Dave Ramsey has clear words about a big money temptation to avoid now

When one imagines unethical methods that people frequently use to make money, it is easy for the mind to jump to a number of sordid and illegal means. The pursuit of wealth has historically demonstrated a persistent way of corrupting the moral compass.

But bestselling personal finance author and radio host Dave Ramsey suggests an even higher standard for principled financial behavior that involves more than avoiding illicit practices when trying to improve one’s finances.

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Temptations for investors often involve using company information they can discover that is not available to the general public. If they use this knowledge to buy or sell stocks, it’s called insider trading and could get the investor in trouble with the law.

Ponzi schemes are other nefarious methods that people sometimes use to make short-term money. They involve deliberately tricking people into making financial investments in plots that promise high returns, but simply use the money of newer investors to pay off previous investors. Schemes quickly run out of viable ways to maintain momentum and people end up losing their money.

Other people resort to simpler illegal methods to make seemingly easy money, such as stealing or selling illegal products such as drugs.

For some, however, there is a much finer and more complex line in unethical behavior than these blatantly illegal examples illustrate.

Ethical standards and personal expectations vary greatly from individual to individual, and Dave Ramsey explored one such struggle when asked by a person who sought his advice.

Dave Ramsey offers his thoughts on a working man’s money dilemma

A woman recently corresponded with Ramsey in an effort to get his thoughts on a job she was considering applying for — but wasn’t entirely comfortable with the job’s requirements.

“Dear Dave,” wrote a woman identifying herself as Gracelyn, according to an email provided to TheStreet by Ramsey Solutions. “In your opinion, what are the healthy boundaries when it comes to finding work if the type of work does not align with your beliefs?”

“I live near a casino where there are several good paying jobs,” she continued. “However, I believe gambling is wrong. I don’t gamble, and neither does anyone in my family. I would really appreciate your thoughts on the situation.”

The dilemma Gracelyn faced here involved the fact that she, like anyone else, needed a job that paid good money to make a living. But a conflict seemed to be present about the kind of work she was morally willing to undertake.

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“Work is an important part of life,” Ramsey wrote. “And that means it’s a big part of what you spend your time doing for many years. So, I think people should make a living doing something that is consistent with their values ​​and beliefs.”

“In my mind, needing a job doesn’t make up for it,” Ramsey continued. “Otherwise, it would be okay to be a drug dealer or any number of other illegal, immoral, unethical things that can provide an income.”

A dealer shuffles a deck of cards at a casino table. Dave Ramsey discusses jobs that some potential workers see as compromising their ethical standards.

Shutterstock.

Dave Ramsey recommends a course of action regarding the casino job

Ramsey gives his direct thoughts about working at the casino in regards to this individual’s predicament.

“Here’s my take,” he wrote. “If you morally disagree with gambling, then you shouldn’t be working in a gambling establishment.”

Ramsey suggested a comparison with other behaviors regarding situations in which a person may be asked to perform functions at a job with which they may be in ethical conflict.

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“If you believe drinking alcohol is wrong or sinful, then you probably shouldn’t be working in a brewery or distillery,” Ramsey wrote. “See where I’m going with this? Personally, I don’t even like gambling. I think it’s a tax on people who can’t do math and poor people.”

Ramsey ended his response with an encouraging thought.

“There are other good paying jobs out there Gracelyn,” he wrote. “But to be at peace with yourself, you have to do something that is consistent with your own value system and principles.”

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