Each decision we make has consequences, both costs and benefits. And costs are not always financial, but can be personal. “The Real Cost of Living: Making the Best Choices for You, Your Life, and Your Money” by Carmen Wong Ulrich is a book that can help you make better decisions that involve money, but are not all about money. I like that the book looks at other costs associated with the topics in this book, and not just at the price tag or how much money is involved. Across the top of the back cover there is a line that says, “Life Isn’t Always About Money.” That is so true, and this book will help people recognize some of the other ingredients, costs, and benefits from the decisions one makes.
The book opens with an introduction that illustrates that even small choices we make can cost more than we realize, and encourages readers to look at pros and cons to make the best choices. The first chapter is one the real cost of home. Sure, when you buy a home you have to pay the negotiated price, and depending on what rate of interest you receive if you finance the purchase, that accounts for a monetary figure of what a house costs to most people. This chapter makes you look at some of the other costs.
Chapter two looks at the real cost of marriage and divorce. This includes looking at weddings and actual divorces, but also the aftermath of these and other surprises. The third chapter addresses the cost of family. As a father, I know the cost to the hospital when your child is born is minor compared to other costs of raising kids. I’m sure all parents will agree. This chapter provides some things to think about.
Chapter four focuses on college and various considerations when thinking about higher education. The next chapter, chapter five, is one of my favorites in the book. I think many people forget to think about these things, or maybe don’t want. The bad habits addressed are being overweight, smoking, caffeine, distracted and reckless driving. It’s obviously your choice when it comes to these things, but this chapter does present some things to think about and what these choices really cost.
Chapter six addresses the costs of being your own boss, and chapter seven looks at the real cost of credit cards. Then, in chapter eight, saving is looked at, and that leads into the last chapter on investing. The book also has a good list of additional reading and resources, as well as an index.
I like this book because I think it makes people think about things that often go overlooked. Thinking about these can help you make better decisions and live a more happy life, because you will be making informed choices that you have thought out. I’m for any book or resource that gets people to think more about what they are doing. This book does that.
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The Real Cost of Living by Carmen Wong Ulrich
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