Excerpt from Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey, "I would like to introduce you to "peace puppies," which will be developed throughout the balance of the book... These principled puppies must be applied to your life with discipline.
"These are great creatures. They are eager to please, love their master, and are inherently loyal. However, if you choose to let them grow up in your life without discipline, they, like any other dog, will become wild and mean. And should you choose not to put these well-disciplined puppies into your life and allow them to grow into mature, loving, and loyal creatures, let me assure you that you will live a dog's life financially."
Peace Puppies
1. Avoid "Stuffitis" - The Worship of "Stuff"
2. Plant Seeds - Give Money Away to Worthy Causes
3. Develop your Own "Power over Purchase"
4. Find Where You are Naturally Gifted - Enjoy Your Work and Work Hard
5. Live Substantially Below Your Income
6. Sacrifice Now So You Can Have Peace Later
7. You Can Always Spend More Than You Can Make
8. The Borrower Is the Servant to the Lender; So Beware!
9. Check Your Credit Report at Least Once Every Two Years
10. Handle Credit Report Corrections Yourself
11. Realize That the Best Way for Delinquent Debt to Be Paid Is for You, Not Collectors, to Control Your Financial Destiny
12. You Must Save Money (the Power of Compound Interest)
13. Use the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" Rule of Investing (KISS)
14. Only People Who Like Dog Food Don't Save for Retirement
15. Always Save with Pretax Dollars - It Is the Best Deal the Government Gives You
16. Learn Basic Negotiating Skills for Great Buys
17. Learn Where to Find Great Buys (the Treasure Hunt)
18. You Must Have Patience to Get Great Buys
19. Singles Get Self-Accountability from the Written Plan
20. Singles Should Look for a Money Mentor for Advice and Accountability
21. Singles Beware of the Impulse Monster; He Will Eat You Alive
22. Men and Women View Money Differently, So Be Sensitive to Differences
23. Opposites Attract in Marriage, So Work Together for Maximum Wisdom
24. When You Agree on Spending, You Will Experience Fabulous Unity in Your Marriage
25. Teach Children to Work, Spend Wisely, Save, and Give
26. The Most Powerful Legacy You Can Leave Is Wise, Competent Children
27. Giving Loved Ones All the Money They Request May Not Be Best for Them
28. Making Decisions Based on Fear of Reprisal Can Be a Sign of Codependence
29. Be Strong Enough to Help Others and Strong Enough Not To
30. Listen to Your Spouse's Counsel (Women's Intuition)
31. There Are Few "Old" Fools - Seek Experienced Counsel
32. You Must Keep Your Checkbook on a Timely Basis
33. Lay Out the Written Details of a Cash Management Plan
34. Commit to Your Plan for Ninety Days
35. Take Time to Prioritize Your Life Daily
36. Keep Your Spiritual Life Healthy
37. Take Baby Steps - Prioritize Your Plan and Move Slowly
