Dave Ramsey begins The Total Money Makeover with an introduction in which he briefly lists his achievements and publications to demonstrate how giving people financial advice has become his life’s mission. He then introduces several ideas that define his approach to writing The Total Money Makeover: Financial success is more about personal change than head-knowledge and math, that hope drives such change, and that though financial success is hard, it’s not complicated. He confidently asserts that his plan works for everyone, and that his book is for anyone.

Ramsey’s first preface chapter, “What This Book Is Not,” includes a series of negative assertions that adjust readers’ expectations concerning The Total Money Makeover, ostensibly so that they can make an informed decision when purchasing it.

“This Book Is NOT Sophisticated or Complicated” (xiii) reemphasizes that Ramsey’s principles for financial success are simple, that his book is not academic, theoretical, or detailed.

“This Book Is NOT Something That Has Never Been Said” (xiv) reinforces that Ramsey does not set out to propose a revolutionary method.

“This Book Is NOT Going to Mislead You on Investment Returns” (xv) briefly supports Ramsey’s claim that a 12% return on investment is possible, plainly responding to critics who implied or asserted that he misled readers with an unrealistic estimate.