What No One Tells You About Money: The Real Key to Getting Unstuck from Someone Who's Been There

by Jade Warshaw

Spoiler Money’s not the problem.

You read that right. When it comes to fixing your money situation, the numbers aren’t the hardest part. It’s the personal emotions and beliefs underneath the financial mess that can keep you spinning your wheels.

Jade Warshaw gets it, because she’s lived it.

Before she became a personal finance coach and co-host of The Ramsey Show, Jade and her husband spent years fighting their way out of nearly half a million dollars of debt. In What No One Tells You About Money, she shares the full story (the good, the bad, and the downright ugly) and unpacks the raw truths and practical steps they learned along the way. You’ll learn everything you need to break through the emotional barriers keeping you stuck, so you can start winning with money—no more false starts.

Through real-life stories, real-talk guidance, and tactical exercises, What No One Tells You About Money will help you

Work through the emotions that have been derailing your money goalsUnderstand why past plans didn’t stick, so you can finally move forwardFace your financial reality without judgment or excusesStay on course when progress feels impossibleTake control and change your money situation for goodYou don’t have to stay stuck in old cycles. Jade will show you how to become the hero of your own story—so you can stop making excuses, start making progress, and live in the freedom you’ve been fighting for.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Finance

288 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

What No One Tells You About Money: The Real Key to Getting Unstuck from Someone Who's Been There by Jade Warshaw (2026)
6h 49m read by the author - Jade Warshaw, 245 pages

Genre: Nonfiction, Money Management, Personal Success, Personal Finance, Christian Nonfiction

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Featuring: Foreword by Dave Ramsey (missing from audiobook), Introduction - Debt Free Cruise, Debt Free Screams, Emotions and Money; The Fight of My Life, Life After College, Newlyweds, Debt Hit Lists, Nashville, Tennessee; Cruise Life, The Dave Ramsey Show, Bible Verses, The Things We Don’t Talk About, Ramsey Personality, Baby Steps, Invisible Pre Baby Steps, Budgeting, Behavior Modifications, Emergency Fund and True Emergencies, Investing, Websites, Downloads, South Florida, Dodging the Truth, Money Is an Emotional Journey, Financial Velveeta, You're Right vs That's Right, Emotional Buy-In, Financial Checkup and Workup, Frustration, Sound Effects, Complacency, Davish, Frustration Audit, Moving Out of Comfort Zones, Do-Share Method, Chapter, Fear, Types of Fear, Guilt and Shame, Six-Figure Debt, Boundaries, Forgiveness, Anger, Fraud, Definitions, Scams, Abuse, Counseling, I Deserve It Mentality, Curious vs Critical, Examine Your Anger, Self-Pity, Victim Mentality, Adversity, Developing a New Perspective, Coddle Culture, Acceptance, The Emotions of Money, It’s Time to Run, Daily Habits, Conclusion, EveryDollar, Acknowledgments, Notes (print version)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Started From the Bottom" by Drake, "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox, "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor, "We Need A Miracle" by Charity Gayle, "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, "SICKO MODE" by Travis Scott, "No Easy Way Out" by Robert Tepper, "The Final Countdown" by Europe, Baker Street
Song by Gerry Rafferty...Baby One More Time
Song by Britney Spears, "Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson, "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson, "My Hero" by Foo Fighters, "Say It Isn't So" by Daryl Hall & John Oates, "Brand New Day" by Sting, "Stop! In the Name Of Love" by The Supremes, "The Way You Do The Things You Do" by The Temptations, "You Really Got A Hold On Me" by The Miracles, "Think" by Aretha Franklin, "Options" by Cameron Whitcomb, "Why" by Annie Lennox, "Efficiency" by Chaver, "Miss You" Mariah Carey featuring Jadakiss, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder, "Waiting On The World To Change" by John Mayer, "Stir Up The Gift" by Joe Pace and the Colorado Mass Choir, "Belief" by John Mayer, "Crossroad" by Robert Johnson, "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen, "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder, "I Wish" by Skee-lo, "Never Enough" by Loren Allred, "99 Problems" by Jay-Z, "Weight Of My Mistakes" by Seal, "Sinking Deep" by Aodhán King and Hillsong Young & Free, "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift, "Human" by The Human League, "Girl On Fire" by Alicia Keys, "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, "Scam" by Jamiroquai, "Scream" by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, "Amish Paradise" by "Weird Al" Yankovic, "This Is The Thanks I Get?!" by Chris Pine, "We Are The Champions" by Queen, "Just Like Fire" by Pink, "Mercy Mercy Me" by Marvin Gaye, "Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake, "What It Takes" by Aerosmith, "thank u, next" by Ariana Grande, "Photograph" by Nickelback, "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran, "The Show Must Go On" by Queen, "Vertigo" by U2, "Lowdown" by Boz Scaggs, "Long Train Runnin'" by The Doobie Brothers, "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" by Whitney Houston, "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen

Books and Authors mentioned: Braveheart by Randall Wallace [inspired by] The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace by Blind Harry; Rocky by Sylvester Stallone, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Rocky III by Sylvester Stallone, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover Workbook by Dave Ramsey, Rocky IV by Sylvester Stallone, The Holy Bible, Field of Dreams by Phil Alden Robinson [based on] Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella; Remember The Titans by Gregory Allen Howard, Superman by Mario Puzo [based on] Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster,
Men in Black 3 by Etan Cohen [based on] Men in Black II by Robert Gordon [based on] Men in Black by Ed Solomon Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio [based on] The Men in Black by Lowell Cunningham; Hercules by Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi [based on] Heracles; Mark Hyman, M.D.; Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz, John Delony, The Pursuit of Happyness by Steven Conrad [based on] The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner with Quincy Troupe; A Nightmare on Elm Street by Wes Craven, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins, Beard in Mind by Penny Reid, Jefferson Fisher, My Best Friend's Wedding by Ronald Bass, The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by Chip Dodd, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, Hidden Figures by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi [based on] Hidden Figures―Celebrating African American Women Pioneers at NASA by Margot Lee Shetterly, Tony Robbins, Atomic Habits by James Clear, Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟😑🤬🙁😦😃💸💵

My thoughts: 📱35% 2:24:52 Chapter 5: Frustration - I'm loving this.

First of all, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are delicious! This book was great, way better than an her first book and this book was needed. It focuses on the emotional side of money goals. I'm going to be gifting this book, it's that good. I for sure will be rereading it later this year.

Recommend to others: Yes! Even if you're on BS6 or 7 this is a good refresher and reminisce, whatever you need.

Memorable Quotes: My old pastor used to say that a man with experience is not at the mercy of a man with an opinion. Jade has the experience, she has the knowledge, and—after leading too many Financial Peace University classes to count—she’s also seen this stuff work again and again as she and Sam walked with thousands of others on their journey to get out of debt and build wealth. So when she is passionate on these pages or passionate on the stage or passionate on the air about getting someone out of debt, about helping the hurting, it’s because she’s been there, done that, and has all the T-shirts. And let me tell you, she doesn’t hold anything back. Jade has an incredible “it” factor when presenting onstage, behind the mic on The Ramsey Show, and in print. Her energy, her authenticity, and her vulnerability are unmatched. This book will cause you to laugh and cry and change your life. Because that’s what she has done—and because what she’s going to teach you is different from any money book you’ve read before. - Dave Ramsey in Forward

But whatever it is that drives us to buy things we can’t afford with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t even like, that’s the real problem. The debt is simply the symptom. The mismanagement, the chaos, the lack of a budget, the lack of discipline are the symptoms, not the real problem. And until you face that root problem, the symptoms may change, but they won’t go away. That’s what Jade is going to walk you through: dealing with the underlying issues. The emotions, the beliefs, the mindsets that you’ve held onto that are holding you back. She’s not just handing you an Advil for a sprained ankle here—she’s taking you all the way through physical therapy. It’s going to be uncomfortable at times, but I can promise you that you’re going to walk away stronger. Ready to get after it. Ready to take control of your money, once and for all. Dave Ramsey in Forward

Especially when you consider where I’d started with money eighteen years ago: in a complete and utter financial mess. I’ll walk you through the whole story later, but just know that back then, something like this was nowhere near my radar. Back then, putting gas in the tank was a struggle—forget taking a vacation. Back then, buying instant oatmeal was a treat—forget treating myself to a nice dinner. Back then, it was all I could do to keep the bank account in the positive. Shoot, finding enough loose change to buy an iced coffee outright so I wouldn’t overdraw our checking account was a well-developed skill! I was so stuck. Who could even conceive of being debt-free? In my mind, something that preposterous was only for “those people,” and I certainly wasn’t one of them.

We’d started working a financial plan and pretty quickly realized, Dang, this is a lot easier said than done. The truth is, I struggled. But at one point, I realized I was struggling because of something I hadn’t accounted for in the math: me. How I feel. My emotions surrounding money, what I need to do with money, mistakes I’ve made with money, insecurities I feel about money, and the list goes on and on and on.

