Dear Dave,
Your plan saved our lives. Why do you think some people are unwilling to listen to good advice and make changes in their finances?
– Tammi

Dear Tammi,
Thank you very much for all the kind words. I am truly proud of you both for the effort and hard work it takes to change your financial behaviors and take control of your money.

I think there are many reasons why some people refuse to make changes in their life, even when those changes would make things much better and easier for them. One of those things is often denial.

My dad used to tell me that 90% of solving a problem is realizing and admitting that a problem exists. I am convinced that one of the biggest factors that keep people from making money is that they don’t even realize they have a problem. If you’re apathetic because you think things like debt and living from paycheck to paycheck to paycheck are okay or just the way they are, you won’t want – or even be afraid – to do them. big changes needed to get big results. Debt is so ingrained in our culture that most Americans cannot imagine a car without payment, or a university without student loans. We’ve been so sold on the idea of ​​debt that most people don’t believe it’s possible to live without a pile of payments.

Moreover, the change is painful. Most people will not change until the pain of where they are is over the pain of the change. No matter who you are, your current financial situation is, in large part, the sum of the decisions you have made so far. If you don’t like where you are you have to recognize the fact that things have to change, you have to change.

Finally, there is an element of ignorance involved. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to be stupid or stupid. What I’m talking about is a simple lack of good information. Anyone can learn things if they simply admit that they don’t have all the answers and decide to study and educate themselves on a topic. If you’re not careful what you don’t know about money will get you broke and keep you broke!

Dave Ramsey is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by over 16 million listeners every week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992 Dave has been helping people take back control of their money, build wealth and improve their lives. He is also CEO of Ramsey Solutions.