In this post, I would like to give my thoughts on Ramit Sethi’s top 10 money ideas. First let me say, I am a Ramit super-fan! Even if I do not agree exactly with everything he preaches, I find him to be an intelligent and well thought finance guru. His show and podcasts are entertaining and informative. He is not one of these obnoxious YouTube bros pushing crypto or the latest get rich scheme. Hands down I believe his advice leads to a rich life. Many of the concepts he talks about I have not only practiced and lived, but have written about here at Money Vikings.
That said, here are some of his top 10 money rules and my personal take on each:
1. Always have one year of emergency cash
This is of course ideal, but in a world where the median retirement savings at 55 is only $185,000, then how many people actually have six figures in a separate emergency fund? Conservative estimates are that only about 30% of the population has a years worth of living expenses in an emergency fund.
Money Viking Take
Yes, we need to have emergency funds, but one year’s worth has two issues: First, it is really hard for most folks to achieve this. And two, if that money is just sitting in a plain old savings account, then it is being eaten away by inflation each year. I would rather that money be in a high yield savings account, money market or even taxable investment account.
2. Save 10% and invest 20% of gross income
Again, Ramit is right, this is ideal, but very hard for most people. Especially folks raising children. Nothing against them, but I believe finances are very different for those with and without children. If a person is single or a couple with no kids, I am sure this savings/investing rate is achievable. With kids, I would give yourself a little more slack. You may fluctuate in and out of this routine.
Money Viking Take
The critical thing is to save and invest some amount. With the cost of living and inflation as bad as it has been, anyone that can automate saving any amount of their income should be applauded. Perhaps this is sometimes 5% or $50 or other times it can be ramped up to the high levels Ramit mentions.
3. Pay cash for large expenses (dream trip, wedding, engagement ring), at least 20% down on house
Yes, ideal advice. It is a real drag to wealth building to be paying interest on an event or thing that is a memory. I would throw cars into this mix. The interest on these large expenses that are luxuries really adds up.
Money Viking Take
I personally think big extravagant weddings are a huge waste of money, especially on credit cards. Travel is great, but should be covered in cash.
4. Never question spending money on books, appetizers, health, or donating to a friends charity fundraiser
Ok, I get the idea here, investing in self improvement and others is important, but not sure I agree with all categories. Let’s take them one at a time.
Money Viking Take
Books are expensive when purchase new at a retail store. I love books, but they end up needing space after purchased and are expensive. Shop used or better yet, use the library. I only buy the few books that I want to revisit for many years.
Appetizers, skip them for the most part. I have saved tons of money not ordering appetizers or fancy drinks.
Health, yes, we love health investments at MV. We have a whole section of our blog and YouTube channel dedicated to this topic because it is clearly a part of a life of True Wealth. But never question spending? There are lots of health scams out there like questionable supplements or unproven technologies.
5. Business Class on flights over 4 hours
What? It all depends. This is a nice luxury that many can’t afford.
6. Buy the best and keep it as long as possible
Ok, I see the point, quality will last longer and delay the need to replace an item.
Money Viking Take
I think this depends on the item and the circumstances. If someone has children or pets, we may not always be buying the best, because stuff gets ruined and worn out more quickly. And sometimes we can obtain the best through thrift stores or second hand, so having quality does not have to mean spending a ton of money.
7. No limits on spending on health or education
I see the point, health and education can lead to a better life of all around True Wealth, but this advice is a bit misleading.
Money Viking Take
First of all, health and information (education) can be optimized for very little money. Walking, riding a bike, eating vegetables, avoiding bad fats/sugars is mainly free. Why would I need to spend that much more on health?
Education debt is a huge problem in our society and for our economy. There should be limits on educational spending. And, like health, knowledge and information are becoming more and more free and available over time.
8. Earn enough to work with people you respect
Yes, I see the point. We should shun and push away toxic people in our lives. Negativity, unsupportative, back stabbing people should be kept as far away as possible.
Money Viking Take
The reality is that a work environment is made up typically of a huge cross section of personalities and dynamics. We may not always get to choose who is on our project team, therefore we must also learn the skills needed to navigate all kinds of personalities. It is quite the luxury to just say one will never work with toxic personalities.
9. Prioritize time outside the spreadsheet
Absolutely, life is out there, not on some screen or in some spreadsheet, enough said.
10. Marry the right person
Who we marry is critical to overall life success and satisfaction. I take marriage seriously, but I have also been divorced. The reality for millions is that divorces happen and it can be devastating. It would be better to de-stigmatize this and have healthy endings to marriages. But of course, marry wisely.