When I initially started my family’s trek toward wealth, I was a follower of Dave Ramsey. I still think he is a good kick in the butt for people who repeat that garbage myth “Everyone in America has credit card debt. It is normal and OK.”
However, I’ve really outgrown him. I think he is wrong in his insistence that debt can never be used as a tool. But more importantly, I think he is psychologically and spiritually wrong to be so obsessively focused on debt. To really build wealth, you must be building toward something, not away from debt.
This quote summarizes my thoughts brilliantly well (italics mine):
It’s simple. Your field of focus determines what you find in life. Focus on opportunities and that’s what you find. Focus on obstacles and that’s what you find. I’m not saying that you don’t take care of problems. Of course, handle problems as they arise, in the present. But keep your eye on your goal, keep moving toward your target. Put your time and energy into creating what you want. When obstacles arise, handle them, then quickly refocus on your vision. You do not make your life about solving problems. You don’t spend all your time fighting fires. Those who do, move backward! You spend your time and energy in thought and deed, moving steadily forward, toward your goal.
–“Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” (T. Harv Eker)
Technorati Tags: eker, millionaire mind, millionairemind, debt, ramsey, dave ramsey, daveramsey
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I agree Ramsey should be a debt counselor more than a personal finance expert. He only focus on one topic.
I have read many PF books and there are some authors I agree with and some I don’t. I guess each one is different. So I just collect bits and pieces from each author and create what best works for me.