You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting by and Start Getting Ahead Hardcover - 2007

by Larry Winget

I wrote this book for the average person who has a job, makes a living and still can't seem to get ahead. I wrote it for the person who dreams of being rich but can't quite seem to turn his dreams into reality. I wrote this book for the person who is ready to turn his life around and finally have financial freedom. I wrote this book for the person who is covered in debt and can't seem to stop living paycheck to paycheck. I wrote this for the person who spends more than they make and can't figure out how to stop doing it.
--Larry Winget

If this describes you, you are not alone. Over 40% of families are feeling the pressure, spending more than they earn, and risking retiring financially dependent on the government, family, or charity. Larry Winget knows he's been where you are now. He grew up poor, then made and lost a fortune when a business in which he'd invested went bankrupt. But he worked his way back from rock-bottom to become a multi-millionaire.

Now he gets paid to help people in financial crisis on A&E's reality series, Big Spender. On the show, he coaches people who have jobs, maybe even high-paying jobs, but are nevertheless in debt or living hand-to-mouth. His blunt take on their situations? They're broke because they want to be. They all say they want stability, savings, and financial freedom, but their actions too often contradict their words. Larry helps them to see the contradiction, get back on track, and out of debt, step-by-step. He can help you, too.

Whether your aim is to get out of debt, save for a house, or simply stop kidding yourself when it comes to savings (for retirement, for your kids' college, whatever your goal) this book encourages you, through easy-to-complete worksheets and Larry's bullying yet wise counsel, to make it happen. Larry's motivating message: If you want to be rich, you can. But first, you have to stop being broke, and start getting ahead. And he'll walk you through not only the necessary attitude adjustment, but the practical choices and actions that will get you there.