The Total Money Makeover Workbook: Classic Edition: The Essential Companion for Applying the Book’s Principles

by Dave Ramsey

Do you want to build a budget that actually works for you? Are you ready to transform your relationship with money? Based on Dave Ramsey's New York Times best-selling book that has already helped millions of readers, this companion workbook will help you develop everyday money-saving and life-changing habits. Ready to apply everything you learned in The Total Money Makeover ? This essential companion workbook--packed with self-assessments and lined sections dedicated to note-taking--will give you the tools and the encouragement you need With inspiring real-life stories and thought-provoking questions for reflection, this workbook is the reset you've been searching for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Money, Business, Personal Finance, Personal Development

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2003

About the author

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s a #1 National bestselling author and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. Dave’s eight national bestselling books include The Total Money Makeover, Baby Steps Millionaires, and EntreLeadership. Since 1992, Dave has helped people take control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

Reviews

[Katie Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this has an overly Christian undertone...if you can get passed that, the financial advice is pretty sound. My husband and I are on Baby Step #2 and on our way to putting to rest our financial turmoil.

[Marrico Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read . . . if you care about improving your financial situation and staying out of debt. The principles are simple and Ramsey is direct. And the book is easy to read. Enjoy!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. All should read it and teach it to their children. I liked the book better than listening to the book on CD. Dave Ramsey himself reads the book on CD and I found him a little obnoxious in his tone and attitude.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one told me I didn’t have to get both the workbook and the main book, so I ended up reading them at the same time. Honestly, if you want to get down to it, the workbook is probably the better option. Work page templates are divided up into the chapters rather than at the back of the book, and you cut down on the amount of “waxing poetic” Dave does in the main book. Legit the same information though.

[Rhomy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book. It made some interesting key points, but overall it was not what I expected. I knew it dealt with debt but I expected something else besides that.
Nonetheless, I believe that indebted people could find it interesting and make good use of the exercises and tables it provides, especially to realize in which situation they are in and how to slowly reverse it.

[Kaitlyn Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice financial information

Nice finance book. Mostly didn't like how it was written. Emphasized how his method was a proven way to get debt free too much and talked about god way to much for my taste. But finance advice was on point through the book.

[Kyle Svenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel very motivated to work on my personal finances after reading this book. I highly recommend reading it if you want to learn about living debt free and not have the burden of finances constantly on your mind. I feel empowered to take care of my credit and make a proper budget for myself

[Melinda Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great companion book to Financial Peace University!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The workbook didn't give me any new knowledge. Took this book up to see how a financial book's workbook looks like. I really wish there was an indian cojnterpart to this.

[Maddy Jomha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that this book had a Christian approach. I feel like I’ve learned more about mutual funds for me and my husband as well as planning for retirement! Super useful information

[Karrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy is a classist turd.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great advice, but the tone of the advice can be a tad much at times. I will change many things about how I pursue financial goals in the near future from this book. Dave's debt snowball idea and his priority list for financial goals (baby steps), as well as his focus on staying debt free and avoiding finance charges and risk are all particularly salient pointers.

Much of the book, however, is filled with pop out quotations from other parts of the book and fluff testimonials telling how Dave helped them become millionaires in just a few short years. The whole thing could be condensed into a 45 page how-to manual, but if you skim the fluff, it only takes a couple of hours to read cover to cover. It's worth the time for anyone who wants to be financially secure and is willing to stay strong against consumerist temptations.

Wealthiness is next to godliness, right? At least if you live in Dave's world.

[Josi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book breaks down the steps to finding financial peace by getting out of debt. There are several steps, I'm on step 2 which is systematically paying off everything but the house. I've managed to pay off all debt other than one car, although another set of braces is right around the corner. I may not finish this step for another year, but I'm motivated! I love the success stories included in the book and Ramsey's philosophy of spiritual-emotional-temporal security by being in control of your money. I found this book through listening to the Dave Ramsey talk radio store--also a great investment of time.

[Tammy]

While I am still reading and learning, I can tell you right now that this book takes common sense and taps you on the shoulder with it and says "why don't you do this?" When faced with pretty straightforward financial advice, you may ask yourself why you didn't come up with this Total Money Makeover plan yourself. I know I am asking myself why I live the way I do, paying the bare minimum of my school loans off from month-to-month when I could probably afford at least a little more, if I cut the soy lattes and got my shoe addiction under control. The logic being, of course, that down the line, I would be able to afford to douse myself in soy lattes and buy all the shoes I want because I would be !GASP! out of debt. Uh, duh. Why didn't I think of that?

