Best Financial Foundations: What Dave Ramsey Got Right (And Why I Partner With the SmartVestor Pro Program)
👉 Want to learn how to retire without the worry of running out of money in retirement? Click here to watch this video
Why Listen to Me?
I’ve spent my career helping people build wealth with clarity and purpose — and I’m proud to be aligned with Dave Ramsey’s SmartVestor Pro program. While not everyone knows the full story behind Dave’s rise or the strategy behind his baby steps, I do. And I partner with SmartVestor because we share the same three values: heart of a teacher, integrity, and service. Dave has helped millions reclaim their financial future — and I consider it a privilege to continue that mission as an advisor who leads with both education and strategy.
Summary: What You’ll Learn
- Who Dave Ramsey is and what the SmartVestor Pro network means
- A breakdown of the Baby Steps (and where people get stuck)
- Why SmartVestor Pros are different than traditional advisors
- How we build long-term plans that reflect your values, not just your balance
- How to move from debt freedom to wealth building with confidence
Dave Ramsey’s Story: Why Millions Listen
Dave Ramsey built his financial philosophy the hard way — by living through financial collapse. After going bankrupt in his 20s, he rebuilt his life and launched a radio show to help others avoid the same mistakes.
Today, his influence includes:
- The Ramsey Show (formerly Financial Peace Radio), heard by millions on Sirius XM
- Books like “The Total Money Makeover” and “Baby Steps Millionaires”
- The Ramsey Solutions team, which provides tools, education, and networks like SmartVestor
He simplified what most people feared: how to win with money, one step at a time.
The FICO Score Story
One of Dave’s most famous examples is about his lack of a credit score. Because he hasn’t used debt in decades, his FICO score is indeterminable — meaning, ironically, he wouldn't even qualify for a rental apartment based on modern credit systems.
As he jokes, if he went to apply at the apartment complex down the street, they’d deny him. So what would he do? Write a check and buy the whole apartment complex instead. That’s how broken the credit system is — and it’s a powerful reminder that your worth is not defined by your credit report.
Why Dave Teaches the Plastectomy
Dave coined the term “plastectomy” to describe the moment someone cuts up all their credit cards. He believes financial freedom begins when you break up with debt — and that starts by eliminating the tools that keep people tied to it. According to Dave, broke people often have a wallet full of credit cards, which leads to overspending and financial stress.
He preaches that credit isn’t a tool, it’s a trap, and that building wealth starts when you stop borrowing money you don’t have to buy things you don’t need.
The $500/Month Car Loan Trap
Dave is also known for his strong take on cars: the average car payment in America is around $500/month — and if instead you invested that amount from age 30 to 70, you’d have $5 to $6 million in retirement savings. That’s a staggering opportunity cost.
He also points out that new cars lose up to 60% of their value within five years, which makes financing a new car an especially bad deal.
My take: If you’re not already a millionaire, buying a gently used car with cash is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let compound interest build your wealth, not a depreciating asset.
Mortgage “Brokers” and Why Language Matters
Dave also jokes that the term “mortgage broker” has the word “broke” in it for a reason — because many people feel the pressure to buy a home right after marriage, even if they’re not financially ready.
His reminder? Just because the system says you're approved doesn’t mean you can afford it. And when you’re buried in debt, you don’t truly own anything — someone else owns you.
The 7 Baby Steps
- Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund
- Pay off all debt (except your mortgage) using the debt snowball
- Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund
- Invest 15% of your income for retirement
- Save for your children’s college fund
- Pay off your home early
- Build wealth and give generously
Why People Get Stuck
- They don’t know how to invest after step 3
- They try to time the market instead of sticking to strategy
- They’ve never worked with an advisor who teaches instead of sells
What Is the SmartVestor Pro Program?
SmartVestor Pros are hand-selected, vetted financial professionals who:
- Align with Dave’s values
- Operate with integrity and transparency
- Educate first, sell never
I became a SmartVestor Pro because I wanted to combine Dave’s educational model with my planning expertise — helping people go from debt-free to financially independent in a way that feels grounded, faith-aligned, and SEC-friendly.
How My Approach as a SmartVestor Pro Is Different
I’m here to teach, not pressure — you’ll never be sold products or pushed toward high-risk investments
I integrate tax-smart investing, retirement income planning, and estate guidance so you’re not just building wealth, you’re protecting it
I walk with you through all the baby steps — and help you grow beyond them
Real-Life Example
Meet Sarah, age 38
- Paid off $60K in debt using Baby Step 2
- Was stuck saving cash with no investment plan
- Found me through the SmartVestor network
Today:
- She’s investing 15% of her income with confidence
- Has a Roth IRA and workplace plan aligned with her goals
- Created a charitable giving strategy for Baby Step 7
Conclusion
If you’ve followed Dave’s steps and are wondering what’s next, or if you’re just looking for a trustworthy advisor who believes in teaching and serving, the SmartVestor Pro program is a great place to start.
My mission is aligned with Dave’s: to help families build real wealth, give generously, and live in freedom.
👉 Want to learn how to retire without the worry of running out of money in retirement? Click here to watch this video
FAQs
Do you follow Dave Ramsey’s advice exactly?
I follow the spirit of the Baby Steps and integrate them with investment strategies that meet SEC standards, tax law, and your unique goals. My approach adds strategy without complexity.
What makes a SmartVestor Pro different from other advisors?
We’re chosen because we have the heart of a teacher, believe in transparency, and commit to long-term client success — not product pushing.
Is there a minimum to work with you?
I meet people where they are. If you’re committed to the process and ready to grow, let’s talk.
Disclaimer: Case studies are hypothetical and do not relate to an actual client of Lock Wealth Management. Clients or potential clients should not interpret any part of the content as a guarantee of achieving similar results or satisfaction if they engage Lock Wealth Management for investment advisory services.