Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Economics Class Homework (Due Thursday, Oct. 18th by classtime)

Wealth: Is It Worth It? by S. Truett Cathy

Introduction, by Dave Ramsey

What were your thoughts on your reading over the Introduction?

There is a ten sentence minimum to your post. You do not have to reply to other people's posts.

Be sure to sign your name (first & last) and your class period (Econ 3rd or Econ 6th).  ie: Shane Hall, Econ 3rd

27 comments:

  1. I am really interested to read how Truett Cathy will relate a person's wealth to their character. Many people on earth base their lives off of how much money they have. I think it is interesting that Dave Ramsey discussed how many people either love money too much or believe that all people with money are corrupt and evil. I am eager to see how Truett Cathy is so humble and generous with all of the money that he has gathered over the years. It is good that Truett Cathy is approaching these ideas because many people in the world today allow wealth to destroy their lives. When given a lot of money, we should be able to have a character that enables us to share our wealth. Most importantly, we should continue to rely on our faith and not our money. I am ready to read about if wealth is a curse or a blessing, for I think your character will determine your answer. A lot of times we put wealth before our friends, family, and even God. I think that this book will cause readers to question if they are handling their money the right way or if they are "cursed."
    Lauren Ellard, Economics 6th

    ReplyDelete
  2. Allison Lange, Econ 3rdOctober 16, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    After watching Mr. Ramsey's DVDs in senior seminar and realizing how much he knows about money, I think that the introduction that was written by him allowed me to take this book more seriously than I would have if i had not read the introduction. I like how Dave brought up the two lies that most people believe are true, which are the mindset that wealth will solve all life's problems and that the wealthy are evil. I absolutely agree with him that wealth isn't evil, but instead it is a person's character that determines whether it is a blessing or a curse. If someone's character is unselfish and strong in kindness and humility then the wealth can be a blessing, but if a person is cruel, selfish, and lacks an unwavering conscious then the money can be seen as a curse. I also think that the way you use your money is definitely a component of money either being a curse or a blessing. If you use the money for good (maybe giving some to a charity but also keeping some) it can be a blessing, but if you use it to hire a hit man then it can be a curse. I also like how Dave gave us a reason to actually read and learn from Truett Cathy. It allows us to actually think about how well Truett has done while also keeping his Christian morals. This gives Mr. Cathy a legitimacy that makes me have no doubt that this book will help me learn about wealth. We might as well learn from someone who knows what they are talking about. Who better than Truett Cathy, creator/owner of such a successful business as chickfila?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I must say that I never really thought of wealth as being a bad thing. I am definitely one of the many people who has believed that wealth could never be a bad thing and if I could just have more money i could do this or that. When I read the title, " Wealth is it Worth it"? I thought, well of course it is! I find it extremely encouraging to know that Truett Cathy, someone who knows better than to think money is everything , is the owner of one of the leading business in America right now. I really liked how he explained how to handle money well as, "if you want to win, find some winners and do what they do." That particular illustration really sent the message across to me clear as day. I am excited to read about Truett and his journey to wealth. We can learn a lot from someone who has it and has done it the right way, in every way. Although we may not all go on to be owners of successful businesses, we can all learn something from the way a godly man like Truett has gotten to were he is today and what he thinks about his success.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dave Ramsey's opening two points about the two lies that a lot of people believe about wealth. The first lie, that everything will be ok if you get rich, is false. Statistically speaking most people who win the lottery and become suddenly rich are bankrupt within one-two years of winning because they think that everything is ok now because they have money. So they go and buy the things that they have always wanted, like a nice car or a boat or a beach house. But when it comes time to pay taxes on their precious objects, they go bankrupt. So their happiness was not found in money. The second lie, that rich people became rich through immoral acts and so their wealth makes them evil, is also false. Truett Cathy is a prime example of the exact opposite. He is incredibly wealthy, yet he is not an evil or immoral man by any means. I also really like how he said "If you want to win, go find some winners and do what they do" because of how profound it is but also how simple it is. If FPD starts winning alot of football state championships because of our offensive and defensive schemes, a lot more schools would run what we run. So just based upon the first few pages of the introduction, i like this book and it will only get better from here.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dave Ramsey made several great points in his introduction to Truett Cathy's " Wealth: Is It Worth It?". He questioned whether or not wealth is worth the time, trouble, or reputation. Some people look at having a lot of money as a curse or ad something that is morally wrong. Othes look at wealth with an attitude of arrogance, thinking that it makes you better than everyone else. Dave Ramsey talks about how neither viewpoint is correct. He discusses that money can either help or destroy our lives. What is most important is having the right character to carry it with. Dave Ramsey goes on to conclude that Truett Cathy is an excellent model for how to deal with wealth. He also has a great viewpoint and explanation of having money. Truett Cathy is someone to look up to if you want to have a healthy respect for money and wealth. Ramsey says that this book is a perfect way to answer our questions about if wealth is worth it or not. It is a perfect book for the purpose of answering and clarifying certain questions that we have about this subject.
    Summer Willingham
    6 Period Economics

