyball? Thank your lucky-stars, because Dave Ramsey has given us his version of Financial Soundness for Dummies.

When I discovered that Dave Ramsey was releasing a new edition of his Total Money Makeover, I knew I had to review it. I am a strong believer in this system. I am a student who works full time and has jumped on the Debt Wagon. I was introduced to Dave Ramsey when the leaders of my Life Group gave me his original Total Money Makeover and later enrolled in his Financial Peace University. So far, it has aided in compartmentalizing my debt and establishing a cushion and plan to invest in my future with cold, hard cash.

Dave lays the foundation of his method with 7 steps he refers to as "baby steps." These steps are:

$1,000 to start an Emergency Fund.
Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3 to 6 months of expenses in savings
Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
College funding for children
Pay off home early
Build wealth and give!
Some of these steps may seem unattainable or irrelevant. However, they can be adjusted to your lifestyle. There are many who have experienced success due to the simplification of these ideas through Dave's philosophy.

I think Dave's Total Money Makeover is a GREAT resource. It's the perfect present for newlyweds, a launchpad for college Freshman, and the family recipe that can be passed along for generations. To those who are already well established, it may seem redundant or inconsequential, but it is quite the handy treasure for those searching for the method to the madness. I would recommend referring to DaveRamsey.com for several resources, including budget sheets, webinars, and other great resources to gain more control over your finances and teach your kids to do the same.

I definitely recommend this book and utilizing what Dave has to offer. You will not regret it!

[engpunk77 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow! This has actually changed my life more than anything... I'm finally in control of my finances, TOTALLY. No more worries. I've been on the plan and taking care of things for 2 years now, and I can't imagine ever going back to financial chaos. I'm choosing financial independence!

Recommended to anyone who....has money, uses money, or needs money.

[hredwards · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book should be handed out to everyone at coming of age. Perfect common sense guide to finances.

[wareagle78 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can easily make this review sound full of quasi-religious fervor, although I will try to hold myself back. This book has been in my hands for about a year, sitting by my favorite chair, ignored. I'm not sure why I picked it up early this week out of the many choices I had, but apparently the time was right for it to make sense and change my approach to money.Listen, there is nothing new here. Budget, have an emergency buffer, pay off your debts, invest. I mean, you knew all this, right? Certainly I did, at least intellectually, Somehow Dave made it all seem possible. Not easy,, but possible. Lots of personal stories, both his own and from others who have used his program, enforced the "yes you can" message. I know I feel more comfortable with a new, reasonable budget in place, and no longer have to guess when the inevitable "can we afford to..." question arises. I hope that if I re-read this review in a year, I still feel as passionate.

[capiam1234 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Must admit Mr. Ramsey's book including the inserted stories are inspiring. Or rather they speak to the heart of the problem in such a way that you can't help feel ready to go after reading this.

[kissmeimgone · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't recommend this book enough. Usually whenever someone mentions reading a financial book the first thought I think of is "boring." However, Dave Ramsey's book is a "light" but intelligible read with good insight on how to get out of debt efficiently and how to invest properly in order for you to be able to later on have fun guilt free, invest, and give back to those you need it. Without Dave Ramsey's book, my husband and I would probably still be struggling to make sense of which debt to pay first and wondering where our money went. Once again, I definitely recommend this book. It works!

[rumurphy-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great ideas for beating financial psychology. Simplistic if you are rational and are immune to psychological / emotional forces. Think this is a GREAT first book to get you on your feet and can get more sophisticated books once you are ready.

[simple7life · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dave Ramsey's down to earth, no-nonsense approach to personal finance is unique in the credit-crave American society. To follow his "Total Money Makeover" needs a strong mind and deep commitment, which are some the elements needed for someone who are in adverse financial shape. But financial fitness is not just for those who "screwed up" already; in fact, I would recommend anyone at college level (at their late teens and early twenties) learn how to handle their personal finance BEFORE they run into any major crises.This audio book is read by the author. Although the content is solid throughout, at times I feel the "tone" of delivery is a bit harsh. Also, this book seems to deal with the knowledge or principles level, but lacks a more hands-on guidance. Yet, I do agree that if one understands the foundational principles of personal finance (or financial fitness), the hands-on, step-by-step stage would come a lot easier.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Some really helpful tips. It's encouraging to hear stories about others overcoming their debt. It definitely inspired me to tackle a few things in my own life using Ramsey's plan.  

[dukefan86 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dave Ramsey takes a pretty no-nonsense approach to money and debt, and I like it!

