52 Dave Ramsey Quotes on Money, Debt, Giving, Goals, Budgeting & Insurance

Introduction

David Lawrence Ramsey III (born. 1960), better known as Dave Ramsey is a popular American entrepreneur, investor, author, and radio personality who offers financial advice.

His blunt approach and phrases like “debt is dumb” when it comes to debt and building wealth have helped millions ditch debt and build wealth.

Dave Ramsey’s method emphasizes aggressive debt repayment and building wealth through emergency funds, calculated investing, and living a frugal lifestyle.

So, whether you’re trying to break free from debt, or simply want to build a more secure future, I’ve shared 52 best Dave Ramsey quotes on money, debt, giving, goals, budgeting, and insurance that might be helpful.

13 Dave Ramsey Quotes About Money

Pray like it all depends on God but work like it all depends on you

Pray like it all depends on God, but work like it all depends on you.

Dave Ramsey
Money is like a beautiful thoroughbred horse —very powerful and always in action

Money is like a beautiful thoroughbred horse-—very powerful and always in action. But unless this horse is trained when very young, it will be an out-of-control and dangerous animal when it grows to maturity.

Dave Ramsey
The love of money not money is the root of all evil

The love of money, not money, is the root of all evil.

Dave Ramsey
Earning a lot of money is not the key to prosperity. How you handle it is

Earning a lot of money is not the key to prosperity. How you handle it is.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

This quote by Dave Ramsey essentially indicates that just having a big pile of money isn’t the guaranteed path to a happy and secure life. It’s all about what we do with it!

This quote serves as a reminder that true prosperity isn’t measured by the size of our bank account, but by the impact we make with the resources at our disposal. 

Whether we’re dealing with a little or a lot, it’s how we handle it – with wisdom, foresight, and compassion – that ultimately leads to prosperity in life.

Financial security brings peace of mind and opens doors to all sorts of possibilities. So, the next time we get a raise, a bonus, or even some spare change, remember this quote: it’s all about how we handle it!

Also Read: 100 Alex Hormozi Quotes on Success, Business, Motivation & Entrepreneurship

The first step in taking control of your money is to stop borrowing money. Start using cash today

The first step in taking control of your money is to stop borrowing money. Start using cash today.

Dave Ramsey
We learned early on that if we help enough people the money will come

We learned early on that if we help enough people, the money will come.

Dave Ramsey
Your priorities passions goals and fears are shown clearly in the flow of your money

Your priorities, passions, goals, and fears are shown clearly in the flow of your money.

Dave Ramsey
You will either learn to manage money or the lack of it will manage you

You will either learn to manage money, or the lack of it will manage you.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Managing money means understanding how it works, making smart decisions about spending, saving, and investing. When we manage our money well, we’re in the driver’s seat of our financial life.

On the flip side, if we don’t bother to learn how to manage our money, it’s like letting the car drive itself. 

We might find ourselves constantly struggling to make ends meet, drowning in debt, or unable to reach our financial goals.

In short, this Davey Ramsey quote about Money is all about empowering ourselves with the knowledge and skills to make our money work for us, rather than being at its mercy.

Your money needs to work for you not lie around you

Your money needs to work for you, not lie around you.

Dave Ramsey
Someone who never invests money will never have any

Someone who never invests money will never have any.

Dave Ramsey
Save 3 6 months of expenses in a Rainy Day fund. Know why Cause it is going to rain and you arent the

Save 3-6 months of expenses in a Rainy Day fund. Know why? Cause it is going to rain, and you aren’t the exception.

Dave Ramsey
Getting rich quickly doesnt work. The Crockpot mentality always defeats the microwave mentality

Getting rich quickly doesn’t work. The Crockpot mentality always defeats the microwave mentality.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Some people want shortcuts to success, hoping for a sudden windfall of cash without putting in much effort which is called the microwave mentality. But just like microwave meals, these shortcuts often leave them feeling unsatisfied, and they might not lead to long-term wealth or fulfillment.

The crockpot mentality is all about patience and consistent effort.  It takes time, dedication, and hard work. But like a slow-cooked meal, the rewards can be substantial and long-lasting. 

We’re more likely to build sustainable wealth and achieve our financial goals by taking a slow and steady approach.

This Dave Ramsey saying is basically a reminder to focus on long-term growth rather than chasing short-term gains.

Those who dont manage their money will always work for those who do

Those who don’t manage their money will always work for those who do.

