Book Review And Giveaway - You’re Broke Because You Want To Be.
Well, after seeing the book reviewed on so many other personal finance blogs, I guess you kind of knew it was coming. However, I am giving my copy away to one lucky reader! But more on that later. For now, I would like to discuss this book “You’re Broke Because You Want To Be” by Larry Winget. I was sent an advance copy to check out, and I gotta say, it’s a pretty decent book for anyone needing a kick in the pants to get their financial life in order. Mr. Winget is the host of A&E’s Big Spender, where he berates seemingly normal people with normal jobs into getting their finances in order. I have caught the show a few times and it is always amazing it me that people with that kind of money cannot seem to manage it and end up feeling broke because of their habits. But Mr. Winget comes in and gives them a dose of reality and hopefully these people get back in line…and if you are one of them, this book is for you.
Basically this book says it like it is - if you have a job, there is no reason why you should be broke. And if you are, it’s because you want to be. One thing that popped into my head before reading the book was “well, what about poor people?” and the author makes an exception for them - this book is not telling them that they are broke because they want to be, but rather they are a different story altogether. This book is aimed at the average person with a job and a home, but without any financial sense. And I see where he is coming from - when you put it this simply, you can see why some people with jobs are broke. I personally don’t think every case is that cut and dry, but for the most part it makes sense. Mr. Winget offers advice on fixing your finances, creating a budget, avoiding bankruptcy, shopping with a list - you know, the stuff you SHOULD know but some people don’t. Overall I really enjoyed the book, but that is mainly because I am of the same school of thought - you gotta know priorities in life, and if you don’t have the cash, flat screens and BMW’s are not them. If you have a good job but are feeling sorta broke, you should check out this book.
Now for the giveaway - Each person that leaves a comment on this post from a legitimate email address (and has not won a giveaway before) will receive one entry into the random drawing. If you mention the giveaway in a post on your own blog and let me know about it (by linking to this post) you will receive 3 entries into the same drawing. Make sense? Comment = 1, Post = 3. The drawing will take place on Sunday January 13th, and the winner will be notified on Monday January 14th. I will cover shipping within the continental U.S. only, so if you are overseas, be ready to pick up the shipping cost if you win. Good luck!
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guinness416 | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’m not broke, but there’s always at least one gem in each of these books … so count me in!
peggy | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
This definitely sounds like “tough love” advice. I agree to this practical school of thought, but I still can’t believe some of my peers have a sense of entitlement and continuously spend above their means.
Amanda | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to read this book-it sounds really interesting! Please enter me!
Free From Broke | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’d love to take a read. Please enter me. It’s all a case of the Joneses and perception.
-=[OMF]=- | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’m always up for a good personal finance/self help book, and there’s a couple people I know who could really use a financial kick in the pants!
BTW: Free From Broke, I met the Joneses at a party last week, and they really aren’t all their made out to be.
Melanie | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’d love to read this! I haven’t seen the whole show, but there are clips available at A&E’s website. It looks wonderful! Tough love barely begins to describe it.
mjmcinto | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like a perfect book for my mother who is always blaming her financial problems on everyone and everything else but her and her actions.
Brooke | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I really wish I didn’t need this book.
Anastasia | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
oooh Looks like an interesting read
Thanks for the contest! 
Deamiter | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I’d love the book — please enter me!
Diana | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
Please enter me –And thanks!
bargainbtch | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
I think this would by the perfect book for my boyfriend. I am going to see if they have it at my library. Right there is the difference between us. I go to the library, he buys new books full price when he only reads them once. We make nearly the same amount of $$$ yet he is always broke, and always have cash saved for emergencies. I try to talk sense to him but it doesn’t work, maybe this book will.
sp | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
It is not available through my library, but I would like to read it. : - D
Valerie | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
Larry is my hero! Please enter me for the drawiing!
Valerie
Bitsy | Jan 11, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like an interesting book. I’d be curious to know how he defines “good job,” however. One can work 40 hours a week in the U.S. (supporting a family of 4) at minimum wage, and their income will still fall beneath the poverty line. Does he place an actual $$$ on “good job”? I’m also curious as to whether or not he discusses unplanned financial emergencies (deaths, medical situations, etc.).
Lisa B | Jan 11, 2008 | Reply
This is interesting. I would like to see the differentiation between “poor” and those who ‘have a job’. There are lots of poor people with jobs.
Thanks for the contest as well. Great idea.
SavingDiva | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
I would love to read this book….but my local library doesn’t have it. I’ve watched the show Big Spender a few times, and I really enjoy Larry’s clear budgeting strategies.
Rebecca | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
I remember seeing parts of that show on A & E…I would shudder and change the channel. Totally not ready to deal with my own bad habits and being broke because I “wanted” to be. I think I’m ready to read this book now!
Betty Ann | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
Hi. I am B*R*O*K*E… i need to downsize my house now that I’m divorce for 6 years.. first I stayed because I had 3 from 18 and under .. but 2 are graduating college.. and I need to start saving for retirement; and this house is a money eater; and I’m Broke all the time; month to month.. (there is no real for me to be this Broke and living month to month). I need to MOVE and start saving emergency funds and all…
Betty Ann
Toni | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
I love Larry! I am a huge fan of his Big Spender show. Would totally amaze me the “lifestyles” these folks would have and how they were in denial about their spending. Am currently digging my way out of debt so I can stop living check to check. Never cared about the Joneses, but I have an inner brat that i’m constantly battling.
Toni
Lynnae @ Being Frugal.net | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like a good book! Count me in!
Mike | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
sounds like a good read
Brian | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
Should be a good read, like to watch his show, and would love to see follow up’s and find out if people have really change long term.