Live Well on Less Than You Think

Brock's new title is something of a prequel to his previous book, Retire on Less Than You Think. Throughout this sensible guide to budget control, Brock's mantra is ""cutting expenses increases income,"" and he provides a wealth of suggestions for how to do so. He begins with a look at some Generation X couples, using their experiences to reflect on generational differences in saving and spending tactics; subsequent chapters give advice that members of any of the three main generations could use, beginning with cutting bad debt. Other subjects include home location, insurance policies, education costs, car payments, credit cards and retirement funds. For each topic, Brock illustrates his recommendations by applying them to hypothetical families and showing their huge savings; he also includes many tables and statistics drawn from official sources and other guidebooks, such as changes in home values across the country. Brock's is a voice of reason and moderation, especially in such issues as health insurance and Social Security, where so many writers get shrill. His style is informal and accessible, with many interviews with financial advisors and professionals in other fields, as well as with everyday people. He emphasizes that his advice does not mean reducing quality of life, but rather resisting ""mindless consumerism,"" being disciplined and informed, and making meaningful savings. Anyone who doesn't have a large fortune is likely to find his level-headed approach refreshing and useful.