“Dave’s net worth is around 50 million according to folks who keep up with such stuff. He put around 10 million in his home plus furnishings...another million I’d guess. His property taxes are...guessing here...30,000 a year.
Just doesn’t really live up to his frugality lessons”
You completely miss his message. Yes, he teaches frugality....while one is cleaning up debt and building wealth. Then when you achieve that he also teaches that you need to enjoy the fruits of your labor and sacrifices. In fact, one of the more important lessons he discusses is how to learn to spend again and how much you can enjoy giving when you have a very good foundation.
His entire saying is to live like no one else (be frugal) so that some day you can LIVE like no one else (enjoy the fruits.)
Although I don't know Dave personally, I have heard stories, perhaps driven by envy, that he is not completely aligned with his radio persona.
My wife is a Dave fan, so I certainly don't voice any misgivings. It's not hard to predict what he will say, so the show gets old after a while. Still, I agree with most of what he says - I have zero debt, including no mortgage, but I did not need to hear that from a radio guy.
And I don't really get the animosity to credit cards. Just pay off the whole balance every month, no problems!