Don't Take My Advice

Demystifying Gurus & Making Informed Choices

There are a lot of great motivational folks out there, especially in the financial field, and many of them offer fantastic advice. At the same time, however, it can often be noted that many of these gurus can come off as fanatical. They present their solutions as all or nothing and if we dare to consider a differing opinion then we're doomed to disaster. This is all part of being a media mogul and it's something we need to be aware of when we follow these sorts of advice giving celebrities.

Whether it's the FICO score obsessed, Suze Orman or the debt-phobic, Dave Ramsey, the use of fear and absolutes is a common tactic among such gurus who are out to sell you on their brand. The more they can convince us that they have the best and only real method of obtaining financial success the more they can get us to spend on their system. It's all sales and marketing so we need to be educated consumers when we take in information just as we should be when we make tangible purchases.

Now don't get me wrong, I think there are a lot of great ideas presented by the individuals mentioned above. I find Dave Ramsey's radio show to be incredibly motivating and I've recommended his book to many of my friends and family. But, do I think you're a loser if you lease a car? No. Do I think it's sometimes necessary to borrow money for college? Yes. Yet when it comes to tackling debt and building savings, I don't think you'll find a better system out there.

The point is when we allow ourselves to become enchanted by gurus of any kind we can often end up feeling let down. We spend money on books, products and seminars only to have the initial enthusiasm wear off and end up back where we started. When we take in this sort of guidance it should be to motivate us and help us make better choices and not to simply conform ourselves into someone else's ideal.

Be Well!
- Nicole