12 Secrets of the Good Life - Living Well Spending Less

Not very thick so I am sure I will get through it faorly quickly. I hope that it has some great tips throughout it. The secret/chaprer names seem interesting. Looking throughout it the author gives you cleaning products you can make at home and ideals of what a person can do according to your personality to give back. Can't wait to read it.

I've read a lot of books about organization. This one didn't offer up any information I didn't already know. Faith based, as are all of Soukup's books. The only part of the book I remember is when Soukup states "give sex freely" (to your spouse) or something like that. Of course that text was at the very end of the book, so I read the entire thing. Had I read that early on I would have put the book down and mailed it back. Oh well. If you're looking for a faith-based approach to organizing, this book might be for you. I, however, am not. I also don't need a woman telling me that sex is my 'duty'.

I appreciate the honesty with which this writer uses. She truly seems to be transparent, sharing with us her successes, as well as her short-comings. I thought she had some great ideas, but it wasn't until I read about her packing up her children's toys that I was hooked into wanting to hear more. This lady is serious. It was not a cruel act; quite the contrary. It was a turning point for her and her children to really look at the value of things vs relationships and what truly matters in life. This is an easy and relatively quick read with nuggets of wisdom.

Well written with good advice as well as websites to augment the book. An easy read but at times thought provoking. Encourages readers to plan and work towards goals no matter how far reaching they may seem. Cites the tenacity of Lou Holtz and his ultimate achievement.

The part that really got my attention was when she opened up about her failure in finishing a very expensive degree. She turned her failure into a lesson toward future success. It sure was a major encouragement for me.

This book is very inspirational. It has wonderful advice on money management and time management with a lot of wonderful tips & tricks. Ruth tells her story as if she were speaking to you as a friend. She seems to be a beautiful person!

I was looking forward to this book giving more clues on how to live a minimalist lifestyle. This book felt scattered to me and even off topic at times. It had very general information that I felt I already had knowledge of, so it was not very useful to me.

Wow, this was so timely. As we've begun a new year, and I continue on a personal quest to simplify my life - eliminating unnecessary things, commitments, etc - this book was just what I needed to read. What's the point in simplifying for simplicity's sake? I was reminded to simplify for a purpose: so I can ultimately serve others and God better. Thank you thank you thank you for opening up about your personal struggles and being willing to share this message with the world.

I expected tips and examples of what the title speaks off. I didn't expect all the religious quotes I have a bible already, I wasted my money. I could have rented it from the library. By the time I could have returned it that window was gone now, I'm stuck with this book till I go and drop it off at the Goodwill.

I loved this book. I am trying to cut back on spending and clutter and this book has great tips to do both. You should definitely buy it, totally worth the money. Also great free resources found on her website.

While her concepts are probably solid, I can't get past the religious nature of the process. It would have been helpful if the description included something about it being a faith-based process that relies on prayer and an over-use of Bible verses to get her point across.

I thought this book was okay. It seems to be more about preaching bible principles than about how to spend less. Bible principles are great, I just wish I had known what to expect going in. Wish I hadn't spent the money on this.

I'm not an expert at distinguishing religious publishers from non-religious publishers, and I unfortunately didn't read the reviews before giving this a try, but advice to the store - this one should be filed under Christian/religious reads. the store usually has good recommendations for me, and I guess it decided this is for me, but this lady is way too much.

Who is writing all of these positive reviews?!? There is nothing new in this book, and it's all common sense! Plus, it's full of preachy bible verses. Ugh! Be content with what you have, eat less expensive foods like meat, stay home (it's free!). Junk tips like that fill this book. Wondering if I can return the kindle version - THAT would save me some money! ;-)

I would have probably given this book five stars, but I was very disappointed to get a copy with a cover that was cut poorly by the printer. As an author, I will be quite upset if my print copies look like this!

This is a good book for a simple reminder of why we are here for, through God's creation, we are to give and be good to all God's creations not just ourselves. I forget that it's not just about me or my needs, it's bigger than me.

This might be what some people are looking for but it is very religious. Since there was no indication of this, I thought I would like it but as someone that does not practice the author's religion (Christianity), I found the book to be unreadable. Nothing against her views, just not for me and not really indicated by the title, cover, or description given.

I wasn't looking for a religious book; I wanted practical tips that I could immediately put to use.
Went back and reread the description on the store ... no mention of all the scripture, religious quotes,
references to her deity, etc.
Maybe she should lead with the emphasis of the book, to help make a better fit with
the right customer.

This book is helpful but not for me. There are things that are posted in her blog. First part of the book talks about her, shopping addiction, and issues that she's having. (Not everyone have shopping addiction and/or problems that she is facing.) Second part is about spending less. (I don't totally agree with her. I believe we all have out own ways to save money on grocery shopping and other things.)

We did love these lanterns and it was a sweet time releasing them in the air. We had to learn by tearing the first one just how fragile biodegradable is. But once we figured that out, these were amazing. The order process was easy and the shipping was timely - just as the order stated.

This book was certainly a shock. I was expecting something on simplicity - what I got was a god-botherer's manual, as if that was remotely of interest, given that I am an atheist. It's full of biblical quotations, ugh. Thankfully I only spent a couple of dollars on it, on the Kindle, or this would be really annoying. Soukup was obviously addicted to spending and is now addicted to being a born-again Christian and - like all converts, making sure we know about it, however profoundly irritating her views (though it also sounds to me like Christianity is just her latest fad). This book needs retitling - perhaps something like: "The Christian guide to Living Well and Spending Less", so that the rest of us could safely avoid it.

I don't know how I missed that this book is Christian Inspiration. I had expected something more secular. The entire book comes off as "holier than thou" and preachy. This book was really hard to relate to as a Jewish person.

As a writer for several parenting publications, a blogger and a mom, I am constantly reading books by supposed "experts" who swear they have the answer to help others achieve a better, happier, more fulfilled, less chaotic, (insert your own adjective here) life. However, their suggestions are often so complicated and out of touch with the audience they hope to help that all they actually achieve in creating is more stress for the reader. This is why I found Ruth Soukup's book, Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, so surprising and refreshing. Her writing style is straightforward and heartfelt. She talks to the readers as if you are simply having a chat over coffee. She doesn't pretend to have all the answers and very humbly reveals many of her own challenges and failings. Yet, through her own life experiences she is able to provide very practical and common sense advice to help others find what the "good life" means to them.
Anyone who reads this book, no matter their circumstances, will be inspired to look inside themselves and discover that they have far more power to change the quality of their own lives then they may realize. The topics are universal to the struggles so many of us face and yet that we often think are our issues alone. As you read Ruth's words and her stories, you'll feel as if they are your own and through the wisdom and insights she has gained during her experiences, she'll lead you towards the "good life" that is meant for you.

