I will wait to rate this book until after I've taken the time to do some of the steps to see how well they work for me and my family. The book takes a very interesting approach to the subject of managing money and aligning it to your life goals and values. I am going to try to implement steps 1-8 in earnest (I agree with previous reviewers that the steps on investing are too conservative and more a matter of personal choice).

I found the "preachiness" of the book very irritating. I am all in favor of examining how to live a more value-driven life, but the authors spend too much time proselytizing THEIR values and THEIR definition of how to live a financially independent life. I found myself skimming whole sections that had nothing to do with the steps and everything to do with their personal views. I should note, too, that I am a committed environmentalist, so if I found it went overboard, I can only imagine how off-putting it would be to someone less focused on those issues.

In spite of the preachy tone, I am glad I read the book and will edit my review after I am able to assess the effectiveness of the steps.

An important book for people seeking/wanting life-balance. And, most especially, for people whose high-paying jobs are consuming their lives - leaving them exhausted and empty. ( )

Excellent book on comparing the value of your time (working) with the value of money (the results of work) with the value of your future time (retirement).

The -.5 stars is for the final chapters, which focuses on 100% bond investments (a very conservative method of investing). I've seen this book recommended all over the internet, and everyone (including myself) says "Read this book, ignore the ending when he starts talking about how to invest".

Anyway, great book for anyone interested (or trying to convince someone else) of simplifying their life. ( )

I bought this book several years ago and have read it off and on since then. Simplifying my life has always been one of those back burner desires for years. I have always wondered if there was an answer to the commercialized rat race we call Life in These United States. This book talks about this directly. It is a seven step process whereby you really dig into your life and determine just how much is enough. It attempts to change the way you look at money and working. Instead of living to work, it proposes working to live. They maintain that if you follow the steps, you will be able to determine just how much is enough and then be able to become financially independent to the point of not having to work. How long it takes depends on a couple factors (namely how much you earn, how deep in debt you are and just how much is enough), but several instances in the book talk about being financially independent in 5 - 10 years. They not only cover how to get out of debt, but how to set up your finances so it generates guaranteed income to support your life once you reach independence.

So why did it take me so long to finish the book? Quite honestly, I believe I had to digest it. A lot. I had to really examine my life and decide just what I want and that process has taken me years. I don't believe it was until I lost my job that it came more into focus. As I begin to attempt to figure out what I really want in a job, it has forced me to really evaluate what I liked and disliked in my previous jobs. It also has caused me to look at how I do spend money. Has it been a life changing moment, forever to be frugal? Probably not. I'm human after all and there isn't a tool made I wouldn't like to get to know. But it definitely is helping me make sure I don't make some of the same mistakes again.

The authors do espouse certain beliefs and occasionally get a little quasi-religious in their zeal, but for the most part the concepts are sound and important. I have to admit I had found it impossible to believe that someone could be financially independent in this age without the wealth of Bill Gates, but after getting to the last couple chapters, I am beginning to believe that it is not only possible, but probable for anyone who really wants to accomplish the feat. Denise is reading the book now and then we will discuss what we want to do and how it will effect our lives. Interesting book. Highly recommended only if you are fed up with the world and wonder if there is more. ( )

Good points in book, although focus on treasury bonds may be too conservative. ( )