Dave Ramsey began his quest to help people avoid the financial mistakes he had made, and the counsel people who were already in serious financial trouble, in 1988. He started his career as a radio talk show host with "The Money Game" on a local Nashville radio station. That program evolved into "The Dave Ramsey Show" which is now carried on more than 375 radio stations across the United States and has been developed into a television show. Ramsey laid out his financial philosophy in his 1992 book, "Financial Peace," which became the basis for the curriculum of Financial Peace University.
Financial Peace University is a 13-lesson course rather than a physical campus. It is presented by facilitators in local settings throughout the United States in schools, churches, public buildings and businesses. Members of Financial Peace University can search through a database on Ramsey's website to find a class in their area. If a class is not available members may choose to start their own class. Financial Peace University supplies all the materials and training necessary to facilitate a class.
Each of the 13 interactive lessons in the course is designed to present specific information to help students understand a different facet of their financial situation. Subject matter includes lessons on saving, budgeting, bargain hunting, controlling and eliminating debt, investing, insurance, financial planning, purchasing a home, giving to charitable institution and other topics. Each topic revolves around the concept of handling money responsibly in order to obtain financial peace.
In addition to offering the course in a physical setting, Financial Peace University may be taken in an online course. Each of the 13 lessons is presented via online video delivery. Financial Peace University Online grants the student access to a broad range of money management tools. The online course is designed to be taken over a 16-week period, but can be access 24/7. A high-speed Internet connection is essential to obtain the best results.
Students enroll in the Financial Peace University by purchasing the lifetime membership kit, currently priced at $119. One the membership is in place, students may attend any class in the United States at any time for no additional charge. Students in an area that does not have a class may elect to participate in the home study course, currently priced at $289.