Meet me this Saturday, buy me food

Leave yours...

you aren't kidding on the attendance problem. the directors of my credit union were working on a similar program (money smart) provided through the FDIC. we held a dozen or so meetings to discuss various aspects of financial management - open to the public, well-publicized & free food & give-aways. do you know how many people showed up? ZERO.

it's unfortunate, b/c programs like these provide a wealth of information that translates into real dollars down the road. i'm sure laura's statement is a big part of the lack of participation. i think there's also a lot of people that think financial matters are boring or beyond them.

"Gaudy" i think the work you were looking for was "tacky".

Gaudy would be wearing a Hawaiian shirt with matching pants.

Speaking of personal finance classes, when I was in college, one of my finance professors told me they used to offer a personal finance class. I don't know why or when they stopped offering it, but I think that they should bring it back, and perhaps make it a requirement (Gen Ed or for the major).

I think people don't show up because they think they are going to be pressured into buying something, such as investments, insurance etc...

I would agree with Jeannie.

at Rance: I disagree. I would say 'gauche' is what Ramit was after.

Ramit, I was at Jovino today and you definitely didn't look approachable. You sat alone, hunched over your Thinkpad with scraps of paper all over your table and you were plugged into your ipod earphones. I think someone at one time took your other chair. Next time, maybe you should take appointments or have a speaking engagement at a pub during happy hour; I'll buy you a drink in exchange your financial wisdom. Cheers.

phil, buddy, you just got OWNED.

Phil didn't want to buy Ramit food. Ramit, I appreciate your frankness, even when it is one of your readers (or perhaps, especially to you readers).

Yep, owned. Don’t get me wrong, I mean no disrespect. Barriers aside, I'm overly cautious now since I was recently burned badly by what I assumed was nice friendly people while looking for an apartment off of craigslist. There is also a financial side to it too; I’ll have to submit my story to Ramit for his comments. Cheers.

Ramit,

Any chance you'll come to Colorado? I wish I was in SF this last week. Let me know when you do come, I'll buy you a drink at Vic's coffee. :)

yeah, come on over to the mile high city.

First couple pints are on me at Wyncoop.

Yes, Phil was owned.

Phil-stop making excuses.

I agree with Jeannie.

"I think people don't show up because they think they are going to be pressured into buying something, such as investments, insurance etc..."

Thats why I don't go to any "free" financial presentations. I went to one at Barnes and Nobles once, and felt highly pressured to buy the book of the presenter, along with her services as a financial planner. Chairs were set up in a manner that there was no escape for the entirety of the presentation. Banks and other debt oriented businesses have also infiltrated high schools and colleges to sell their version of financial planning . Right up there with Timeshares - no thanks.

The exception for me would be if I knew something about the presenter. After reading your blog, I would probably go to your presentations (if you are in the area). Also any presentation by Dave Ramsey.

hey ramit!!

this is super late, but the meeting we had was really helpful! (btw, phil, i would be the reader who showed up and talked to ramit for 2 hours, so yes he is approachable despite the fact that he looks busy).

i just wanted to update you. i'm going for my second round interviews next week! i tried calling human resources directly and she had me bypass the entire online/electronic application process. i flew out to dallas for my first round last week and they loved me! YAY! also, i met up with mimi a few weeks ago and she was great to talk to as well.

i hope your book is coming along well. i noticed that you still don't have many pics on your blog! nor do you have a logo! i have some ideas...something with a chalkboard...

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