A review by spcandybars
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

challenging hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

I honestly don’t think I actually want much more from this book. It’s definitely more of a “motivational talk” kind of style that makes it feel like it’s taking a long time to get to the content but I can’t really fault it because, in the end, the content is simple and the book is still short. It doesn’t truly drag unless you feel wholly uncomfortable with someone strongly expressing their faith (this man is an evangelical Christian and it shows lol). I feel like some may fault the true content, the 7 baby steps, for being simplistic but that’s actually something I found so appealing about the book. It gives baby steps and outlines that the goal of financial stability and eventually legitimate wealth are not something that can be achieved within a year - you’ll likely need at least 15 to 20 regardless of when you start. The simplicity of the snowball method is also terrifying but I can’t say I disagree with the logic. There could be more nuance, more case and mindset based adjustments to a financial plan, but in the end this book is for people who are tackling large consumer debt that really just need to get yelled at for a second so they can get their heads in the game (read: me). 

A note on the audio book:
there are places where he will just straight up yell during the narrative and it’s honestly delightful. His inflection and passionate speaking really make it feel like you’re getting a harsh one on one from that one uncle you go to for advice when you don’t want to talk to your parents. I’m aware that this can be misconstrued as sarcastic but I legitimately love this aspect