What Reviewers Say

Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance is widely regarded as the 'gold standard' for homeschool financial literacy, primarily due to its high production value and engaging video delivery. Reviewers from Cathy Duffy to The Homeschool Mom consistently highlight that students find the content entertaining and applicable to real life. The curriculum is praised for being 'open-and-go,' requiring almost zero parent preparation. However, a common critique involves the program's rigid adherence to Ramsey's specific financial dogmas—specifically the total avoidance of credit cards and debt—which some parents feel lacks nuance for modern financial management. While the math is generally considered basic, the behavioral focus is seen as its greatest strength.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student watching two or three high-energy video lessons, roughly 10 to 15 minutes each, through the online streaming portal while following along in a student workbook. As they watch, the student fills in 'guided notes' to stay engaged and then completes a practical activity, such as calculating the cost of a college degree or creating a mock monthly budget. The parent’s role is primarily to facilitate a short discussion at the end of the week using the provided teacher's guide and to grade the automated chapter tests. Each session takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and the program is designed to be 'open-and-go,' meaning the student can work through the modules at the kitchen table with almost no parental prep time.

Switching to This?

Since this is a life-skills course rather than a sequential academic subject, the publisher does not offer a placement test; families simply choose between the Middle School (grades 6-8) or High School (grades 9-12) editions. Most families start the High School version in 9th or 10th grade, but it is flexible enough to be used as a 'senior capstone' course before graduation. Because the curriculum is modular and video-based, it is very easy to start mid-year or use as a one-semester intensive elective. If you are switching from a traditional 'Consumer Math' textbook, you should expect a major shift in focus from solving math equations to analyzing behavioral habits and personal financial philosophy.

Curriculum Details

Price

$89 - $149

Pricing varies by grade level (Middle School vs. High School) and format (Digital vs. Physical). Single-student digital licenses typically start around $89.99-$119.99.

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital Print Video Workbook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math History/Social Studies Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-10 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

How This Compares

Compared to BJU Press Consumer Math, which functions as a rigorous math textbook focused on calculating interest and taxes, Ramsey’s program is a behavioral curriculum that prioritizes mindset and habit over complex arithmetic. When weighed against Money Matters for Teens by Crown Financial, both share a biblical worldview, but Ramsey’s high-quality video production makes it much more engaging for students who struggle with dry, text-heavy materials. Families often compare this to Abeka Consumer Math, where the primary difference is that Abeka requires significant teacher-led instruction, whereas Foundations is designed for independent student use. Unlike Personal Finance Illustrated, which dives deep into economic theory and market mechanics, Ramsey’s focus remains strictly practical, teaching a specific step-by-step system for avoiding debt. Finally, compared to free resources like Next Gen Personal Finance, Foundations provides a cohesive, ideological narrative that many parents find easier to implement as a complete, standalone high school credit.

Getting Started