I have long been a deep admirer of backhanded compliments. The very best ones require a perfect combination of sarcasm, wit, bittersweet praise, and disdain. Women are especially good at them.
So when reader “FinanceDad” left this one, I was overjoyed:
“To think I was just going to call you a narcissist before reading this article”
Pure art. I can’t stop laughing.
Here’s what I’m going to do: Whoever leaves a comment with the BEST backhanded compliment gets a free signed copy of my book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich. The only rules: It must be about me and/or “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” and you must leave the comment within 48 hours.
This will be awesome.
[Edit] Comments are now closed. See below for 300+ (mostly horrible) backhanded compliments. I’ll announce the winner soon.
I'm the New York Times bestselling author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich. I co-founded PBwiki and graduated from Stanford.
355 comments
Leave a commentYou’re smarter than you look.
Great financial insights. You have such a firm grasp of the obvious!
I’m amazed by the level of success readers have after following your advice.
Justin, NICE. That toes the line beautifully.
So far, the rest suck. Step it up, guys.
This competition is a surprisingly good idea.
I always feel more intelligent after reading your thoughts and ideas.
Sheridan, good one.
I love how the design of this site itself is a lesson about saving money.
laughed out loud at this one…
HA! Loved this!
It’s easy to obtain success after following your example.
For a guy with bushy eyebrows, you sure know what you’re talking about.
Lisa, that was terrible.
Your obstinance is charming.
Before I read the site, I only assumed it was a scam based on the title.
You mean this site isn’t a scam? F****! I need to make $20,000 by Saturday! That’s why I came here! I’m unsubscribing. Your site sucks.
-Erica
It’s taken me some time to wade through your site, but having done so, I find it brimming with surprisingly useful, yet simple advice, organized in a fairly rational way.
Hmph, so it looks like the best jobs *AND* the best blogs are being outsourced to India now.
Ha! Okay. This reminds me of a really funny story. I used to run a web hosting company, and for a while, I had an Indian employee. His name was Sohrab, but he was American-born with no accent (and drove an older Corvette, of all things.) He worked out of our office in San Jose.
One day a really pissed-off customer called. She was screaming into the phone about how our “outsourced Indian support” was terrible, and how much we sucked for using it, etc. I said, “Wait a minute. Who have you been dealing with?” And she mentioned his name. (Note he was actually really awesome…this customer was crazy.) So I said “You know, he’s here in the office next to me. Would you like me to put him on the line?”
That shut her up pretty quickly. She apologized. And she was pretty contrite after that.
-Erica
I actually LOL while holding my stomach at this post! Then hung my head in shame since I have so many friends. Repeated it to my friend Shan in India and he too laughed which made me feel so much better. It my not win, but it was great to me!
This is easily the most informative post you’ve ever done.
Glad to know you haven’t run out of article ideas.
Ahahaha. So snide, I love it.
“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” is a great first effort by Ramit Sethi. He shows a lot of potential for joining the ranks of personal finance experts.
Beautiful
It’s rare to see insights like these make it onto the New York Times Bestseller List. Authors of this caliber consistently amaze me with their ability to be ranked so highly. I don’t think I could write at that level if I tried. Such success is nothing short of astounding.
Indians sure know what they’re talking about.
The way you leverage personal finance to fufill your personal enjoyment is always entertaining to observe.
You just look like a cocky bastard, but you’re goddam witty and have a sharp and unique perspective on most everything. You certainly are changing the way I teach personal finance. I’m glad I made you laugh.
Are you having a low self-esteem day? You shouldn’t, you’re hot.
Thanks to what I’ve learned from you I’ll soon be starting my own compost/manure distribution company. My only hope is that I can be as successful as you are. Thanks!
With no shoes or socks on the cover, I thought the book was another piece of crap about frugality. Thanks for surprise.
-Pete
ps. With the money I saved, I just sent you a pair of Nike’s. Hopefully things pick up for you.
The “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” Blog definitely keeps the rich…rich.
I love this blog. I definitley earned 1k more in my mind.
Giving away a free copy of your book sure is an interesting and original way to garner more comments for your blog.
Your ability to write financial advice for the common man definitely makes some people rich.
You rarely find financial advice of this quality.
None of the more respected, better-known sources of financial advice contain the level of quality this site does.
I’d think you were a profiteering asshole, except this batshit crazy crap you recommend makes good sense and seems to work. I guess that makes you a profiteering genius, and the asshole vibe is an air of success.