The reviews I read didn't mention just how much 'biblical truth' there was in this book. Though, yes, I'm aware that 'biblical truth' was in the book description, but it was just barely mentioned among all of the other contents of the book, which all sounded fantastic. So as a non-spiritual person, who has a great respect for religion, I figured a few well selected passages here and there would be fine. My mistake. After the first few pages (filled with scripture) the author tells the reader that the book will essentially be useless without passionate prayer and only a strong faith will truly help you overcome poor lifestyle and spending habits. Again, as a non-spiritual person, this was almost offensive. I admire people for whom this kind of belief system works, but it does not work for me. I wish there had been more indication just to the volume and extent of religiosity that makes up this book.

I chose to read this book because it was more of a guide to living life more fully and finding your passion and joy, rather than another budget book, based on a You Tube review. I am quite enjoying it. I don't need another budget book for sure.

One thing that didn't ring true with me is to completely avoid stores and social media that will trigger me to make purchases or slip up in spending. I think that is okay in the beginning but like an alcoholic or food addict you do need to eventually learn to be around triggers and not give in to temptations.

I did find it quite disturbing that some low star reviews were so hateful and bigoted against Christianity and the Bible. If you don't like it, fine, it's not for you. But the hate speech about God's word and those who follow is completely out of line, and especially hypocritical in this time of tolerance for people with different views than your own.

I've read lots of self-help/minimalist/organization type books that run the gambit between super helpful and a contest to see how many times they can fit the word "minimalist" on one page- this one, sadly, falls at the lower end of that spectrum. I purchased this book after reading a rave review of it on one of my favorite blogs. For me, the book comes off as ego-centric and filled with more stories about the author's life, what she can afford (too many brand names thrown in, if you ask me) and her ups and downs about being a wife. While most of the time, I think first-hand stories mixed in with tips and tricks makes a good book a great one (from a non-fiction standpoint) this time, it made the book feel cheesy, like the author was trying to act humble and helpful but she came off more haughty. Another thing that bothered me was all of the Biblical references and verses mixed in with the gossip-y life stories and overused tips- it just added more gunk to the false veneer. Usually, when reading these types of books I can recall several items of note or I even take notes because the information is so useful- I honestly couldn't read one chapter and by the end of it, tell you what it was about (general topic or any specifics) because it would start off under one heading and then hang a louie and then circle back around to the main topic and then give you something to think about...it just felt disorganized and cluttered, ironic considering what the title implies! I almost don't want to submit this review because it feels rude, but I can't help but share my opinion of this book.

It's difficult to stay on a budget when every day we are bombarded with images of glamorous celebrities who are living fabulous lives. We are encouraged to spend, spend, spend if we ever want to be as beautiful, happy and fulfilled as the celebrities would have us believe they are. The author of Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, Ruth Soukup, spent many years trying to buy happiness, only to realize that this behavior merely increased her desire for more useless objects. She finally decided to embrace the things that are important in life while at the same time appreciating what she has and living a good life.

The book is divided into two sections (the Living Well and Spending Less of the title) and each chapter is designated as a "secret." Some of the secrets include "Less Stuff Equals More Joy" and "Saving is a State of Mind." Each chapter ends with a challenge designed to review the "secret" and to give the reader exercises to reinforce the message. The author also uses Biblical teachings to illustrate her ideas.

The first half of the book is all about appreciating the gifts you already have, especially the non-material ones. The reader is also encouraged to use whatever personal talents he or she may have instead of wasting time and energy envying the talents of others. I especially liked her advice to avoid books/TV shows/magazines/people who make you feel inferior and drive the need to spend your way to happiness. The second half of the book gives plenty of ideas on how to curb your spending so that you can get control of your finances. Her advice includes ways to reduce spending (illustrated by her own experiences with a "radical" 30 day spending freeze), how to establish a budget, and recipes for cleaning products using things you probably already have around the house.

I enjoyed reading this book because of the down-to-earth, chatty style of the author. Ms. Soukup is also more than willing to point out her many failings and challenges as she struggles with "stuff-itis" and attempts to reign in her spending. She also gives plenty of positive messages (from her own life) such as "it's OK to quit" and "bloom where you are." It took a crisis in the author's own marriage before she was able to take a hard look at her life and what she was valuing to make her realize what was most important. She started a blog with the same title of the book when, on being put on a strict budget by her husband, she turned her energies into trying to save money on food so she'd have more to spend on shoes! While this worked for a while, eventually she sheer amount of "stuff" in her house (which never fulfilled her) made her re-think her priorities. While most of the advice in the book is probably common sense, hearing about how someone else struggles to control her spending makes the shopaholic in all of us feel a bit better about our own most recent "lapse!"

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Living Well, Spending Less from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for this review

Day to day changes I am experiencing after practicing the KonMari method
for about 6 weeks.

I'm increasingly more grateful to the Lord for our belongings. And our home.
Which brings Joy.

I can increasingly find stuff that I used to have to look and look for.
It makes me feel good to be able to put my hand right there on the garlic salt every time. And if it happens to be out already, I know, because its little spot is empty.

Having made an intuitive decision to NOT pass something along,
I get it out of the back of the closet and USE it.
This also creates joy.
So now my lightweight beautiful artsy bag reminds me of my wonderful time with
my son and his family in Bend, Oregon. And it stays in my purse ready to pull out and enjoy. (I did find it in the back of my closest on my "tidying day".

I'm becoming more intuitive. I'm more peaceful and happy with my surroundings because there is more uncluttered space and stuff is arranged in an aesthetic way. Husband is happier with the uncluttered look too.

Items that I am working thru:
'Life happens' and I can't do all of it in a week or two.
I'm being patient with myself and with the process.

Also--I need to apply grace. I have changed the location of a number of things. I can't always remember where I decided it would work better. haha

Ok, here's the big one for me and my quick style of doing things: Folding and putting away laundry takes more time, not a ton more, but a bit more. It's now a time to sloooooow down.
I think it's going to be a positive change in my mental/emotional state.

When folding something, my hands are pressing it smooth pushing out the wrinkles.)
It's enjoyable if I do it when I'm not rushing. Now I have built in times of slowing down. **

So far I usually remember to be grateful for the item as I fold it. I also resolve to slow down to enjoy presence of my Lord * when I handle the nice things He has graciously allowed me to have.

I have some more tidying to do this summer -- then I'll be on my way to living with the results and using the system itself to maintain the lovely order.
Again giving myself grace and patience.

I also want to resolve to not go to an extreme.
No need to be a freak. (-:
Don't let the need to tidy get in the way if the good law of love.

**time spent putting things away does pay it's dividends – when I'm in active mode doing a task and I want to put my hand on the item--pretty smooth.
*The application of the KonMari method lives out for me in faith in the Lord Jesus-this is not part of the book as Marie expresses ideas of a strong Japanese cultural belief.

