Think about what your WHY is. What is your purpose in this world and how can you be of positive influence to you and all those around you? Remember, life is about good relationships. Do not be complacent, make the outward reach and be the difference. Live a life that inspires others to be the best they can be.
Recently I received an email from a website I follow and it caught my attention. The title was “Why (Not) Dave Ramsey?” Here is a link to the full article: Why (Not) Dave Ramsey?
The author has three reasons they gave as to why they would not recommend Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University as a resource to learn how to manage your money. Here is my 2 cents to why I would amicably disagree:
Note: All reason headings are credited to Stewardship Financial Counsel
To dismiss someone’s advice based on the fact that they do not have educational experience in the subject is short-sighted. Let’s see: Michael Dell, Founder of Dell Computers a former pre-med student, dropped out of the University of Texas during his sophomore year to found Dell Computers. Steve Jobs: no need for introduction, also a college drop out. I bet you use one of their products. How did you get to trust them?
Obtaining a degree or credentials in Personal Finance does not guarantee being the subject matter expert. It gives you a backbone of where to start. Experience most times is the best teacher.
“Personal finance is only 20% head knowledge. It’s 80% behavior!” – Dave Ramsey
Finally, get the facts right! Dave Ramsey was a 1982 graduate of the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Finance and Real Estate. Dave also has years of experience that you can not ignore. Like he say’s, “Finances 80% behavior and 20% head knowledge”.
No one is chained to the rock and forced to use the “Endorsed Local Providers”. It is ironic how the author talks about the Endorsed Local Providers buy a spot to which Dave is the beneficially. Come On! Any business just like your website endorses some product to which you will benefit. Are my wrong? Business is about creating relationships as well as making the math right for your profits and part of that may require endorsing other business that aligns with your mission. That is why Dave has a team that finds and approves the “Endorsed Local Providers”.
I personally have used these Endorsed Local Providers and have learned a lot about finances that most Finacial adviser would not have shared that knowledge with me. Dave recommends advisers with the heart of a teacher so that you the individual gets to learn what your money is doing and not just leave it to the professionals. Whether recommended by Dave or not that is what a personal financial adviser should be doing. The advantage of using an Endorsed Local Providers ensures that one has a starting point to learn about finances.
The author concludes with this reason I quote, ” It’s not my place to judge a person’s heart or the level of their conviction as a follower of Jesus.”
Then do not. The personal tweets pointed to, is two people disagreeing on a financial approach. Nothing that screams unChristian. The fruits of the spirits work in mystical ways and I believe Dave is doing the best he can to help people handle God’s finances. As we well know nothing on earth is ours, we are merely stewards taking care of it. Does he fall short in his words or actions? You bet! But that is human nature and we shall always fall short, but we get up every day trying to live our Christian values as best as we can.
Agree or disagree, at the end of the day, the decision is yours to make. I personally do not see anything that screams Dave is misleading people, but rather sharing with people and trying to help them with their personal finances. Dave definitely imparts some common sense. As I like to say, “Common sense is not common”. We, humans, are creatures of habit and sometimes it is hard to break bad habits especially when it comes to money. Here is a verse from the bible to contemplate: (Romans 12:2 NIV)
World Mental Health Day and frankly, I believe every day should be just that.
I’ve worked really, really hard on my mental health over the past four years. I still have days when I battle some pretty gnarly demons, including the day I took this photo. About a week ago, something shook me to my core. Sometimes when I’m triggered, I’m able to have a moment of crying and screaming and then life goes on. Other times, the demons like to stick around for a bit. I took this photo within the past week for a slideshow for This is My Brave. Y’all, I struggled so hard to take it. On the outside, I’m smiling, but it feels like I’m dying on the inside.
But what I wrote on that piece of paper is true. Sharing my story has been SO incredibly healing for me and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for that. But the part I struggle to share is when I’m in that dark place. It’s so much easier to share about what I went through versus what I’m going through. I’m trying to change that.
So, hi. Coming at you from smack dab in the middle of the darkness.👋
I share to let others know they’re not alone.
I share to let others know that the fight is totally worth it.
Because I know I’ll get back to the light one day.
And so will you.
For now, I’ll oil up, take a lot of baths, journal, be honest with my counselor, try not to eat too much junk food, take a walk, pray, and keep fighting the good fight.
For all of you fighting your own battles, be patient with yourself. If you broke a bone, it would be physically impossible to heal overnight. Give yourself the time you need to heal.
You are loved, friends. 
<3
There are times when words are not enough. This organization is down to earth and they are making a difference in Ghana.
I grew up in another country in Africa, I know what it means not to have water access. I benefit nothing from having another country get access but it’s not about me but those who do not have access to water in Africa and the world as a whole. So, Make a difference and give Water! #Africa #Waterislife
Take action: Water Access Now