Review of 'Live Your Life for Half the Price'
Mary Hunt’s 'Live Your Life for Half the Price: Without Sacrificing the Life You Love' may seem like just one more finance book, but what distinguishes this money manual is that it isn’t about getting out of debt so much as finding a way to live the life you love. Mary states that the key to personal financial success is knowing what brings you satisfication and recognizing that financial security is not about how much you make, but how much you don’t spend.
She emphasizes the big picture, but she also understands that changing the way you approach money is daunting. With this in mind, she breaks down the process into manageble steps. When you read this book and follow Mary’s plan, you understand how each step brings you closer to financial success.
In the book’s 16 chapters, Mary explains how to cut your grocery expenses in half, make more efficient use of your kitchen, shop for clothes so you spend less and wear more, avoid bank and credit card fees, pay off your mortage, save for big-ticket items, plan for emergencies, and, most importantly, have fun.
For those readers who might have already identified their trouble spots or want guidance in a specific area like buying a car or paying off a mortage, the chapter titles and subheadings within each chapter make navigation easy. This is not a book that only makes sense when read cover to cover.
Even though this is a straight-talking guide designed to improve your financial future dramatically, the tone is never too serious or harsh. Instead, Mary’s writing is warm, filled with wit and charm. She relies on anecdotes from her own early struggle with money and debt to demonstrate different steps and strategies. Reading about Mary’s own experience makes it clear that research and patience are essential. Enjoying life within your means and saving money simultaneously is hard work, but Mary writes both firmly and supportively. If she can do it, so can you.
The most attractive feature of the book by far is the vast array of recipes, suggestions and resources. There are easy-to-follow recipes for meals, tips on how to avoid getting ripped off, enjoy museums and movies at bargain prices, buy quality hair and makeup products for less, and a 14-page list of valuable Web sites. Almost everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can benefit from Mary’s advice.
-- Victoria Loustalot for AOL Coaches
