Gazelles, Baby Steps & 37 Other Things: Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt

by Jon Acuff

Jon Acuff's hilarious thoughts on all things "Dave Ramsey." Perfect for the Dave fan who has everything, or the person who wants to laugh about money while on their journey to financial peace.

* Do your former credit card companies stalk you like a deranged ex-girlfriend? Page 45.
* Do you need to baby-proof your home against 27-year-old kids trying to move into your basement? Page 19.
* Have you ever made the basket walk of shame? Page 173.
* Was your biggest question throughout Financial Peace University “How many blue shirts does Dave actually own?” Page 13.

Dave's Thoughts:

Too often, our money problems grow into some kind of monster hiding in the closet, growing bigger and badder and scarier every day that we keep them hidden. But if we want to change the behaviors that get us into trouble, we’ve got to kick the monster out of the closet—and laugh at him.

And I don’t know anyone better equipped to do this than Jon Acuff. Through his blog and book, Stuff Christians Like, Jon’s proven that he has a unique perspective on life that helps us get the joke and get the truth behind the joke every time. Lucky for us, Jon decided to chronicle his observations on his own journey toward Financial Peace. Think of it as an insider’s guide to the “Dave Ramsey” stuff we all laugh about.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Humor, Money, Business, Audiobook

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2010

About the author

Jon Acuff is the New York Times Bestselling author of eight books, including Soundtracks, Your New Playlist, and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done.

When he’s not writing or recording his popular podcast, All It Takes Is a Goal, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central.

For over 20 years he's also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team.

Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.

Reviews

[Bea Elwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of time, I couldn't even tell you what financial advice or debt knowledge was shared in this book. It was just one long sacrastic twit after another.

[Stacie Sonnakolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome quick read with hilarious financial advice!

[Tosha · Rating 1 out of 5]

To me this was just a bunch on rambling and he was excited to write a book and work for Dave. I’m gonna learn to start reading the book jackets cause I will never get these 2 hours back.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who like Dave Ramsey and his teachings on debt..this is a funny little book poking fun at all the things Dave talks about either in his books or on the radio. Quick, fun read.

[Codi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh so much! Jon Acuff is such a talented writer and pairing that humor with all the Dave Ramsey stereotypes had me cracking up. Maybe because we only loosely follow Ramsey and still want a credit score. But this was a good fluffy read after a very heavy one.

[Darin Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good for one and a half commutes (total of just over an hour. It's short, sweet, and cute. It's not supposed to be very substantial, and it isn't. I have one complaint, though. The legal department that made him put the (R) and (C) symbols on Every. Single. Brand. They need to be taken out and flogged. I was very worried that START would be the same way, and I'd already pre-ordered it! Thankfully, it isn't. Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job I'll buy; this, I'll leave on the library shelf.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is full of silliness. Not "That guy's an idiot" silly, more like "That guy has a wacky sense of humor" silly. Read it if you're into that kind of thing, but skip it if you're looking for real lessons in finance and getting out of debt. There were a few hidden gems among the crazy, but the book as a whole is akin to a bathroom reader.

To be perfectly honest, I only finished the book because I have a problem with having to finish a book once I start it regardless of how terrible it is, and I feel driven to meet my yearly reading goal even if it means I have to read softballs like this one.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads much like Jonathan Acuff's blogs, which are hilarious. If you are familiar with Dave Ramsey at all, you will find it quick and entertaining. It might be a good primer for someone who is hesitant to dive in to the Total Money Makeover because Acuff's logic is convincing as well as humorous.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read Jon Acuff's later books and found him to be hilarious. This book, not so much. Reminded me of muttered asides or scribbled notes that my husband might say while going through Financial Peace University. Funny in the moment, and worth a chuckle or two, but not really all that hilarious when written down and presented in book format (with the exception of five or six really clever ones).

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gazelles, Baby Steps & 37 Other Things: Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt by Jon Acuff 208 pages 2 hours and 9 minutes read by author

Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Improvement, Business, Finance, Humor, Self-Help, Christian Nonfiction, Money, Leadership, How-To

Featuring: Breaking Up With Credit Card Letters, Bridesmaid's Dresses, Night You, Morning You, Current You, Future You, Nerds & Free-Spirits, Bonus Chapters - audiobook only Money Filters

Rating as a movie: G

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts: 2% - For a second I thought it was a rip off. Then I realized Dave Ramsey does the Forward.
18% - It's actually funny and relatable.

This isn't a cheat sheet to the Baby Steps, it's a humorous overview. I really enjoyed the book, there was some financial psychology thrown in there as well. It's less about the actual baby steps and more about the culture and sticking to the plan.

Recommend to others?: Only if you're a Babystepper.

[Agbonmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun take on the teachings and philosophy of an impactful finance coach is a way to fix your psychology of money.

Dave Ramsey is reputed to have taken the most people in the world out of debt. A service he has done with so much gusto and energy that you can literally feel the hate he has for debt and credit cards.

Jon in this book has given us a side that many people will easily take, a side of fun, practicality and memory notes. It is easy to do something once you can laugh at it.

This book hits the ideas of financial literacy and freedom on the head.

[Rachel Allene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, it was kind of boring.. Acuff's writing was supposed to be a humorous take on the Dave Ramsey approach to debt destruction, but it was so far off the beaten path that it just became ridiculous. There weren't very many real world situations, most of it was clearly an unbelievable extreme - so unbelievable that you just rolled your eyes and considered the many things you would rather be doing than reading this. I dunno.. I was just not impressed.

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book to read when working out, but that’s it. This book is probably a blink into anything Dave Ramsey. My dad got this book in a silent auction, so at least the money went to a good cause. However, I learned more about books I wanted to read, but I didn’t get nearly as much substance from this book as I was hoping. I had high hopes that weren’t met. This book is funny, but I would highly suggest you borrow from a friend or check out at the library.

[Taylor Ardoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, short book filled with loads and loads on humor while still applying that same Dave Ramsey message. I finished it in just about 2 hours. It didn't bring any new information to the table, but I don't think it was meant to. I think it was a good way to have a few laughs and smiles while still remaining focused, dedicated, and inspired to work on your baby steps. I loved it, highly recommend this read.

[Ann Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny book! I got an ebook/audiobook combo through Dave's store and followed along with the book while listening to it. This isn't about how to get out of debt, it is a humorous take on Dave's money philosophy. Honestly, some of the topics Jon talked about in this book were things that I thought of too. If you're following the baby steps and need a laugh, this is the book for you.

[Anneliese Grassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has been through a Dave Ramsey program would appreciate the humor & witt in this book. He nails it on the head the emotion & questions we all have while going through it. It is funny, in my opinion. Those haters probably don’t even know who Dave Ramsey is. I will be sharing this book with my friends who have also done the program.

[Chris Samaniego · Rating 3 out of 5]

A glimpse into the Dave Ramsey financial culture from an enthusiast who works with him. Useful for couples starting discussions on budgeting. It’s written with light hearted tones and touches on worthwhile topics. Like debit vs credit cards, vacation and car purchase planning, and personal financial filters.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can breeze through this in an hour. The best part is the introduction/endorsement by Dave Ramsey. I shared a few sections with family members. It's primarily a collection of humorous blog posts about Dave Ramsey's program for Dave Ramsey enthusiasts.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, funny read that builds on lessons from Dave Ramsey. To have it make more sense, and to understand more of the jokes, I recommend going through the Financial Peace University course or listening to “The Dave Ramsey Show” podcast/radio show first.

[Athena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lives up to the official description almost exactly except I wouldn't call it hilarious. It won't make any sense to you if you don't already know all about Dave Ramsey and his plan. It's basically fluff.

[Nikki Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! It was a short quick read. I had to keep myself from finishing it in one day. His book made me giggle because it made me think of some of the extremes I am / have been willing to go to for financial freedom.

[Divina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining! It was a good break and laugh from a lot of the seriousness of the Ramsey crew. Not that seriousness is bad or unexpected with personal finance.. just made this book a nice break and a solid laugh. Also, you are not alone Jon, I have also wondered about that periwinkle shirt!

[Brandy Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book. There are a few funny thoughts. I've read Dave Ramsey's books though and a big part of this book is restating some of Dave's book. Still worth the read and especially if you haven't read Dave's book or are currently walking through the baby steps for a little extra encouragement.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is like writing a book about another book.
Don’t even understand why this book exists. Covers topics which the original author covers in better detail.
38th tip is to avoid reading this book. Save your time, save money!

[Kenny W · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do think way more people should know about Dave Ramsey and financial literacy but this is not the book. This is supporting, comedy material for someone already familiar with Dave Ramsey and it is filled with boomer humor and bullshit.

[Christy Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy entertaining and informative read...

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some really good thoughts but you gotta read through all of the Dave Ramsey worship (may be too harsh, but I found it annoying)

[Cindy Coats · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s witty. Funny. And honest. I read this book in one day. I loved it as someone who wants to argue with Dave Ramsey but knows that he’s right. Just a fun quick read about budgets.

[Kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

so funny and true! Quick read but perfect for anyone in baby step 2 who needs to feel like they aren't alone with paying down debt.

[Erik Seversen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun slapstick companion to Dave Ramsey's ideas about finances and debt.