I received a pre-publication copy of The Recovering Spender for review. All opinions here, however, are my own.
I’m so pleased to have had this opportunity to read and review The Recovering Spender: How to Live a Happy, Fulfilled, Debt-Free Life by Lauren Greutman. You may have seen Lauren on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more, or you may be familiar with her site LaurenGreutman.com (formerly IAmThatLady.com). In this book, she fleshes out the story of how she took control of her own spending addiction and lays out a twelve-step program for spender recovery.
Take control of your money instead of your money taking control of you
Hearing others’ story and path is always helpful, and Lauren’s honesty in discussing how her family got over $40,000 in debt (and underwater on their home) as well as her sometimes bumpy road to changing her spending habits should resonate with many readers. The first half of the book tells her story, while the second half lays out a plan for spender recovery based on her own experience in doing the hard work. Most importantly, she discusses how she and her husband learned to work together to set a monthly budget and balance their differing money personalities in their marriage.
A few of my favorite sections
“In order to stop spending money, you have to learn your triggers and how to stop them before they cause you to spend.”
The chapter on triggers and your money personality resonated with me in particular, because whatever your money personality, I think that many of us have similar experiences. I tend to avoid Trader Joe’s and try to only get in and out Target with a specific list, because both of these are “trigger” stores that cause me to buy more than I need because things are just so cute and so affordable. Your specific stores might be different than mine, but I bet you have them… 🙂
“Clutter steals your joy and robs you of happiness.”
As I look guiltily around at the piles of paper all over my desk… It’s no accident that Lauren includes a chapter on how to declutter your life to regain your joy. There is a reason people spring clean each year; there is a lightness in letting go; there is a pattern in order that allows you to regain control of everything from your closet to your budget.
“Our values are reflected in how we spend our money.”
When you identify your true underlying values, that helps you change your spending patterns in a way that reflects those values instead of reflecting the need to keep up with the Joneses or fill a hole in your life.
“Saving money is just as productive as earning it”
I’ve talked about this here and in my own writing before, and that’s part of what we’re doing here, right? If you are able to cut $100 a week out of your budget, that’s as effective as taking a part-time job earning $100 a week. If you’re able to stretch your grocery dollars or reduce a monthly bill, those savings can be used towards paying down debt or building up an emergency fund.
Let me hear your thoughts, too
If you have a chance to pick up a copy of The Recovering Spender, I’d love to hear your thoughts when you’ve finished, and what parts of Lauren’s experience and path resonate with you. If you’re struggling with your own spending or debt, I recommend giving it a read.