Live Your Life for Half the Price

by Lyle Shamo, Tracy Shamo

We all know that happiness isn t found in a wallet, but there are ways to make surviving tough economic times a little easier. From the authors of Debt- Free on Any Income comes a new book, Live Your Life for Half the Price, jam- packed with ideas and strategies for spending less without feeling much of a pinch. Chapters such as How to Avoid Starving to Death on Food, How to Own a Home Without It Owning You, How to Keep the Lights On, How to Keep Your Car from Driving You to the Poor House, and How to Have a Stunning Wardrobe without Stunning Your Wallet, present sound, simple ways to spend your money more effectively on a daily basis. Chapters such as How to Have a Really Merry Christmas and Family Fun on a Shoestring offer creative suggestions for fun- filled family holidays, vacations, and activities. Discover the secret to living on less!

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Finance

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book I finally finished after sporadic reading over the course of a few years. I have been much more interested in reading and applying these hints over the past year after transitioning from a single lady with a career to the underemployed stay-at-home wife of a poor college student. These leaner financial circumstances make money saving ideas more than just handy tips to get a little more ahead. Now they are vital. I like the good mixture of guiding principles and specific money-savings tips it contains. I was pleased to see that I was already doing many of the things they suggest (I've always been a very frugal person) while still finding some new ideas I can try as well. Though I will probably never read this book cover to cover again (money matters don't make for the most riveting reading), I will certainly keep it handy on the shelf for a refresher when I need it for a specific life circumstance, like when we need to buy a new car or when we can afford to buy life insurance, or when I get sick of having such a high utility bill (especially that Arizona summer electric bill once the AC goes on) and want to find more ways to run a tighter ship.

[mushroom · Rating 1 out of 5]

dated (obviously), and unfortunately a little too mormon for real world application. the author(s) cite a statistic that people waste 16-23% of their monthly paychecks then advocate for paying tithing a page later - the call is literally coming from inside the house. guess those shopping malls and SEC fines aren't going to pay for themselves, huh?

the blatant sexism is also quite jarring, even considering the source. page 167 discusses financial infidelity, and in the examples the wives do things like buy toothpaste and toys for their children without permission, meanwhile the husbands' monetary indiscretions include golf trips and new smartphones, because those things are equally bad and selfish.

unless you are looking for kindling to keep your family warm this winter, I would recommend literally any other financial self help book

[Darla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Good info, brief, well written, but short on "why" & "how" motivators.

I really think Dave Ramsey did it better with The Total Money Makeover,Financial Peace, and More Than Enough. Some of the Shamos' scenarios are a little more realistic though, such as the rates of return on typical investments (6% vs. 12) and the idea that you can have a credit card for emergency back up without the world falling in. dave is much more inspiring too. His belief that we become debt free so that we can serve others with our money really struck a chord with me. Much more so than the Shamos' lament about us "sad over stuffed Americans who can save to save their lives and are more blessed, you ought to ashamed of yourselves!" Yes, mom, you're right, but find a stick that makes me feel like I want to do something for the right reason, not b/c I "should feel so ashamed."

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book contained what I would consider review or just common sense, but the reminders were good and there was enough new information (many good websites I plan to look up on financial management) that I felt it was definitely a worthwhile read. I appreciated the perspective of the authors (an older couple) and the inserted scriptures and quotes from church leaders to remind me why it is so important to get my finances in order.

I also enjoyed this book because I find a great sense of satisfaction and joy in reading about finances, I enjoy crunching numbers and budgeting . . . basically I'm a nerd. But I'll be happy to be a financially free nerd sometime in the future. :)

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books on finances in recent years so I know I won't learn a ton when I read a new one. This book gave a great overview of a wide variety of areas of our lives that we may be paying too much. It also gives some good insight for changes in our mindset. Be aware this book is from an LDS perspective so there are a few scripture references and quotes by prophets. Other then that, pretty strait forward money saving information.

[Alissa Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best finance book I have ever read. I liked how it brought in quotes from the prophets, explained things simply, yet at the same time I wasn't left feeling stupid or preached to. It doesn't go into the details of how to set up a budget like the usual finance books do, but it does talk about ways to save money with your house, car, insurance, etc. as well as explaining very simply all the different options within each of those areas.

[Elizabeth Fryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a lot of common sense, but I really appreciated the quotes from the Prophets and there were many reminders to really appreciate what you have. Definitely made me rethink the way I spend, buying for needs not wants, shopping sales, couponing, buying clearance and used. Living within my means and eliminating the things in my life that waste my money. Find TRUE happiness by living faith, and to seek for wisdom, NOT riches

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot to offer. Not only were there some really good money saving tips, but also lifestyle and mindset changes to really affect a change in how you think about and spend money. For those who don't already live within their means and use a budget this (or a book like it) is highly recommended. For those already pinching pennies, there may still be a few good tips you can use.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

FINALLY! I've been working on this book on and off for months. It wasn't great. There are a few piecies of good information. Most of it is so basic I'm not sure who wouldn't already know what they're teaching. I really liked their first book, but I wouldn't have purchased this one if I'd checked it out from the library first.

[Loni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from my step-mom a couple of years ago for Christmas. I finally got around to reading it when we were ready for a financial overhaul. The book was fairly informative and interesting, but it was also pretty outdated and more generalized in financial advice. The writing was poor and although some advice was sound, it was difficult to read.

[Alyssa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I love how it has finances with quotes from the scriptures. I think every member of the church should read this. Some of the advice I already knew and practiced. I would say this is one of the best financial books out there.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I will just apply these principles then things should work well for us! :)

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who couldn't save some money in this day and age, right? Which is why I got this one from the library.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some really good ideas. It wasn't fun reading though

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical ideas on a variety of money topics.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors spent too much time writing about too few ideas. Although the book contains many excellent ideas, the writing was verbose and boring at times.

[Janell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight forward information that was easy to read and understand.

[Miriam]

I love this book!n I read it and learned so much.

[Jorge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book! it really helps you have control on your personal finances and to adjust your personal income and expenses in turbulent times.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

very basic but good info anyway.

[Derek Gurr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a lot of good suggestions on how to save money. I look forward to using a lot of the tips as I go out on my own and get married this summer!

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thin in new insights and the title is catchy but not supported by the info inside. Read it for free from the library because it's not worth spending your money on.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

No new information in here for me, but it was a good read for me to remain motivated to find ways to tighten my budget.

[Romie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas on how to save money.