DR: total $ makeover: buy or library

[HappyLamb]

I LOVE buying books (I am a librarian!). I have been pretty successful at reforming myself in the past few years by using the library, borrowing from friends, etc.
I have a gift card to Barnes and Noble for $15. Would you say its worth it to buy Ramsey's book or wait for it at the library? I am the 3rd person in line for the book, it might be a few weeks before I get it. The only other book I am interested in buying right now is one about vaccinations, or maybe a new cookbook.

[Amys1st]

Originally Posted by HappyLamb

I LOVE buying books (I am a librarian!). I have been pretty successful at reforming myself in the past few years by using the library, borrowing from friends, etc.
I have a gift card to Barnes and Noble for $15. Would you say its worth it to buy Ramsey's book or wait for it at the library? I am the 3rd person in line for the book, it might be a few weeks before I get it. The only other book I am interested in buying right now is one about vaccinations, or maybe a new cookbook.

I say library all the way. Or buy it w your giftcard, read it, then donate it to your library and get the tax deduction as well. Or save the gift card for a later purchase. But we all know then it sits in the drawer for months blah blah blah. I still have the giftcard given to me a year ago today for my bday from SIL for a pedicure or whatever. Havent had time to get to that part of town.

[mamamilkers]

Absolutely library. The book just goes over and over and over the same points ad nauseum. It's great, it drills it in to your head so you don't forget it!

Get somethin' fun with that GC, mama!

[Mama Dragon]

Get the cookbook, the other 2 you mentioned are definitely library material

[lmonter]

The only way I actually buy a book is *after* I've checked it out from the library 2-5 times. And even then, half the time I just decide I can snag it or request it from the library again.

But I'm cheap, and have no real space for a home library because hubby has 2-3 giant bookcases in the basement filled with old computer games (I keep harassing him about putting them in boxes under the stairs since he doesn't want to part with 'em, so someday...).

[ShawnMarie]

Originally Posted by HappyLamb

I LOVE buying books (I am a librarian!). I have been pretty successful at reforming myself in the past few years by using the library, borrowing from friends, etc.
I have a gift card to Barnes and Noble for $15. Would you say its worth it to buy Ramsey's book or wait for it at the library? I am the 3rd person in line for the book, it might be a few weeks before I get it. The only other book I am interested in buying right now is one about vaccinations, or maybe a new cookbook.

I don't exactly agree with the other posters. I would first get it out of the library and then see if you really like it.

If you do, yes I would buy it (When Dave has it on sale for $10 or with a gift card.) Or you could also put yourself on the waiting list for it at www.paperbackswap.com and get it for the cost of a credit instead of using actual money. Or ask for it as a gift for your next personal holiday.

I find that having the book always in view helps me to stay on track with my goals - if DH or I get weak we go back and read it. I did buy TMM but would never buy Financial Peace - too preachy. To each his own though.

[phathui5]

I'd also recommend buying it when DR's website has a sale going on. It's motivating to have the book around, then you can read a couple pages at a time as a reminder.

[jtsmom]

If you are pretty financially savvy, I suggest you check it out of the library, skim it, then write down the baby steps in order in your notebook.

If you are completely new to dealing with your finances, I suggest you get the book out of the library, read the whole book, write down the baby steps in order in your notebook.

Once you understand why he has you do the things in that order, all you need is a reminder of the order, you don't need to reread *why*

[cdahlgrd]

I would get DR from the library and use the gift card to by the "Complete Tightwad Gazette". I have been reading TG for about 10 years now, and am still learning ways to save money!

[Siennaflower]

Honestly, I think it depends on what you want out of it. If you're just looking for info on how to do his baby steps, then yeah, check it out from the library. If you're looking for motivation, I'd say buy it (used, like from half.com). I've been working baby step 2 (repaying debt) for well over a year and re-reading the coordinating chapter gives me instant motivation when mine has dwindled. So for me, it's a keeper.

[rsummer]

Its written perhaps at a second grade (maybe first) reading level and I honestly read about half in one afternoon sitting at the library, So although there is important info in these books, I'd just get on the list and while I was waiting, I'd make spread sheets of debt, expenses, income, etc.