I am surprised by the negative reviews of this book since if people read the back cover, it is clear that it is meant to encapsulate Ruth’s personal journey while discussing the practical applications. If you want only the practical, there are a ton of materials online, from Dave Ramsey and others, or from Ruth’s blog but if you want something deeper, then the book is phenomenal. I bought this book via Audible and have re-listened to it twice now. Her story is compelling and the truths she found along the way are provocative in some ways while relatable and applicable. It’s not just about saving money or spending less, it’s about your financial state and how it impacts much more in your life than the external or obvious. She is vulnerable and transparent with readers and she makes statements about the quality of life beyond financial affairs that should resound with most (unless you’re just looking for coupon clipping tips and if so, not the book for you).

If you actually want to live well while spending less this is NOT right book for you. The author states repeatedly all her bad habits (maxing out credit cards, over the top spending), and spends more time talking about these than offering any solutions. Plus, she uses this book as a platform for her religious beliefs. If I had read anywhere that this was the case, I would have never purchased it. Nearly everything is references from a biblical standpoint, so this book was less than useless to me.

Author Ruth Soukup sets out the best kept secret right at the start of her book, Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life - contentment, or the lack thereof. So many of us - myself included - tend to forget how grateful we should be with our abundance of material wealth, and instead, we tend not be content with what we have.

In Chapter One of the book, "The Good Life is Not What We Think it Is," we are cautioned about believing the hype of the constant "buy more" message. She says it isn't the wealth (the "stuff") that kills us, it's the wanting, the longing, the insatiable desire that takes over our hearts and minds, leaving room for little else. Our financial ability - whether or not we can afford it - is not what is relevant. What is relevant is the desire of our heart. Society likes us to believe the "never quite enough" message, but the life consumed by always wanting more is not the Good Life.

This book was a little surprising but greatly refreshing to me. Ms. Soukup shares and discusses six secrets that help you live better and six secrets about spending less. She is very straightforward and you can tell how her writing is heartfelt. She shares with the reader as if we are friends having coffee. I appreciated the fact that she doesn't pretend to be a guru or even someone with all the answers, but instead, very humbly reveals her own shortcomings and challenges. Through her life experiences she provides practical, common sense advice to help the readers find what the "good life" means to them. I really related to what she was sharing in the book, and I appreciated the fact that she wasn't "preachy" about it. She basically opens her soul and helps us feel the strength that our faith can provide.

This book isn't only about saving money - it can actually adjust your way of thinking if you are ready. The definition of a good life is different for all of us, but each of us seek our own path to finding that life. Ms. Soukup doesn't give you couponing advice or other advice I've seen before and instead, she provides thought provoking questions along with Bible scripture and steps readers can take to make the changes necessary to start living the life we want.

I've been around the block a time or two, so there are lots of things in this book that I knew or have heard before, but there are also many things that were new and to me. Ms. Soukup addressed spending, saving, budgeting, setting up a housecleaning plan, decluttering, time management, and many other things. Even some of the concepts I had known before were presented to me in such a fresh way that it made them more interesting and made me think about them in a different light. The book definitely gave me lots of things to reflect on and motivated me to re-think some of the choices I am making in my life.

I think this is a good well-rounded book that women in most stages of life can benefit from. I loved how well organized it is, and how well it lines up with the Bible. Ms. Soukup applies scripture in a very practical way and I really appreciated that.

I saw this book floating around on Facebook for a while, and I can admit that I was intrigued. And then, when I had the opportunity to review it, I was excited.

I consider myself to be a reformed shopaholic. Or maybe, a reformed saleaholic. I've never met a sale that I didn't like. It's how I go to Target with a list that only has 3 things on it, and leave with 7 items. I know that I'm not alone there. So, I snagged this book hoping to acquire a few more strategies to deal with my "saleaholism".

Living Well Spending Less is not just about budgeting and money saving strategies. It helps to deal with issues of the heart that contribute to spending. The author, Ruth Soukup describes living well as being more about who we are than what we have. I appreciate the candidness and transparency with which she shared her own struggles with spending and how it affected her family and marriage. But more than that, I appreciated the thoughtful words of wisdom and applicable advice (i.e.: she doesn't just tell you to budget, but provides different suggestions on how to do so).

This book reads well and I would definitely recommend it to anyone- especially those of you who are interested in improving your finances. You'll enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Listened for Review (Brilliance)
Overall Rating: 3.00
Tips Rating: 3.50
Delivery Rating: 2.50

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup had some great tips for learning to live with less but with a fuller life. Unfortunately, it was slightly buried under a rather haughty (for lack of a better word) attitude.

Overall Thoughts: First let me admit that I have read both Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom (both of which I highly recommend)so my expectations for this book were maybe set a little high.

1: The first half of the book is solely focused on the author, her shopping addiction, and her issues. Which is fine if I was picking up a biography but that was not what I thought this book was about.

2: I had two issues with her using bible versus (in the amount she used): I felt she was disingenuous and judgmental. Examples: She mentions a ton about Dave Ramsey and gives him credit. However later when she mentions a 30 day spending freeze (which she posted about in 2012--I checked) she never mentions or gives credit to Financial Fast (which was published in 2010 but was making the Christian Financial rounds earlier). Another example is the vacation with the rich friends. She projected a bit when she said they seemed unhappy with all their stuff. She had no concrete proof of that other than she wasn't having fun on the vacation because they weren't doing things she wanted to do. Instead of focusing on what she knew to be a fact (she would have been happier on a different type of vacation), she choose to focus on how the other couple seemed to be buying friends. It was things like this that really put me off on the author.

3: She did have some great tips buried in there and I did visit her blog. There are some great worksheets, plans, etc. It is well worth the look and honestly I wish more of the practical tips would have been focused on. Ruth knows her stuff but it just wasn't delivered in the best way.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Charity Spencer / Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Charity did such a good job making it feel like the author was narrating that I had to check to make sure it wasn't self-narrated. I was impressed how personal she made the narration feel.

Final Thoughts: Though I had some issues with the delivery of the message, I would still recommend spending some time on Ruth's site. She has some great tips!

Note: This is not mentioned on the back of the CD so it should be noted: This is a HEAVILY faith-based book. I believe her tips are universal and can be used/implemented by everyone. However, for those that hold different beliefs this book will not work for you.

I have been intrigued by this title since I began seeing advertisements on Facebook last year. I'm happy to say, this book fits the title, and will not disappoint! Divided into 2 sections, Living Well and Spending Less, author Ruth Soukup takes the reader through her personal life journey in discovering satisfaction in life and then presents lessons learned along the way.

I really appreciated Soukup's honesty. Although a blogger I was unaware of since 2010, Soukup has allowed her spending habits and life stressors to read a whole new audience by putting it in book form. Soukup is a Christian, and she unashamedly shares how she re-directed her thoughts away from desires to buy material posessions and instead learned to find contentment in her life through focusing on Jesus. Each chapter finishes with a challenge. Depending on where you personally are in your own life, some challenges will be simple, while others will take time. Soukup takes the reader through the basics. Figure out your personal priorities, create a budget, etc.

