Debt reduction guru Dave Ramsey is well known for encouraging his followers to “live like no one else so that you can live like no one else.” Sound advice. But have you ever wondered how Ramsey himself lives?
I recently ran across an interesting article that provided details about Ramsey’s new mansion just south of Nashville (pictured below). Based on what they had to say, it seems that Dave has a taste for the finer things in life…
According to tax records, Dave’s house spans more than 13, 307 square feet – not including the 1, 454 square foot garage – and sits on a parcel of land that Dave bought or $1.5M back in 2008. Though the market value of the land has reportedly dropped to $750k, the total assessed value of his home is $4, 909, 200.
Curious what it look like on the inside?
From what we hear Dave’s home office, including the sliding library wall ladder, is made of solid mahogany. The shower in the master bathroom is rumored to have 18 shower heads and is larger than the jacuzzi tub. Cathedral ceilings throughout. The local who we spoke with felt the basement was by far the most impressive. Full bar with whiskey barrels built into the walls, media room and several bedrooms make up the broad lower basement level you see from the distance, wrapping around the tip of the mountain.
Oh, and if you’re wondering… There’s no record of a mortgage on the property.
If you’re interested in moving into the area, you can make an offer on Lee Ann Rimes’ house right next door. While the $6, 499, 900 price tag might seem a bit shocking, that’s a bargain compared to the original listing price of $6, 950, 000. Beyond that, she’s apparently never lived there, so it should be in great shape.
That house looks like it was designed by an 8 year old kid on Roblox.
Ramsey apparently has as much taste in homes as he has integrity.
If you have listened to Ramsey you understand that his message really isn’t about getting out of debt, it is about acquiring wealth. It is painfully clear that Dave, from the very beginning, devoted his life to becoming rich. His immodest house is a witness to it; and his very language exudes this devotion – you too can “win.” And herein lies the problem. He has deluded himself and perhaps many others into believing that wealth acquisition, as a goal, is compatible with Christianity. It isn’t. You can’t read the New Testament and imagine that Christ or any of the apostles would have endorsed becoming rich as a goal. That is not to say that very many of us in America, who have so much, have heeded the radical nature of our Lord Jesus’ call, in our finances or otherwise.
Having lived in the third world for the last few years my heart breaks that so many Christiams would store up their wealth in this life. If Dave’s biblical principles have helped him make millions and helped countless others make their tens of thousands what is it all for? Jesus left no room for doubt. It’s to take care of those, the widows and the orphans, the least of these. We have one life, maybe 60 adult years to make a difference, and an eternity to think about all we could have done. Spend yourself on behalf of the poor. Do all these principles yes, but for Jesus. To worship him. To take care of his creation. To express his love to the world. A 15,000 sqft house communicates none of that and we all know it.
Right here is the right webpage for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic.
You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally
would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a
subject that has been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff,
just excellent!
For all of the haters/critics of this, I have a question for you: How many people did Dave Ramsey hurt financially while building his wealth or building that house? The answer is 0. In fact, he’s helped millions of people achieve there own definition of wealth. I commend Dave for achieving his.
The majority of the wealthy got that way either by following the steps Dave sets forth and/or by making your life better and by giving you what you want. Do you own an iPhone? If so, you have no right to complain or criticize capitalism.
I’m so sick of the extremely naive assumption that in order for someone to achieve wealth that it has to take away from someone else. EVERYONE who is willing has the ability to achieve their own definition of wealth without negatively affecting someone else! The economic pie is not a fixed pie, it gets bigger over time. And it would get even bigger if more people, businesses, and our government would follow the principles Dave sets forth.
While it seems a little ostentatious, I don’t think there’s anything incongruent with his teaching. Maybe folks would argue that he needs to add something to the teaching, but I don’t see anything hypocritical.
What is hypocritical: Folks getting mad at a dude who has made his success by helping tons of people vs. being upset with others who make money solely off people (or for providing a little entertainment here or there).
Personally, I’d prefer a little more subtlety in his living situation, but I also know that when I follow his advice, I’m much better financially than I am when I don’t. I’ll buy his stuff if I need to, and he can go buy fancy lighting if he wants.
go complain about athletes, actors, singers etc McMansion.
