Living Rich for Less

It's hard to know whether this audio sounds dry because of its focus on numbers or because of the flat narration by Cassandra Campbell. She speaks quickly as well, which contributes to the dispassionate quality of the production. The author's own experience with paying down $40,000 in consumer debt while supporting seven children adds credibility to her collection of money-saving tips. Her practice of donating 10%, saving 10%, and spending the remaining 80% offers enough clarity to help consumers at all levels of financial distress. With tips and strategies for pinching every penny and a reasonable overview of family financial planning, this production is loaded with ideas--but lacking in motivational energy. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

January 26, 2009
In this regrettably brief audiobook, Kay, “America's Family Financial Expert,” shares tips on giving, saving and spending money wisely, with advice that is accessible to novices and delivered in her cheerful Texas twang. Kay is to be applauded for starting with the principle of tithing, or giving 10% of one's income to charity, as a strong foundation for financial well-being. However, the book feels shallow in many areas. Kay dispenses with 401(k) plans in three minutes, gives short shrift to the various ways of saving for college and says virtually nothing about other investments. Many of her ideas, such as a debt payment plan that calls for paying off the smallest balances first regardless of interest rate, have been better explained by Mary Hunt and Dave Ramsey. The abridgment feels choppy, often with just one or two sentences after each subheading, and Kay's attempts at teen-speak can be annoying (“Dis the 'tude!”). A better value is the audio version of Jane Bryant Quinn's much more complete Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People
. A WaterBrook Press hardcover.