Free: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most

by Mark Scandrette, Lisa Scandrette

If you already own a copy of Free , use the password found on page 223 in the Group Learning Guide to access eight supplementary videos. Why does chasing the good life make us feel so bad? We dream big and spend our money and time chasing our dreams―only to find ourselves exhausted, deeply in debt and spiritually empty. Mark and Lisa Scandrette realized at the beginning of their lives together that what they want, what they need and what they were being told to want didn't sync up. In Free Mark (with a little help from Lisa) shares the secrets of how they bought a home and raised a family debt-free in the most expensive city in the United States―and how they've enjoyed good relationships, good adventures and good food along the way. Packed with helpful exercises for getting a handle on your money story, and designed for healing and generative money conversations with friends, Free gives you a path to financial freedom and spiritual flourishing that awakens your heart and energizes your soul. Includes access to group study guide and 8 video sessions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Money, Theology, Finance

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2013

About the author

Mark Scandrette is an internationally recognized expert in practical Christian spirituality. He is the founding director of ReIMAGINE: A Center for Integral Christian Practice and he is on the creative team for NINE BEATS collective. A sought after voice for creative, radical, and embodied faith practices, he frequently speaks at universities, churches and conferences nationally and internationally and also serves as adjunct faculty in the doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary. His most recent books include The Ninefold Path of Jesus, FREE, Practicing the Way of Jesus, and Belonging and Becoming (with Lisa Scandrette). Mark lives with his wife and their three young adult children in an old Victorian in San Francisco's Mission District.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago I read some books by Larry Burkett relating to Biblical views toward money, possessions, etc., and the books were revolutionary for me. Completely counter-cultural. Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace organization does much the same today and does it very well. This book encourages us to see that we have more than enough, that we have been richly blessed and we have more stuff than we need which can weigh us down. Culture tries to force us to make economic decisions that bind us while Scripture encourages us to make decisions that are liberating. Spending time and money on what matters most. I think the book used the terms radical generosity or radical contentment and in many cases what they are talking about is more radical than I am comfortable with. Not everyone can work at a non-profit and we can find ways to love God by serving our neighbor in whatever vocation or setting in life we find ourself. But it is a very interesting book and might prompt changes in how we view life and our possessions.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free is not your average manage-your-finances book, nor is it a live-as-an-acetic how-to guide. Mark and Lisa Scandrette manage their money, not vice versa. Their life decisions aren't managed by money, either!

It has:

Questions that help guide you to the root motivations/causes for your spending or saving habits
Discussion guides for groups
Frameworks for thinking about your spending, budgeting, and saving
Discussion on some of the external impact of living more simply (environmental impact and global wealth, for example)
Pastoral wisdom on dealing with root money habits

Useful for everyone regardless of what stage of life they're in.

[Rachel B]

Abandoned after about 28% read.

I just wanted to read a book, but this is really more of a workbook... each chapter has tasks to complete that the author estimates each one will take between 2 and 6 hours...

Also, the book is incredibly America-centric, and assumes that all readers are white, middle-class, and ignorant of the subjects discussed. I don't appreciate it when authors assume the worst of their readers, or when they associate "badness" with traits that one doesn't choose (like race).

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt and I worked through this book with another Christian couple in our age group. What I love about Free is that it isn't all about money and finances, it's about finding what matters most to you, individually, and seeing if your time and money align with those values. There is only one chapter actually about creating a spending plan!

Despite its radical commitment to living "free" from consumerism, deadening jobs, and to live sustainably and generously, I was encouraged while reading this that my seemingly pie-in-the-sky goals are achievable; that I don't have to be totally radical to make concrete changes. Talking openly about our budget and income with another couple in a completely shame-free way was also immensely helpful.

My experiments and goals after reading this: I am only going to buy used clothes and books for the next 12 months (no new clothes!) to use what has already been produced and lessen waste and also to be more conscious of where and how I spend. I am also going to pay off all of my student loans in less than a year by living off of one of our salaries and using the other to aggressively pay down loans and build up savings. Sounds crazy, but its totally possible.

[Jana Riess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with a small group over several months, working through each chapter individually and then together. We found it helpful, honest and wise. It's hard to talk about money, but doing so in a group was therapeutic and encouraging.