Another case of class envy here. So what if he has a big multimillion dollar house? His phrase “LIve like no one else so you can live like no one else” definitely exemplified here. It doesn’t mean you need to live in a tiny place for the rest of your life. What it does mean is live well below your means, get out of debt and stay out of debt, and continue to live below your means. Then pay cash for nicer stuff. He’s made a lot more money than the average person because he’s done a lot more than the average person- built a very large, successful, thriving business. Most people who become wealthy in the US do it this way- by starting a business- not from having a job, and not from inheriting it.
Having money is not inherently evil. People who are busy knocking him down won’t become wealthy because of unhealthy attitudes towards money.
As my husband said, “Eighteen shower heads? I guess you have to wash the guilt off somehow.”
I listen to Dave on the radio every day and have read his books. All the people that have negative comments have no idea what they are talking about. Having money is not evil. people see the house he has but don’t see the money he gives to charity, the used cars he drives or brown bagged lunches he takes to work. He gives a lot of his wealth and is far from being selfish. He’s very disciplined more than any of you. He doesn’t go to starbucks like most of you broke people. He is very good at marketing common sense which seems to be a lost thing now days. God has totally used his tragedy of going broke. Whe he was young and dumb, he borrowed money buying real estate and took on more than he can chew and the banks called his notes due because of mgt change and thats what got him. He had to rebuild from scratch from the ground up and did it God’s way….the right way and lived within his means and paid cash for things. He hates debt because of the pain it brought him and so he shows people how to avoid that pain. He has helped millions of people just by people listening to his radio station and not just selling a book for 10 bucks. I’m 32 and paid off my cars, student loans 8 years ago. I’ve debt free and when my paycheck comes in I get to keep it, I actually get to give, save and spend it. I made smart choices and lived within my means which most people do not do because they are selfish and spend all their money on themselves and wonder why they are broke and have no peace in their lives never being satisfied. We are managers of God’s money…its not our money.
I am sure the people that built it, the people that sold the land, the lumber yard, the tradesmen that built it, the retailers that sold the appliances, the landscapers, the cleaning service etc… all are happy that he has spent the money he earns rather than let it all sit in a bank. There is no question in my mind that Dave gives all he recommends and more.
I may or may not be in a position in the future that I can buy a home like that. If I am it’s because of Dave that I would actually have that money saved. Before Dave all I did was spend. I gave at a higher percentage than all of our top elected officials based on their own disclosures, but still far short of what I do and can do now as a result of Dave’s advice. You don’t just wake up one day knowing this stuff.
I think its great he is giving others an opportunity to earn a living. That’s what you can do when you provide a product or service that changes peoples lives. Certainly more impact on others than any athlete, pop star or actor has ever been able to accomplish. Some of the others may change how you feel, but Dave truly changes what you are capable of when you follow his advice. My net worth has changed by $300,000 in the 3 years that I have followed Dave’s advice. Multiply that by the rest of the years that I have to earn money and add the compound interest… I have so much more than the $99 I invested in this course. Those that think it’s a scam are entitled, but you are wrong.
So how exactly is owning property and houses with no payments on them considered “debt” as you say James?
Sounds like some people are a bit jealous. According to what I’ve heard him say on his show, He’s a successful entrepreneur, and employs 200+ people. When your worth 10 million, a 5 million home sounds reasonable.
I live in the area, people here know what he is all about. He’s got everybody else snowed. And if you think he doesn’t have any “debt” then you are wrong. Maybe no “personal” debt, but he has tons of real estate including this house… Go figure.
that’s FPmansion to you TJ…lol
This guy is about a blink away from a corrupt 1980- televangalist. He uses “Christianity and God to preach and sell his message. Jesus would turn his “temple’s tables over and cast him out” . He goes into churches and sells his snake oil to a lapdog crowd that are greatly influenced by their church leaders. Those same church leaders accept donations, Ever wonder why he gives back to the churches? It’s called a referral fee!!! He tells people to sell the shrubs out of the front yard, get a paper route, work three jobs..
I am all for success but he is spending it as fast as he is making it, exactly what he did to run him bankrupt before. He may have “helped” lots of folks but I think he is very phony and fake and if it came down to your or him, trust me it would be all about DAVE. Anybody that “needs” that size of a house is very insecure. Like Johnny Cash sang… “you can take it all, my empire of dirt” He is a great salesman but his products, and the way he markets them are tainted.
I love it! No mortgage on this mansion! He has earned all of it, better than a 19 year old kid that plays basketball and is broke by the time he is 40. Dave has changed lives, myself included! And yes I am paying to see him live in Nashville in February and I don’t care what he makes off of me. I might drive by the house and take a pic! We have paid off over $60k and went to a 15 year mortgage with his teachings!!
