Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt

Book Review: 

Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt

If you haven’t visited the site Stuff Christians Like, you should check it out immediately. (Well, try to curb your enthusiasm and finish this article first.) Jon Acuff is the mastermind behind the blog and book Stuff Christians Like and creates hilarious articles that cause you to think (or just plain laugh out loud).

Just this year, Acuff was recruited by Dave Ramsey to be a part of his team in Nashville. Through this merging of minds came the book Gazelles, Babysteps And 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt. Jon Acuff is responsible for writing this witty work and puts together an outstanding summary of Dave’s quips and sayings that we fans love to hear.

I’ve Read Dave’s Books…Why Do I Need a Summary of What Dave Says?

Well, I suppose you don’t actually NEED to buy this book, but if you’re looking for an enjoyable read and also a fun reminder of what Dave Ramsey instills to his fans, this book’s for you. You can even read it and give it to your brother for Christmas – I won’t say anything.

In all seriousness, Jon has a unique way of getting Dave’s points across quickly and adds his touch of hilarity to make the examples stick. If that doesn’t convince you to read his book, then the pre-chapter art should do the trick – each picture is hilarious.

Stuff I Liked About the Book

I think I laughed while reading every page of the book. Sometimes it was because of a joke, but most of the time it was because the examples were frighteningly personal. I won’t spoil the 37 Things that Jon writes about, but these few might strike a chord with you as well.

Hobbies Eat Money

Jon nailed this. With just the first paragraph, Jon successfully reminded me of how expensive hobbies beg to be dropped like they’re hot. From expensive guitars to that bicycle that cost as much as a used car, you can’t afford to take on these pricey hobbies.

Managing Money Arguments

Let’s face it, you’re going to argue about money with your spouse one of these days. The five pieces of advice Jon gives in this chapter will save you the embarrassment of pulling your foot out of your mouth. This chapter alone is worth $10! I mean, that’s like $2 for each of the five tips in this one chapter…a no brainer.

Generosity of ‘Future’ Me

How many times have you said or heard “When I’m out of debt I’ll give.” Or my favorite “I can’t wait until I’m rich so that I can give away a lot of money.” The idea of putting off giving until later is a dangerous habit. Budgeting to give while you’re getting out of debt is the best way to prepare to give like no one else.

Beware the Temptation to Do It Yourself

Maybe I enjoyed this section because I’m that guy who tries to save money by having my wife cut my hair. (It’s been 2 years so far and we’re still together…) Some things just aren’t worth the stress or risk of doing it yourself. Don’t pay any more stupid tax and know when to say no to a do-it-yourself project.

Does Dave Believe This Stuff?

Jon finished the book with a section called “Does Dave Believe This Stuff?” and it really summed up the book

perfectly. Dave Ramsey doesn’t tell us to pay for things with cash and eat rice and beans because he wants to watch us suffer – he’s lived financial mistakes and he’s living what he teaches because the principles work! I admire his company and the way Dave lives his life like no one else because it’s an inspiration for those out there who want to say that they too are “DEBT FREE!”

If you can’t tell from my summary, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to any Ramsey fan out there who wants a good laugh and great reminder of his teaching.