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

2.0

I obsessively listen to Dave Ramsey's podcast and figured it was probably time I actually read TMM, since he brings it up a lot (as you would if you had built your empire on principles written out in a book you wrote). I had an Audible credit I didn't know what to do with, so I bought the audio version, since it's pretty much an elongated podcast-this might have been to the detriment of my enjoyment and "education" in the end. The audiobook is abridged and runs under four hours, so I have to assume that a lot was left out. Like, A LOT a lot. I enjoy the interaction on his show, where the advice he gives callers is personal and realistic, but it felt like I was being yelled at for almost four hours when I listened to the book. Very little new information was discussed, and the audience is assumed to be spending money as if they're heirs to the Vanderbilt fortune. I have to hope that the printed book takes more consideration towards the variety of people and their situations who might be seeking debt payoff and personal finance advice from him, but it doesn't seem likely.

I personally think that going to Ramsey's website and poking around a bit and then listening to a few podcasts will be enough to get you the basic understanding of what he says in TMM (and for free!). If I was starting from scratch and knew nothing about Dave Ramsey, starting here would be a good introduction to him, but he really comes off a lot better on his podcast.