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with the Total Money Makeover. I expected there to be more help with completing a budget. There was none. He mentions using the sheets in the back of the book and that instructions are on them but gives no other explanation or help. I was also very frustrated that over half the book was about credit card debt. We have none. We still need a money makeover so we can learn to budget better and increase savings (start saving for retirement and kid's college) but I was left twiddling my thumbs and now need to read something else. I also got tired of the ridiculous metaphors to weight loss. One okay. Two I can deal. Three pushing it. Multiple references per chapter. I almost just put the book down.

[Emily Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for those in debt. I read this knowing I wasn’t in debt but more wanted more knowledge on my overall view of money. It was nice to hear other options of investment and where I can put money for our son for college. I also appreciated the different insight on how to stay out of debt and the ways in which we can pay off our house. This book is much more use go for people who are deep in debt and need an actual money makeover. I think people like myself and my wife who just needed some guidance on what to do with our money after debt it’s more of a reminder and tool for what’s life after debt. Overall great read for January and the start of a new year to get you motivated to be better with finances.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't spend a whole lot of time looking through this book, but from what I saw it's mostly for those who struggle with handling money, and for those who don't really know how to budget, and have a lot of debt. It looked like much of the same information that was in the actual Money Makeover book, it just had quizzes and budget sheets and things for you to fill out for your particular situation. We have lived on a strict budget for a long time, and I feel like we are pretty good with our money, so I really didn't feel like this book was for me. I gave it 4 stars because I felt like it could really help those who need it, it just wasn't something I needed.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Companion workbook to The Total Money Makeover book

I know that the information didn't really change from the book to this book, but there were exercises that I can work on and it would give me more of an insight to what my financials are now versus what they could be. It also goes those the seven baby steps, and gives you a few exercises to work on for that baby step. It's almost like helping you plan each baby step as you go along.

I recommend this to anyone who has already the The Total Money Makeover book, and looking for more insight and maybe even planning throughout the baby steps.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had heard of Dave and his 7 baby step process but didn't know that much. This book really laid it all out for me and helped me have an amazing plan for my future. I think if anyone has a chance they could read this because once you do, your life with be changed for the better. Dave is hilarious and I love the way he wrote this book. It is a blessing to my fiance and I, and it has really helped us. I can't wait for us to meet Dave someday!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated and I won’t take action on all the information, which is against his point, but I still think the book gives a solid foundation on how to get stable financially. If you have no idea what to do with your money, the plan described is better than nothing. It also gives a reality check about how heavily monthly payments are pushed and all the bad financial decisions that are commonplace in America. Heavily religious.

[Michele Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the better version of the Total Money Makeover because it involves the reader. The original book has similar content and some of other people's experiences but this one makes the reader thing about their personal finances and journey to financial freedom.

[Natasha MacQuarrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4.5 Stars. This book is very practical and easy to understand. Dave Ramsey doesn’t hold back. The debt crisis is our own fault but Dave doesn’t end it there he continues on and gives hope. You can overcome you debt but sacrifice is required. I highly recommend this book.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bridges of madison county is a couple of pics in the shower in my gallery and I have a couple of pics in the shower in my gallery and I have a couple of pics in the shower in my gallery and I have seen the pictures of the same and the kids are very welcome to come and pick up the dogs and help

[Rajesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while we came accross books which makes you uncomfortable. This is one such book.... Which forced me to really think for my personal finance goal. Super read... Read this to know why it's an game changer book. It will really do an Total Money Makeover. Thanks Dave

[Tyler Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone trying to get their money right. Dave starts off with a very personable yet callout type of approach. This book will truly cause you to gut check yourself and realign your priorities when it comes to financial fitness. Eager to start The Baby Steps.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Common sense stuff that is worth repeating. I especially like the zero dollar budget idea, or, give every dollar a job. Good stuff.

[Javatis Midget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transformed my financial life forever. I wasn't putting a dime away and was living check to check; after I read this book, I was inspired to do better for me and my family.

[Melanie Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I am in love with Dave Ramsey. He told me all the secrets on how to retire a millionaire and I plan on doing just that. Thanks Dave.

[Brian Cassada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Encouraging anecdotes and a proven process can help you achieve the financial goals that you have always dreamed about.

[Travis Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my family's lives. Thanks Dave