The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness: Feel Richer with What You've Got

by Jean Chatzky

Millions of Americans have turned to Jean Chatzky for financial advice, thanks to her weekly appearances on NBC's Today and her column in Money magazine. Now, in The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness (published in hardcover as You Don't Have to Be Rich ), she analyzes the results of a unique survey in which she questioned 1,500 Americans about their financial attitudes and behaviors. She looks at how much money people actually do need to guarantee a happy, comfortable life. And gets down to the nitty-gritty, isolating behaviors that—if adopted—can significantly improve a life. The results of this proprietary survey—conducted with the help of the Roper Center—are remarkable. Chatzky found that while a certain amount of money buys comfort, money can't make you happy—at least not in the way most people believe it can. But it can make you miserable, if you're managing it wrong. That's why it's time to make a change. In her frank, engaging style, Chatzky explains how to "own your money" to create a happy and comfortable life. She outlines the financial habits of happy people and shows how anyone can be a part of this group, no matter what they earn. Filled with fresh insights and real life examples, The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness reaffirms that finances don't have to be a source of stress and that living within your means can be extremely rewarding.

Genres: Business, Finance, Personal Finance

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2005

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average book for my level of personal finance knowledge, but certainly a quality reference for beginners or those up to about age 30. There are some great lines in the book and many thoughts remain relevant.

- Marriage or another significant personal relationship accounts for about the biggest chunk of your overall happiness.
- Married people not only enjoy continued company, but also stay in better physical and mental condition, arguably because they take care of one another.
- Retired people are an interesting mix. They tend to be happier than working people as long as they can maintain their standard of living.
- People who are happier with their finances are more likely to be happy with their jobs, relationships, health, friendships, appearance, self-esteem, children, and lifestyle.
- Remember, you can choose the people you surround yourself with just as you can choose the town in which you live.
- If all else fails, count your friends.

[Michelle Reding]

wine women wealth

[Jennifer Crean]

I learned alot from this book, mostly about investments, which we have blindly been doing thru our 401k. I am now taking a more active roll in planning for our future.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Contains evaluation questions to really make you think about how you view money and how it relates to your happiness.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like JC but this book did not offer new thinking, tools or insights.

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

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