Dave Ramsey Is Wrong (Sometimes). Here’s Where It Matters.

Jun 25

Let’s get something straight:
Dave Ramsey has helped millions of people.

But does that mean he’s always right?
Absolutely not.

If you’ve ever felt like his advice didn’t sit well with your life—you’re not broken.
You just see the cracks in a system built for the masses, not the individual.

🧱 What Dave Gets Right

Let’s give credit where it’s due:

Debt is dangerous
Emergency funds are essential
Budgeting matters

But beyond those basics?
The advice starts feeling… blunt. Oversimplified. Even harmful in the wrong hands.

🚩 Where Ramsey’s Advice Falls Apart

1. “All Debt Is Bad”

Ramsey sees all debt as evil. But not all debt is created equal.

The reality:

A 3% mortgage isn’t the same as 24% credit card debt
Strategic debt can accelerate financial freedom if used wisely
Shame-based fear of debt can paralyze growth

2. “Never Use Credit Cards”

Some people use credit cards intentionally—not impulsively.

Points, protection, flexibility.

If you treat them like debit and pay in full?
There’s no monster in the closet.

3. “You Don’t Need a Budgeting App or Tech”

Dave says: “Use cash envelopes and a written budget.”

That’s fine in theory.

But we live in 2025.
People want tools that sync, track, analyze, and adapt.

4. “If You’re Not Winning, It’s a Discipline Problem”

This is where the shame hits hardest.

It’s never about:

trauma
neurodivergence
systemic limitations
mental health
money scripts you inherited from childhood

But those things shape everything.
And ignoring them is dangerous.

🧠 Our Take at MyBudgetSystem

Budgeting is personal.

It needs:

Emotional awareness
Identity alignment
Strategic adaptability
Modern tools

You can be debt-free and still feel out of control.
You can follow the “7 Baby Steps” and still feel stuck.

That’s why we exist.

🔚 Final Word: Respect the Legacy, Question the Doctrine

Dave Ramsey gave millions their first taste of financial clarity.
But now? We need nuance, not commandments.

There’s more than one path to financial peace.

Build one that respects you.

Jonathan Burks