God’s and Grandma’s way of saving money

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Drew Ritchie and Ron Parnell, Davis Park Christian Church’s leadership team for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course, discuss one of the financial strategies covered in the program’s DVD presentation by Ramsey. The 13-week program assists couples with their financial planning. According to Ramsey, money fights are the No. 1 reason for marriage breakups. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Jessica Knowlton and Jesse Ray prepare a list of their finances during the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course March 21. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Enid and area residents are flocking to Financial Peace University, a 13-week course on finances developed by syndicated radio and television financial counselor Dave Ramsey, who says he teaches “God’s and Grandma’s way” of saving money. (Photo provided)

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March 27, 2010

Economic downturn has Enid, area residents interested in attending local Financial Peace University classes

By Kasey Fowler, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Mar 27, 2010, 10:11 PM CDT

ENID — With the down economy, many are looking for ways to save and manage their money, and their searches are leading them inside the doors of local churches.

Enid and area residents are flocking to Financial Peace University, a 13-week course on finances developed by syndicated radio and television financial counselor Dave Ramsey, who says he teaches “God’s and Grandma’s way” of saving money.

Currently, Davis Park Christian Church is hosting Financial Peace University sessions coordinated by church member Drew Ritchie.

“Especially in today’s economic times, people are realizing we need to have our money work for us instead of us work for our money,” Ritchie said. “It doesn’t necessarily teach you things you don’t already know, but it changes the spending habits we have gotten into.”

The class is taught by Ramsey on DVD. Ritchie leads a small group discussion following the lesson.

“It is a group of people who get together to do something simple: live on less money than they make. If you are living on more than you are making you don’t have a strong financial future,” Ritchie said. “If you create a plan to help foresee the future and rainy days ... that is a life that will set you up for success.”

The class covers several topics dealing with finances. One is saving money.

“One of the things Dave Ramsey is most known for is the debt snowball and how to pay off debt and pay it off quickly. We learn about giving money and being charitable with the money we have. It is not just about paying off debt,” Ritchie said.

The current class contains five couples and two individuals.

“I am really excited about this class. There are unique challenges that will make it a unique learning experience for everyone involved,” Ritchie said.

This is the second time Davis Park has hosted Financial Peace University. Ritchie and his wife attended the previous class.

“We, as a class, ended up paying off over $27,000 of debt in the 13-week time period. Yes, it works, and it is fun and exciting,” he said. “When my wife and I went through the class, we thought we were doing well with our money, which we were, but it got a plan for us to be able to have money for retirement. We were able to put it down on paper.”

Although it is too late to sign up for the Financial Peace University classes ongoing at several Enid churches, other class times and locations — as well as other information about Ramsey —can be viewed at www.daveramsey.com.

You can put in your zip code and you can find a class in Enid or near Enid,” said Ritchie. “Only one person in the class now came from Davis Park — the other six came from the community. The best way to do it is get online, and it will give a list of classes. We will probably have another class at Davis Park around the September time.”

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