The second section, "Spending Less", is a treasure of information. Couponing, cleaning, even socializing on a budget are all areas covered. All presented again with the same basic and honest tone that seems like a friend is chatting with you over coffee.

I think this would be a great book for a soon to be college graduate or newly engaged person. Learning from Soukup's experiences could help anyone set themselves up for success in life.

Financial blogger Ruth Soukup offers advice for getting the most out of life without going broke.

I was surprised at the depth of this book. There's more here than tips on how to get stuff cheap or cut your grocery bill, though that kind of information is included. But the author also shares her own personal demons--clinical depression bad enough to lead to hospitalization, compulsive overspending. She makes clear the link between emotional conflict and overbuying, clutter and excessive spending, and offers a good discussion on the philosophy behind moderation.

On the practical side, there are plenty of questions and exercises to help readers define The Good Life as it relates to their own lives. Soukup shows how to take steps toward gaining control of your wants, so that you meet your needs and build a solid money management style. The tone throughout is conversational and approachable. There's a definite Christian slant, but it doesn't cross the line into preachy and it doesn't diminish the book's value to those with a more secular view of the world.

A useful book about the meaning of money and the power it exerts.

Living Well, Spending Less is part autobiography and part self-help book. It tells the author's story and weaves in the lessons she learnt along the way and how anyway can apply those lessons to their own life. Ruth is open and honest, telling her story and it's interesting to see how she has risen above the adversity in her life. While none of the 12 secrets are particularly profound, I found as I was reading the book, I started reflecting on my own life and the changes I want to make. It's one of those books that gets you thinking. It won't change your life unless you make the change.

As someone who is not religious, I found the scriptures detracted from the book. I was unaware when I received the book (I received a free review copy) that it was published by the Christian publishing arm of Harper Collins. I tried my best to skim and gloss over those sections to get to the lessons that could apply to my non-religious life (and I'm not adverse to applying parts of religious beliefs to my own life). While I probably wouldn't have purchased the book due to the religious side of it, I'm glad I took the time to read it and there are definitely lessons to learn for all people.

Overall, it was an interesting read, and made me change the way I look at aspects of my life - particularly my attitude to housework - that it's not a chore, but a part of my role as the house manager and I should have an attitude of pride towards this role. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to change their attitude to money, the endless spending cycle and wanting to get the most out of life.

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup is a wonderful book that lists 12 secrets of the good life. In in she discusses 6 secrets that help you live better and 6 secrets about spending less.
I really enjoyed this book. At first I picked it because one, I liked the title, and two; I liked the look of the cover. After I opened it her personality and ability to weave personal stories with good common sense with scripture had me hooked. Although I have done most things she suggests in the past, it makes me want to reevaluate my life and make better long term goals, work on a more available lifestyle for my family and friends, and spend less because things will not bring me happiness.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is overwhelmed with life, kids, cooking, cleaning, money, spending, time management, in other words life.
Ruth also runs a successful blog with the same name (livingwellspendingless.com). I was not familiar with this blog before but now I plan on being a daily follower.

Note: I was given a copy of this book for free to read and review. The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review

I read a review of this on a blog and decided to give it a try. I can always use help with budgeting and cutting spending. The review warned that the book was Christian based and Bible based. Since the blurb doesn't indicate either of those facts, I appreciated the heads-up. As I read, I skipped over religious parts and the numerous Bible verses.

The first part of the book, the author talks about her shopping addiction, her spending problems, her depression, and how her marriage and family were affected. She then segues into living the good life, mostly from a Christian perspective, but some of the advice is still useful and applicable even if you aren't Christian.

In the second half of the book, Soukup gets to the part I was most interested in, the budgeting and spending. Again, I ignored all of the irrelevant religious info. There's lots of practical advice, information, and encouragement. Reading the info after reading about Soukup's own struggles made it more relevant and she talked honestly about the pros and cons. The whole book was written in a conversational style which made it easy to read.

Soukup indulges in a lot of self-promotion for her blog, which got tiresome, and her attitude was snobby at times but overall, the book was well-written and worth a read.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher for review.

Thank you BookLook for this review copy.
Living Well Spending Less
12 SECRETS of the Good Life
by Ruth Soukup of the blog, Living Well Spending Less

Ruth Soukup began life in a way few of us do. She grew up with everything she needed and wanted. This led to a belief that she should have and could have everything she needed and wanted. For awhile, this worked for her. But life has a way of catching up with us. Enough was never enough. There was always a need for more more more. In Living Well Spending Less, Mrs. Soukup shares 12 secrets that she's found to living the good life, not one of excess, but the life that God has shown her.

This was a hard book for me to get into at first. I cannot really relate to big shopping trips that fill my van with white bags with red targets on them. I can't relate to remodeling and decorating and buying designer wardrobes. I can't relate to buying anything I want just because I want it. That's not my life. It never was. I don't expect it ever will be. My life is one of living thrifty and frugal because I must, though I expect I would even if it weren't required.

Because I had to read the book to review it, I pushed through. What I found, a couple of chapters in, was that many of the emotions and challenges that Mrs. Soukup has gone through in her journey from spending more to spending less and to finding peace are more common than expected. I found myself marking quotes that I wanted to find again.

I read this book in about three days. That's pretty quickly for me. I found myself hungry for the truths she shared in a way I hadn't heard before. They weren't new to me but their application was fresh. She addressed spending, saving, budgeting, setting up a housecleaning plan, decluttering, time management, and many other things.

I think this is a good well-rounded book that women in most stages of life can benefit from. It was well organized and lined up with the Bible. She applied scripture in a practical way. Well done Mrs. Soukup!

From BookLook:
About the Author
Ruth Soukup is a recovering shopaholic and her passion is helping other women find hope and contentment in the midst of daily struggle. She is a writer, blogger, entrepreneur, photographer, DIY-er, mom and wife to her wonderful husband, and above all a child of a loving and gracious God. Ruth lives with her husband and two daughters in Florida.

I review for BookLook BloggersDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I think a lot of people would admit that at least at some point in their life they’ve dreamed of being successful and living the good life; but what is the good life? Ruth Soukup challenges society’s definition of the good life and offers practical ways to find the real good life in her new book Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life.

Soukup is upfront and honest about her struggles in life which include a shopping addiction. She discusses how her desire for more stuff was a reflection of a life of discontentment and skewed priorities. She shares how she was able to stop that destructive cycle and find contentment and a better life for herself and her family.

She breaks down all she learned into twelve steps that, if followed, will allow the reader to learn to live well, spend less, and truly find a good life.

The first half of the book focuses on living well by finding contentment, discovering your passion, setting goals, managing time, and getting rid of all the stuff.