Dave Ramsey

9 Dave Ramsey Quotes on Debt

Debt gives you the ability to look like youre winning when youre not

Debt gives you the ability to look like you’re winning when you’re not.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Debt has a sneaky way of making you appear successful, even when you’re not actually financially stable. It’s like putting on a mask of prosperity while struggling behind the scenes.

Debt creates the illusion of wealth and success, masking the true state of our financial situation. But in reality, we’re just borrowing against our future earnings, and sooner or later, that bill will come due.

We might look like we’re winning in the short term, but in the long run, all that debt can come crashing down on us like a ton of bricks.

So, in short terms, this Dave Ramsey quote about debt portrays that it’s better to build real wealth slowly and steadily than to fake it with borrowed money.

Debt is not a tool it is a method to make banks wealthy not you. The borrower truly is slave to the lender

Debt is not a tool; it is a method to make banks wealthy, not you. The borrower truly is slave to the lender.

Dave Ramsey
Debt is normal. Be weird

Debt is normal. Be weird.

Dave Ramsey
Debt is so ingrained into our culture that most Americans cant even envision a car without a payment

Debt is so ingrained into our culture that most Americans can’t even envision a car without a payment, a house without a mortgage, a student without a loan, and credit without a card. We’ve been sold debt with such repetition and with such fervor that most folks can’t conceive of what it would be like to have NO payments.

Dave Ramsey
There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt

There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

When it comes to getting out of debt, there are no magical shortcuts as this quote by Dave Ramsey highlights.

Getting out of debt requires patience, discipline, and perseverance. Trying to rush or take shortcuts could lead to disaster.

Instead, the key to overcoming debt is to face it head-on, tackle it methodically, and make consistent progress over time.

It might seem daunting at first, but every step we take brings us closer to our goal. And while it may take time and effort, the feeling of freedom and accomplishment when we finally reach the other side makes it all worth it.

Also Read: 70 Naval Ravikant Quotes on Life, Money & Reading (The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Quotes)

The German root word for ‘debt is the same as for ‘guilt

The German root word for ‘debt’ is the same as for ‘guilt.’

Dave Ramsey
Knock out a small debt first so you get a quick win. Momentum is key

Knock out a small debt first so you get a quick win. Momentum is key.

Dave Ramsey
The number one problem that causes student loan debt Parents that suck

The number one problem that causes student loan debt? Parents that suck.

Dave Ramsey
Debt is dumb. Cash is king

Debt is dumb. Cash is king.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Relying on borrowed money to finance our lifestyle is like building our castle on a swamp. Sure, it looks magnificent with its tall towers and shiny flags, but one day, it might just sink because the foundation isn’t solid.

In this Dave Ramsey saying, the phrase “Cash is king” enthusiasts believe that when we have cash, we can control our destiny. All without the need to promise our future earnings to someone else.

The underlying lesson here is about financial freedom and the pitfalls of debt.

In short, these words suggest striving to build a kingdom (your financial future) on a foundation of solid rock (cash) rather than a precarious swamp (debt).

6 Dave Ramsey Insurance Quotes

Life insurance has one job and one job only to replace your income when youre gone

Life insurance has one job, and one job only: to replace your income when you’re gone.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Life insurance is like a safety net for our loved ones. As this quote by Dave Ramsey on insurance shows, its main job is to step in and replace our income if we were to pass away.

So, we should think of it as a financial lifeline for our family during one of the toughest times they could ever face.

It ensures that our family can maintain their standard of living and financial stability even after we’re gone.

Remember, life insurance isn’t just about protecting ourselves—it’s about protecting the ones we love most. That’s the power of life insurance, and it’s a job it takes very seriously.

As you reduce debt and increase savings you slowly begin to reduce your need for life insurance as well

As you reduce debt and increase savings, you slowly begin to reduce your need for life insurance, as well.

Dave Ramsey
Disability insurance is a critical piece of the insurance puzzle. Your greatest asset isnt your home or your car—its your ability to earn an income

Disability insurance is a critical piece of the insurance puzzle. Your greatest asset isn’t your home or your car—it’s your ability to earn an income.

Dave Ramsey
Health insurance is not an option. Its a necessity in todays world. Its not just about being able to pay for a doctors visit

Health insurance is not an option. It’s a necessity in today’s world. It’s not just about being able to pay for a doctor’s visit. It’s about protecting your financial future from catastrophic health costs.

