Dave Ramsey is a familiar voice in most Midwestern households. He certainly was in mine. Whether through syndicated radio or his podcast, his advice always seemed to resonate and stick in my brain long after the discussion was over. At first blush his remarks can seem brash, yet they always felt purposeful and rooted in good intent (the southern charm doesn't hurt either). It's no secret that money holds emotional power over us. At times it shows up as fear, excitement, grief, or peace. If you listen to enough of Dave's callers and his responses, you start to notice two common denominators:
- Behavior and financial outcome are highly correlated. (Groundbreaking, I know.)
- Our behavior reflects our emotions toward the subject.
This becomes obvious in the phone calls, when Dave cuts right past the caller's emotional ties to the situation and offers an immediate solution: "Sell the car, pay off the debt, get a job." It's a coordinated maneuver, and what usually follows is a long pause on the caller's end. Clearly, they thought they were calling in for a simple answer to a financial problem. Once they realize the problem is more closely tied to their emotional connection to it, the whole conversation shifts.
The good news in all of this is that we hold the keys to the vehicle that will carry us toward financial freedom. My personal definition of financial freedom is a life where every decision isn't dictated solely by its financial implications. I want that life for every person I have the pleasure of meeting. The truth is that it's unlikely for everyone. Not because it isn't attainable, but because it usually requires real change. But for those who pick up the reins and take control of their emotions and behavior around money, every day becomes another step toward that freedom.
It's true that the path to financial freedom starts with you, but nobody is saying you have to walk it alone. My team and I at Aligned Wealth Group feel strongly that we can add real value to those on the journey through behavioral coaching, education, and helping put the plan into action. That's why we've joined the SmartVestor Pro program through Ramsey Solutions: to serve people who want to take that notoriously difficult first step toward financial freedom. If you or someone you know would like to begin or enhance that journey, please let them know they have a team that would love to meet them!