Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

A few weeks ago, a BAD reader I follow on Facebook posted a recommendation for the book Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin.  It was originally published back in 1992 and Joe has passed away since then. But Vicki did an update in 2008 and then again in 2018 bringing the contents up to date in regards to the new world of technology and various different financial changes since the early 90’s.

I ordered it that day…I’m ready for some serious changes in my financial life. It arrived this past week and I’ve been slowly working my way through it.  I wondered if anyone else would like to read it and we could have a book club of sorts in a month or so to compare notes and thoughts.

A Slow Start

Mr. Money Mustache wrote the foreword. And then there is some background on Vicki and Joe’s history and the original concept for the book. While the information was interesting, I was anxious to get to the meat of the book. But the beginning of first chapter almost had me putting it down permanently. It is filled with references to the planet and limited resources and so on. And the longer that dragged on, the more I thought “this book is not for me.”  I stuck with it though. And I’ve made it to chapter 2 and I am intrigued.

My Relationship with Money

The authors encourage you to read the book through before you put in the work. The work is broken is broken down into 9 steps. I’m just getting to Step 2 in my reading. But what I am finding is that the book focuses on your thoughts on money, the psychology of that relationship versus more common “steps to save” money or such.  And I believe that this is exactly what I need.

I wrote recently about Money Principles and that has led me to more reading on Money Traps. The thing these two have in common is that they are mindset tools versus practical how to spend or not spend your money tools.  I think this mindset is what I personally have been missing.

Book Club Discussion – in a month

So here I am, sitting in Starbucks while my kids train for their sports, reading Your Money or Your Life. Will you join me?  I figure I can complete my first read through in the next week or so (helps to not have a job to do, plenty of reading time.) I’ll plan to open a discussion on it a month for now for anyone who wants to dive in with me.

I personally couldn’t find a online version of the book, but maybe someone else can. I ordered mine from Amazon.

Previous Book Club Posts

Your Money or Your Life Introduction

Chapter 1: What is Your Enough?

Chapter 2: What are you Trading Your Life Energy For?

Chapter 3: The Opposite of a Budget

Chapter 4: Coming Monday, May 21st

Hope

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.

Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.

Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.