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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Liberating!!!, 17 Dec 1998
By A Customer
When I read this book I was near the point of desperation (negative net worth and getting worse by the month). Five years later I am debt-free and have saved about 60% of what I will need to retire early.Have you ever felt that you could really contribute something great to the world if you only had the time to do it, without worrying about earning a living? Or maybe you'd just like to finally learn to play a musical instrument and play in a band. Or volunteer for a great cause. Or be a full-time parent to your children. Or travel. Or work part-time, or at a fulfilling, rewarding job, even though it doesn't pay much. Or just finally be able to throw that dreaded alarm clock in the trash. This book can help make it happen. The real question is, are your dreams important enough to motivate you to make some changes in your life? If you're happy with your situation and feel you have enough free time and money, then maybe this isn't the book for you. If you're closer to where I was (in debt, feeling trapped in my job and tied to a paycheck) then maybe there's some useful information for you here. Here's what I've done since reading it: - Got out of debt - Started saving 50% of my income - Sold my house, moved to a houseboat ($1200/mo. less, MUCH more enjoyable living situation) - Doubled my salary - Sold most of my belongings, except the ones I truly enjoyed. - Took up hobbies that had always interested me, but that I'd made no time for (kayaking, cycling, hang gliding) My goal is early retirement, so I can travel, write, play, or whatever else catches my attention. But early retirement isn't the only reason to read this book. The ideas presented here can make your life easier, more meaningful and more enjoyable. It helps you evaluate your own dreams and desires, and it gives you a way to make them reality. I didn't choose to follow each step to the letter. For example, my investments are in mutual funds instead of treasury bonds, and I don't track all my expenses every month, although I did that for a while (very enlightening experience to see where the money disappears to). In other words, take from this book that which makes sense to you, but at least give their suggestions careful consideration. Don't expect a magic wand - it takes a lot of effort to change the way we do things and many people are not willing to do that. But if you are ready to put forth some effort to make your life better, this is the book for you.
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by Duane Elgin
by Amy Dacyczyn
by Thomas J. Stanley