I'd suggest that readers take advantage of the short videos that the author has prepared for each chapter. They make great discussion starters, or else just reflection prompts if you're reading the book by yourself.

One thing I appreciated is that the author divides the weekly tasks into several categories -- there's the bare minimum thing, the medium-time-sucking thing, and the "do this if you have lots of time and energy on your hands this week" thing. I was only able to do the Level 3 task a couple of times, but that's OK.

I will likely read this again. A terrific discussion book for church groups.

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is likely more effective as a manual for a group discussion. I thought the book started strong with a focus on one's values, use of time, and one's spending. The intention was to have each of the chapters build-up to a financial plan that reflects a value-based approach. The book seemed to repeat the same concepts later in the book and lose steam.

I think the authors could have provided a greater justification for some of the progressive approaches (avoiding products that are fair trade certified or linked with slavery) since those approaches can be ineffective, often used as marketing ploys without sound justifications and verification practices.

Overall, it's a good book for approaching financial issues through a Christian lens and will set people on the right path. I took quite a few notes and appreciated the thought-provoking questions.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mixed bag. Really great for small group discussion and reflection. The exercises made me think hard about if my spending aligns with my values and the way I spend money, give to others, etc. has changed as a result. But also continually places responsibility on individuals when change needs to happen at the system level. Some of what they recommend (living in SF on a budget 😅) is not realistic today regardless of circumstance and it felt out of touch...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has good suggestions for simplifying your life and how to set up and manage a budget. Good for thirty somethings, although the discussions around content are good for all ages.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

three years ago i encountered some ideas about money, simplicity, giving, and Christian life that changed and expanded the way i see my place in this world. i also met people who lived out those principles very practically and diligently in their own lives. the resulting changes in my own life have been gradual but steady. this book summarizes very well the things i learned then and am continuing to work through and grow towards in my day-to-day. i appreciate its practical nature (there are a lot of figures and small exercises to try) and would like to read through it again myself or with a friend or group of friends.

[Angela Т · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Amy Sens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for a Dave Ramsey style of faith and money book study that is not so dang patriarchal. This book is not quite that. But it is a really interesting exploration of simplifying our lives in terms of both time and money, in service to a more progressive faith and with global sustainability in mind.

[Robert Grisham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on money that I've ever read, and the reason is that it's not simply a book about money but a book about values. Mark and Lisa share their story of the intentional decisions they've made that have enabled them to live life the way they wanted to live it.

[Iain Every · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well thought through and helpful tool. I am guessing but I think I would give it 4 stars if I lived in the U.S. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to align their day to day living with their ideals and values.

[Tynan Brooks]

A bit too straightforward and in some ways overly optimistic about the range and effect of individual choices. Still, grasps the importance of simplicity in a Christian ethic and could be useful for the faithful who spend less time thinking about that.

[Aaron Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder about what really matters and an interesting guide on how one might simplify and divest from the decadence of the West in favor of living fully in Christ

[Twylene Musser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just didn't click with me. I'm sure it's full of practical info, but it felt tedious to finish.

[Cole Schoolland · Rating 4 out of 5]

FREE: Simple concept. Mildly misleading title. The title does not imply being without cost. The book itself will actually run you $12.63 on Amazon. If anything it emphasizes the fact there is no free lunch and asks you to examine hidden costs like time and health. No... the freedom this book evokes is the freedom associated by learning how to consistently lay all your cards on the table and so that you can take a good confident breath knowing that in spite of all the other goals and messages being thrown your direction, that you are moving toward the ones that matter to you.

As I said, this book is a fresh take on a (seemingly) pretty simple concept: spending your time and money on what matters most. Think about that sentence for a minute. Here it is again as a question: How can I spend my time and money on what matters most?

What I most appreciated about Scandrette's approach in Free is that he does not start by imposing his value on the reader. Instead, the book begins by guiding the reader through the process of defining it for themselves.

What ensues in a lovely but difficult internal dialogue as the reader will wrestle with the (if you are anything like me) dichotomy of their own lifesyle. I highly recommend you to lean into the discomfort this book brings with it. Don't just engage with this book at an academic level and give yourself a pat on the back for having been to a thrift shop earlier in the month. Participate in the exercises, and with a group if possible.