    ReplyDelete
  6. in the Introduction to "wealth: is it worth it?" David Ramsey pointed out some very important things about money that many people generally don't think about. When he said that many people thing of wealthy people, they think of them as "evil". This is true and not true, many wealthy people are very nice and down to earth, the other wealthy people that are as he said "evil" aren't necessarily evil because of their money, but rather the power that the money brings. I also agree when he said that building your character before they receive the money is important because if they don't know how to handle it, it can bring corruption to them. David Ramsey also has a great view on how Truett Cathy's character is. Truett Cathy is a very respectable man who is a strong Christian and is great with his money. Ramsey wrote this great, he really had me thinking, is wealth worth it? Ramsey states that this book is perfect to answer the questions on wealth and other questions that we have on this topic.

    Brooke Battson
    6th Period Economics

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dave Ramsey paints a well summarized picture of two specific ways people seem to view money in Truett Cathy's Introduction to his book, "Wealth: is it worth it?" Ramsey basically states how he has come across to main lies people believe about wealth and they are some view wealth as the end all; therefore, if they gain wealth, all their problems will be solved. However, the opposing force replies with a viewing of wealth as evil that people gain. In other words, people must have done something wrong to attain their wealth. Both sides obviously do not hold a substantial answer in defining wealth and its measures of value. Ramsey goes on to say that he has seen people in both spectrums of the situation; each believing the two lies. However, he firmly believes that the Truett Cathy is a man who has attained his wealth in the right way. Cathy is a man full of humility and generosity which can attribute mainly to his tremendous success in business. I agree also with Ramsey that Cathy has done wealth in a truly good way.Ramsey believes Truett's book is one to sit down and listen to his voice carefully; for he is a wise man, much to be admired.

    Abby Deckbar
    3rd Period Economics

    ReplyDelete
  8. In the intro to Wealth: is it worth it?, by Dave Ramsey,he pointed out the two toxis lies about wealth. The first is that if you can just get rich, everything will be okay. I have fallen intro this trap before. I have thought that if I could just buy the one more thing, I would be happy. That will never be the case. There will always be something new that I will want. The second lie is that welathy people are evil. This clearly isn't true. The author of this boo, Truett Cathy, is the perfect example of why it's not true. He is very welathy but he is also a great Christian man with character and family values. I am looking forward to reading more about Cathy's approach to wealth and happiness, and how they come together.
    Julia Peavy
    6th period Economics

