Love Your Life Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want

What I enjoyed most about _Love Your Life, Not Theirs_ was how thought provoking it was, causing the reader to think introspectively about why exactly(s)he feels compelled t make certain purchases/ live certain financial lifestyles. While "Why?" may seem like a rather trivial question, Rachel has made it clear through this book that everyone should inquire as to why they have come to value particular things and what cultural influences may be behind such desires. Only then can individuals begin to develop a financial destination specific to their personal goals, leading to a life of financial satisfaction as well as peace. Most importantly, though, Rachel has made it very clear that inn order to obtain such a life, one must evaluate the necessary tradeoffs.I would suggest that anyone from teenagers to adults read this work, especially (millennial) couples considering marriage. Being a millennial myself, much of the life my generation has been sold as fulfilling has gone unchecked, leading most millennials to be dissatisfied with their rather reasonable progress in life. In other words, this book could very well be a means to helping the millennial generation to unlock the actual keys to financial success AS WELL AS genuine happiness in life. Ultimately, though, anyone from a teenager beyond can benefit from this book, which should be re-read frequently throughout one's life.Rachel has written this book in a very relationship manner, inviting the reader into her personal battle to be intentional about the life she and her husband have decided upon rather than comparison living. In light of her style of writing, Rachel has made a generally vulnerable, uncomfortable subject more accessible and less stressful. Those things said, rating this book 5 stars was a no-brainer!

I am not familiar with Dave Ramsey. I've seen him in commercials but have never read his books. Therefore, I think this book (I listened to the audiobook) has some very good tips. I really like the premise because I agree with the author that we're living in a time when we can easily become envious of other people as we scroll down Facebook or even gossip websites. If you're starting the journey to managing your money, this book will be a great way to get started. Having said that, here's a few things I didn't like.1. The editing was terrible. There should be a rule that a speaker can't stop recording a session until they're done with a chapter. It was annoying to hear her voice suddenly boom or fade out in the middle of paragraphs (or sometimes even sentences.) Toward the end of the book I could hear her turn the page. That should not have been picked up.2. I know the author can't help her voice but it's very high-pitched and squeaky. It can be grating if you're sensitive to this. On the flipside, you can tell Rachel is a naturally happy person and that came through on the recording. I was able to keep listening because it was clear she's passionate about her teachings and I tried to focus on the content, not the delivery.3. She said the only budgeting website she recommends is everydollar.com. I immediately texted that site to several people and then I thought, "Wait. Who owns that site?" You guessed it -- her father. I have no issues at all with cross-selling your products. However, I think she should have mentioned that her father owns that site. Especially considering she plugged it several times.4. Want to make this book really fun? Have a drink every time she says "Winston and I"...This isn't a critique but...Rachel is very serious about her money. She won't give a dollar at the checkout line to the cashier when they're collecting for charities because she needs to research the charities first. Because she already has designated charities to which she donates -- she won't part with a dollar. This seems a bit above and beyond to me, but then again, she's rich and I'm not so hey...who am I to judge?

TL;DR: Tried and true concepts, fresh take and easily digestible. Highly recommended.The book offers a fresh take on some of the core concepts taught by her father Dave Ramsey but with a focus on money habits. At the heart of the book is the message to "not keep up with the Jonses" which is especially difficult in this modern social-media driven world. It feels fresh and has some new ideas but at the core remains the stuff that works (would be somewhat strange for her to depart on that). I love Dave's advice but some people find him a bit too, um... blunt? sassy? And some find his religious and political leanings (which sometimes show in his writing and often show in his speaking) off-putting. I have no problem with either but Rachel is two notches down on sass and one notch down on religion. I didn't detect anything overtly political in the book at all. So the core concepts and the fresh take may be the most palatable presentation of the material to the widest audience yet.The only criticism I have is that it felt a bit repetitive in spots. She even says in several passages "I know we've covered this before but...". I'm a fan of short and simple - 50 pages less and the book would have been really perfect.I give the content, presentation and style a solid 4.5 (out of 5) stars and Rachel earns the round-up for providing so much awesome free content on her YouTube channel and other social media outlets. She has stood in the long shadow of her dad for some time - in recent years you can see her peek out and with this book I feel like she finally walks far enough ahead to begin casting her own shadow.Note: I picked up the Kindle Version which is nicely formatted and was a pleasure to read. No obvious typos or other graphical glitches except the very top of each of the major chapter breaks was cropped (literally the word HABIT was just a few pixels above the top of my Kindle DX which affected nothing in the actual reading).

We probably have heard these advices before and possibly never acted on them. The way Rachel Cruz explains ways to become debt free and remove the pressure of keeping up with the Jones is refreshing. I understand that when you are debt free, reading this book is redundant since you have achieved your objectives. But like they say, we often need reminding of what to do, especially with our money. The biggest advice I took and applied from the book was to buy your house cash without mortgage. I can now focus on saving for my retirement (Chris Hogan book's RETIRE INSPIRED will be handy) and tick off more Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Bought this for my husband who was interested in learning more about personal finance. This is the best money book I've ever read. It's simple, common sense, and empowering. Like spending a couple of evenings with a friend who just happens to be good with money. I would recommend this for teenagers, young adults, new couple, young families and pretty much anyone above that age group. Whatever you money savvyness, there'll be something in this for you.

I initially got the audiobook and then wanted a paper copy so that I could highlight all the key messages. I struggle with comparing myself to others and have had debt for many years. I really like Rachel's delivery and feel like its bringing the baby steps to a younger audience. This book is all based around some key habits that will change your behaviour with money. I am already starting to feel the benefits.

Well, that was disappointing, like an overly diluted version of Dave Ramsey’s book. Padded out to seem bigger with large font. Going straight onto eBay!Want to Love your Life? Save some money and don’t buy this book!

I love the advice and always listen to the podcast. This is a relatable book of practical advice for anyone getting used to budgeting and not 'keeping up with the Joneses'