Dave Ramsey Callers

[EconoMutt]

I enjoy listening to the Dave Ramsey show.....but, has anybody sat down and done the math on some of the callers claims?
Some of my friends said that they didn't think the callers are making valid claims. So I listened intensely today. A guy made a claim that he paid off $87,000 worth the debt in 12 months. His salary is $110,000.
I don't think he would have anything left by the time he pays Federal tax and FICO.
I just think there is a piece of the puzzle missing. I know I could never pay off even 1/2 that with that salary.

[terces]

unless the caller also sold stuff to minimize his debt

[Guest]

Yes, I've long thought many of the callers exaggerate their numbers, though yes it is possible for people to sell much of what they bought to help.

I'm on a Dave Ramsey hiatus right now. He has been really pushing his political and religious beliefs down the throat of his listeners. I would rather he just stick to the facts and answer people's questions.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Usually it includes a ton of selling things. Like two new cars and dumping $40k of debt in one day and borrowing instead $10k for a car. It does make sense to dump the huge car loans or sell the unaffordable house.

[buildmybudget]

He can come off a little strong in my opinion too...but overall I think he helps so many people that it's worth it. Even if those numbers are false he still gives hope to thousands of people who really need help righting the ship.

[Fizgig]

I listen to his podcasts, and hit fast forward when he goes into his ideological rants.

[Snodog]

I've noticed the exaggerations too.

Caller: We paid off $50,000 in 12 months on a $55,000 income.

Dave Ramsey: Thats incredible! You must have sold something?

Caller: Nope!

What did they do live off the land and pick berries?

[myrdale]

Apart from selling, they may have had money in the bank or had a rich aunt die.

I always get a kick out of the moron who calls in bragging about winning the lottery and how that solved all his debt problems.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

It's not possible without selling something or coming into a butt load of money. Also possible getting a second or third job for the family, but then the income is much higher than the suppposed $50k