Dave Ramsey
Carrying a higher deductible on your auto insurance is a good strategy if you have an emergency fund in place. It lowers your premiums

Carrying a higher deductible on your auto insurance is a good strategy if you have an emergency fund in place. It lowers your premiums, and it prevents you from making small claims that could raise your rates.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

This insurance quote by Dave Ramsey talks about carrying a higher deductible, which means agreeing to pay more out of pocket if we ever need to make a claim. 

When we choose a higher deductible, our insurance company sees us as less of a risk because we’re willing to cover more of the costs ourselves. So, they reward us with lower monthly premiums.

But, if we make too many small claims, insurance companies might see us as a higher risk and raise our rates.

So, we can say that carrying a higher deductible on our auto insurance can be a smart strategy that gives us peace of mind knowing we’re prepared for whatever life throws our way on the road.

If youre over 60 and you have the financial means to afford it looking into long term care insurance is wise

If you’re over 60 and you have the financial means to afford it, looking into long-term care insurance is wise. It’s all about protecting your nest egg from the high costs of elder care services.

Dave Ramsey

8 Dave Ramsey Quotes on Budgeting

A budget is people telling their money where to go instead of wondering where it went

A budget is people telling their money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Budget actually gives us the power to direct our money purposefully toward the things that matter most to us. It’s like being the director of our own financial movie, where every dollar has a role to play.

By telling our money where to go, we’re taking control of our financial destiny.

Through budgeting, we’re making intentional decisions about how we want to live our life and allocating our resources accordingly as these words by Dave Ramsey indicate.

And having a budget in place will make us feel more confident and empowered in our financial decisions, knowing that we’re steering our money toward a brighter future.

I tell everyone never to take more than a fifteen year fixed rate loan and never have a payment of over 25 percent of your take home pay. That is the most you should ever borrow

I tell everyone never to take more than a fifteen-year fixed-rate loan, and never have a payment of over 25 percent of your take-home pay. That is the most you should ever borrow.

Dave Ramsey
Doing a budget means learning an ancient and powerful word NO

Doing a budget means learning an ancient and powerful word: NO.

Dave Ramsey
Thinking about starting a small business Assume everything will cost twice as much and take twice as long as you think it will

Thinking about starting a small business? Assume everything will cost twice as much and take twice as long as you think it will.

Dave Ramsey
Act your wage

Act your wage.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

This famous Act Your Wage quote by Dave Ramsey highlights the importance of living within our means and be mindful of our financial situation.

When we pay our wages, we’re making conscious choices about how we use our money.

By ‘acting our wage’, we’re taking control of our financial well-being. We’re avoiding unnecessary debt and stress by living within our means and when you stay true to your financial reality, we’re better positioned to achieve our long-term goals.

In essence, this budgeting quote by Dave Ramsey advises us to be mindful of what we can afford, prioritize our financial stability, and make choices that align with our values and goals.

Financial winners dont run sprints they run marathons. They dont rush. They do it step by step over time

Financial winners don’t run sprints, they run marathons. They don’t rush. They do it step by step over time.

Dave Ramsey
When you create a basic budget and stick to it it will suddenly seem like you have more money

When you create a basic budget and stick to it, it will suddenly seem like you have more money.

Dave Ramsey
Its not rocket science. Its discipline and a plan. Most of us just werent taught how to manage money but that doesnt mean its too late to learn

It’s not rocket science. It’s discipline and a plan. Most of us just weren’t taught how to manage money, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to learn.

Dave Ramsey

7 Dave Ramsey Quotes About Giving

No one has ever become poor by giving

No one has ever become poor by giving.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

The essence of giving is a flame that spreads warmth and brightness without diminishing our own.

When we give freely and without expectation, we cultivate a mindset of generosity and gratitude, which attracts more positivity and abundance into our life.

And let’s not forget about the ripple effect of giving. We inspire others to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction of goodwill and generosity.

Simply put, this Dave Ramsey quote about giving is all about sharing our light with the world, knowing that in doing so, we’ll only shine brighter.

When people get scared they quit giving

When people get scared, they quit giving.

Dave Ramsey
The Bible clearly says that when we have a problem with our brother we are to go to them and try to resolve the situation

The Bible clearly says that when we have a problem with our brother, we are to go to them and try to resolve the situation.

Dave Ramsey
There are several things to be learned about money from Scripture and the concepts of generosity and giving are in there

There are several things to be learned about money from Scripture, and the concepts of generosity and giving are in there.

Dave Ramsey
We learned early on that if we help enough people the money will come 1

We learned early on that if we help enough people, the money will come.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

This quote by Dave Ramsey illustrates the principle of abundance by showing us that there’s more than enough to go around if we’re willing to share and contribute.