[mhairimclynn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dave Ramsey presents a straight-forward, tough-to-follow financial path to security and success with money. Not everything he says will apply to you (yet, or ever), but pursuing the 7 Baby Steps to Financial Peace can't hurt. His writing (and speaking) style is common-sensical, frank and conservative Evangelical. The Bible verses are a way to motivate those who are interested, but if you're in the least offended by "preachy" Christianity, you might just want to go to Dave's website and look at the Get Started page. Frankly, all of the Baby Steps are listed on his website, free of charge. However, certain finer points of each step as well as success stories to motivate you, can be found in The Total Money Makeover. Good roadmap; just be prepared to adjust the steps to your life situation (a dorm-dwelling college student won't have the same problems as a single mom with 2 children).

[debs4jc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ramsey takes you through his steps to financial freedom with down to earth advice on things like how to handle debt collectors and how to raise the money to establish an emergency fund. It is very practical and I like the way it is organized better than Financial Peace. Get it, follow it with "gazelle like intensity", and change your life for the better!

[greg_nickerson_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Inspiring. The best personal finance book I have ever read. Clear advice and stories from people who have made the mistakes with money you did or are doing right now. Dave spells out the issues that cause you to be normal, meaning broke. The car section alone is worth the money for the book price. Forget Suze Orman, and Robert Kiyosaki. Dave does a better job at getting you on the path to financial wisdom and wealth.

[rizeandshine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, I've read the book, but I certainly haven't gone through all the steps yet. Dave has some very sound advice that sounds a lot like my Grandfather. Live within your means, pay cash for everything, save for a rainy day, etc. but with a bit more of a plan to it all for those of us who have already gotten into some kind of debt. ;-) I just bought a new, energy efficient car in October. According to Dave I should sell it and get rid of that debt right away, but I can't help thinking that it was still a good purchase, even if I shouldn't have bought it new. I have a o% loan, service milestones are free and I can go twice as long without filling up as I did with my last car. Since the car is virtually the only debt I have I'm thinking I may just suck it up and try to pay off the loan as quickly as possible. We'll see if I can still "run with the intensity of a gazelle" while keeping the car to get around.

[daniel5estes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you are in financial debt, and need a boost digging out of the hole, then The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is an excellent starting point. As Ramsey points out though the choice to start down the path to being debt free is up to you. He provides the plan and you provide the initiative.His delivery is that of a stern coach, much like his radio show, which I found slightly off-putting. Only slightly though because his advice is much-needed. Dave Ramsey has helped countless people and inspired many more. I hope this book finds its way to others who need it still.

[krystalsbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was great. I read it in one day. I can't wait to complete the activities and start off the new year on the right foot.

[chrisofthehagens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I give a five star rating for life changing helpfulness. We let ourselves slip into thousands of dollars of credit card debt and following Ramsey's plan got us out of debt within a year or so, while at the same time taking a pay cut. We are still following his plan getting ready to pay off a second mortgage and build up a 3 month emergency fund. My business coach originally recommended the book to me - it's great!

[david7466 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretty good advice, but a little too "folksy" for me at times. Just as weight management is all about calories in vs calories out, debt management is all about spend vs income. We all have to get real about how much we spend, it can be crazy when you think about it. How much do we spend on cell phone bills and cable bills and eating out and transportation and entertainment? Take inventory and give up what you can.

[m4wilson55 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Informative and practical.

[mdbstitch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book changed my life and will eventually change my family tree. It is the single best gift I have ever received, because it keeps on giving, month after month, year after year. In today's uncertain economic times, Dave's plan seems even more applicable and more comforting to those of us trying to take control of our finances and "act our wage" for maybe the first time in our lives. Simple in theory, but transformative in practice, this book gives the reader everything he or she needs to learn how to win the game of personal finance.

[ps91family · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dave Ramsey knows how to talk to hard-headed Americans about changing their finances from the inside out. He first deals with the underlying attitudes and "demons" that many people battle. Then he tackles the key underlying financial principles that we need to also understand. Everyone needs to read this book and read it to/with their children, so that the next generation can do a better job than we have done.

[kristenn_43 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I recently asked friends and coworkers for advice on personal finance guides and this one came up several times. Some very solid advice. But it was a bit of a slog because it wasn't really written for me. I'm trying to be proactive rather than already being in an emergency situation. The first half debunks a lot of money myths that I have trouble believing many people fall for in the first place, although some of that may just be his awkward wording, especially when he goes for metaphors. And in what part of the country are people mocked for avoiding debt? The Debt Snowball makes a lot of sense, although I couldn't figure out the tracking form. I'm sure there are filled-out examples online that make it clear, but it would have been nice to see one in the book. He's good about regularly reminding readers that this book is not the only one they need and what topics still need to be covered elsewhere. And no arguments with the 'college myths' chapter. Many segments of the population who won't feel this speaks to them and their situation (there's very little diversity in the success story example families), but I found pieces I can use.

[nita1112_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book to help someone get control of debt and finances.