The second half of the book focuses on spending less by offering practical advice to reduce your spending through creating a budget, using simple strategies to cut costs, and keeping your home clean and organized so you don’t buy things you don’t need because you can’t find them. It also encourages the reader to focus on what really matters like their relationships and to be generous in how they live and love others.

I really enjoyed this book. I was very inspired by Soukup’s honesty and practical approach to overcoming the challenges that stand in the way of the good life. I also appreciated her use of scripture and Biblical references as the basis of much of what she shares.

This book is definitely a keeper in my opinion and one I will return to in the future for further inspiration.

I received this book for the purpose of review through the BookLook Bloggers program. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have absolutely no clue why some people bash this book so much! Yes, Ruth shares her personal story. So what? She is open and honest about her personal failure and wants to help the reader to avoid those.

I enjoyed the read a lot, the 12 secrets are easy to follow and I could apply each one to my life and improve in every area. Especially the second part of the book "Spending Less" was a blessing to my family as I learned that, even though we had a budget, I constantly overspent on non essentials.

Ruth also provides tons of free resources, articles and mini courses on her blog which she all links in her book.

Great read and worth the money.

I was really looking forward to reading this book and hopefully learning some tips and techniques from a blogger whose blog I follow and read weekly. I am constantly trying to find ways to spend less, but still maintain a certain level of lifestyle that our family is comfortable having. After reading, Living Well, Spending Less, I came away with things that I liked and things that annoyed me about the book.

I'll start with what I liked. I like the honesty that Soukup shares in the book. She is honest in her overspending habit and the fact that she still battles the urges and need to overspend in her life. She is very open in her own struggles with being frugal and with stopping the overspending that is a detriment to her family. I like how she divides the book into 12 secrets and has them relating either to living well or to the spending less categories; some of these included contentment as being a choice, we all are given 24 hours in a day, saving is a state of mind, etc. She offers her own choices and mistakes to illustrate each point and she points out ways to change for the better. I love how she ends each chapter with a practical challenge for her readers to implement or to think about the particular secret she was discussing.

Even though there were things that I liked, there were also some cons with this book. First, I had a hard time reading this book for any length of time. Usually, if I get sucked into a book, I can read it over the course of a day or if I am extremely busy over the course of several days in a row. I will be honest and say that this book took me several weeks to read from cover to cover. Soukup's writing style was very distracting and seemed to be all over the place. It was not precise and centered as I have found the writing on her blog to be. I was also distracted by the auto-biographical nature of most of the chapters. Yes, I found that this helped with being real and I am glad that she was open with her readers, but after reading about it over and over I felt that it was over-kill and it almost sound whiny that she could not spend so much. Finally, I felt that it was also very "preachy." I am not against using Biblical examples in the book, however, I felt there was too much of that interlaced with her over-zealous use of her own examples and not enough practical advice for the average person.

Overall, I would give this book a grade of C. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't one of the greatest books that I have read.

DISCLAIMER: The publisher, Zondervan, provided me a free copy of this book through Booklook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.

This book should be titled something along the lines of "Confessions of a Shopaholic & how God can intervene to help cure your addiction." I think it's great that these books exist for highly religious people where they may have an impact, but put the rest of us on notice so we're not left with the headache of having to send them back.

The older (ahem) I get, the more I find myself wanting to de-clutter and streamline my home, my wardrobe, my life in general. Having read Ruth Soupkup's blog, Living Well Spending Less, several times over the past couple of years, I was interested in reading her book of the same name.

Soukup's book includes personal stories of her struggles with reining in her spending habits and how that struggle nearly cost her her marriage. She shares twelve "secrets", half focusing on aspects of "living well" (such as time management, writing down goals, and realizing that more stuff does not equate to more joy), and half focusing on "spending less" (such as the importance of stewardship, how to cut your grocery bill in half, and why we get more when we give). Soukup blends Biblical wisdom with practical tips and her own personal journey to overcoming her spending habits.
Although I wouldn't say there were any earth-shattering revelations in the book, I did enjoy reading it, and would recommend it to anyone looking to simplify their life and reset their spending and shopping habits.

I adored this book. It’s split into two sections (living well and spending less) and I assumed I would read quickly through the “living well” section to get to the “spending less” section, since that’s a subject I’m particularly passionate about. I was wrong. The “living well” section was actually my favorite! Soukup writes about time management, efficiency, life goals, and more, and all in such an interesting and motivating way! I have already started making changes based on the suggestions from this book. I am streamlining my morning routine and clearing out the clutter in my home. I often read this kind of book, think “that was good!,” and move on unchanged. This book actually got me to make changes in my life! Highly recommended for those who are already fans of Soukup’s "Living Well Spending Less" blog, as well as those who’ve never heard of her but want to learn to be more efficient with both their money and their time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

I'm a big fan of Ruth's previous books so when I heard she was coming out with another one I was pretty excited. I had a love-hate relationship with this book because it was like reading a book written about me. A book about my life. The hate part came from having to face myself. Some of the details were different but the story was so relate-able that I knew that I could actually apply what the author was talking about and see results in my own life. That's why I love the book It's totally relate-able. The secrets of the good life are actionable and attainable for just about any person who's willing to do a little self reflection to improve their lives now and in the future. Since reading this book I've started shopping and buying groceries in a new way that is saving me money. The book is an easy read and I never got bored or was tempted to abandon reading it like other non-fiction books I've read in the past.

Ruth Soukup's new book Living Well Spending Less is one of those that I had noticed a little buzz about online. The title seems to relate to a season that I'm in right now so I was interested in seeing what the book was all about.

Living Well Spending Less is divided into two parts: Living Well and Spending Less. Ruth Soukup shares her personal experiences and lessons learned through her '12 Secrets of the Good Life'. The book is easy to read and as a wife and mother, I can definitely relate to some of her experiences.

Spending isn't really something I struggle with, but I still appreciated that the book seemed to encourage and reinforce those good practices. The money saving tips mentioned in the book are all things I've heard before, but it was nice to be reminded of some of them.

The Living Well part of the book was probably my favorite of the two. Secret #6 : Less Stuff Equals More Joy is a focus of our family right now and I enjoyed reading how Ruth Soukup applied that to her own life and family.

I appreciated that the book references the Bible and shares scripture relating to the 'secrets' Ruth Soukup shares. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone who is looking for ways to save money or find more joy in life.

"Ultimately, how we spend our money is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts." This is a great summary of the concept behind the book "Living Well, Spending Less." This isn't a traditional personal finance book because it focuses on the heart more than money itself. Ruth Soukup shows the relationship between a variety of life categories and money.

First of all, I really really enjoyed reading this book. Ruth does an amazing job of explaining these 12 secrets of the good life that she has implemented in her own life. The book is set up in two parts, Living Well and Spending Less. One of my favorite aspects of this book, is that she starts with your heart and mindset first. She talks about being content first. How important it is to be happy where you are. Yes change the things that need to change, but be happy where you are and with what you have.