I found the experience of this work to be very refreshing, and something I should be engaging at least on a semi-annual basis. Highly recommend this book.

[Wendy Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. My husband and I have seen God stir many of these same thoughts and ideas in our own lives in different ways over the past several years, and yet, I still was very challenged by this book. I love that Mark does not call readers to live like Mark but recognizes that God is always calling each one of us to take the next step in our own spiritual journey and transformation, and so Mark invites readers to take that next step, whatever it is for each one of us, to pursue what really matters most.

This is a very practical book with lots of thought questions and activities to help the reader reflect, assess, and practice. I love that the book includes all that you need in order to work through it in a group setting: there are tips for group leaders, group session plans, group discussion questions, and an access code to on-line videos that correspond to the group sessions. No need to buy books and then group books and then a leader’s kit. If everyone in your group buys a book, your group will be ready.

I have not had the opportunity to work through the book in a group setting yet, but I look forward to doing so in the future because so much of the book would be even more powerful and challenging with lively discussion and accountability. Overall--an excellent book that I highly recommend to anyone wanting to live the Christian life more fully and to anyone who has ever struggled, as Mark puts it, “with the gap between how we want to live and how we actually live.”

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good reminder that, as the world's wealthiest, we have all we need. Our materialistic society communicates a message that the more stuff we have, the happier we will be. On the contrary, this book communicates that the more we adopt a lifestyle of simplicity, generosity, and purposeful living, the more freed up we will be to spend our time and money on what matters most. It's a great challenge to evaluate our own consumerist ideas and practices. Much of what the authors do and the way they live might be considered "radical", but one disclaimer could be this: One size does not fit all. Each person/family must decide what works best on their journey. A smaller house? One less vehicle? Giving away a portion of your income? Local and fair trade purchases? Thrifty shopping? Perhaps making less if that means doing what you love. Or, it could be somehow making a difference in your community. Whatever it is, each person must decide for themselves what will allow them to live simply, generously, and purposefully. If this interests you, then this book can ignite passion, inspire motivation, and provide encouragement along the way.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and full of thought-provoking ideas. The Scandrettes approach their time and money in a refreshing and life-giving way that makes you WANT to consider living more simply and mindfully, even at great risk to your current comfort level. Everything they've tried isn't compelling to me personally, but that isn't the point of their story - they are passionate about helping readers to experience freedom by learning to put our time and money behind our values/purpose in life. I recommend this one.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I didn't entirely read this book. We read and discussed it as a part of our longstanding home group. We had some really good conversations about money and how we spend both our time and money. The book suggests you go quite deep with your group members and discuss the particulars of your home budgets but our group opted not to do this. The book encourages downsizing - which always seems like a good idea! - as well as leaving within your means. I should probably read the book in it's entirety sometime.

[Josh Smetzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that helps you clarify what is important to you, and are you spending your time and money towards that goal? This book has helpful exercises throughout to give you guidance on creating a plan for money, time, and other related subjects. I enjoyed this book and found several useful tidbits throughout it.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it was a tad extreme for me. It has many good points and the family is "with" the author in his search for simplicity in life and money and time and the ways we use what we have. He started early with his decision to live simply, yet he gives help for others further along the way who may want to make a change to the simple lifestyle.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had I read this as a college student or 22 year old, this would have probably been the most eye-opening book of my life. Mark and Lisa live out the words on these pages, and if you're looking for a beginner's guide to living simply (within a judeo-Christian perspective), this is for you. I wouldn't recommend it on Kindle, though.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenge to live free in the use of time and of money. The Scandrette's have certainly not followed the American Dream, but their lives offer a counterexample of pursing meaning and service, set within a context of tools (checklists and questions and budgets) to offer self-evaluation and to promote intentional living. Perfect to approach the new year.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an epic adventures. Scandrette is challenging and kind and inspiring and tries hard to lay out logical steps to help Christians understand the relationship between faith and finances and how to find freedom for our deepest held values about time and money.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done!

[Lilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a dry read in some parts, however it truly changed the way I view resources. I think this book will have a lastly effect on our finances, and our life.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about simplicity as a holistic spiritual practice with worksheets for individuals and groups

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea...