How Dave Ramsey is Wrong About Budgeting for Clothes
Do you see spending on clothes for yourself as an indulgence? If you follow Dave Ramsey, that might be a logical conclusion. But Dave Ramsey is wrong! His EveryDollar budget percentages don’t even include a category for clothing, but clothes are a legit need. No wonder we are confused, and millions are suffering mom guilt!
In this article, I’d like to propose shifting our thinking around clothing budgeting from either deprivation or indulgence to stewardship. Clothing clearly fits into the category of need. (It’s not like any of us can do without it!) But clothing is also a means of communication. By what you wear, you are communicating who you are. Check out my online program, Your Visual Identity Journey, to begin creating a signature style that visually communicates who you really are to the world.
Way back when I was a mom of littles, I quit my job (which I loved) to stay home with the kids. Tbh, this was in part because I could see that my love for them was not actually playing out in practical and tangible ways in my life. So I chose to put my money where my mouth was. And then we had to figure out how to make life work within a single income.
I wouldn’t have said it this way but one of my strategies was to keep my own needs small. And this sorta worked until I realized there was (affiliate link) an art and a science to how to dress (what I teach in my visual identity program). Then I wanted more!
Budgeting for Clothes Before Dave Ramsey …
Back in those days, the reigning Christian personal finance guru was Larry Burkett. I went to figure out what he said about budgeting for clothes. I think he gave a reasonable percentage, along with a statement that in no circumstances should this be less than $10/month/person (~$20 in today’s dollars).
That was when I discovered that having an actual budget, with numbers, is a more empowering way to ensure that I am not over or under spending on clothes than just pretending I don’t need anything. Because I do need stuff. Underwear and shoes wear out. I drip salad dressing down the front of my shirt from time to time and can’t always get it out. My clothes shrink. My favorite coat gets a hole in the pocket.
Today I’m addressing a glaring omission in Dave Ramsey’s budgeting recommendations: clothes. Let’s talk about how Dave Ramsey is wrong, why this is so hard for us as moms, and what we can and should do about it!
Why Moms Struggle to Budget for Their Own Wardrobes
Here are some of the deeper identity questions that may be keeping you stuck in moving into creating the kind of wardrobe where you always show up feeling like yourself:
- If you dress like a professional, are you betraying your primary identity as mom?
- If you mostly work from home, do you really need a professional wardrobe? What does a professional wardrobe even look like these days?
- If you don’t have a job, but want to be respected for your contributions to your community, how “put together” do you need to look? Is it worth the investment when you are not bringing in income or your income is only supplemental?
Recently, a friend of mine was struggling with spending any money on herself, because she isn’t bringing in an income. But she is caring for three little ones in a highly individualized way. I took it on myself to run the numbers and challenge her to do the same; you can too. We have a really nice outdoor pre-school in our neighborhood. If I added up what it would cost for her three kids to go there, it would easily top $50k annually, and the pre-school isn’t even open all the days she is teaching her kids. Don’t undervalue your contribution, mom!
No More Mom Guilt! A New Perspective
If Dave Ramsey is wrong, I’d like to offer a different perspective, one based on the value of every human being. What if we looked at it like this:
- Your personal appearance is part of how you show up and can be a tool for serving others effectively. By communicating your competence and caring visually, you build trust. Your look and actions align.
- By taking care of yourself, you are modeling healthy self-respect to your children. Do you believe all people are equally valuable? Show it by including yourself in the equation.
- This doesn’t have to be expensive. By knowing yourself better, inside and out, you will have the skill to choose pieces that will work for you over the long haul, no matter what the trend cycles are doing.
- This is not about indulgence or vanity, it’s about stewardship and investment. You are investing in yourself and, by modeling healthy self-expression, in others who are looking up to you.
Dave Ramsey is Wrong! Try This Instead
Some tangible guidelines to budgeting for your wardrobe.
- Basic clothing budget: 2-3% of your monthly budget
- Within that, you need wisdom to balance the needs of various members of the household. For example, if you have multiple kids, it’s ok to spend more on clothes for the oldest to pass down. If you have an easy-to-dress body, you might be able to spend a little less. The hero wore a size 14 shoe, so we always needed to spend real money on those. But I think all things being equal, it is ok for you (mom) to have a little bit more of the pie, rather than less.
- This may be controversial, but I also suggest considering whether you could cut back on some of your beauty services, like nails and hair color to make more room in your clothing budget.
- Sometimes as moms we need to use our cash gifts and other gift opportunities to supplement our budget. I’m thankful my birthday is in October because that always seems to be a time I need stuff.
What if for Christmas this year you told your husband you would like to work with me to discover your Style DNA? DNA stands for design, needs, and aesthetic. What you learn about yourself will revolutionize your shopping! I
’ve given you alot to think about. (Is it hard to consider that Dave Ramsey is wrong? I’m not saying he doesn’t have helpful info, just that clothes are a legit need!)
Click here to book your personality insights conversation and let’s get started together figuring out exactly what you need to make your life and style work!