She goes on to discuss using your time wisely and setting goals before going on to the more practical items of saving money at the grocery store, decluttering and cleaning routines. I enjoyed reading her personal stories and examples and encouraging words to help others make needed changes in their lives. I highly recommend reading this book. It is truly one of the best books of its kind that I have read in a long time.

I'm giving 5 stars right now because I'm hooked! I bought paperback and when I placed the order it asked me if I wanted to start reading now. Well of course I do! I already have the kindle app, so I went ahead and downloaded and was able to start reading. I was super excited, and honestly, I could probably read the entire thing right now since Ruth has captured me with the story of her life. Then I hit the end of chapter one, and I can't go any further...it was a sample they allowed me to download while awaiting the physical copy. How disappointing. I understand that since people pay similar price for digital copy and that they can't just give those who choose to buy the physical copy a digital file for free, oh but how nice it would be. I'm hooked and can't wait until I can read the rest. I'm in Alaska, so unfortunately, it will take the maximum amount of days estimated to get here, which is sad. But I will get it read and update my review!

I have tried unsuccessfully to read so many nonfiction self-help, financially-savvy books in the past, and haven't made it past the first couple pages. This book is the most amazing exception to the rule! Not only entertaining and thought-provoking, but educational and yet still somehow speaks to my inner (spending-crazy) self. Wow and thank you Ruth!! This book can bring into practice the very practical tips that have always eluded me! I actually went and bought this book in print as well now (started with the Kindle version) because I want to re-read, take thorough notes, and share this book with anyone who will listen. Bonus perk: the religious quotes and undertones are decidedly still intelligent and conversation-starting, and can still speak to a large audience of readers!!

Awesome book. This book not only helps you learn to save money, but it adjusts your way of thinking. The good life is different for all of us, but our path to finding it is the same. This book isn't just some coupon tips and info you've read before, it's full of amazing, thought provoking questions, scripture and action steps for you and your family to take to start living the life you want, today. I'm a professional organize and while I know I have my clutter and stuff under control this book drew me out of my comfort zone and I wanted to keep reading, keep thinking about being my better self and what I really could do for myself...and my family as well as those around me.

Ruth shares her journey of pursuing the good life, full and worth the living, in the lessons she’s learned through personal struggle and success. The twelve secrets she shares in her book touch on everything from budgeting and household management, to living through failure and finding contentment, to the value of setting goals and passionately pursuing your dreams. Each chapter is filled with practical and Biblical advice, offering the reader tangible next steps to embrace the lesson learned for themselves.

It is true that Ruth has achieved a measure of success, but it has been won through her absolute determination to grow through her own seasons of stress, disappointment, and extreme personal challenge. There were several times I realized she did not have to share so personally about her own failures in order to make a certain point in the book, but she chose to anyway. I have the highest respect for her level of honesty and transparency. Her story is one of the most inspiring pieces to the entire book.

This is the time of year that everyone is looking for inspiration to be better, do better, live better moving forward. For me, this book has been a tool to inspire me towards those goals in 2015.

Wow, this author really speaks to the heart of the matter! Ruth runs a successful business and lives an extremely busy life herself, and it was so refreshing to hear such wise words come from someone who has been there, and has overcome the obstacles we all face. This book really got me thinking about my goals, dreams, and how I manage {or don’t manage} my time. And I'm definitely going to be making some changes because of it. Keep a highlighter nearby, because this book is jam-packed with quotes you will want to remember for years to come!

Living Well Spending Less is written by Ruth Soukup, blogger over at….Living Well Spending Less. I read Ruth’s blog, follow her on Pinterest and Instagram, and participate in her weekly link-up. So I was super excited to have the opportunity to review her latest book.

As excited as I was to ready this book, my anticipation fell flat as I got into it. I honestly did not feel as if this book pertained to me. So much of the book is about Ruth’s past as a shopaholic. The first half of the book was about overcoming wanting more and learning contentment. I think we all can use a little more contentment in our lives but I really have never had any sort of “must buy more, must keep up” issues or feelings. So I found the “living well” half of the book kind of boring and annoying.

The “spending less” half of the book had a lot of common sense information that you can get for free online, from friends, and from Ruth’s blog. That part of the book was at least a little more interesting for me as I tried to see if there was any new information in it.

Overall, I did enjoy learning more about Ruth’s past and personal life but frankly, felt the book fell flat. If you are someone who struggles with overspending and discontentment, it would be a good book.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.)

We live in a culture of scarcity. At some level, I think every one of us feels like we don't have enough - or we aren't enough. Whether we shop or spend to fill that hole or look for our value in other people or things, I think everyone can relate to this book. Even though I don't necessarily spend money to find contentment, I can certainly spend myself in many other ways winding up in a similar state of chaos and disorder. Ruth's book is a simple, powerful and practical guide to finding contentment not in what you can buy or who you can impress, but in what you already have. The secret is found in who you are. It's been a long time since a book made me think so deeply about the daily decisions I make for myself and my family, from the very practical ones on spending, saving, organization and discipline to the complicated questions regarding the investment of my heart, my time and my life. This book makes me want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Living Well, Spending Less truly is a gift.

The first part of this book was great. It really makes you think about being content with what you have and makes you ask yourself what your true desires are. I found myself marking pages, taking notes, and ordering copies for my friends. The author gives some great advice on setting goals, making good habits, and looking at your priorities. However, I felt like the last 50 pages or so were just to fill the space and seemed to be just somewhat random stuff instead of actual advice on spending less. Overall though, this is a great resource for anyone looking to tame your bad spending habits and finding contentment with what you have.

Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life by Ruth Soukup, who runs a blog by the same name, is a bluntly honest account of her personal struggle with budgeting, organization, and contentment. I think most women, and especially moms, can relate to Ruth's story of trying to provide a beautiful home, beautiful meals, and a beautiful image, while internally feeling like a chaotic mess.

"Have you ever felt like your life--and budget--is spiraling out of control? Do you sometimes wish you could pull yourself together but wonder exactly how to manage all the scattered pieces of a chaotic life?"

This book is a compelling and encouraging guide to a better way of living, from someone who is living it herself. The thing that makes Living Well, Spending Less so powerful is Ruth's inspiring ability to motivate you without "to-doing" you to death. I am not usually a fan of self help books, because they usually seem gimmicky or impossibly unrealistic. Living Well is not like that at all. Because she herself has experienced what she writes about, and because she admits that she still struggles, Ruth comes across as someone you can trust and be open to learning from. Plus, the personal examples she shares show you how to put a new plan into action in a realistic way.

My family has already benefited from the wisdom in Living Well, Spending Less, and as we continue to revisit it, we are changing some habits and hopefully learning to live the "good life" in a whole new way.

Live well, spend less. Wouldn't we all like to live like this?? Well, this book will speak to you on this topic from a biblical perceptive.. We need to fill our "emptiness" with God's love and his teachings not material things. This is a great book to put life back into perceptive and start living God's teachings.

