Episode 006: Dave Ramsey

Today's guest started his first business at 12 years old after asking his dad for money for an icee. His dad responded, "You don't need money, you need a job!" He promptly started mowing lawns and has been a business owner since.

This one-time lawn-mower is now a nationally syndicated radio shows host, #1 national bestselling author, personal finance guru and my friend, Dave Ramsey.

Dave's show is aired on 578 stations, is the third largest talk radio show in the nation and enjoys nearly 13 million listeners a week. But, Dave's life hasn't always been so bright.

Today, Dave will share about what it was like building his first real estate business at 18, making $250k by 26 and going bankrupt at 28. He'll share how his failures led in part to his successes in faith, marriage and gratitude today.

You don't want to miss the amazing, simple insights from Dave on how to better manage your money, life and business. Most of all: Dave is so used to being on the other side of the microphone, you are going to love hearing from him as my guest.

Here are my key takeaways:

• The difference between failing and experimenting: in failing you quit. When experimenting you keep moving until you figure it out.
• When you pay for something, you pay more attention to it and you appreciate it more. How many free books have you read?
• There are 3 things you can do with money: enjoy it, give it, invest it.
• Assess the psychological income for what you are doing (how is this helping people?) when you focus on this, you'll never work another day in your life because you'll enjoy the work you do.
• Order Dave's #1 New York Time's bestseller Total Money Makeover.
• Tune into Dave's Radio Show episode when he interviewed John.

The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared "rapid fire" and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest's answers and YOUR answers… and excited to apply ideas from today's show to help you live an inspired life.

Dave Ramsey's Live Inspired 7

1. What is the best book you ever read?

I'm a veracious reader. Here's the first that come to mind: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud. Way back when I was a teenager Daddy made me read How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I've read everything from Jim Collins, Malcolm Gladwell, Ziglar. I look for authors that are good thinkers.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

There are only three things you can do with money. Enjoy it. Give it. Invest it. I would do some of each.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

I have my grandmother's grandfather's bible from 1878 he was a Methodist preacher. The notes in it are classic.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

This week it would be Winston Churchill. His perseverance was amazing and he was a great speaker. There may be a cigar involved when we're on the bench!

5. What is the best advice you've ever received?

The first pastor that led me to God taught me: Love people.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

You are not nearly as important as you think you are! If you are going to be successful it is going to be a whole lot harder than you thought it was.

7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

He was better than he deserved.

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I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.