This book has some good basic personal finance information about managing your money without feeling deprived of enjoyments. She helps the reader focus on what they really want without using credit cards and ending up in debt. Some of the information is dated but the basic principles are still sound and she has a great readable style.
This book is not a typical personal finance book, and it would be excellent for anyone who has read other personal finance books but has not made much progress. Keeffe's idea is to put your dreams and goals first and bring back the zest in your life, even though you may not have much money to start with and you may have other debts to be paid off. The first chapter-- entitled "I don't have any money, so what good is this book?" -- makes the case for starting to think about and save for goals right away, rather than putting life on hold and waiting for the financial situation to improve. Some advice seems counter-intuitive, as in a chapter entitled, "Did you say, Pay the minimum on my installment bills?" And yes, she does recommend doing that, so that you can put more money toward your goals and dreams. Another chapter, entitled "How to divide up $5? Are you kidding?" is about motivation and how even small amounts will help toward a goal that is very specific. The Dave Ramsey approach has many proponents, with its do-everything-to-get-out-of-debt-quickly approach, but it may not appeal to everyone. If you've read Dave Ramsey and haven't been able to muster "gazelle intensity" then you may wish to try Keeffe's approach instead. This book was a breath of fresh air and has motivated me to come up with specific goals for things I really want to see happen in my life -- rather than just having a single goal of "getting out of debt" and not being able to consider my other goals until that happens.
R B. reviewed How to Get What You Want In Life With the Money You Already Have on + 203 more book reviews 