I’d bet Ramit Sethi is equal to any other Financial Guru.
Being Indian he surely has the biggest turban of all the Gurus in the yard.
IWillTeachYouToBeRich.com may sound like a scam, but it is a website that lives up to its name.
The advice here is better than most.
Geez Ramit, if some of these people follow your financial advice like they write “backhanded comments”, no one is making extra money.
A signed book that is one hell of a prize.
I read your blog for a long time and loved your great advice on becoming rich. It was only untill later I realised its not iwillteachyoutobeCOMErich, but a personal blog about how Ramit feels about being rich. Still fun to read though!
Even though you frequently come off as a world-hating prick, I constantly find myself coming back to the site. Cheers.
I love how your prize for this is a free book that we’ve all read already. Way to use a conscious spending technique!
“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” would be perfect if it lost 10 pounds.
Ramit, these backhanded compliments don’t do justice to the quality of your work.
In all honesty, having crafted a brilliant back-handed compliment on Ramit’s blog would be an even better prize.
I am sad knowing that I’m funnier than 95% of my readers. Sad, but it also feels right.
Psh. Like “To think I was just going to call you a narcissist before reading this article” was better than some of the ones here.
No one ever questions if Ramit is holding himself back by being too humble.
It’s true Ramit. Your humor is one of the main reasons that I read this site.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich: A brilliant and attractive Stanford grad imparts wisdom on getting rich, consuming large quantities of hot wings, and generally dominating your life. If you went to a state school, YOU NEED THIS BLOG
Your large readership is really impressive, especially considering your snarkiness.
Ramit, you are truly an inspiration. Who knew a person could be so successful repackaging conventional wisdom?
Your coarse handle with the specifics of personal finance makes for a superb paint-by-numbers strategy for the financially illiterate! Bravo!
“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” is a book so good he has to give it away for free!
Ramit is great if you don’t know anything about personal finance.
Ramit Sethi of ‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich’ is a great example of the fact that that intelligence and interesting writing will take a person farther in life than looks.
Ramit’s blog has the greatest untapped potential of any finance blog I have ever read!
I’m sick of always reading stuff by experts. Thanks for writing like you.
That’s gold right there! Nice one Jeff!
Oh great, an update! I love these.
This blog offers great financial advice for people who aren’t interested in personal finance.
Damn-it Ramit, there isn’t much financial informaiton on this personal finance website.
Your advice is pretty good for a blog.
Don’t ever listen to the critics. If a priest can explain to me the keys to a successful marriage, I don’t see why a 28-year-old can’t tell me how to run my business.
Good one Steve!..btw..which one worked good!!
Thanks. In the contest of Ramit vs. Priest, Ramit won…
Nice, Steve!
Great work Ramit! I always tell people: “If you really wanna read Suze Orman, but don’t have alot of time, just check out IWTYBR.”
I’m impressed with the amount of comments you’re able to inspire from your posts. I must have missed the post where you instructed your loyal followers to spend their time thinking of witty sayings to post in the comments of blogs to hopefully win a free book….a sure fire way to become rich indeed!
Reader’s might not absorb something the first time Ramit writes about it, but by continually referencing the same posts and reusing phrasing for reinforcement, he brings an antiquer’s eye to the re-purposing of content, putting old writing back on display in the hopes of reeducating the new visitor and finally getting through to the long time follower.
OOOH BURN!
Ramit, I bought a copy of your book when it first came out. If I win will this be an updated version where all of the errors have been corrected?
Ramit Sethi says he is funnier than 95% of his readers, and he’s right! He’s also smarter than at least half of them.
Hey Ramit, for a finance guy, that’s a really creative way to get people thinking about your site. Kudos.
Ramit, You are funnier than your readers. This is trues. To that I congratulate you. Nevertheless, you are funnier than your readers in much the same way that a bison is smaller than an elephant.
I thought you are good at Finance, but you are good at ‘inviting’ criticism too!!…look at the list I thought I would be first ..but I’m 72!!
DAMN SON! HOMEY CALLED YOU A BISON!! I don’t know about you Ramit, but those are fighting words where I come from.
hahahhahaa
You should be happy you have smarts instead of looks. But, hey, some women find money attractive, so you’re good!
I know they say the great ones make it look easy, but I’m impressed with how much effort you seem to have put into this site.
Hey Ramit, great site. As always, it’s worth it to labour through your writing to uncover the valuable insight. Are you doing site development again? My first comment didn’t post.
