Today, I received this message from a friend and thought I’d answer it here.

Hey Matt,I thought I remembered that you had been doing something with Dave Ramsey… I was curious as to your thoughts on his program, etc.
L.

Dear L,

Yes, I helped pilot Financial Peace University at First National Bank of Durango. It’s the class that helped Cheri, my wife, and I pay off $165,000 in debt and save $20,000 in 15 months.

For us it was an amazing and transformational class. It offers sound advice on how to get out of debt.

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 13 week class taught primarily though churches by volunteer class organizers. The cost of FPU is about $100.

Each class in 2 hours long an consists of watching a Dave Ramsey DVD and then small group discussion.

To review FPU I’ll offer Pro’s and Con’s and how my class Creating True Financial Independence differs.

FPU Pro’s:

• Material is easy to follow
• It’s works if you commit to change your behavior

FPU Con’s

• Dave Ramsey is an Evangelical Christian and he quotes Bible verses (may be a con depending on your views)
• 13 consecutive weeks is a big commitment
• Many of the lessons don’t apply specifically to getting out of debt
• Success of the discussion portion depends on a volunteer facilitator
• Dave’s big goal is for you to become Mega Rich
• The 13th week is all about tithing to the church (again depends on your views)

How Creating True Financial Independence is different from FPU.

• No religious agenda
• Class is 4 weeks instead of 13 weeks
• Class is focused on helping you succeed at getting out of debt
• Class incorporates concepts from many other books and teachings
• Class is taught by me; a professional coach and facilitator who has successfully gotten out and stayed out of debt.
• A personal finance coach is available outside of class to answer your individual questions.
• My goal is for you to live your dreams and for most people that does not involve becoming Mega Rich.

I hope this helps you understand Financial Peace University and my class Creating True Financial Independence.