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Introduction of "Wealth Is It Worth It" is written by one of the greatest financial advisors in our lifetime, Dave Ramsey. In the Introduction he explains that if you think by getting rich and beleive that all your problems will be solved then that is a huge lie. Ramsey also states that a second lie is that all people who get rich obtain their money by evil deeds. Dave Ramsey is one of the best known financial geniuses. He has written several books and spoken in thousands of seminars across the country about being financially stabe. One point that Ramsey states about carrying wealth is the overall character of a person. Aperson has to have the right kind of character in order to keep and multiply his/her wealth. I have to agree with Ramsey on this completely. If we have a materialistic character then the odds are that our wealth will not be as high as those who conserve and properly spend their money. Materialistic things can be ruined causing a decrease in price but not necessarily if you conserve the money you earn. Truett Cathy is a great inspiration to everyone and having already read one of the books he has written "How Did You Do It Truett?", makes me more excited to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am very interested to see what Truett Cathy has to say about wealth. I personally do not think being wealthy is a bad thing. I think the way you handle it is what matters. I agree with Dave Ramsey when he points out the two biggest lies of wealth. One being that wealth is the answer to all life's problems and if you're rich everything will be okay.The second lie being that all wealthy people are evil. Money does not buy happiness, also Truett Cathy has been very successful in his life time. He illustrates that not all wealthy people are evil. I'm interested to see what he has to say about wealth being a blessing or a curse. I think it could be either one depending on the person and their character. Life is not about how much money you have, and some people do not realize that. I think this book will really make you realize how wealth can effect people in both a negative and positive way.
    Alysha Amerson
    3rd Period Economics.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I want to hear what truett Cathy has to say about wealth. He is a great buisness man who has had a lot of success. If he says that wealth is not worth it, I wander why. I didn't think that having that much money would be bad.I thought that having the money would make life easier and allow you to have more things. Truett might be talking about spending also of your time on your work while not spending time with your family. You can still have a lot of money and spend time with your family. The book will be very interesting to read and I can't wait to see what the book talks about. Reading this book in class will be fun and from the introduction it looks good. The critics said how great a guy Truett is and how much he liked the book. That shows for a good read.

    ReplyDelete
  12. One of the main things that I thought was interesting about the introduction were the two lies. It is true that most people believe wealth can solve everything, and that if one is wealthy then, he is evil. However, Dave Ramsey does not pick one over the other. He says that he has faced people who are the "best", while others fall into the category of the two lies. He also mentions that character is what should be passed on from a parent to child, and not wealth. I completely agree with this point because without a solid character, the money will be worthless. Dave mentions that since even wealthy people ask themselves if it is worth it, he has no choice but to listen to what they have to say. I think this is a valid point, because most people would assume that the answer would be a definite yes, but in actuality a lot of wealthy people may say no. Therefore, Truett Cathy is an excellent person to approach this question since he is so wealthy, but is able to maintain a good character. Overall, I think this book can teach everyone a lesson by the end.
    Heidi Park, 6th period.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dave Ramsey was the perfect choice to write an introduction to a book concerning wealth as it is his occupation. Ramsey brings good knowledge of the ups and downs of wealth and like Truett Cathy shares faith and success. Ramsey's strongest topic was over the lies of wealth which include that wealth is the answer to life's problems or that wealth is the cause of all evil. Wealth truly can cause evil, but it does have the ability for good. These lies, he points out lead to the guilt of wealthiness and entitlement to it. In this modern age wealth is frowned upon by many people because of jealousy and it is damaging as the wealthy will give in and give to those which do not deserve. The opposite are those who see their wealth as something they earned and are entitled to it, but the fact of the matter is that money is many times only stumbled upon by shear luck. Ramsey explains the key is not money, but what it takes to win as he describes spending time with those successful in a field to be successful in that field. For Dave Ramsey Truett Cathy is a role model and that speaks a lot for the author. I read through the intro and continued on because of the importance of this topic of money in life.