This book is not about a plan for your money. This book is not about why some plans for your money are better than other plans. This book is not a get-rich-quick, thirty-day turnaround money management system. This book is about you. You and your emotions, your habits, your beliefs, your way of doing things, your background, your relationships—because all of those feed into your feelings about money. And the truth is, it’s a lot. Managing your money has been hard. Shoot, I’m tired just writing about it. And if any of that rings true for you, chances are, you fall into one or more of the following categories: Perhaps back in the day, you tried financial plans and couldn’t stick with them. Now, you’re sick of financial plans and you’re hoping this book is different. (It is.) Or maybe you know you need to get on some kind of plan with your money, but it already feels too overwhelming—and you’re hoping this book will help. (It will.) Or you just started a financial plan for the first time and it feels like you’re not making any real progress. You don’t want to quit, but you’re wondering if a person like you can actually win with money. (You can.) If you identified with any (or all) of the above, you’re in the right place. You’re likely frustrated, angry, scared, and ready to give up—a whole slew of emotions. But I have a feeling you’re also really hoping this book will be the lifeline you need. Because if you’re anything like I was, you may be starting to think, Maybe it’s not the plan . . . maybe it’s me. I’ve been exactly where you are. Fed up with my money, fed up with feeling like I can’t do it, fed up with all of it. In this book, we’ll get to know each other well, because I’m opening the vault on stories I’ve never told anyone from my journey to debt freedom and beyond. In this book, I’m saying out loud what so many of us have kept bottled up inside—the things I wish someone had told me!

You see, just seven years ago, Sam and I finally finished climbing what we refer to as our Mount Everest of debt. We had painstakingly-yet-successfully paid off $460,066.56. Yes, you read that right—almost half a million dollars of debt. It took seven and a half years for us to climb that mountain. And it’s the things we had to work through, both emotionally and tactically, while fighting to reach the summit that gave me the experience, empathy, and expertise that led me to write this book.

“Go to college to get ahead. Can’t afford it? Get a student loan! . . . You’ll just delay having children and risk your marriage and sanity to pay it off.” “You work hard. You deserve a new vehicle. . . And we can give it to you for the low, low price of your financial future.” “You’re entitled to what you want, and a credit card can help you afford it. . . Oh, and in the process, we’ll steal your confidence to manage and live off your own actual money.” It became painfully clear that these “helpful” pieces of advice were straight-up lies. Because here’s the truth: Student loans are a trap—Americans are ensnared in $1.63 trillion dollars as of 2025 (and that’s just federal student loans).2 The average car payment is between $523 and $735 a month—and more than 40 percent of Americans have car payments.3 Meanwhile, close to that same percentage of adults feels unprepared financially for retirement.

Were we really as serious about getting out of debt as we claimed we were? Sure, we were making sacrifices and gaining ground, but we were also still taking trips we couldn’t afford, and credit cards were still a very real part of our lives. We were creating new problems as quickly as we were solving old ones. We were still complacent in a lot of areas—and that was holding us back. My reality was flipped on its head. We had way more work to do than I first realized. Work that I was afraid might be impossible. Well, so be it. It was time to do the impossible. That day with the workbook was like an ice bath. When you initially force yourself into the tub, you want to jump right back out. It’s a punch in the face of freezing discomfort. It steals your breath. But pretty quickly, a numbness sets in. And once you get out of the bath, you realize it was all for your own good. The ache lessens. Now not only can you begin to recover, but you also get a jolt of energy. And that’s exactly what happened to us.

[Katie Grams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes Dave Ramseys baby steps to an emotional level, which I think Dave sometimes forgets about on his show, he’s been doing it so long. Very good if you are just starting on the baby steps, I would highly recommend.

[Mayra Mariscal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have decided to get a few financial books including Money’s Not a Math Problem. I was curious to learn this book. For people who aren't sure about their finances and don't know what to do with their budget, this is perfect for you as a beginner. You can learn from Jade Warshaw’s perspective experience. You may agree or disagree with her. That is totally okay. In my personal opinion, I enjoyed reading it; it gave me different perspectives to better understand. I don’t want to make mistakes for my financial decisions. I want to make right decisions with my financial responsibilities. So, I have decided to give 4 stars here.