I really enjoyed this book and found it very encouraging. I completly disagree with some of the negative reviews stating that she shouldn't have written the book if she is still overspending. First, she says she occasionally falls into the trap. That's not saying everytime she goes to the store she blows her budget. She is giving herself some grace. She is saying she is only human and still makes mistakes. Secondly, part 1 is focusing on the heart of the matter. She calls you to look deeper into why you are overspending. Part 2 is more of the "tip" section. (Grocery tips, cleaning tips, etc.) Lastly, I maybe can't relate to some parts of her life either, but I can at least respect that it is her life & her story.

The perfect read if you're looking for some guidance to make 2015 your best year yet. It is the a great combination of memoir, inspiration and nuts and bolts practical advice. I've been following Ruth Soukop's blog "Living Well Spending Less" for the past year. So many bloggers are getting book deals and sometimes a lot of their books are what you've already read a million times on their blog. This book is not like that at all.

"Living Well, Spending Less" is divided into two parts - the first is about living well. It's about finding contentment where you are - which is something that was on my mind a lot this past year. There's also chapters on the sweet spot, the power of goals, and time management.

The second part is about spending less and in addition to a few philosophical chapters on less is more and simplicity, there are chapters with practical nuts and bolts ways to save on groceries, increase your savings and having a tidier home.

In both parts, each chapter ends with a challenge prompting you to write down your thoughts about the ideas presented in the chapter.

I found a lot of this book really hit home for me. Sometimes things should be obvious, but aren't. This book puts a lot of things in perspective for me, a busy work-at-home mom with two young children. While it didn't all pertain to me, I'm taking what did and running with it, especially with finding more time, goals, and contentment. One thing to note is that the book contains a lot of biblical references, which depending on your views, could affect your ease of reading and opinion on the book. Even though I'm not particularly religious, I still found it very helpful and worth reading.

This book is like two worthless books in one. The author switches back and forth between preaching terrible bible verses and telling the most obvious ways to save money. For example, buy items when they are on sale. The bible verses and religious quotes are not related to the material being presented. Overall, it is very disorganized and fragmented. A complete waste of time. This should be categorized as religious fiction. Maybe if I drank some discount Jesus juice, it would make sense.

Love Ruth's blog Living Well Spending Less and was excited to receive a copy as part of her book launch. In this book Ruth talks about living in your "sweet spot" something I think each person needs to strive to do in order to live the life they were made to live. The secrets Ruth shares in this book will help you to make time and have courage to do just that. If you feel stuck in a rut, and don't really know how to begin living the life you want, the 12 secrets shared in this book will help.

Part One was all about Living Well and included encouragement to simplify, get rid of clutter, goal setting, time management and finding your passion. While a lot of this wasn't NEW stuff, it was great encouragement to keep working hard toward those goals.

Part Two covered Spending Less. This section is where I actually implemented some of her advice. Soon after finishing the chapter on cutting the grocery bill in half (without using crazy coupon strategies!)

I love it when there are real life and immediate application in a book I'm reading. This book was full of them. Definitely worth the investment if you struggle with discontent, clutter, want to learn more about goals, or want to do better with finances.

Great book!

Well written, easy to follow, challenging suggestions at end of each chapter. I was engaged from the beginning, didn't think I would be, thought it would not really hold my interest but I was wrong, I enjoy it very much. Definitely recommend it to anyone who struggles with shopping, buying, being on line buying, Pinterest addicts.

I thought this would be a budget tips and solutions book--and I wanted it to be. But it is so much more. Great truths and encouragement. The Good Life is one in Jesus Christ. The Good Life is saying no to the things of this world (debt, selfishness, stuff) and yes to opening our hearts and homes because we value people and relationships more. I read this as a library loan, but I will purchase a copy to highlight and post it note.

Recently, I had the opportunity to read Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life by one of my favorite authors and bloggers, Ruth Soukup.

When I first got the book, I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to read anything that I haven't read before. But the book was very timely for me as I have felt overwhelmed lately by balancing marriage, motherhood, work and self-care and I was completely surprised by how honest and transparent Ruth was about her life.

Ruth writes about her own challenges with contentment, money, time, and health. She takes you through her 12 secrets to finding the Good Life, weaving her life story, scripture, and important lessons along the way. By the end of the book, I was ready to make some positive changes in my life.

Ruth's book Living Well, Spending Less is written from the heart. Life is not always easy and Ruth has experienced that first hand. At some point in the book, I am sure you will associate with some aspect of what she is saying. As you begin to read, she offers sound advice on issues such as financial planning, finding your sweet spot, and finding contentment. She also provides insight to help you to discover your sweet spot.

Living Well, Spending Less is a wonderful book that everyone will find fascinating and insightful. Her words of wisdom and biblical references will definiately speak to you.

Oh where to begin! I absolutely loved reading this book! The advice in this book is not only practical but super helpful for the overwhelmed, busy, and just flat-out tired mom. The section on cleaning I found to be super valuable as Ruth gives amazing homemade cleaner recipes for you to use and an amazing challenge of speed cleaning!

I can't recommend Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life enough. If you're struggling with contentment and getting your life in balance, this is the book for you! Ruth opens up and gets real about her shopping addiction and quest for the Good Life. She shares her 12 secrets to get you motivated and inspired to change your finances, take control of your home and work toward your personal goals to be content with where you are.

It's an inspiring book that will get you thinking about what the Good Life really means - and it has nothing to do with the amount of stuff you have.

I found myself inspired as I read this book. Mrs. Soukoup writes with such honesty and authenticity about her journey with money. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enjoy the simple things in life while saving money at the same time.

Ruth Soukup is a popular blogger who writes about being content with less. She also provides information about home and hearth concerns and ideas for saving money when you can. Her blog is enjoyable and lots of good insights are shared. Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life is basically a reworking of many of her most popular blog posts. The book is good, but it is doesn't really give the reader any information beyond what Soukup shares on her blog.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Harper Collins Publishing, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

I have followed Ruth's blog for quite a while, so was estatic to be a part of her launch team. In all honesty, I figured this book would be just like all the other similar-themed books I've read. I was wrong! Page after page, I felt like Ruth was writing about my own life. She shamelessly recounts many stories of her inability to be content with things she already had. I certainly appreciated her candor. She gives solid advice on how to save money on groceries, purge what you no longer need, how to set goals, and even how to effectively run your household (complete with recipes for homemade cleaners!). Many of the topics covered are "resolutions" I've made for the coming year and this book helped give me the push to tackle these items.

I found this book incredibly inspiring and helpful. Ruth gives a down to earth, insightful explanation of life with regards to trying to 'live the good life'. It's packed with real examples and extremely useful practical advice which you can put into use right away in order to try and live your own life in a more meaningful and mindful way. While there are a few Bible references, this book is a must read for anybody who wants some inspiring and practical ways to live a better life. I highly recommend it and will be reading it again and again on my own journey to the 'good life' this year!

