Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" is an avant-garde approach to your personal finances. I first became acquainted with Dave Ramsey from his radio show, because he seemed so knowledgeable on everyday financial dilemmas. I later found out that he was Christian, and that impressed me more, because a lot of times, Christians don't talk about money (as if it doesn't exist). I realized I needed to get this book, and I'm glad I did! The information in here is not the same advice your friends give you. Ramsey introduces the idea of using cash envelopes for your monthly budget, the idea behind it being that we have more of an attachment to cash than to credit cards. When you spend cash, you physically feel the loss, but when you spend through credit or debit cards, it doesn't register as an immediate loss. I've used this system as much as possible, and it really has helped me curb my spending, and create a better nest-egg for the future. The steps in this book are extreme but doable, and this plan will really transform your life and your savings account.