Your blog empitomizes mind over matter. If you don’t mind, then it doesn’t matter.
If you don’t mind (losing the battles) it doesn’t matter (as long as you win the war)
If you don’t mind (losing pennies) it doesn’t matter (as long as you save the pounds)
Most readers agree that Ramit’s writing is a total scam… until they actually applied some of his advice to their finances and made money.
I’m impressed with the ease with which you managed to solicit and receive 81 pieces of negative feedback in just a few hours.
The stock photography included in the spam you send me is of the highest caliber.
Did you hijack my name?
Too bad you aren’t poor enough to need your own advice, Ramit!
Your flatulent emanations on iwillteachyoutoberich.com are pure ambrosia to me.
You must be one of the richest people in the world.. A secret billionaire ..
You are correct in reminding us, again, why women aren’t your target audience.
Yeah, you’ve gotta admit that giving women a backhanded compliment in a post soliciting backhanded compliments is a bit over the top. …or didn’t you catch that one?
Advice like this is why the American economy is and forever will be as great as it currently is.
This is by far the greatest “Get Rich Quick Scheme” I have ever read.
You’ve taught me to be rich by compiling other people’s ideas and selling them.
I don’t care what anyone says, I think your blog is useful.
Great book. IWTYTBR is well written in layman’s terms for the financial literate.
You are the least interesting hilarious person I have ever encountered.
The man you are today is proof that you follow your own advice.
At least you have something to fall back on.
Thanks Ramit for offering a signed copy of your book for the best backhanded compliment. I know this copy of your book will be worth so much more than the unsigned copy I already own.
IWillTeachYouToBeRich.com could have been so much easier, just say: Teach others to be rich. Wouldn’t have lasted that long though
Don’t criticize Ramit until you have walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you are a mile away and you have his shoes…
I would agree that one shouldn’t criticize Ramit until you have walked a mile in his shoes, except that it is clearly obvious from his book cover that he doesn’t have shoes.
Clearly, my advice must have been obvious, since someone followed it before I even gave it– you know, like the advice on IWTYTBR.
You aren’t usually very funny, but this clever scam to incite a riot of humorless banter has made you the best game in town.
It’s really great that you have a sense of humor about yourself.
Critics have said that Ramit doesn’t even have the financial intelligence of a 4 year old, but I’d argue that he does!
I would disagree with that, I would say his financial knowledge is at a much higher level than his writing ability.
I had no idea that spending too much could be the cause of me not getting rich.
I think this is a great contest and you’ll probably get a lot of good responses. It’s always great to see new ideas and opportunities for everyone to participate. All in all, this contest is really a unique idea…for a blogger.
you know guys, he didn’t say it had to be about him. you’re severely limiting yourselves here.
I was going to leave a sarcastic comment here, but I’m afraid you’re being ironic.
This is one I actually received in High School when my troupe as judged in competition. I played the lead.
“It was an great performance for your age.”
Another fun one:
“I had no idea you cleaned up so well.”
That’s a good one, Andrew. My friend and knew a guy who we all thought was fat. But once, he had to borrow one of my shirts, and we looked at him, stunned. It fit him perfectly and he looked great. “Dude,” we said, “we thought you were fat.” We weren’t even trying to be back-handed about it — it turns out he just buys horribly fitting clothes. But now I think it was hilarious.
Following a well-trodden path, Ramit demonstrates brilliantly that the secret to wealth is . . . to peddle a book about the secret to wealth.
Ramit Sethi’s magnum opus absolutely, decisively answers the question “Is it better to be sexy or rich?”
Ramit of IWTBR really keeps his readers entertained with his juvenile antics.
Ramit’s advice really sticks with you because he has a unique way of combining jackass with truth.
Ramit’s 100% refundable policy balances out his hard sell tactics beautifully.
Ramit’s exceptional talent of repackaging other writer’s ideas is surpassed only by his ability to get his readers to follow through on them.
You flaunt your Stanford degree like a flashy piece of bling, hypnotizing the lumpen masses, while cleverly neglecting to mention that your major was not in economics.
Bravissimo!
Ramit’s personal finance insights are so incredible, they’re worth the hourly facebook and twitter updates reminding you that they’re still there.
I’ve seen a few takes on this idea (54, 115) so it’s time to do it right.
Ramit has mastered the art of giving new life to conventional wisdom.
c’mon people… is it that hard to be subtle? It is supposed to be a compliment built on a negative trait that is looming just under the surface.
