cover image Getting a Life: Real Lives Transformed by Your Money or Your Life

Getting a Life: Real Lives Transformed by Your Money or Your Life

Jacqueline Blix. Viking Books, $23.95 (364pp) ISBN 978-0-670-87049-3

In 1991, the authors, a high-earning couple in their 40s, decided to change their lives by following the principles set down by Robin and Dominguez (now deceased) in their book Your Money or Your Life. In this companion volume Blix and Heitmiller, self-described yuppies, detail how they and a number of other upper-middle-class couples and individuals gave up the so-called good life in favor of financial independence, less driven occupations and more quality time. Adhering to Dominguez and Robin's nine-step program, which includes guidelines for living in the present and coming to terms with attitudes toward money, the two renounced conspicuous consumption, travel and an expensive car and house. They now earn enough income from their investments to finance a simpler lifestyle with time for family, personal growth and volunteering. Although the stories of changed lives described here are interesting, those who have not yet enjoyed the comforts possible with a large income may not find ""voluntary simplicity"" as appealing. Author tour. (Oct.)