Financial Peace University Helps Deliver From Debt

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- During these troubled economic times, millions of Americans are finding themselves fearful about the future.

An Oklahoma mega church is spreading the financial gospel by partnering with well-known financial expert Dave Ramsey.

He's heard on more than 400 radio stations throughout the United States, he's also written a number of best sellers, and when it comes to money matters, Ramsey is known for his straight talk.

What Ramsey teaches, he learned the hard way.

"Twenty years ago, we lost everything we owned," Ramsey said. "We had to start over. We went through foreclosure, bankruptcy."

He battled back and now uses his life changing experience to teach others.

Ramsey is leading the service at Lifechurch.tv. His message on financial planning, God's way, is being heard at the church's 14 locations, including worldwide on the web.

"We are in the worst financial crisis in this country since the 1930s and a lot, a lot of people are hurting," said Lifechurch.tv's treasurer, Cathi Linch. "We as a church feel called to respond to that."

Using biblical principles, Ramsey challenges followers to break free from the bondage of debt, beginning by cutting up the credit cards.

Besides getting out of debt, Ramsey has four other keys to financial peace.

• KEYS TO FINANCIAL PEACE
  -Act your wage. In other words, spend what you make
  -Get a budget and stick to it
  -Save and invest
  -Give to others

For some members of Life Church, it's financial advice they're taking to heart.

"I'm not a slave to the lender," said Stephen Mclean, who is living debt free. "I don't have to work to pay the bills, I get to work to give. I get to work to use that as a tool, more than just to pay debt off."

Julie Lulla is in the process of paying off her debt.

"It's kind of addicting now. Once you pay off one debt, you just want to keep paying off debt," Lulla said.

Dave Ramsey said winning with money is only 20 percent head knowledge, and accredits the rest based on behavior, which is why he believes building wealth involves behavior changes founded on commitment and accountability.

Learn more about Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, sponsored by Life Church.

The cost of the materials is $93, plus shipping.