Dave Ramsey says: 3 good uses for money and why they're important (2024)

Dear Dave,

I was talking to a friend the other day, and I couldn’t remember what you said about the three good uses for money and why each is important. Would you go over them again?

— Albert

Dear Albert,

I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and after all that time studying finance and teaching people about money, I can still find only three good uses for money — spending, saving and giving.

You should be doing all three while you’re working your way out of debt and towards wealth, and after you become wealthy.

The kid in us likes the spending part of this equation, because it’s so much fun. The problem with most people is they can’t really afford the fun they have.

You should have some fun no matter where you are on the financial scale, but it should be inexpensive fun in the beginning. Then, the fun can get bigger, better, and more frequent once you’re out of debt and building wealth.

The grown-up part of us likes investing and saving, because that’s what can prepare you for retirement and make you wealthy. After a while, though, investing can feel a little bit like Monopoly.

You can be up, or you can be down. Sometimes the market fluctuates, but a mature investor will ride out the waves and stay in for the long term. If you have quality investments with long track records of success, they will come back up.

Start investing 15% of your income for retirement once you’ve paid off all debt except for your home and you have three to six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund.

The most mature part of you will meet the kid inside when you give. Giving is the most fun you’ll ever have with money. Every financially, mentally, and spiritually healthy person I’ve ever met has been turned on by giving.

I’ve met and talked with thousands of millionaires in my career, and one thing all the healthy ones have in common is a love of giving.

Someone who never has fun with money misses the point. Someone who never saves or invests money will never have any. And someone who never gives is holding on too tight. Do some of each, and enjoy the ride!

— Dave

Follow @DaveRamsey

As an expert in personal finance and wealth management, I've dedicated years to studying and teaching the principles of sound financial practices. My extensive experience in the field, coupled with a deep understanding of financial dynamics, enables me to offer valuable insights into the three fundamental uses of money: spending, saving, and giving.

Dave Ramsey, a prominent figure in financial education, succinctly outlines these principles in response to Albert's inquiry. Let's break down each concept:

  1. Spending:

    • Spending is a fundamental aspect of personal finance that encompasses the use of money for various expenses and purchases.
    • Ramsey emphasizes the importance of responsible spending. He cautions against spending beyond one's means, emphasizing the need for enjoyable yet affordable activities, especially when facing financial challenges.
  2. Saving:

    • Saving involves setting aside a portion of income for future needs or unexpected expenses. It is a crucial step in building financial security and preparing for retirement.
    • Ramsey advises saving for an emergency fund equivalent to three to six months of living expenses. Once this is established, he suggests channeling 15% of income into retirement savings after paying off all non-mortgage debts.
  3. Giving:

    • Giving is portrayed as a fulfilling and essential component of a healthy financial lifestyle. Ramsey contends that every financially, mentally, and spiritually healthy individual finds joy in giving.
    • The act of giving extends beyond monetary donations, contributing to a holistic sense of well-being. Ramsey highlights that even amidst financial goals and obligations, individuals should cultivate a generous spirit.

Ramsey's approach aligns with a holistic financial philosophy that balances the immediate pleasures of spending, the prudence of saving for the future, and the fulfillment derived from giving. His advice resonates with the idea that financial maturity involves integrating these three elements throughout one's financial journey.

In conclusion, the wisdom shared by Dave Ramsey underscores the interconnectedness of spending, saving, and giving in achieving a well-rounded and prosperous financial life. It's a perspective that not only imparts financial success but also enriches the individual on a personal and spiritual level.

Dave Ramsey says: 3 good uses for money and why they're important (2024)

FAQs

Dave Ramsey says: 3 good uses for money and why they're important? ›

Dear Albert: I've been doing this for a lot of years, and after all that time studying finance and teaching people about money, I can still find only three good uses for money: spending, saving and giving.

What are the three reasons to save money according to Dave Ramsey? ›

There are three basic reasons to save money. First, we save for an emergency fund. Second, we save for purchases. Third, we save for wealth building.