With the quality of advice you give, how are you not on the Forbes 500 list?
IWTYTBR makes a great drinking game. Ramit snarkily restates common sense and you take a shot. I’m trashed right now and what’s worse, I’m out of scotch.
“I am sad knowing that I’m funnier than 95% of my readers. ” -Ramit
True, but that last guy is a *riot*.
hahaha!!!
Earn1K really works, I’m starting to put more pennies in my pocket.
Great to see you back in character, Ramit! It’s fun contests like this that make up for all the self promoting and get rich quick schemes.
Whoda thought – a guy with a name as complicated as yours could write a book with such a simple message
I thought you were a Berkley graduate, until I came across “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” and it’s abundance of witty, beneficial information–an ode to a Stanford scholar indeed.
Found this one on this website!
“Smart, bold, and practical. I Will Teach You to Be Rich is packed with tips that actually work.”
—J.D. Roth, Get Rich Slowly
Ramit! So glad you came up with a good idea!
Getting a copy of Ramit’s autograph will ensure that I have the most valuable writing he has ever done.
You have fantastic advice for the most part.
I want to be as successful as you when I get old.
Ramit does a great job of breaking down the stereotype that Indians are good with money.
Impressed that your success isn’t limited to running a 7-11.
People who like this sort of book will find this the sort of book they like.
Wow, and I always thought that people who wrote books teaching others to be rich were really just lining their own pockets.
You’re uni-brow is beautiful. (Reference: http://www.nevblog.com/homeless-experiment/)
Correct Link: http://www.nevblog.com/homeless-experiment/
The way you fuss about how I spend My money is so precious!
“Smart, bold and practical” the books not bad too.
@ramit lol, I’m laughing because, despite never being overweight, I dressed like that guy too.
That comment from the judge really pissed me off though. Heh.
Supposedly, one of Jack Nicholson’s favorite “ice breakers” is to lead off with:
“You look incredible, when is the delivery?”
Or something like that.
Ram It – Ramit. When I receive emails starting with Ramit I don’t believe You’ll ram it anywhere. Your so straight to the point.
Dear god. Alan please never come back to my site again
At my wedding, talking with a guest at the reception (a friend from earlier days):
“Catherine, I am SO glad you did not buy into that whole mindset of losing a lot of weight before your wedding!”
(Granted, not skinny, a size 12… but, come on!)
Ramit, I’m a huge fan of your common sense approach to the family budget. I like how you take an intuitive process and break it down into plain language. The ideas you share are simple and straightforward, and avoid a lot of the complexity that the personal finance crowd tend to loathe.
Okay, yes, I just read that article again and it had to be about Ramit and/or his book… but it’s too good to not share
Despite sounding like a get-rich-quick scheme peddled by the lowest-quality of late-night infomercial magnates, I Will Teach You To Be Rich is a delightful mixture of sparkling common sense, high-tech financial advice, and all the wit, charm, and grace one would expect from a newly-crowned personal finance guru.
Congrats on becoming a NY Times best selling author but do I really have to debate the minutae of whether the odds of commenting and winning a $10 book is worth it or not? Oy!
It makes perfect sense that someone who gave you a backhanded compliment would want a signed copy of your book.
That’s a great haircut! Did you cut it yourself?
Incredible! Your teachings are so assertive I’m convinced you really know what you’re talking about!
Sethi’s IWTYTBR is the prequel to David Bach’s Automatic Millionaire. IWTYTBR is the Phantom Menace to the Automatic Millionaire’s Star Wars. IWTYTBR fills in the story line gaps and has the reader pondering the author’s motivation and choices in character development.
Do you agree or do you not understand yet?
can’t believe you recommend buying $4 lattes . . . what kind of a finance “guru” does that?
Despite having little formal education in personal finances and economics, Ramit beautifully translates the often cryptic principles of managing money to cater to his college-aged peers with success that continues to astound.
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” has taught me that anyone can achieve their dreams if they believe strongly enough in themselves.
By utilizing Social Networking and New Media, Ramit has filled the much needed niche of providing advice and ideas in ways their originators never thought possible.
I don’t know. The tone of this whole competition is a bit pitchy for me, but I like your energy. The whole Don Jonson shave thing is working for you. Keep doin what you do dawg, just watch the pitch.
