I’m a Dave Ramsey Disciple: How His Financial Principles Made Me Wealthy
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Joe Evans
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Dave Ramsey has mentored millions down the path of financial freedom through his no-nonsense money teachings. His straight-shooting advice strikes a chord — avoid debt like the plague, build an emergency fund and pursue wealth with tenacious discipline. For some businesspeople, Ramsey’s radical responsibility resonated so strongly that it transformed their entire mindset and approach.
GOBankingRates talked to two experts who went all-in on Dave’s way and reaped immense rewards:
The Power of a Debt-Free Mindset
Brian Kroeker, president of e-commerce print store Little Rock Printing, says discovering Ramsey’s debt-free philosophies was a total game-changer.
“Discovering Dave’s approach during the early days of my business was a turning point,” Kroeker shared. “His emphasis on avoiding debt resonated with me deeply, influencing how I approached both personal finances and business expenditures.”
While most startups load up on loans for rapid growth, Kroeker took a different track.
“Starting with a modest setup and limited resources, Ramsey’s principles guided me to prioritize cash-based operations and reinvest profits to fuel growth,” he said.
This allowed Little Rock Printing to grow steadily without debt dragging them down, even during recessions.
“This approach not only sustained our operations during tough economic times but also allowed us to scale without the burden of debt.”
The anti-debt mindset wasn’t just about numbers – it bred a culture of true fiscal discipline.
“Following a debt-free path hasn’t just been about fiscal management; it’s shaped our company culture, emphasizing responsibility, sustainability, and long-term planning,” Kroeker shared.
The Lean Operation Payoff
Rather than wildly expanding, Kroeker stuck to Ramsey’s playbook of incremental, manageable growth.
“While many startups chase rapid expansion through loans and investor funding, we focused on incremental growth and solidifying our market position organically, which has been crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring long-term success,” he said.
Even now as an established business, Little Rock Printing stays hyper cost-conscious thanks to Ramsey’s influence.
“I continue to apply Dave’s teachings by maintaining a lean operation and avoiding unnecessary expenses,” said Kroeker. Every expenditure aims for maximum ROI. “This discipline extends to our strategic decisions, where we opt for investments that promise tangible returns, reinforcing the financial health of the business.”
The Importance of an Emergency Fund
Fellow financial pro Jocelyn Black agrees with Dave’s emergency fund edict, despite not being a “disciple” overall. The Senior Wealth Advisor at Better Money Decisions shared, “Having 3-6 months saved in an emergency fund is probably the one I preach the most.”
Having this cushion is key to staying afloat during leaner times – something Ramsey preaches and which his disciples benefit from.
The Importance of Multiple Perspectives
While giving props to Ramsey’s financial know-how, Black advises balance.
“I am not a Dave Ramsey disciple, but respect his guidance, marketing prowess and devoted following,” she shared.
Her main caveat? Don’t blindly accept any single guru’s teachings as gospel for your unique situation.
“I would suggest readers always consult multiple sources and advisors, especially when it comes to personalized financial advice – rather than accepting ‘blanket’ opinions as the only way or most appropriate for them.”
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