When we make it our mission to help others, we create a ripple effect of goodwill and positive energy. 

But it’s important to note that the intention behind our actions matters. True success comes from a place of genuine care and empathy for others, rather than a desire for personal gain.

In essence, this quote highlights the power of generosity, kindness, and service in both business and life. By prioritizing the needs of others, we not only enrich the lives of those around us but also create a pathway to success and abundance for ourselves.

Opening your hands will set you free

Opening your hands will set you free.

Dave Ramsey
Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference

Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.

Dave Ramsey

9 Dave Ramsey Quotes on Goals

Nothing happens without focus. Dont try to do everything at once. Take it one step at a time

Nothing happens without focus. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take it one step at a time.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

In this Dave Ramsey quote about goals, the phrase “Nothing happens without focus” provides an essential starting point for us that focus is the secret sauce to getting things done. It acts as our guiding compass.

“Take it one step at a time” suggests that if we try to do everything simultaneously, our attention becomes divided, our efforts diluted, and the quality of our work suffers. 

In essence, this quote is a gentle but firm reminder that success, in any area of life, requires a focused, step-by-step approach. 

So, keep your eyes on the prize, but remember, the journey there is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step, one focus, at a time.

Without a mission statement you may get to the top of the ladder and then realize it was leaning against the wrong building

Without a mission statement, you may get to the top of the ladder and then realize it was leaning against the wrong building!

Dave Ramsey
Study the habits of the people you want to be like and then imitate them. If they are succeeding they must be do

Study the habits of the people you want to be like and then imitate them. If they are succeeding, they must be doing something right.

Dave Ramsey
You cannot lead without passion. Passion causes things to move and passion creates a force multiplier

You cannot lead without passion. Passion causes things to move, and passion creates a force multiplier. Passion actually covers a multitude of sins. Real EntreLeaders care deeply, and that is basically what passion is. Passion is not yelling or being wild; it is simply caring deeply.

Dave Ramsey
Goals convert vision into ENERGY

Goals convert vision into ENERGY.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Goals give our vision direction, purpose, and momentum. Each goal we set is a mini-milestone, a tangible marker of progress toward our ultimate vision.

Goals also have a way of focusing our efforts. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of our vision, we can break it down into more manageable chunks. This makes it easier to stay motivated and to achieve something remarkable as this saying by Dave Ramsey highlights.

They also give us something concrete to strive for, something to anchor our efforts and aspirations to.

So, in essence, goals are the bridge between our vision and our reality. They take our dreams out of the realm of fantasy and into the realm of possibility.

Also Read: 49 Dan Koe Quotes on Life, Productivity & Social Media

When leadership sets goals by themselves they are not goals they are quotas

When leadership sets goals by themselves, they are not goals, they are quotas.

Dave Ramsey
Be intense passionate and fired up but about things that matter things that change your life and your legacy

Be intense, passionate, and fired up, but about things that matter, things that change your life and your legacy.

Dave Ramsey
In order to be a great marketer you have to be focused and intense and look at scarcity urgency activity and passion in the marketplace

In order to be a great marketer, you have to be focused and intense and look at scarcity, urgency, activity and passion in the marketplace.

Dave Ramsey
Feeling lost Take a dream and convert it into small goals then start taking the steps to hit those goals

Feeling lost? Take a dream and convert it into small goals, then start taking the steps to hit those goals.

Dave Ramsey

Brief Analysis

Dreams provide a beacon of light in the darkness, a glimmer of hope that keeps us moving forward.

But, dreams alone won’t get us very far. That’s where goals come in. They take our dream and break it down into manageable chunks, making it more achievable.

Dave Ramsey advises that we shouldn’t despair if we don’t know what to do with our lives. Instead, we should Imagine our dream, then break it down into small, achievable goals and start taking those first few steps.

This is what Dave Ramsey quote suggests. Before we know it, We’ll find ourselves on the path to success, guided by our dreams.

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Kazim
Kazim

I'm a former writer with a bachelor's degree in English literature. I’ve always believed that words are a powerful medium for personal growth and transformation.

That’s why I founded Art of Poets on Instagram back in 2018 to share meaningful, motivational words with others. Today, it inspires a community of over 2.4 Million readers on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and this website which I launched in March 2023.

While I choose to remain anonymous, my passion for sharing inspiring quotes and blog posts on personal growth will always be fueled by the belief that words can truly transform our lives.