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13 Things Rich People Won't Tell You: 325+ Tried-and-True Secrets to Building Your Fortune by Saving and Spending Smarter
In the same spirit of Reader’s Digest magazine’s popular 13 Things They Won’t Tell You series, the editors at America’s Most Trusted Magazine have developed the ultimate roadmap to build your fortune no matter what your salary.
Did you read about the janitor who donated $1 million dollars to his local library? Do you ever watch in amazement as your well-off boss haggles over the price of a tuna fish sandwich? Is it possible to find an advisor to help you invest your money—without losing it all to a Bernie Madoff-like con man?
In the same spirit of Reader’s Digest magazine’s popular 13 Things They Won’t Tell You series, the editors at America’s Most Trusted Magazine have developed the ultimate roadmap for making the most of your money and avoiding the wallet-sucking scams that are keeping you off Easy Street. We talked to everyday and not-so-everyday rich folks, and to the experts who helped make them rich, to learn their secrets on what to save for, how much to save—and where to stash cash so that it grows ( not that bank savings account). We also got their tips for developing “rich guy vision”: The uncanny ability to make financial goals and reach them in five, ten even 20 years—while smartly navigating economic pitfalls and surprises.
You’ll learn what services you should be getting for free, how to ask the right questions to get behind-the-scenes deals, and how to “live rich” even on an everyday budget. You’ll stop wasting money, blowing your budget (or flying blind without one), and getting scammed. This book will enlighten you, horrify you, and give you a whole new perspective on when to spend and when to stash it deep in your pockets.
Inside you’ll discover countless eye-opening strategies
Saving and investing. The savvy tricks you need to know to grow your money wisely—from branching out beyond your 401K to getting tax breaks you didn’t know you deserved. what the IRS, stockbrokers, and bankers won’t tell you.
House and home. All the tips your rich neighbors might not want you to know, smart versus stupid renovations; smart ways to increase your home’s value; advice on first and second mortgages; buying and selling your home. Plus, what your mortgage lender and real estate agent won’t tell you.
The Household How to build a budget that lets you “live rich” while saving. Topics include smart vs. stupid splurges; online budget tools and calculators; tips for saving on utilities, gasoline, groceries and car repairs.
College planning. Some of the most famous rich people in the country (Mark Zuckerberg, anyone?) are also famous for dropping out of college. You’ll get out-of-the-box thinking about the value of private versus public universities; 529 plans; loans, scholarships, and financial aid; advice from college admissions officers. Of course, millionaires also tell us how they made money by following their hearts and doing what they love—and you can approach your kids’ education with that in mind. what your scholarship and test-prep services, financial planner, and student-loan company won’t tell you.
Retirement. How the rich really want to spend their golden years, and the clever ways they seed the ground now to ensure their retirement dreams bloom and flourish later. Plus what your 401(k) manager, pension plan, and financial planner won’t tell you.
Along the way, you’ll discover top savings strategies for clipping coupons and hunting down bargains, how to pass Go and collect the big salaries, and the biggest mistakes that cost the rich their fortunes. With this handy companion, you’ll have all the savvy, patience, and smarts you’ll ever need to get ahead—and stay there.
Did you read about the janitor who donated $1 million dollars to his local library? Do you ever watch in amazement as your well-off boss haggles over the price of a tuna fish sandwich? Is it possible to find an advisor to help you invest your money—without losing it all to a Bernie Madoff-like con man?
In the same spirit of Reader’s Digest magazine’s popular 13 Things They Won’t Tell You series, the editors at America’s Most Trusted Magazine have developed the ultimate roadmap for making the most of your money and avoiding the wallet-sucking scams that are keeping you off Easy Street. We talked to everyday and not-so-everyday rich folks, and to the experts who helped make them rich, to learn their secrets on what to save for, how much to save—and where to stash cash so that it grows ( not that bank savings account). We also got their tips for developing “rich guy vision”: The uncanny ability to make financial goals and reach them in five, ten even 20 years—while smartly navigating economic pitfalls and surprises.
You’ll learn what services you should be getting for free, how to ask the right questions to get behind-the-scenes deals, and how to “live rich” even on an everyday budget. You’ll stop wasting money, blowing your budget (or flying blind without one), and getting scammed. This book will enlighten you, horrify you, and give you a whole new perspective on when to spend and when to stash it deep in your pockets.
Inside you’ll discover countless eye-opening strategies
Saving and investing. The savvy tricks you need to know to grow your money wisely—from branching out beyond your 401K to getting tax breaks you didn’t know you deserved. what the IRS, stockbrokers, and bankers won’t tell you.
House and home. All the tips your rich neighbors might not want you to know, smart versus stupid renovations; smart ways to increase your home’s value; advice on first and second mortgages; buying and selling your home. Plus, what your mortgage lender and real estate agent won’t tell you.
The Household How to build a budget that lets you “live rich” while saving. Topics include smart vs. stupid splurges; online budget tools and calculators; tips for saving on utilities, gasoline, groceries and car repairs.
College planning. Some of the most famous rich people in the country (Mark Zuckerberg, anyone?) are also famous for dropping out of college. You’ll get out-of-the-box thinking about the value of private versus public universities; 529 plans; loans, scholarships, and financial aid; advice from college admissions officers. Of course, millionaires also tell us how they made money by following their hearts and doing what they love—and you can approach your kids’ education with that in mind. what your scholarship and test-prep services, financial planner, and student-loan company won’t tell you.