We just updated the original story on CoolSprings.com with Dave Ramsey’s average monthly electric bill for the last 12 months. $1,285 per month average.
Wow…I agree Bubba(Oct. 16th) & Vicki(Oct.23rd). All of us would possibly have smaller homes if we all lived within our means.
The more money/wealth you have, the more you want. Yes, WANT…not need. Does Dave NEED a 13,307 square foot home!? I’m not in his shoes, so I wouldn’t know. But maybe with a wife and 13 kids it would be needed.
Yes, he found his avenue to fame & fortune by consolidating facts that can be found FREE in a library or online. Then to create a package & sell the information. Remember Carleton Sheets?
Not mad at’em….Dave congrats to you…..I’m still working & driving around looking for my avenue.
Seems a bit excessive no matter how much money someone has. I don’t think this quite follows the communal living and sharing of the early Christians. Additionally, there is a limit to our natural resources. Stewardship applies to more than “money”.
Olivia, I appreciated your thoughtful comments. You raised some VERY good points. I should be less quick to judge–especially knowing that I’ve done some pretty foolish things with my own money over the years. Thanks again!
It sounds to me as if he is doing everything right. The same basic principles apply to us all. If you make $50,000 a year, then you will buy an appropriate-sized house, say, one that costs $100,000. If you make 2 million, then you or I most certainly would not settle for that same $100,000 house. And if you say you would, then I would question your honesty.
I think Dave Ramsey is an admirable person who has done great work to help many back on their feet, his prosperity is his just due for that work. However, “stewardship” is also defined as caring for and nurturing God’s earth. No One “deserves” to squander the resources and health of the planet as a reward for good spiritual or financial practices. The ecological damage created by building and maintaining a house like this is about as far from good earth stewardship as you can get.
Three cheers for Dave and his success, and three cheers for capitalism.
I’m trying to think objectively about this. Solomon was a very rich man, as was Job. God doesn’t criticize their wealth. For me, it would be a frightening thing to have that much money and to stand before God on it’s use. I would never want to be in Dave’s shoes. My first inclination would be to give it all away to good causes. But that’s not the answer either. It is a stewardship, a trust, as someone else mentioned, it’s God’s money. The question that needs to be answered is not how we feel about it, but what does God think of it? And since we really don’t know what Dave does with his tithe or giving or what his spiritual life looks like, we can’t answer that. Since few of us are on a first name basis with him to talk to him, the best thing for us to do for him is pray for him.
Vicky, If you were asking me, the point is about stewardship. Below is a question from Dave’s website about using the envelope system where he talks about stewardship (or being a good manager of God’s money). I’m just saying that based on my understanding of the Bible, I don’t believe that Dave managed God’s money very well when he “invested” in his home. I believe that God is looking for something that will have an eternal impact, and I don’t see how this home fits in that category. I guess that’s a point that Dave and I (and you and I) will just have to agree to disagree about.
Here’s the question and answer:
Do Rich People Need The Envelope System?
Craig asks if you ever reach a point during the Baby Steps where you stop using cash and the envelopes. Dave says he hasn’t.
QUESTION: Craig on Twitter asks if you ever reach a point during the Baby Steps where you stop using cash and the envelopes. Dave says he hasn’t.
ANSWER: Well, I’ve become worth several million dollars, and we haven’t. We still do the envelopes. If you talk to my wife Sharon and know her well enough to get her to open her purse, you would find a deluxe envelope system from the Dave Ramsey bookstore. She carries one of those envelope systems in her purse, uses it every day. We still do a written budget every month. Why? Because we’re responsible spiritually for handling that money well. Those of us who are Christians call that stewardship—to be a good steward or manager of God’s money. It’s not a freaky thing. It’s just a matter of common sense. I just want my money to behave. I want it to do what it’s supposed to do.
He earned it, so what’s your point?
Nickel,
Thanks for your comments.
Here’s are a few more thoughts I had.
I was just listening to a sponsorship drive for Compassion International yesterday and they were talking about families of six people who live in shacks that are only about 32 square feet (about 4′ x 8′)–that works out to be an area about 5.33 square feet per person. That gives each person an area to sleep in that’s about 1′ x 5′ 4″. When you consider that Dave’s place is over 13,000 square feet, the largesse begins to sink in. I once toured a home that was 10,000 square feet and I couldn’t even imagine what all the rooms would be used for.
You mentioned that the money is Dave’s, but if he’s following the Christian principles he advocates, the money is technically God’s and he is just a steward of it. I just thought he would be a bit more concerned with “sending more lumber on ahead” (to build an eternal mansion).
I took a stab at sending an e-mail to Dave through his website. I’d be interested to hear his perspective, but I’d be surprised if I hear back. One can hope though…
Jebus. His garage is bigger than my home.
Honestly homes like that are just so wasteful. He could live in a different thousand square feet (or size of a small ranch house) every month and still have more than a thousand square feet unvisited.
It is his money, but the natural resources used to build, furnish, heat and light that house belong to all of us.
Chris and Jared: I don’t have a strong opinion on this, I just thought it was interesting. It’s his money and he has every right to do this. At the same time, I don’t personally see a need for a home of this magnitude no matter how much money I might have. Who knows, maybe my opinion might change if I was ultra-rich, but I doubt it.
As things currently stand, we own a rather nice house. And yes, we own it outright. While we could afford to live in a bigger, fancier house than what we have, we don’t. I just don’t see the point. Honestly, I think a home like this would create more headaches than it would be worth. But that’s just me. 🙂
Nickel, I’m hoping like Jared that you’ll “Take a stand” and give your thoughts about Dave’s house. The comments so far have been pretty polarized–either very positive or very negative.
Aren’t you glad you jumped into this quagmire? 🙂
HS: I would imagine that this picture was taken in the late fall or winter, which would explain the leafless trees.
That is the ugliest house and look at the landscape all around it.. looks like dead trees.
Down right disgusting and shameful. GREED, GREED GREED. He probably only pays his workers minimum wage. He’s not worried about his carbon footprint.
Well, good for him. I guess. I don’t agree with him on a lot of things, but what he does with his money is up to him. The only thing that has somewhat bothered me ( and I am willing to admit I might not be 100% on his “preaching” here- it’s mostly based on what I read from his followers) is that while his followers all preach the no credit lifestyle ( supposedly based on his teachings), credit/debt HAS been utilized to improve his lifestyle and that’s a verifiable fact. At least it appears he makes good use of “good credit” for the right reasons and apparently he has a mansion mortgage free. Good for him.
I’m unclear about the purpose of this post. I have a hard time believing Nickel would spend the time writing a purely FYI post about Dave’s house.
I’d have rather seen you come out and made a statement either way. Do you like that someone has been successful and can afford the “finer things in life?” Or are you turned off that he’s living in such an extravagant house? Take a stand!
Personally, I think its great. Truly the American dream in full display.
Hmmmmm… Well, Nickel, it seems like being bad at math hasn’t really slowed Dave down. On a more serious note… I’m going through Dave’s Total Money Makeover book at my church right now, so seeing this was a bit disconcerting. Dave always says that when you play with credit cards you’re gonna get burnt. What about playing with whiskey? Just sayin’
No different than Ronda Byrne who wrote The Secret. They have both become very successful preaching what they believe!
Wow. Since is such a big advocate of giving…just wandering how much he gives to charity? Also, being a “christian” what is he doing with a bar in the basement??
Doesn’t anyone on here realize that he made all his money off of other people. Charging for all his financial classes and help. Myself I find it pretty disgusting.He stresses living frugally and I sure do not call that house frugal.
Wow, his garage is bigger than my house…
That said, it doesn’t bother me. He’s welcome to do whatever he wants with his money, just like I’m welcome to do whatever I want with mine. If he feels a need for a large house then he’s welcome to it; if I had the cash, I’d have a larger home than I currently live in. Granted, no need for me to have something as large as his house, but we don’t entertain that many people very often and don’t have a very large family, which are the only reasons I might go that big.
Dave practices what he preaches. He gives to God FIRST. He is generous and honest. Real estate is his love. I do not aspire to a home like that. I’m a farmer at heart. But I certainly do not begrudge it. I look on Dave as someone who has gone where I am going. His paid for home is like a land mark for me. I am making different choices, but I can only be happy for him. And those who accuse him of avarice, must not actually listen to his show and must never hear how much stuff he GIVES AWAY to callers who are in tough circumstances. Well Done, Dave. But I am going to follow him around and pick up the loose change he drops.
Holy smokes. Well, if you got it, flaunt it right?
While some other people could get some serious flak for this…I mean, Dave is so successful, he could probably finance a much, much more expensive place. So, if this is really paid off…well, good for him.
