The Total Money Makeover and Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps are phenomenal for those desiring to be debt free and are just starting out. The steps are simple, and we can see improvement in just a couple months. The “Debt-Free screams” are especially encouraging. Dave is high-energy, candid, and blunt at times—and sometimes we need that. He does not compromise his Christian values.
My experience: I followed most of the baby steps and made significant progress. Uncle Dave doesn’t like “Ramsey-ish,” and contrary to his advice, I did not stop my employer matching through my debt elimination stage. I did, however, take the advice to refinance my public student loans under a private bank for a lower interest rate. In doing so, I lost protection under federal law- including disqualifying myself from the Student Loan Forgiveness that took place following the pandemic. I still recommend this resource and have given away several copies of Total Money Makeover as it was life-changing to me back in 2017/2018, when I began my journey.
Talaat and Tai share their journey, talk about mindset, provide strategies to get from under the shame and bondage of debt and “take dominion over [our] money”. There are hundreds of videos, articles, and podcasts covering topics like marriage, business, personal finance; and interviews with men and women who may provide inspiration and value to their community.
Talaat and Tai were the first couple I came across that talked about God and money, prayed with and for their viewers, and looked like me. At the time, I was still struggling with the shame of being a Christian interested in improving my finances and talking about money. I found them to be down-to-earth, God-fearing, consistent, and candid. They affirmed for me, that as a Christian black woman, l could (and had a responsibility to) honor Christ in my finances. They taught me to glean from others what works for me, and to be okay with not following someone else’s plan 100%. Their Sunday night discussions were a source of inspiration, on my lonely journey.
In addition to personal finances, Dr. Lynn teaches how to start a homebased business, how to hire our kids, and how to get our tax money back. The IRS has over 400 legitimate tax deductions available for persons with home-based businesses. Partnering with her, are a host of Attorneys specializing in trademark and copyright, corporate record-keeping, business essentials; Investment Professionals; Mortgage Lenders; etc. Dr. Lynn doesn’t sugar-coat her message. “Learn the rules of the game and play the game by the rules.”
Dr. Lynn spoke directly to my situation. I pay a lot in taxes and had just started my insurance business. It’s been slow blooming, but Dr. Lynn’s principles have been invaluable in helping me get much of my money back. If you already have, or want to start a business, I strongly urge you to check out Dr. Lynn and W.E.A.L.T.H. University.
Clever Girl Finance offers 100% FREE training on personal finances- including videos, articles, toolkits, live group coaching calls, and private coaching, to “help women ditch debt, save money, and build real wealth.” Improving our personal finances can feel overwhelming, at times, but Bola and her team, do a great job empowering us through clear, easy to understand, conversations and lessons.
Don’t be misled by the brevity of these comments. This is a great resource. If you’re looking for a sisterhood and motivation for achieving financial freedom, try Clever Girl Finances. Bola is sometimes serious, sometimes, fun, and always authentic.
