by Starla Ross

Created on: December 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

The book "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey has spent some time on the New York Times Best Seller's List. And for good reason. It's an outstanding book geared toward real people, with real lives, and real money issues.

There many books written on personal finance, but "The Total Money Makeover" is probably one of the easiest books to read, understand, and actually use. And that's the beauty of this book -its simplicity. Ramsey lays out step-by-step how to start turning your personal finances from a jumbled-up disaster to complete order, and he shows you how to start today. It doesn't matter how much money you make, how behind you are on your bills, or where you live. This program applies to everyone.

"The Total Money Makeover" takes you through six simple "baby" steps ranging from saving money for emergencies to college and retirement planning.

The guts of the program however focus on getting debt-free and staying debt-free. Ramsey concentrates on intensity and how focus can make things happen (and happen fast) in your personal finances. An advocate of hard work, Ramsey may motivate you to work an additional two or three jobs a week after reading his book. He may even inspire you to sell your fancy car (with your fancy car payment) and drive a "junker." And don't be surprised if you become a master of Craig's List and Ebay when he convinces you to sell all the extra stuff you have lying around.

There are absolutely no expenses required to work "The Total Money Makever." Some programs require you to buy special software or supplies. All that's required to work your own personal plan is a piece of paper, a pencil, and possibly a calculator. Because the book has been so popular, "The Total Money Makeover" is on most library shelves, so it's not even a requirement that you buy the book.

The book is filled with numerous testimonials from people who have been successful with the makeover program. Ranging from teenagers to retirees, each makeover graduate spells out how they applied the program to their own lives and the steps they took to get there.

Most inspirational, however, is Ramsey's personal testimonial. Many years ago, Ramsey became a millionaire through real estate investments. His investments were based on a mountain of mortgage debt, which eventually came crashing down, causing him to lose everything. He slowly dug himself out of personal financial ruin to become a millionaire again for the second time.

Ramsey is not someone who says "do as I say, but not as I do." He truly practices what he preaches. Even his business, which includes a staff of over 200 people, has remained debt-free.

In an economic climate filled with commercialism and debt, this book is a simple solution to many real financial problems.

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