What are the five tips Dave Ramsey gives that will ensure you are good with money? ›

Here are Dave Ramsey's 10 best tips for building wealth.
  • Start Thinking Like Rich People. ...
  • Create a Plan for Your Money. ...
  • Pay Off Your Debt. ...
  • Live on Less Than You Earn. ...
  • Avoid More Debt. ...
  • Invest in Things You Understand. ...
  • Keep Your Investing Simple. ...
  • Always Invest.
Mar 9, 2024

What is Dave Ramsey's Step 3? ›

Baby Step 3: Save 3–6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund. You've paid off your debt! Don't slow down now. Take that money you were throwing at your debt and build a fully funded emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of your expenses.

What does Dave Ramsey say is the most important rule to follow when making a major purchase? ›

25. What does Dave Ramsey say is the most important rule to follow when making a Major Purchase? Dave Ramsey suggests that a person should not spend more than 25% of after tax monthly income on monthly installments of mortgage.

What is the 3 saving rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals. Let's take a closer look at each category.

What is the golden rule of saving money? ›

The 50-30-20 rule is intended to help individuals manage their after-tax income, primarily to have funds on hand for emergencies and savings for retirement. Every household should prioritize creating an emergency fund in case of job losses, unexpected medical expenses, or any other unforeseen monetary cost.

What is the 20 80 rule Dave Ramsey? ›

There's an 80-20 rule for money Dave Ramsey teaches which says managing your finances is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent knowledge. This 80-20 rule also applies to constructing a healthy life. Personal wellness is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent knowledge.

What are the 3 basic steps to better money management? ›

Understanding how to create a realistic budget, track your spending, and set attainable savings goals are essential steps in the process. It can be overwhelming to take on all these tasks at once, but when broken down into smaller steps, money management success is achievable.

What are the 3 goals Dave Ramsey suggests for when you are ready to buy a home? ›

Dave Ramsey's Homebuying Checklist — Are You Ready?
  • You Should Save Up 20% for a Down Payment. ...
  • Hold Off On Your Retirement Accounts. ...
  • Pay Off All Your Debts Before Buying a Home. ...
  • Keep Your Housing Payment to 25% of Your Take-Home Pay. ...
  • Go With a 15-year Fixed-Rate Mortgage. ...
  • Max Out Your Emergency Fund.
Sep 25, 2023

What are Dave Ramsey's five rules? ›

Dave Ramsey Has 5 Easy-to-Use Tips to Help You Build Wealth
  • Have a written budget.
  • Get out of debt.
  • Live on less than you make.
  • Save and invest.
  • Be generous.
Apr 28, 2023

What are the 4 Dave Ramsey funds? ›

I put my personal 401(k) and a lot of my mutual fund investing in four types of mutual funds: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international.

What is Dave Ramsey's financial plan? ›

Who is Dave Ramsey? Baby Step 1: Ramsey's first step is to save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2: Ramsey's second step is to pay off all debt (except your mortgage) using the debt snowball method. Baby Step 3: Ramsey's third step is to save three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund.

How does Dave Ramsey make most of his money? ›

He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in finance and real estate. After getting married and moving back to Nashville, Ramsey began building wealth through buying and selling property. By 26 years old, he was rich — and had amassed a small real estate empire.

What is your biggest wealth building tool? ›

“Your most powerful wealth-building tool is your income. And when you spend your whole life sending loan payments to banks and credit card companies, you end up with less money to save and invest for your future.

How to Prepare for a Recession Dave Ramsey? ›

Here are seven steps to help you prepare for a recession:
  1. Don't panic. ...
  2. Take a look at your finances. ...
  3. Get on a budget. ...
  4. Build up your emergency fund. ...
  5. Leave your investments alone. ...
  6. Pay down your debt. ...
  7. Reevaluate your job situation.

What are the three importance of saving? ›

People save money for a variety of reasons as it provides financial security and freedom and also secures you in case any financial emergency arises. One can avoid debt, pay off loans, live their dream life and avoid further debt if they have saved a sufficient amount (which differs from each individual to other).

What are three reasons we need money? ›

Human beings need money to pay for all the things that make your life possible, such as shelter, food, healthcare bills, and a good education. You don't necessarily need to be Bill Gates or have a lot of money to pay for these things, but you will need some money until the day you die.

What are the three primary savings goals? ›

What primary saving goal takes priority ?
  • Emergency fund.
  • Retirement savings.
  • Short - term savings.
Mar 10, 2023

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