    -Alex Nelsen, 6 Period.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dave Ramsey is the host of the Dave Ramsey Show and a best selling author with 'The Total Money Makeover' and because of this he is perfect to write the introduction of 'Wealth is it Worth It?'. He is rich himself and has faced the question of whether wealth is really worth it. He mentions two lies about wealth. Wealth is not the solver of all problems, in fact, it is the cause of a lot of them. Also, those who are lucky enough to be rich are not evil. Those who are rich should help those less fortunate than themselves, but they should not feel guilty about their good fortune. Truett Cathy is an admirable guy because of his success in business. Also, he is constant in his "faith, spiritual maturity, humility, and generous spirit". He is a good person to write about whether or not wealth is worth it because he is wealthy and has kept up with his spiritual faith. It seems that some have figured out the answer to the question at hand. I hope that the book is helpful in answering this question.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think Dave Ramsey gave a good introduction to this book. he started off by telling who he was so that the reader would no all things he has done and will no that he knows what he is talking about. i relay liked how he gacve the two lies that people belived about wealth. the first is that people belive that wealth is the answer to all of life's problems. the second is that people belive that the person holding it is wvil. he also talks about how he does not want his children to grow up and get the wealth to their heads. he wants to pass along wealth and also character.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ramsey was right when he said wealth can be a curse or a blessing. Wealth can be a curse if you do not know how to use it. I fully agree when he says that in order for wealth to be a blessing you have to have the character to have it. Ramsey did a great job presenting the 2 lies. I totally agree cause it is clearly seen in society.

    -Carolyn McDonald

    ReplyDelete
  17. In the beginning, Dave Ramsey was spot on! Talking about all the highs and lows of weath. Examples of living ability play a huge role in money. Mostly I thought that wealth was not really a bad thing. But money can make or break you. It can change your attidue and make you a totally different person. When we get older we would like to raise a family and that family does come with a price litteraly! Paying for Morgage for food and the pertection and safty for our future family. Everyonee wants everything and no matter what alot of people are never satisfied. Truett cathy the founder of Chickfila is rich but has faced the question, "Weath is it worth it"?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think DAve Ramsey is right when he says "people's understanding of wealth is clouded by two toxic lies". He is right wehn he says people think that wealth is the answer to some peoples life problems. Hes right when he says is wealth a blessing or a curse? people may think it is a blessing but really it can be a curse it makes people go crazy sometimes thinking they have all this money.
    -Megan Greene 6th period

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dave Ramsey gives very good advice. When he says, If you want a healthy, long lasting relationship, spend some time with a couple who have been married for sixty years. This can also relate to financial support. If you need advice on not spending so much money all the time, then you should spend some time with some one who spends money very diligently. You can't just become a millionaire overnight. The two questions most people ask Ramsey can't get you very far. You need to start by spending time to get ideas and then applying ideas to your life. I think this book will help me in the long run. When I am living alone and not off my parents money.
    -Madison Busbee. 6th Period

    ReplyDelete
  20. In the forward and introduction Dave Ramsey gives great advice. Dave Ranmsey said it right when he talked about the two lies about wealth today. So many people believe that wealth is the answer to all of life's problem which is obviously wrong. ANother lie is that people think that whoever has wealth got it through an immoral way which is not true. Dont get me srong there are plenty of people who are rich because of illegal or immoral things, but there is also a fair share of people who get it the right way. Is it a blessing or a curse to be wealthy? I believe it is a blessing because with money comes power and influence which is always a blessing. You must learn to love giving if you are going to be wealthy and you must learn to stay meek and realize where your wealth comes from. I am looking forward to reading and finding out anout how Truet Cathey handles his money because it sounds like he does it right.
    Brooks Stroud-6th

    ReplyDelete
  21. The first thing that caught my attention about this introduction is the truth it holds. The "two lies" that Ramsey mentions are very evident, especially in today's world. Whether you're wealthy or you're not, somebody is going to frown upon you. If you're avergae people will say you don't work hard enough and if you're wealthy then you're a miserly thief. Neither of these is absolutely true, and neither is the other "lie" that is discussed; that money can buy happiness. Wealth is neither good nor bad in itself, it just depends on how you deal with it. Will it consume you or will you use it wisely and intelligently? I'm interested in this book and I hope that it enlightens me and the rest of my class about how to achieve knowlege about how to properly handle wealth. Especially with the economy the way it is now, this is somethign that needs to be a part of our curriculum if we're going to be working anywhere in the outside world. And in realizing the truth and facts of it all, hopefully we can all learn something about ourselves along the way...
    -Lily Garnett

