The book talks a lot about rat race, consumerism, not having enough time – considering it was first published in 1992 (when life was much simpler – minus the technological advancements and new products that came out in the last 17 years).
Here are some of the take-aways from the book "Your Money or your life":
- “The rat race involves working to buy luxuries that you don’t have enough time to enjoy. According to the authors, the “fulfillment curve” , no matter how much more money you earn, does not lead to increased enjoyment or satisfaction with life. In fact, if you are able to reduce your expenditure and declutter your life you are likely to experience an increase in satisfaction. It is very easy to fall into a bad cycle of debt, spending, and consuming, when all you really want, they suggest, is a reasonable level of comfort and security – a simpler lifestyle. When you simplify your life, you tend to spend less than you earn, and this alone can bring peace of mind.”
- “What do people want more of? Generally, it is more time, not more money. Surveys have indicated that people feel hostage to their jobs and would rather work 4 days a week for less money.”
- “Frugal is derived from the Latin frux (fruit or virtue) and frui (enjoy or use well). Thus, frugality does not actually mean going without but enjoying what you have.”
- “Frugal people get value from everything – a single strawberry, a gourmet meal …to be frugal means to have a high joy-to-stuff ratio.”
- “Often the difference between prosperity and poverty lies simply in our degree of gratitude… get maximum enjoyment out of resources.”
- “Life is not just about making as much as you can and spending it before you die but being in control of your finances so that you have plenty of time to enjoy family and friends and pursue personal interests.”