I was very disappointed with the amount of filler in this book. It was very heavy in biblical and historical quotes. The description of the book is very misleading and there are actually very little new or useful ideas.

This review is through our family account and is written by Leisa Peterson. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), I am excited to share my enjoyment of this book with anyone looking to find greater peace of mind when it comes to money. Ruth's easy going and friendly writing style makes you feel like you are sharing a life journey with someone who has looked inside of herself (a lot) and found a beautiful way to live. Without getting into all the reasons I enjoyed the book, I thought it best to share that this book gives you hope, strength and passion to overcome your personal challenges, whether they be related to over-spending, debt accumulation or feelings of scarcity and lack. Ruth has made the journey herself and only speaks about things she has gone through which means that everything she says is meaningful and helpful even if it isn't something you are personally challenged by. I agree with other reviewers, you can't help but want to share it with your friends and family. Thank you Ruth for pouring your heart and soul into such a lovely work of art!

This book will totally change the way you look at your life. In this book, Ruth shares her personal, honest feelings and the struggles she had had finding her "Good Life". As I read each chapter, each secret, I felt like Ruth was speaking directly to me. Like an old friend sharing her own experiences with me and helping me to realize how I too, can change things in my life. Everyone's lives are different. We are all different too. The one thing that is the same, is our longing to be content and live the best life we can. We are all searching for the Good Life. This book forces you to search deep inside yourself. It makes you really think about your life, your passions, your goals and your spirituality. This time of year (the end of the year), many people are reflecting. They are setting goals and they are ready to make those New Year's Resolutions. The New Year means a new start. A fresh, clean slate. Start 2015 by reading this book. Start here. If you are searching for stability, organization and contentment in your life, 12 Secrets of the Good Life will no doubt inspire you. It will give you a different outlook on certain aspects of your life and set you on a journey to discover and embrace your own "Good Life".

From goal-setting, to financial planning and frugal living, to decluttering and more, Ruth Soukup writes a perfect guide to learning how to live the good life without spending a fortune. I loved the focus on defining ourselves not by what we have but by who we are. I plan to read this book again and again!

“It is not the wealth–or the stuff–that kills us; it is the wanting, the longing, the absolutely insatiable desire for wealth, possessions, power, and status that eventually take over our hearts and minds, leaving room for little else. Whether or not we can afford it is totally irrelevant. What matters is the desire of our heart. Regardless of the never-quite-enough message society wants to give us, a live consumed by always wanting more is not the Good Life.”

I could post quote after quote of things in this book that have made me think long and hard about what I spend, where I spend it, and WHY I spend it. But it's more than just money. This book is about intentionally and deliberately taking a look at our lives and what we strive for. What truly makes us happy and have a good life?

Excellent book that I definitely recommend.

This is not advice from a woman who had it rough. This is "advice" from a white wealthy woman with a bad shopping addiction. I'm not too sympathetic. Worst of all is the in-your-face religious tone of the book... Her main words of wisdom? PRAY. It would have been more palatable if she had continued to say "... Or meditate, or self-reflect," but this author assumes that everybody picking up her book is a Christian. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

This is a fantastic book to make you step back and sinply take in what really matters to you. Filled with her personal experiences, Ruth takes on the challenge of simplifying her whole families life to have more happiness and peace. There is so much to ne learned from this book. Truly this book can show everyone that less really is MORE when it matters most. Enjoyable and easy to read.

What an amazing book to start your year off right! Ruth has so many wonderful insights on living a life that truly matters.

I loved how the book was split up into different sections of focus, from finances to time management, home management and so much more.

I really enjoyed reading this and will definitely be recommending it to friends and family.

Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life is an amazing book to help the busy woman grab control of her life, reach goals, and empower herself to run her household her way!

Do you lack contentment? Do you struggle to "do it all"? Do you beat yourself up because you're not "perfect"? If so, this book will get you over those bumps in the road and teach you how to kick your life in to gear!

I have been a fan of Ruth's blog for years and was excited to read her new book. It is so well written and inspiring. It got me even more excited and motivated to improve and do better in the new year. It is a great read and filled with great tips and advice that you'll be able to use and apply to your life.

I just started reading this book, and I feel like I'm sitting in church, listening to a sermon. I'm sure that my religious family would enjoy this book, but I feel it should be mentioned somewhere that this book's Good Life philosophy is a deeply Christian idea. A bit annoyed by this, honestly.

I have been reading Ruth's blog LivingWellSpendingLess for years and was so excited to be able to read this book early as part of her launch team. In the book Ruth is transparent about her own mistakes (many of which I have made), but she also shares how she has moved forward and strives to live well while spending less.

The book is divided into two parts, Living Well and Spending Less, with 12 chapters containing 12 secrets to finding your best life and living in your sweet spot.

Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. I was inspired by Ruth's stories to live my life well and focus on my priorities.

Great information and tips with a Christ-centered point of view! This book has helped me, a reforming shopaholic, with contentment and has given me solid resources on focusing on the real things of life that truly brings contentment.

Hugely disappointing. I assumed the book would be about how to save money and it is mostly primarily about her spending habits and how and when she overspent. My interest in the authors overspending habit is less than minimal. This book is a big waste of money and the readers time.

A collection of great tips of living a good life on a budget. Living on a budget actually comes naturally to me personally. Reaching my goals was my interest in "Living Well Spending Less." I was inspired by several phrases such as, "bloom where you are" and "we all get the same 24 hours." I was honored to be on the launch team for Ruth Soukup's book and I'm already taking steps to reach my long term goals.

I couldnt finish the book. I bought it without reading carefully the reviews. Maybe it can help some people who like the author ,are in really trouble...i was expecting something diferent,some interesting and deep views about this issue. But my fault,i just saw 4 stars and a half and wrongly suposed it must be what i imagined.

Seems to have some good principles but she could have left all the 'god' talk and bible references out. I'm not a religios person so reading about God and bible readings is NOT appealing to me. I found myself skipping over that crap and trying to just focus on the message and practicality of it. book is an ok read....

I have one word for people who love to advertise their perceived superiority over others and draw attention to their self-righteous Christian beliefs with frequent references to the Bible, a book which they have clearly missed the true meaning of: hypocrite.

I honestly could not recommend this book to anyone. However for the "niche" she writes for - Club Christians I am sure this book will more than adequately fit what they look for. The writer is really out of touch with reality living in a dollhouse and not the "real world" as the rest of us do.

Written for very religious Christians. I don;t follow the Bible but want to live well-which I discovered I was already doing. This book taught me nothing. Unless you are a Fashion shopper, addicted to Malls this book is for you. The rest don;t waste your time. Somebody wants to get rich fast with no advice for real people who do not have any little children.
It was probably the worst purchase I have made in a long time.