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dave Ransey's letter is the perfect way to start off the book. Dave gives Insite on what people believe about money. These two lies can influence many people believE about money. The first lie is that if you have money you will be better off and it will solve all of life's problems. This is far from the truth! Second lie is that anyone who is rich gained that wealth immorally. There are plenty of ways anyone one can become rich with out breaking the law. Many successful men have asked the question is wealth worth it ? Dave says as a close friend of Truett Cathy he believes he is perfect for the task. I look forward to seeing how Truett will answer this question.
    Patrick Hague
    3rd period

    ReplyDelete
  23. i think the introduction does a good job introducing Truett Cathy and about his book. Truett Cathy is the perfect candidate for the book because he is very wealthy and a huge donator of his wealth. I'm interested to read about how his wealth has effected him and changed him. Also what values he had to aquire the money and then decide to give a lot of it away. i think Dave was the perfect person to introduce him too. Dave is both very smart with his money, and like Truett a big donator.i think it will be interesting to see how Truett managed to keep giving and not become greedy with his money. i also hope to read about the struggles he went through to gain his wealth. was it all because of the government and UNC? or did he build it all?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dave Ramsey's background afford him a good view of wealth. He addresses two of the most common lies about wealth. That wealth is an answer to life problems or that someone who is wealthy had to do something evil to gain wealth. I believe he is right in his idea that wealth can ruin a person, and that not knowing how to manage wealth is detrimental. Many people win the lottery and then become bankrupt soon there after and it is because they dont know how to handle their wealth. Knowing how to manage money is very important. I believe that with the right mindest and a proper education a person can become wealthy. A person can become wealthy wiothout stepping on other or doing something evil. I dont believe people should feel guilty for their wealth. However I do belive that people who are more wealthy should give to charity and help people who dont have as much. I look forward to reading Truett Cathy's book to learn if wealth is worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. When reading Dave Ramsey's introduction, I found some things very interesting. The first thing that stood out to me was the two lies that he pointd out. The first lie is that people believe that wealth is the answer to all of life's problems. The second lie is that people believe whoever is holding the wealth, did something immoral to recieve the wealth. Ramsey also bring about the question, If wealth a blessing or a curse? I believe that wealth is either a blessing or a curse depending on how you use it. Wealth becomes a curse when one makes money their idol, and greed surpasses all other aspects of your life. Wealth becomes a blessing when one uses their money on things that are essential, and things that can be used to benefit society. I am excited to read "Wealth, Is it Worth It?" I have read and heard several things about Truett Cathy. I believe the things he is going to give us in this book can directly help my lifestyle and how I can manage my money.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I feel like this will be a book that all of us can gain from. The speakers have obviously had their fair share with money and how to manage it. Dave Ramsey especially has a great point of view because he has dealt with Truett Cathy and knows him personally. In the introduction focuses on carrying the character along with your wealth. Those who are remembered for their wealth generally had an even wealthier character to supplement their money. I believe that the sooner you learn how to manage your money than when the time comes you can better handle financial situations. That's why this book is helpful to all who plan on making a consistent income. Dave Ramsey opens the door to the question "Is wealth worth it?" and gives a preview of what we will learn from the book. Understanding this book is also key because dealing with your money is not only of this world, but it's a Biblical matter. I am excited to see what I will take away from this book not only from a financial point of view, but also from the morals and ethics that come with money.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The people in this book have a great deal of experiance with money and how to manage it wisely. Dave Ramsey brings to the table, two false views on wealth and how people believe it solves all problems. The first being that wealth sovles all problems and the second being that rich people must have done somthing immoral to get their money. I think that throughout this book, good insight on the truths about wealth will be presented. Also just from the introduction to this book we can see that great advice from men who have seen it all will be given to us. Dave Ramsey explains that character is very improtant to carry along with you. He also says that hanging with the people that you want to be like is important in trying to achieve your goal. For example, if you want to get in better shape then hang with athletes. I am intrested to read about the story and history behind Truett and how he became successful in a humble way.

    Sam Pope, Econ 6

    ReplyDelete