Abandon Nest

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace is a great book with practical and practicable lessons that will help you develop as a master of your own financial destiny.

I was lent Financial Peace by my manager. In addition to being an engineer, he doubles as a financial counselor for members of his community, so I figured the book would be worth checking out. As soon as I was through the first chapter my suspicions had been confirmed. This was a great book that deserves to be read by anyone who is either just starting out with financial management or has encountered unexpected financial hardships.

The best thing about Financial Peace is the ease with which it can be read. The typeface used is large and the tone of the book is mostly conversational. You’re never commanded or assaulted by the author. Rather, you’re given suggestions and advice, as from a good friend. The book has a human touch that is rather devoid from most financial pieces.

My favorite part comes in the last instructional chapter. In it, Dave Ramsey lays out a series of “baby steps” that can be used to secure your financial well-being. There are 7 steps in all. They begin with saving for an emergency fund and end with real wealth building. The way that they are laid out makes perfect sense and I agree with the order completely.

There are a few things that may turn readers off. First, this book may just be too simplistic for you. If you’re looking for something that will help you keep up with financial sophisticates, Financial Peace isn’t it. Second, the author is very spiritual throughout the work. If you’ll be bothered by frequent mentions of Christianity and spiritualism mixed in with your financial advice, then you should probably stay away.

In all, I highly recommend Financial Peace. I have not read a financial piece with so much heart where the author comes across so well. If you’re looking for some real advice for real people, this book provides it. You should be able to read it in one night if you’re really motivated, so get it from Amazon.com or your local library and get started.