Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life

There is no way that ALL of these reviews are legitimate. I can't believe I wasted money on this book, I'm returning it right away. I have been a LONG time reader of the 'Living Well, Spending Less' blog, and there are blog posts that I read over and over (especially about minimalism with children, the No Spend Challenge posts, and more) and I share them with family and friends. I almost could not believe this book was from the same person. This is clearly more of an auto-biography than an informational book on saving money. I am FRUGAL, and try to save money anywhere I can with 5 children. I was so disappointed to read in almost every single chapter about how she had to break her habit of going on $500 Target shopping sprees, give up the expensive Starbucks lattes, and that to this very day, she still overspends. Being frugal is making your own coffee from home, NOT going to Target (most expensive place ever, for everything) and saving money in every category. I also was disheartened by her constantly mentioning that she still to this day overspends. It's like reading a book about a recovering alcoholic, who beat his addiction, only to find out he MOSTLY beat the addiction, but still drinks from time to time. That is not inspiring at all.The bits and pieces about saving money were mediocore at best. I have been doing no-spend challenges for years, both through online Facebook groups, with Dave Ramsey fellow followers, and with girlfriends and my own husband. There was literally no helpful information about that at all. Instead of giving the reader lots of information about how to chart or track your 'no spending', ideas to fight the urge, ways to use things at home and not spend, it simply outlined the idea, and then went back to talking about her story on how she tried it, still does, but mainly still spends. SO SAD.I'm also sad to find out that when she started the blog, it was only to write about money saving ideas to pull readers in, and while she did it, learned to help herself with her spending and save money. So the main reason she started the blog was to make money, so she could spend it, but learned a thing or two along the way (but yet, to this day, still overspends). Overall, I was so disappointed. I had to force myself to get through the whole thing, and couldn't believe it was even published. I LOVE her blog, and I guess I just need to print the blog pages I love and put them in a binder, and try to forget that the woman behind the articles really only started writing for the money, and still to this day doesn't stick to what she writes. I get that no one is perfect, but I seek encouragement from people that LIVE frugal, every day, in every way, pushing their self control to have financial peace for themselves and their families. Not people that write about it to only make money off of it.I would never recommend this book, even to a beginner. There is WAY more helpful information online, and in other books. A good book for going minimalist is 'The Joy of Less', I'm reading it for the 5th time now, it's amazing. And for saving money, anything Dave Ramsey. For organizing, recipes, meal plans, I turn to my online Dave Ramsey Budgeting groups, or search blogs for specific things. Can't wait to go to her blog again to read, but this book is going back!!

This book felt like sitting down to coffee with a good friend. The kind of friend who speaks from love and isn't afraid to be honest. She's the one who gives you a gentle nudge while saying, "I want you to be happy and I think you know what you are currently doing isn't working for you."Last year, I had the privilege of hearing Ruth Soukup speak to my mom's group. She is wise, insightful, humble yet very, very brave. I have been following her blog since that day. This book came at the perfect time for me and I can't say enough wonderful things about it! I just finished it this morning and I am looking forward to going back and re-reading the many, many highlights that I made and whole chapters that just seemed to resonate within me. Ruth Soukup offers up her 12 Secrets to the Good Life and boy does she deliver! I especially loved the chapters on living in your sweet spot and goal setting. As a former teacher, a follower of Christ and a stay-at-home mom of two little ones, I have often struggled with finding a sense of purpose outside of my role as a mommy and church member. This book served as a gentle reminder that God created us all to live the good life and tells us how to find it!This book was divided into two parts, the first identified ways to "live well" while the second focused more on "spending less." The whole book is saturated with nuggets of wisdom such as, "It taught me that failure is almost never fatal, and that life does go on and sometimes you just have to put one foot in front of the new path becomes clear." Although not new concepts, Ruth Soukup has a way of writing that is warm and relatable and honest. She openly speaks of her spending habits, personal struggles with depression and finances, as well as her struggles as a wife and mother.I can understand how someone who is not a Christian may not relate as easily to this book as it heavily relies on God's word to reveal truths about our finances and living the good life. If you find the bible offensive, as other reviewers have stated, this book may not be for you. Others have reported having problems downloading the work book, which I did easily after visiting her website.This is one book that I am recommending to my all my friends!

There is tons of great information in this book that I will absolutely incorporate into my own life. I would gladly give 5 stars if the QR codes or listed websites didn’t all take you to a page that said “oops” and then tried to get you to spend more money on the author’s newest product(s). I read the book because I wanted to learn how to save money, not to be sold to at every turn. Very disappointing.

This book was ok but not at all what I expected. I thought it would help me spend less money but it’s mostly about living a good, Christian life and is full of bible quotes. As a pagan, who wasn’t expecting this it was a bit off putting.The writer makes a lot of assumptions about her readers. She assumes the reader is American, Christian, married with kids and can drive. I am British, Pagan, single, childless, and can’t drive.The first section is on living well and the second section is on spending less. I would have liked them to be combined better. Also the spending less section wasn’t very helpful for me. The chapter on saving money on groceries doesn’t seem like most of the advice is applicable here in the UK. Some of the things she suggests, such as shopping at Aldi and eating out less I already do.I enjoyed all the personal stories and general organisational tips. I did download the recommended goal setting book and filled that in and it was helpful.I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had a different title so I knew what to expect. As I was expecting a book with practical advice on saving money I was dissapointed.

I've read a few of Ruth's books that were available on Kindle unlimited and really enjoyed them, but this book is bible quotes that then link to how to spend less. There is so much Christian content that it's really offputting. If you aren't someone who goes to church every Sunday and live your life according to the bible, then I'd avoid. If you do then it's probably a really good book.

I bought this book in dire need of financial knowledge and I ended up with spiritual knowledge too. If you are a Christian, this book will help you live a Christ like life as well as budgeting. I love love it. Would recommend it.

good book with good tips

Great book. Loved it. Makes you think about your own home and spending