Ha, this may be the least-pitchy thing I have ever done on this site
I forget, what time zone were you in again? I see comments at 5:20am, crazy. Here are a couple:
“Ramit keeps the poor…rich”
“Ramit’s personal responses to people’s comments shows his commitment to refreshing his blog entries as if he’s reading as you type.”
“IWTYTBR teaches STFUDF to all who LOL at his site.”
On a side note: If the people who lack wit follow your finance advice as well as your advice to not come back to your site on a non-finance related matter, that could be depressing to them…but not as depressed because they first made $1,000 off your site by now.
Another note: I already have your book in case I win, can I just get a signed copy of your next book instead? Thanks.
Dear Ramit, I’m a spanish speaking person from Spain (Europe)…your blog and all your free stuff ( videos, e mails, etcetera) are very useful….for learning and practising English. I really appreciate it. Thank you!!
P.D: Do you speak Indian?
Just because you’re qualified and I listen when you say I have psychological issues doesn’t mean you have sorted your need for attention and validation from others.
After reading some of these comments I completely see the value in your STFUDF methodology…
God I know, I was even more right than I imagined
Considering your average reader’s inability to craft a back-handed compliment, I’m impressed that you’ve been able to teach them about anything, to say nothing of a complex topic like personal finance.
Okay, I’m done hating on your readers since that could be considered self-hate…
I’ve always respected your work. The Indian community should be proud of you. Which tribe are you from?
I really love your book, it’s my favorite bathroom reader.
Hi Ramit,
Great job on the site! Keep working hard and I’m sure you’ll have some of your own readers — you know, ones that don’t click over here from Get Rich Slowly — in no time!
Thanks,
Jared
Ramit’s site is so popular that its server goes down the moment you try to buy his awesome Earn1k course. His advice about having a proper backup plan in place was exceptionally useful to me.
“The very best ones require a perfect combination of sarcasm, wit, bittersweet praise, and disdain. Women are especially good at them.”
As a women, that was an excellent backhanded compliment. But do you really need a signed copy of your own book?
Congrats! That’s one of the best competitions that you could ever have come up with … keep up the good work!
This blogs worthless flights of fancy never cease to amuse me.
Finance Dad’s comment still describes you best.
No more amateurs stand up night at Ramit’s ever.
You and Jim Kramer give the best financial advice!
Superb
This contest is so enticing that I almost want to look into who you are.
Love it
I mistook you for a psychic to have already written answers to the many questions I always wondered about.
Your book will do wonders for your career.
I’ll be glad to see your blog succeed.
All your blog needs now is a little wit, humor, and some original idea.
Ramit is not a narcissist, more of a know it all, but that is good because he is so smart and interesting; it has taken him far. If you’re a narcissist, it is only downhill for you, but if your like Ramit you only get smarter with age.
It’s so nice to see the caste system in India is forgiving.
I drank five lattes this morning. They were delicious.
Nice but, am I getting rich by reading all these articles by you?
To think I was going to tell you to rename the site to iwillteachyoutobejewish.com.. This is quite the contrary!
I’ve never been more into an Indian dude
Honestly, I never thought one can make a profession out of selling pure wisdom. But, Ramit goes on to prove me wrong everytime i read his blogs. I’ve never got a chance to read the book. But something tells me that I might have it in me to start something, if done passionately.
At first I thought all these “friends” you help were fake, but then I realized you actually do have a life.
You must not be too busy if you went on vacation when you released Earn1K.
shiioot, sounded so much better in my head at 1 AM.
no it really didn’t
I’ll Teach You to be Rich is a book so full of common sense, every high school student should be required to study it.
The user generated content on this site is great.
Just looking at your logo doubles my investments
“Practical, worthwhile financial advice for a readership largely too dumb to understand what a backhanded compliment is.”
It is great to see Ramit developing some whit, at least now he is half way there.
Or:
Ramit is an excellent reminder to me that those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.
It speaks to the industriousness of a man when he finds for himself at work what he can not at home.
After reading this post, I’ve upgraded my opinion of you to relatively adequate.
Great topic! How appropriate of you to ask for backhanded compliments.
Ramit, I am sad to see how many of your readers don’t know a backhanded compliment from a lame insult. (This is neither). Funny idea though.
True, I want to fire half my readers after reading their dumb responses
Second prize – two signed copies of I Will Teach You To Be Rich.
hahahahhaa
Hey Ramit, if I win, will you not sign my copy?
My brother and I set up a competition over which one of us is wealthier after the next ten years. As a start, I gave him a copy of your book.
I think it’s sweet that you’re still saving for a wedding.
HA
LOLZ
1. Read Ramit’s blog
2. Take Earn1k course
3. ???
4. Profit!
You should really write for Southpark!
If your advice was as good as you say it is, then you wouldn’t have to waste your time making a living pimping a book and a blog.
that’s not a back-handed compliment. (please don’t) try again
Darling, I’ve found the sweetest little website run from one of the Colonies on making money! Someone (so tasteful in a toga) says one doesn’t have to economise at all. There’s other stuff too.
Taj Mahal Badalandabad, you and IWTYTBR have seriously improved so much over the last few year since your early college days of learning about the “Great American Art of Muff Diving”
p.s. Earn 1K has helped me more than I can put into words. Thanks!
Will
If I won I would NEVER sell the book on ebay but if you could sign the book it would be even more valuable, no I mean special to me.
Ramit–the content this month on IWTYTBR is fantastic! You must have been working hard.
I’m not laughing at you, just near you
Ramit could be really handsome if he concentrated more on his appearance.
Ramit, you always write so clearly and passionately. I can’t wait until you get to a topic that really affects my bottom line.
Your comment was so good it almost deserves to be a featured post of its own.
You’re really good at trying to be funny. From the looks of these comments, it’s rubbing off on people.
Your complimentary first chapter actually made me want to buy your book.
Dear Ramit, your book has farther reach than you think: my decision making in poker games got far better after reading it.
i usually dislike sophomoric writing, but i enjoy reading your blog.
i find the reader comments here to be just as insightful as any other personal finance blog.
Your ineffable ideas inspire me.
To see a demonstration of Ramit’s success, one has to look no further than the popularity of his back-handed compliments contest.
Actually, an even better measure of Ramit’s success is the exceptional quality of the responses in the contest. One can see not just the number of people following IWTBYR, but also their unusual intelligence and wit.
Don’t let Ramit’s narcissism and sardonic wit fool you, occasionally his posts are very close to accurate.
are you honestly this surprised at your responses to asking people to be witty? or do you just love making fun of people of average intelligence?
Both
I thought I was a scrooge until I read all the money saving tips here.
“Great minds think alike”, not today apparently Ramit.
IWTYTBR’s inclusion on the NYT Best Sellers list is proof positive that millions of people make terrible financial decisions and desperately need help.
I recommend your book to my clients who have a sense of humor and have tendencies themselves toward the crass and unrefined.
Reading your blog is a great way to kill time.
I looooove to read your blog when I have nothing else to do!
The confidence with which you make your claims makes them that much more convincing.
You might be dumb, but you aren’t stupid.
Seriously Sandra, what is wrong with you. That is not a back-handed compliment
The comments on this post really showcase the caliber of readers you have, Ramit.
A self-help guru evident by the success of his book sales.
“I think it’s sweet that you’re still saving for a wedding.”
By far the best one so far.
Agreed, that was a really good one
I was able to find a few people who graduated from my school and a medium hot daywalker to give your book rave reviews as well.
It’s nice to finally find a blog whose author doesn’t feel the need to prove they are smart.
Not bad
Ramit’s latest contest truly shows the quality of reader he draws to his site.
“I am sad knowing that I’m funnier than 95% of my readers. Sad, but it also feels right.”
Your humor is the best thing about this site.
When facing unpaid bills galore, don’t say damn it, say Ramit and check his site.
i teach the poor to be rich.
Giving away a books for free . . . so THAT’S how the world’s greatest authors increase book sales!
It’s really impressive that you have loyal readers given the picture of you on the iwillteachyoutoberich landing page.
The only thing that would make me happier than receiving a book that has been signed by Ramit Sethi would a piece of toilet paper that has been soiled by Chuck Norris.
Ramit, your blog is surprisingly articulate. Indian guys are usually only good with numbers. Great work overcoming adversity.
That is actually true. Sadly I am bad at math
For a young guy with such limited career experience to date, you provide awesome advice for people starting their own businesses.
PS: Douchebag.
It appears that there is an obvious need for iwillteachyoutobefunny.com!
My favorite is by far the “Second prize” one, though.
I almost save as much money from reading your blog, as I did when I switched to Geico.
I really like this idea Ramit, it shows you like to connect with your audience on a real level….I know I couldn’t get away with such a useful post.
Ramit Sethi produces advice worthy of his readership.
Not the typical highbrow stuff you’d expect from a Standford grad.
“I’m not rich but I’m your fan anyway”
Your mother’s a whore.
Sorry, if 90% of these responses aren’t backhanded compliments anyway, we might as well have a little fun.
You make me sad
You enriched my life with words!
Seeing people getting crazy over your book prize, I should have read it before recycling it…:)
I’m surprised you have hundreds of comments.
Touche
I use half your blog tips half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of your blog half as well as you deserve.
Ok, this is a good one: I’m scratching my head wondering why, when I google Ramit Sethi, the next word google suggests is “scam”
i am breathless with anticipation for your next post… to read all the brilliant comments your beloved readership provides you….
You call this a finance blog? I’ve been scouring the site for months, just waiting for you to tell me to give up my Starbucks habit…
not bad for a Gora.
Your book gave you a great fan club made of the financially challenged.
I know this isn’t a democracy, but 210 (Cathy) and 213 (Jess) get my vote(s). I won’t even try, lest I wind up sounding like 95% of the statements on here…
I like curry… and Indian food too
if i made a dollar for every great comment left on this post.. i’d barely have enough to buy a copy of i will teach you to be rich.
k i m done!
“It’s obvious, your readers don’t know what is a backhanded compliment”
Ramit, you’ve done so much better than I expected. Your blog even compares fairly favorably to my own!
“You are full of compliments”
Also, I have to tell you how great it is to see how well you are doing in technology for someone with a psychology degree
You finally made me put my first comment.
Ramit, a master of social trends, is pioneering the field of financial advice made of 100% post-consumerist recycled material.
I didn’t know that reading from a script can save you so much money.
Just like Barack Obama’s current tenure your work seems to inspire great hope. You show all the cognitive hallmarks of someone who graduated in the top 95% of their class. Do your fellow classmates follow your financial advice or are they all as independently successful as you? It’s surprising how many Stanford graduates one sees in positions of influence.
The amateurish writing does nothing to detract from the great information in “I will teach you to be rich”
Poor Ramit is going to have a complex when this thread is over.
You’re blog is so funny and interesting, it’s easy to overlook how boring personal finance really is.
I’ve loaned your book out to a lot of people, and I tell them the same thing every time: “Ignore the cover and the title, it’s the best book on money I’ve ever read.”
It’s funny because it’s true. This book offers something for everyone. I loaned it to a friend with a toddler recently. They loved the advice and easy to follow action items, and the toddler loved the bright colors on the cover. The best part is, by the time she’s old enough to understand aesthetics, she’ll appreciate the book for the content.
Kinda funny that there is so many people commenting at how lame some of the backhanded compliments are, but they aren’t willing to have a crack themselves.
At least some of Ramit’s readers like to try the things he suggests, regardless of their results.
wow a free book? and to think i almost thought about buying a copy
Reading your posts makes me a smarter person.
your signature makes the book free right?
Hey Ramit, just out of curiosity, is this the highest number of comments you’ve had for a single post on iwillteach?
Ramit’s advice is really good. Almost on par with the recent advice from my financial planner to sell my stock because the market is tanking.
Recent backhanded compliment given to me:
B: “T–will you develop a client contact information list for us.”
T: “Maybe–why me?”
B: “Well you’re the leader in the field on this.”
T: “In the field of client contact info?”
B: “Absolutely.”
T’s action: Immediatly changed email signature title to “Leader in the Field of Copy and Paste.”
Your book must be great! So many trying to nail this competition!
Ramit leads the way, demonstrating to his readers how to shake off the negative perception of a one sided lifestyle full of seemingly shallow pursuits.
Ramit is to financial advice as Fox News is to journalism!
It’s very encouraging to see that your writing is accessible to this caliber of commentators.
This has absolutely nothing to do with finance and is completely frivolous, but at least it’s possible to get a good book out of it.
I could win a free copy of your book? Good thing I decided not to get it earlier!
Ramit is proof positive for his readers that financial success is achievable by anyone.
I’ve never clicked through to your actual website before from my blog reader feed! Wow!
(That is actually true, yes).
Finally! a meaningless post that can produce results for one lucky reader. Kudos – Ramit Sethi – Kudos!
It takes a lot of courage to give away your book for what it’s actually worth. I admire that.
I can’t wait to buy your book on the Kindle. Don’t want anyone to see what I’m reading on Caltrain.
You don’t sweat much for a fat girl.
You appear to have tremendous untapped potential.
You certainly have a large followership. And to think, all it took was a bribe to bring them out in the open
wow, you have a lot of acne.. but it looks really good on you
But…I really don’t
Ramit, you’re english is really good for a brown guy.
the toga looks great: it really accentuates your shape.
(additionally, I’m subscribing to this site via rss so I never have to read its comments again. not that mine is anything brilliant, but I physically recoiled when reading 70% of these.)
I’m glad you already warned us that replies to blog posts are not the right metric to pay attention to…
But this is amusing!
India is an amazing country. From tech support to personal finance, it seems that Indians are showing up everywhere and showing us exactly what to do.
Didn’t know so many people loved to hate Ramit
Thank you for making us poor people feel right at home.
I stumbled on your site today….i’ve spent the last 5 1/2 hours reading articles then bought your book right after. If you were less of a jack ass and instead a little more professional, I would find your articles and book a lot easier to read.
(let me know if you need my address, I’ll be waiting for my free book)
Sheesh, Kathryn. That’s just a straight insult. It doesn’t qualify for the contest and you expect your book?
I’m pretty sure you didn’t win
Well, it seems to me that the one about the wedding is the best one so far. “It’s so nice to see you’re still saving for your wedding.” Bravo.
I’d have liked to win but I already have the book anyways.
Snot fair! Ramit doesn’t clarify for how many weddings he is saving for!
Automation is a great idea but most people do not have money.
Reading iwillteachyoutoberich.com is as great as listening to Nickelback!
sorry that was low..
Ramit, thanks for teaching me how to save on latte’s and coupon’s. I’ll be rich !
Given the number of comments, a lot of smart people saw an opportunity to win the book here. You really know how to attract your target Ramit.
Keep up the good work; reading this blog is the most fun I’ve had in a long long time.
Ramit, I like how you’re totally comfortable with showing your true self in public, including that pesky (not so) little wise-guy inside of you!
Life’s too short to be politically correct for all the stuck up / immature / “too mature for jokes” aka boring / overly sensitive folks who can’t take a joke!
Ironically, its exactly these folks who inspire most “politically incorrect” jokes, and it’s often their reactions that make these jokes all the more fun! : )
Your irreverent, cocky, and at times, downright childish sense of humor is the only reason I follow your blog!
: )
(edited the earlier comment)
Your irreverent, cocky, and often childish sense of humor is the only reason I follow your blog!
: )
Those answers make me sad…
However if you think about it, having a personal finance blog with at least 5% of readers that are financially literate AND funny at the same time is actually not bad at all. It easily tops the average of the American population.
Thanks, this actually makes me feel better
Boy, next to the American Idol blog, this is my favorite!!
Ramit’s strength may be the fact that he can sell something without seeming like he’s selling something. Not unlike an inner city minister, Ramit promises huge financial windfalls to those who follow his ‘teachings’, all the while thriving on the incomes of his less fortunate ‘congregation’.
Ramit has an uncanny ability to break down complex personal finance topics into language a 5-year-old understands.
this is so retarded! there is one freaking sentence and everyone is looking in to it so deeply! unreal. Friends this is not how you make money in life….this is how you make Ramit make money!
When did everything become about making money?
I highly recommend this blog if Suze Orman’s website is down.
Ramit,
Things became about making money, when..uh… you wrote a book about making money…oh yea its not about money its about being rich….bla bla. Sorry Ramit, I really liked your articles when it had actual content (people saving ‘x’ amount of money a year/month/etc doing so and so) then it all became about ‘paying’ for advice (earn1k, etc), and the articles/newsletters getting ridiculous like this one. Being a fellow Indian like yourself, I was excited about getting some real content, but now all I see is ass kissing from this retarded ‘Goras’. You know exactly what I mean
Wow, didn’t realize making a backhanded compliment can be so…difficult. It’s like trying hard to come out as Andrew Carnegie when your voice sounds like Rocky Balboa.
Hey Ramit, the recent posts have been awesome. So much better than when I first started following your blog. Keep up the great job!
LOL! exactly my point. See Ramit, since I have opposed you, now you will be getting tons of backhanded compliments from your ‘loyal’ fans….even more now since my post. I have made others give you a lot more backhanded compliments then you would have every gotten, and thats in it self is the biggest backhanded compliment from me to you…..so I deserve the book
I think the deadline is over but i would still like to take my stab by saying…
I bet you could teach us so much more about backhanded comments if we enroll in your Earn1k program.
HAHAHA
Ok weirdos, I closed comments. I’ll let you know the winner soon.
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