5 Best Dave Ramsey Money Tips To Adopt in 2025

5 Best Dave Ramsey Money Tips To Adopt in 2025

Cara Danielle Brown   Wed, February 19, 2025  GOBankingRates

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey has become one of America’s most trusted voices for individuals wanting to learn how to take control of their money. From paying off debt to getting on a budget, Ramsey’s guidance has helped millions become educated and empowered.

With 2025’s financial climate off to a strong yet erratic start, some are looking to the finance guru, wondering which of his money tips are most useful to adopt in real time. Here are five that could help put you on the right path.

Pay Off Your Debt

“One of Ramsey’s foundational principles is eliminating debt,” said Melanie Musson, insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com. “Instead of seeking out new debt, people should seek to pay off their debts and avoid borrowing more. … Avoiding debt allows you to live freely.”

Consider the current climate: Interest rates remain high at 4.25% to 4.5%, and the Fed has indicated they are in no rush to lower them. Additionally, the global economy is facing uncertainties by way of geopolitical tensions and fluctuating currency values. And, according to Federal Reserve Data from November 2024, big banks are charging the average consumer 22.8% interest on credit cards.

Failing to pay down debt at any time — but particularly in the current economy — will quite literally compound the problem.

Thomas Alessi, president at ARIES Foundation for Financial Education, supports Ramsey’s debt snowball method — a strategy where individuals pay the minimum amount on all their debts except for the smallest one, which is paid off more aggressively. When the smallest debt has been cleared, the next-smallest takes priority, and so on.

Clearing debts in ascending order is a psychological trick that gives people confidence and focus, explained Alessi. “We can start to see our way out, and it allows us to feel empowered in handling our finances.”

Cut Back on Discretionary Spending

When it comes to saving money, Ramsey advocates cutting back on non-essential spending by distinguishing between a need and a want. As a Ramsey Solutions article on his website explained, needs are essentials, like food and shelter, while wants consist of non-essentials you desire but can live without — like home upgrades and entertainment.

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