Retirement. How the rich really want to spend their golden years, and the clever ways they seed the ground now to ensure their retirement dreams bloom and flourish later. Plus what your 401(k) manager, pension plan, and financial planner won’t tell you.
Along the way, you’ll discover top savings strategies for clipping coupons and hunting down bargains, how to pass Go and collect the big salaries, and the biggest mistakes that cost the rich their fortunes. With this handy companion, you’ll have all the savvy, patience, and smarts you’ll ever need to get ahead—and stay there.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 19, 2014
This book is based on the Reader's Digest column of the same name. It's easy to read because each chapter is basically a list of 13 things. It's a good overview of personal finance, but doesn't go in depth on any one topic. Not every section will apply to every person. The three page appendix at the back is an excellent summary of all the websites referenced in the book. My biggest takeaway? The need to purchase Long Term Care insurance in the next decade.
January 9, 2015
This is a great resource book with lots of practical methods and strategies for building and maintaining long-term wealth. I will be reading this book again and again to remind myself to practice what it preaches. Loved it!
August 12, 2024
"13 Things Rich People Won’t Tell You" by Jennifer Merritt is a mixed bag of advice from wealthy people. Some of the tips are really good, like focusing on your mindset and the importance of networking. These are things anyone can use to improve their finances.
One thing I liked is that the book is really easy to read. You don’t have to think too hard or force yourself to get through it, which makes it a nice, light read.
However, not all the advice is useful. Some tips feel too basic or not that helpful, especially if you already know a bit about money management. Because of this, I’m giving it 3 stars. While the book has its strong points, it doesn’t go deep enough into practical advice, which might leave some readers wanting more.
Overall, it’s a decent book if you’re looking for some quick tips, but it might not have all the answers you’re looking for.
One thing I liked is that the book is really easy to read. You don’t have to think too hard or force yourself to get through it, which makes it a nice, light read.
However, not all the advice is useful. Some tips feel too basic or not that helpful, especially if you already know a bit about money management. Because of this, I’m giving it 3 stars. While the book has its strong points, it doesn’t go deep enough into practical advice, which might leave some readers wanting more.
Overall, it’s a decent book if you’re looking for some quick tips, but it might not have all the answers you’re looking for.
December 3, 2017
This book has a fun, eye-catching title. At its heart, though, it’s a finance book. Don’t live beyond your means, don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses, etc. There are several more advanced topics discussed, as well, such as when to hire a financial advisor and how to afford a luxury purchase (along the lines of a yacht or a camper). In general it was a quick, fun read. If you need something basic stick to Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman, but this is good if you’re lookin to dig a little deeper.
January 26, 2024
This was a good book with lots of practical advice in many areas of personal finance. I definitely learned a few things & think reading this was time well spent. I borrowed this one from the library but can definitely see the benefit of having a copy on hand to reference as different things arise throughout life.
May 27, 2017
I'm always interested in these financial advice books. Most of them seem to be filled with just common sense basics but sometimes you can find a nugget or two that's actually helpful.
April 12, 2022
Okay. Decent. Some good solid info here but a bit dated.
October 30, 2014
The title of this book led me to believe that it would be organized into 13 chapters or sections, possibly with some introductory material and some stuff at the end to bring it all together. That's what appealed to me about the book. I was wrong. Instead there are 6 chapters, with an introduction and an appendix. There's nothing in the introduction that explains the structure of the book, or even why the number 13 is in the title.
The sections within each chapter give numbered lists of "secrets" of the rich. I thought it might make sense if each section contained 13 of these. That was not the case. Ultimately, I was looking for a book with a simple structure that's easy to follow. This one was confusing and didn't even get me interested. And I've read other financial books - it's not that hard to interest me.
I did look at some of the tips. They seemed sound, but they weren't anything I haven't already come across.
The sections within each chapter give numbered lists of "secrets" of the rich. I thought it might make sense if each section contained 13 of these. That was not the case. Ultimately, I was looking for a book with a simple structure that's easy to follow. This one was confusing and didn't even get me interested. And I've read other financial books - it's not that hard to interest me.
I did look at some of the tips. They seemed sound, but they weren't anything I haven't already come across.
August 25, 2014
Very odd mix, organizes but a jumble of suggestions. It covers many large financial categories but goes from investment to buying expensive luxury items to talking about unplugging the coffee maker. Not in-depth, leaves the readers with very general suggestions about stock market, buying a house (get a lawyer and the not well explained suggestions of setting up a privacy agreement about making an offer) - need to follow-up and research many suggestions.
September 14, 2014
Judging from the title, I should have known that this book would be a little superficial. I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for extensive financial advice. The book covers a lot of ground but doesn't offer a lot of new ideas.
February 9, 2015
Some good (and some bad) common-sense advice on personal finance and how not to get caught doing stupid things with money. I didn't feel like there was a ton of practical advice, but a good, quick, easy read. Book is written in a "Top 10" List format which makes for easy reading and remembering.
September 18, 2015
This book had some things that I never thought of before.
January 21, 2014
Great book.. Very useful..
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews