Is Financial Peace University right for my relatives? Share your experience!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores personal experiences related to attending Financial Peace University (FPU) and its potential impact on participants' financial situations and relationships. Participants share their insights on the program's structure, privacy concerns, and the overall environment.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, inquires about the program's format and privacy, expressing concern for their relatives' embarrassment regarding their financial situation.
  • Another participant shares their experience attending FPU, noting that it consists of DVDs and workbooks, and emphasizes that sharing personal information is not required.
  • Several users mention that discussions are general and focused on budgeting struggles rather than personal financial details.
  • One participant compares FPU to Weight Watchers, highlighting that attendees are there to improve their financial situations and can choose what to share.
  • Another participant, who has led classes, notes that honesty in discussions can enhance the experience, but disclosure is not mandatory.
  • Some participants mention the availability of CDs for lessons, allowing for review at any time.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in getting their spouse to attend, while another shares that they managed to participate despite their partner's initial reluctance.
  • Several users report positive outcomes, including reduced spending and improved communication about finances, attributing these changes to the program.
  • One participant mentions that their sister and friends have had positive experiences with FPU.
  • Another participant expresses that the program has transformed their approach to money management and has positively impacted their marriage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of attending the program as a couple, with some participants suggesting that it is beneficial for both partners to attend, while others indicate that individual participation can still yield positive results.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and reflections on the FPU program, focusing on its structure and the emotional aspects of financial discussions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering FPU for themselves or their relatives, particularly those who may feel apprehensive about sharing personal financial information in a group setting.

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legacypc46
Gold Member
Messages
2,322
Looking for feedback from those who've attended the program (either thru a church or in a small group).

Do the classes consist of videos and discussion? What about individual privacy...do people have to share their progress? I have relatives considering the program, but they are very embarassed by their situtation.

(DH and I are doing the TMM on our own and that works fine for us...but I suspect attending FPU may be better option for them.)
 
We attend FPU at our church over 1 year ago. It is presented in DVD form with a follow along workbook. You never have to share your information with anyone. You can share if you would like. Those who did share talked in more of a general discussion not their number details. It was a great way to talk about the daily struggles with budgeting, money and bills.

Tell them not to be afraid. It is a warm and welcoming environment and the DVD's are entertaining. My husband was worried it would be to "heavy" of a topic. Dave kept it informative but not complicated.
 
videos and discussion. You don't have to share any detailed information with the class. The "Dave Tapes" are great!
 
it's like going to Weight Watchers. NO ONE is there because they have perfect figures. Same is true for FPU....:) That's why they are there. That being said, they say only what they want! Celebrate the victories, but leave out specifics! :)It's a fantastic program! The best budgeting I've ever come across (very specific- which is what is realistic!).
 
My DH and I have led the class twice. You never have to disclose any information that you don't want to. The discussion is topical, based on the video you just watched.That said, I think people who are honest during the class get more out of it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thank you everyone...and thank Deb for your perspective as a group leader!
 
Second everything everyone else said.

Also, in your kit, you get CDs of all the lessons, so you get to re-listen to any lesson at ay time.
 
I've been wanting to try this but it's like pulling teeth to get my husband to agree to go with me.
 
My husband wasn't the most receptive to the idea either, but I didn't let that stop me. If you really want to do it, there's nothing wrong with starting by yourself. Maybe if he sees how important you feel it is, he'll join you. Or, when you get your kit, you can have him listen to the CDs.

Obviously, it works best if both of you attend, but it's still beneficial even if only one of you is able to go. My DH missed the first half of almost all of the classes because of his work schedule. We're still on the plan though, and he was able to catch up with the CDs, and the person leading our class also let us borrow some of the DVDs to watch at home.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
littlemaisyPC said:
I've been wanting to try this but it's like pulling teeth to get my husband to agree to go with me.
Click to expand...

It took me a year to get my husband to fully try DR's budgeting/envelope approach. We both read the TMM book in the Fall of '08 and realized we were already managing our money along a similar priority system. DH seemed to feel the program didn't really offer him anything new.

This past fall I ordered the FPU workbook and had my aha-moment. At Christmas I told DH I really wanted to use the workbook to see if it made a difference. I argued we had nothing to lose and that we owed it to ourselves to try it. It took several hours (and days) to get everything started and figure it out, but....

...we have been amazed with the results. Not only have we found our spending down significantly (and therefore our debt as well), we are experiencing a calmness about money we have never had. We are even having heart to hearts on the topic :love:.
 
I don't know much of the details on it, but my sister and her husband and a lot of our friends have done it and LOVED it!
 
legacypc46 said:
Not only have we found our spending down significantly (and therefore our debt as well), we are experiencing a calmness about money we have never had. We are even having heart to hearts on the topic :love:.
Click to expand...

ITA!!!!

Dave Ramsey saved my marriage! We are now debt free except our house and life is good. :balloon:
 
DebbieJ said:
ITA!!!!

Dave Ramsey saved my marriage! We are now debt free except our house and life is good. :balloon:
Click to expand...

Ditto all that! It will change their lives. It is weird, but it totally transforms how you think about and handle your money. Very counter-cultural but I am seeing a definite shift in that direction!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Financial Peace University and how does it work?

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a program created by Dave Ramsey that teaches individuals and families how to manage their money effectively. It consists of a series of video lessons and discussions that cover topics such as budgeting, debt elimination, saving, and investing. Participants typically meet in groups or attend online sessions, and they are encouraged to implement the principles they learn in their daily lives.

Is Financial Peace University suitable for all ages?

Yes, Financial Peace University is designed for individuals and families of all ages. Whether your relatives are young adults just starting their financial journey or older adults looking to improve their financial situation, the principles taught in FPU can be beneficial. The program is adaptable to different life stages and financial situations.

What are the benefits of attending Financial Peace University?

Attending Financial Peace University can provide numerous benefits, including gaining a clear understanding of personal finance, learning how to create and stick to a budget, developing strategies for paying off debt, and building a savings plan. Many participants also report feeling more confident in their financial decisions and experiencing reduced stress related to money management.

How much does Financial Peace University cost?

The cost of Financial Peace University can vary depending on the format you choose. Typically, the course materials and access to the online platform may range from $100 to $200. However, many churches and community organizations offer the program at a reduced rate or even for free, so it's worth checking local options for availability.

Can Financial Peace University help with specific financial challenges?

Absolutely! Financial Peace University addresses a wide range of financial challenges, including managing debt, saving for emergencies, planning for retirement, and investing wisely. The program provides practical tools and strategies that can be tailored to individual circumstances, making it a valuable resource for anyone facing financial difficulties.

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