Credit Debt Cures - Where do I begin with Dave Ramsey?

Where do I begin with Dave Ramsey?

I see that several responders have whole-heartedly recommended Dave Ramsey's program. I went to his website and am now overwhelmed! I am seriously in debt, constantly juggling just to make it from one paycheck to the next. I work full time 6 days a week, parttime 3 days a week and am exhausted. Where do I begin? With the classes or can I do one of the comprehensive home study programs? I already feel like I don't live at my house, just sleep there. Do I have to attend classes or can I do it on my own?

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The key is to find a job where you make enough money to only work an specific amount of hours. I know its not easy to find work, usually need a degree or some knowledge but you would be very surprised what is out there. Working for a call center might bring you close to $18-20 per hour. Also depends on your lifestyle. Whats your expenses? You need a whole sit down analaysis with a finacial planner.
Good for you for being willing to make the effort--especially with your busy schedule! If I were you I would take your free afternoon and spend it at the bookstore where you can read Dave's book. It's an easy read--I haven't bought it but I read most of it in an hour at the bookstore. That way you can see where you stand personally and get the total idea of the program without spending a ton of money on a "system" or "kit." Dave is great, but those financial guru's websites are often just ways to sell products and get people on newsletter lists. The only way to really get the info is to read the book--they're not giving it away for free on the website.
You can do it on your own, I've read Dave Ramsey and he has some great ideas. He usually recommends this method: Write down a total of how much you make each week, decide how much you can afford to spend on bills weekly ($100, example) Make a list of all your bills, smallest to largest. If you have ten bills, send each one $10 per week. Once the smallest bill is paid off, add that $10 to the next largest so that payment is $20. Continue in that way with each, so that the last and largest is getting $100 each time. Set up a time each week to do your bills so they arrive to your creditor on time. It's important to keep in contact with your creditors, call them and let them know you'll send small but regular payments. Most times, if you stick to your word, they won't complain. (Any questions, you can send me a message. I'm good with bills and budgets, etc.)
I too have read the Dave Ramsey financial stuff. He has a list of "baby steps" that would be helpful to you. It goes something like this: 1. Get current with your debts 2. Make minimum debt payments until you get $1,000 in an account 3. Pay off your debts (pay the smallest debt off first)
There is an article below that may help you. It broadly outlines all the steps one can take regarding personal finance matters. Good luck,
You asked do you have to take the classes. No, but I do suggest you buy The Total Money Makeover and possibly the new software to help you set up your budget (if you like doing stuff on computers). I suggest you purchase the book so you can refer back to it. If you read it in the bookstore or check it out from the library you don't have it as reference. We have been doing his plan for 1 1/2 years and I still refer back to it when we are debating with each other about what to do. Look at his specials for the best prices. (prices vary depending on his special for the week or month) I would go with The Total Money Makeover & software (if you like computers) (About $40) If you don't want to use a computer to do your budget, start with just the book (about $15) For a little more information (with videos, which will help) purchase the Starter Special. (about $50) You can always take the FPU class (which is great) later when you aren't so overwelmed.
If you can listen to his radio show locally or online that is a good place to start. He will tell you all the baby steps for free over the air. If you like what you here you can buy the Total Money Makeover. It is all common sense and basically wants you to live on what you make. Act you Wage as Dave says. It is not easy but once you get your debt paid off and have an emergency fund over 10k you will really feel secure. His old book is called Financial Peace because that is what you will have after doing his program.
I love Dave Ramsey, and I can see how his website could be a bit overwhelming. I think the best thing you can do to start out is to read his book The Total Money Makeover. It gives a great overview of his program and beliefs, and is a great start. My husband and I call it a life changing book. We have read the book, and I listen to his show almost daily to keep me motivated. If you are truly ready to take this on, I think those 2 things can help a lot. If you live in an area where he has a live event happening soon, you should try to go. I've heard the events are great, though I've not been able to go to one as he hasn't come up here. I do hope you take the steps to get on your way using this program. It's helping us sooo much, and I want others to find this wonderful, common sense plan. Good luck with it!