The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness

Millions of Americans have turned to Jean Chatzky for financial advice, thanks to her weekly appearances on NBC's Today and her column in Money magazine. Now, in The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness (published in hardcover as You Don't Have to Be Rich), she analyzes the results of a unique survey in which she questioned 1,500 Americans about their financial attitudes and behaviors. She looks at how much money people actually do need to guarantee a happy, comfortable life. And gets down to the nitty-gritty, isolating behaviors that—if adopted—can significantly improve a life.

The results of this proprietary survey—conducted with the help of the Roper Center—are remarkable. Chatzky found that while a certain amount of money buys comfort, money can't make you happy—at least not in the way most people believe it can. But it can make you miserable, if you're managing it wrong. That's why it's time to make a change.

In her frank, engaging style, Chatzky explains how to "own your money" to create a happy and comfortable life. She outlines the financial habits of happy people and shows how anyone can be a part of this group, no matter what they earn. Filled with fresh insights and real life examples, The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness reaffirms that finances don't have to be a source of stress and that living within your means can be extremely rewarding.