Dave Ramsey: 5 Habits That Can Make You Wealthy

The GOBankingRates survey found that 24% of Americans have bought books on personal finance or money advice in the last year. Here's a look at the most popular authors in this category:

• Andrew Aziz, author of "How To Day Trade for a Living"
• Barbara Huson, author of "Secrets of Six-Figure Women"
• Brandon Turner, author of "The Book on Rental Property Investing"
• Dave Ramsey, author of "The Total Money Makeover"
• David Bach, author of "The Automatic Millionaire" and "Smart Women Finish Rich"
• Erin Lowry, author of "Broke Millennial"
• Grant Cardone, author of "The 10X Rule"
• J. L. Collins, author of "The Simple Path to Wealth"
• Jen Sincero, author of "You are a Badass at Making Money" and "Master the Mindset of Wealth"
• Morgan Housel, author of "The Psychology of Money"
• Rachel Cruze, author of "Know Yourself, Know Your Money"
• Rachel Rodgers, author of "We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth and Gaining Economic Power"
• Ramit Sethi, author of "I Will Teach You To Be Rich"
• Ray Dalio, author of "Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order"
• Robert T. Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad" series
• Scott Trench, author of "Set for Life"
• Tiffany Aliche, author of "Get Good with Money"
• Tim Ferriss, author of "The 4-Hour Workweek"
• Tonya B. Rapley, author of "The Money Manual"
• Vicki Robin, author of "Your Money or Your Life"
• William D. Danko, author of "The Millionaire Next Door"

Dave Ramsey believes most people can improve their financial health and build wealth with some simple steps. According to Ramsey, you can finally start living a life you love once you conquer debt.

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Ramsey suggests five behaviors that can help you build your own wealth. Adopting these habits can significantly improve your financial health and lead you on the path to financial freedom.

1. Avoid Debt

Ramsey is famously anti-debt, and for good reason. Debt, especially high-interest consumer debt like credit cards, can significantly hinder wealth accumulation. Ramsey advises avoiding debt and focusing on paying off existing debts as quickly as possible.

He recommends the debt snowball method, in which you pay off your smallest debts first to build momentum toward tackling the larger ones. Eliminating debt improves your financial health, reduces stress, and frees up more of your income for wealth-building activities.

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2. Live Below Your Means

Ramsey says it’s important to live below your means. This habit is all about spending less than you earn, which might sound simple but can be challenging to implement. It involves creating and sticking to a budget, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing savings and investments. Living below your means frees up resources that can be directed toward paying off debt and building wealth.

3. Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is essential for financial stability and peace of mind. Ramsey suggests saving up to three to six months’ of living expenses in a readily accessible account.

This fund helps buffer against unexpected expenses, like medical emergencies or car repairs, preventing you from going into debt to cover these costs. Moreover, knowing you have this safety net allows you to take calculated risks with investments that can yield higher returns.

4. Invest Wisely and Consistently

Investing is a key component of wealth building, and Ramsey emphasizes the importance of doing it wisely. This includes investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to spread out risk.

Ramsey also advises taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Perhaps most importantly, he advocates for consistent investing over the long term, utilizing the power of compound interest to grow your wealth.

5. Continuously Educate Yourself

Ramsey encourages continuous education on personal finance and investing. The world of finance is always changing, and staying informed about the latest trends and strategies is vital.

This can include reading books, attending workshops, or listening to financial podcasts. Educating yourself empowers you to make informed decisions about your money and investments, further accelerating your path to wealth.

Bottom Line

Incorporating these habits into your daily life can significantly impact your financial future. While the journey to wealth may require discipline and sacrifice, the principles outlined by Ramsey provide a clear and attainable roadmap. By following these steps, you can build a solid financial foundation that paves the way to wealth.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: 5 Habits That Can Make You Wealthy