Dave Ramsey signs deal for pilot TV show

Dave Ramsey has built a multimillion-dollar media company in just over a decade by offering financial advice through his syndicated radio talk show, video series and how-to books.

Now, Ramsey’s simple, why-didn’t-I think-of-that suggestions ? like making a budget and sticking to it, getting rid of credit card debt and not living beyond your means ? may be headed for prime-time television.

CBS announced earlier this year that it has ordered a reality series pilot from Ramsey, who will help produce and star in the show that will follow families as they deal with mounds of debt.

Production started just a few weeks ago, but no date has been set for the pilot to run.

“Dave’s message is something we can all relate to,” said Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment. “He speaks to people who for whatever reason have lost touch with the ability to manage their finances and as a result their personal lives spin out of control.

“He’s such a gregarious, outgoing, genuine person,” she said. “He’s incredibly relatable. He practices what he preaches.”

Ramsey’s expertise stems from his own riches-to-rags-to-riches story. A one-time real estate salesman, the Tennessee native had established a $4 million real estate portfolio by age 26 only to lose it four years later.

It took Ramsey, 45, several years to get out of debt ? rebuilding his financial life by turning to the Bible and people with money for guidance.

He now devotes himself to helping others with their financial distress through his privately-held company Lampo Group Inc., which began as a financial counseling service in 1988 but grew into a multimedia enterprise based in suburban Nashville. The company now employs 150 people.