Financial guru and radio personality Dave Ramsey is well known for his “7 Baby Steps” — a financial plan designed to help individuals get out of debt, save money and build wealth. But while some feel his principles are solid, others disagree with their mathematical effectiveness.

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So where is the discrepancy occurring? Are Ramsey’s principles helpful or harmful when it comes to building wealth?

Andrew Latham is a certified financial planner and content director at SuperMoney.com. He insists the answer is not cut and dry and may have more to do with the psychology of the individuals applying these principles rather than the principles themselves.

“Ramsey’s advice is genuinely good and incredibly helpful for getting people on track, especially if they feel lost or overwhelmed,” Latham said. “But, in some cases, especially for those who are more financially savvy or disciplined, there’s room to optimize.”

In other words, Ramsey’s principles can guide individuals who possess little financial knowledge and lack the patience to learn — which, let’s face it, is many people. Its focus is on the emotional victory of achievable wins, rather than big ones that are more demanding and focused on the long term.

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Having seen his clients implement Ramsey’s money principles, Latham offered the following pros and cons:

Zero-Based Budgeting Sharpens Financial Skills

Zero-based budgeting is one of Ramsey’s core teachings, in which every dollar is assigned a specific job, whether that’s spending, saving, donations or debt repayment. These assignments should equal — and thus zero out — your income, leaving no idle income without a task. Latham said that zero-based budgeting is a practical tool, which can help build discipline and stability. It also helps individuals gain insight into their spending.

An Emergency Fund Provides Protection

Ramsey’s recommended $1,000 emergency fund is wise to save for a rainy day — or to simply create a habit of saving in general. This is sound advice for anyone.

The Debt-Snowball Method Is Emotionally Rewarding

Ramsey teaches a debt-snowball method, whereby debts with the smallest balance are paid off first. Latham stated this works well for individuals who need motivation and quick wins.