[Emily Mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dive into the emotional aspect of money indeed! Jade is open, honest and blunt in her telling of her own money journey and key tips to keep those pesky feelings at bay during your own. I really loved her lighthearted tone and break downs of how to be successful in not only the baby steps but the war inside yourself to get to the other side as unscathed as possible!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Ramsey fan here, I read and listen to it all, but I think this book might be my favorite! WAY TO GO, JADE!! One of the missing pieces of the money puzzle I find in the company’s literature is the deeply emotional side to following the baby steps. With Jade’s personal money story interwoven with education on emotions and practical steps to engage and work through those feelings, baby steppers will be able to relate and feel hopeful & encouraged to get started or continue on their journey. I also like how the reader can apply Jade’s suggestions to other aspects of life (i.e., health). Thank you, Jade, for reinvigorating this BS7 girl with this awesome book! 👏🏻👏🏻

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jade is one of my favorite Ramsey personalities. I especially love her care in never belittling someone for their money mistakes, but rather meeting people where they are and teaching them how to use better tools.

This book is full of her signature voice and life experiences. She is an ultimate cheerleader, encouraging her readers to do the hard thing and change their lives. If you are new to the Ramsey method, this book provides an easy entry point.

We are a little farther in the baby steps, but I still found principles to glean, and motivation to keep moving forward.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book when you are looking for help managing your financial situation, as it affects emotions. Too often, our emotions are tied to economic decisions. I want it, so I bought it. Why did I buy it? Oh, where did my money go? ikes, I feel so guilty.) Jade Warshaw experienced it all herself and has gotten herself out of the swirling financial debt laced with emotions. This down-to-earth book provides you with the steps to manage your financial situation (not just counting your pennies), as well as what's happening or sabotaging you from making positive progress with your money. I read this book for research purposes as I am pursuing Dave Ramsey's Financial Cash Master Training. It is helping me better understand where we were when we were in debt, which will help with future clients. Thank you, Jade Warshaw, for writing an easy and honest read that is entertaining, super helpful, and a great addition to my reference and coaching shelf!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably wasn't the key demographic for this book as my debt is my mortgage and I'm familiar with the Ramsey Baby Steps. This repeated a lot of the same information. I felt like I was hoping for more motivation- ideas on how to make more money, ways to have fun with limited funds, etc but really it's the baby steps, some stories and buckle down and occasionally treat yourself with nachos.

Additionally, I'm taking a star off because Jade repeats a story from the show about a mom that she claims doesn't really want the advice offered but if it's the story I watched, she failed to mention she's a new mom with another child or 2 under the age of 2. In my personal opinion, this was a time for compassion, and the reason certain assistance programs exist, not the time to tell a new mom to work nights.

[Jason Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting with the Total Money Makeover - the Ramsey team has always kept a consistent message.
Follow the Baby Steps - Pay off debt, be prepared for emergencies and build wealth.

This book teaches those same lesssons but also takes you through the emotional roller coaster that happens when you follow these steps.

From fear - fear that you can't do it, fear of overall failure.
Shame - how did I let my life get this way
Anger - THIS one hit home for me

Ending ultimately at Acceptance - that you can get yourself out of the mess - the emotions are a good thing that can push you to prove your own strength.

GREAT BOOK and I love that Jade used her musical background as part of the storytelling!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens as You Fight to Get Out of Debt

This book tells it like it is! Jade Warshaw opens up about what it means to get out of debt. Not only does she teach the steps that will help you do this, she also details her and her husband's journey and the emotions and struggles they went through. I appreciate her willingness to share. This story prepares you to change your financial future. Highly recommended!

[Vanessa Peschiutta · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting read, I love listening to Jade on the Dave Ramsey show. so I was thrilled when I saw she had a new book. I loved that she talked more of the emotional side of money, and knowing its ok to be angry at your debt, etc. and how you got there. I would definitely recommend this if you dont listen to the podcast, but because I listen to the podcast, this book didnt offer me anything I didnt know, so I was a little disappointed. overall a decent read.

[Donna LaPlume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It put together a complete picture of her journey to being debt free. There were many things I could relate to. I have been following the plan for a while and listening to the show for a while.
I do wish that she would have updated her progress during some of these scenarios. It was always the large some and then there was none. What about when they were half way to zero?

[David Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m about halfway through the book after two days. Jane writes with such simplicity yet has a conviction about her beliefs. She is her experience to relate to the reader. I am enjoying the process of this book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great information - at this current stage of my life, I am not the main target audience for this book, but it is a fantastic read. Jade is very real and open about how big of a struggle money and all the emotions that come with it can be.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jade writes about Dave Ramsey’s 7 step program of financial freedom. The steps do work and she discusses her personal journey using HIS steps. The last chapter was the best part of the book.

[Ami B · Rating 5 out of 5]

relatable content, it's what I needed when I started the baby steps. great analogies, easy to understand.