Awesome! I owe a lot of my current financial success to the teachings of Dave Ramsey. I was in a dark debt ridden place driving a nice BMW when I heard the bumper to his show (where a paid off mortgage is the new status symbol of choice…) which had me start listening just long enough to get hooked. Now my family is debt free except for the house and hopefully someday soon will also be living like no one else. Go Dave!
Well, if we all just make up a finance course I’m sure we can roll in the bucks too.It doesn’t really follows the gospel to be able to give & help others & live a life of properous ease. Read the Bible story about the rich man and Lazarus.
He has every right to a house like that, but it seems like overkill to me.
He lived like no one else, and now he lives like no one else. Great example, and inspiration!
I might actually build something like that if I decide to retire on another country. Of course, I’ll probably need a harem of wives to utilize the space properly.
Dave deserves it, and I’m wondering what the point of this post is. He dug himself out of millions of dollars of debt and almost lost his marriage. Now he is insanely successful with great children and a beautiful home. God bless him, because he has changed my life and soooo many others. Is this post to criticize a man who pays CASH for the finer things in life?
Hmm, I can’t even think about the maintenance cost of a house that large. But he can afford it. I wonder if he sounds the whiskey barrels on a regular basis to see if the help it helping themselves. But hemost likely has hidden cameras in every room to keep track on what goes on.
Dave would say that if you have met your financial goals and obligations, then go ahead and spend your money on your desires. But Dave does use Christianity to support his money philosophy, and IMHO conspicuous consumption is not very Bible-friendly.
Very impressive. I am happy for Dave and his family. He has done so much for so many. God bless him.
Hat’s off to Dave for being able to live like no one else (at least most folks). Wonder how much cash is in the utilities envelope each month?
…somehow it reminds me of the typical media stories exposing the luxurious secret lifestyles of “humble” TV Preachers/Evangelists.
Ramsey’s no crook, but is a bit deceptive. He’s essentially a media performer/salesman hustling standard financial advice available in a thousand other places… and free in the public library & internet.
The trick of such successful media marketeers is convincing masses of people to buy otherwise free stuff… thru slick personal performances & media packaging. That gig pays VERY well for some, like Suzy Orman, Tony Robbins, etc.
Ramsey attempted to get rich the old fashioned way — but went bankrupt quickly in the real estate business; if he’s so smart now, why isn’t he making mega-millions in standard business investments (??) Instead of course, he discovered how to mass-market hot air — where the real easy money is. TV preachers discovered that too.
Looks cool but my god I could not imagine having a house that large, I would have to change my lifestyle entirely to properly utilize a home of that size.
What a baller. What a baller! Fricken huge house. How long you think it takes to clean?
That’s awesome. A great inspiration to aspire to that. It does surprise me that he has such a big house and not something more modest.
As I like to say “Think Big” (aka Dream Big)…or based on the city I live in I also like to say, “Be weird, be DebtFree.”
(posted a comment earlier but it never showed up)
Interesting,
Well at least he has 16 shower heads, I know how inaccurate my 1 shower head is at home, it just spays water everywhere.
awesome…great motivator to dream big (Think Big). As I like to say (partially due to the city I live in) “Be weird, be DebtFree4ever”
I would just like to point out that Dave didn’t get rich by clipping coupons. You don’t save your way to something like this. “Build a business” is what he means when he says “Do what I did, and you can live like I do”.
Dave is a great example — went from bankruptcy to this — and no MORTGAGE!
When I saw the link on Twitter to this post, I was picturing something much more modest. I thought his lifestyle would be more like Warren Buffet.
I guess he can afford it, and I’m sure he paid cash, and that he practices what he preaches. He can truly afford it, and I’d venture to guess that it’s paid for.
I absolutely love it! If anyone has done so much good for the finances of so many, it’s him. I glad he is prosperous.
Guess he is living his motto!
LOVE IT! He’s counting his blessing, and when he’s on the crapper, he’s thinking to himself “oh baby yeah!”
Bless Capitalism for sure!
I’ll assume Dave used cash in hand to negotiate a good price … say $4.5M. At $25 per Financial Peace U. student (let’s say he personally profits one-fourth of the $99 tuition price, after paying his staff and other expenses), that translates into 180,000 students funding his mansion. I’m sure he’s had at least that many FPU students. But I don’t disparage that. He is earning what he gets, and his FPU course is a positive motivator for many people. God bless free enterprise!