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The Dave Ramsey Hot Tub

Last summer, we discussed the idea of getting a swimming pool or a hot tub, because our daughter loves the water so much. In our pre-Dave era, we might have just done it and bought a pool or hot tub because we wanted it. When you have been working Dave’s plan, the simple fact that you have a plan, often turns every purchase into a philosophical debate … do I need this? should I apply extra cash to my baby steps? what would Dave do?

A normal American would probably just buy the hot tub, whether they had they money or not, because they breath air and are entitled to a hot tub. My wife and I often discuss a computer purchase that I made back in 1996. Back then computers were still fairly expensive. I wanted one. I was getting it no matter what. It didn’t matter that I had a crappy job, car payment, was young and stupid. I wanted it. My wife was Dave Ramsey smart before we knew who Dave Ramsey even was, but I wore her down on these issues. She was Common sense before common sense was cool. When discussing Dave, she often says, “I tried to tell you that 10 years ago.” In any case, I financed the $2,000 computer and it was a glorified paper weight within a couple of years.

Flash forward to the hot tub discussion 11 years later. At this point, we had no debt but the house, had an emergency fund, and probably actually had the cash to put in a hot tub. With a daughter with Autism and only ~$20k left on the mortgage before total freedom, it wasn’t even much of a discussion. Throw it on the mortgage.

Who would have thunk it? Trying to kill the last of the home mortgage brings more pleasure than a hot tub ever could bring. The paid off home mortgage really is the status symbol of choice around here. We still want a pool or hot tub, but there are other goals ahead of this one.

So, Plan B, The Dave Ramsey Hot Tub …

Step 1: Purchase a Walmart Kiddie Pool

Step 2: Using a normal garden hose, siphon some hot water out of the kitchen sink to the pool. Add some blue food coloring for added fun.

Step 3: Enjoy

Viola, The Dave Ramsey Hot Tub. Total Hot Tub Investment = $19.99.

I’m sure when we finally do put in that hot tub, or pool, it will feel even better when the grass around it is paid for and there isn’t a payment in the world. Swim like no one else, then later, you get to swim like no one else. I’m sure my wife would veto this idea, but I am thinking of something like this one day.

Is that Dave Ramsey? Nope. Too much hair.

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