Things You'll Need:
- An enrollment into Financial Peace University (married couples only need one membership)
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Step 1
First, it's helpful to know how the class is structured. In the traditional classes (there is an online option as well), the first part involves watching DVDs of Dave explaining the material. The second half is a small group discussion on the topic.
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Step 2
Before each class, read over the sections of the book Financial Peace that are related to each chapter in the workbook. This way you already know something about the topic, and the DVD is making what you've learned more solid.
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Step 3
Be sure to bring your workbook and something to write with for the DVD section--writing things down helps you remember things better, and you'll have all the material for reference later. According to what stage you are in what Dave calls "The Baby Steps," some material will become more relevant to you down the road.
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Step 4
You can get a lot out of the small group section, including a lot of new friendships, if you're willing to participate and just talk honestly about the topics. A lot of times we had so much fun with these discussions that the time came to go home we still wanted to talk. Money and personal finance are usually topics that aren't communicated about a lot--even within families (which is part of the problem)--and I think that's one of the things that made this course different in that it gets to the core issues in a fun and practical way.
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Step 5
It may be different with the online course, but the traditional course allows you to go back through again as many times as you'd like. There are things you'll notice on the 2nd and 3rd times as you're learning that you didn't notice before--for example after you become debt-free, your focus is going to shift more toward paying off your house early and retirement planning. You also have the opportunity to help others and give them hope by telling about your progress.
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Step 6
Have fun with the process--Dave's personality is really fun, and you can tell in his attitude that he really cares and believes about what he teachers.
