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Stop Acting Rich: ...And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire Hardcover – September 28, 2009

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 980 ratings

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The bestselling author of The Millionaire Next Door reveals easy ways to build real wealth

With well over two million of his books sold, and huge praise from many media outlets, Dr. Thomas J. Stanley is a recognized and highly respected authority on how the wealthy act and think. Now, in Stop Acting Rich ? and Start Living Like a Millionaire, he details how the less affluent have fallen into the elite luxury brand trap that keeps them from acquiring wealth and details how to get out of it by emulating the working rich as opposed to the super elite.

  • Puts wealth in perspective and shows you how to live rich without spending more
  • Details why we spend lavishly and how to stop this destructive cycle
  • Discusses how being "rich" means more than just big houses and luxury cars

A defensive strategy for tough times, Stop Acting Rich shows readers how to live a rich, happy life through accumulating more wealth and using it to achieve the type of financial freedom that will create true happiness and fulfillment.

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From the Publisher

Stop Acting Rich title treatment

...AND START LIVING LIKE A REAL MILLIONAIRE

More than forty years ago, I first defined the blue collar affluent, aka the millionaire next door, in a speech and paper that I delivered on behalf of the New York Stock Exchange. This began a lifetime journey of identifying and profiling the myths and realities of the rich.

Along the way, I discovered that not all millionaires have high social status. In fact, those who are among the least productive in transforming their income into wealth are in the higher-status occupations. Of the millionaires I researched, most explained their economic success was due to integrity, discipline, social skills, a supportive partner, leadership qualities, and having a love for their vocation. Luck, investing in the stock market, and having high academic achievement were among the least important contributors.

In Stop Acting Rich...And Start Living Like a Real Millionaire, I detail why so many people who are not rich hyper-spend on luxuries. Often they think that collecting expensive toys will enhance their overall satisfaction with life. But, happiness in life has little to do with what you wear, drive, eat. or drink. The people with the greatest satisfaction are those who live below their means.

It is my hope to show you that you can stop acting rich and still enjoy life to the fullest by living like a real millionaire.

—Dr. Thomas J. Stanley

Uncover the difference between being rich and acting rich

Take a closer look at why everything you know about being rich is wrong

Learn why keeping up with the Joneses is keeping you from financial happiness

See why all that glitters is not the real millionaire's goal

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Now Millionaire co-author Thomas Stanley is back with a dose of financial tough love for high-spending wannabes in Stop Acting Rich … and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire." (Better Investing Magazine, January 3, 2010)

"This is all fascinating stuff and Stanley presents it in a very readable style. Stanley has written two other best-sellers on millionaires. It seems he's done it again." (The Star-Ledger, January 3, 2010)

"…not only is this a book that everyone should buy, it's a book that every parent who loves his or her kids should buy for them―and bribe them to read it." (WalletPop, October 7, 2009)

"Contains some surprising data that makes for a convincing argument supporting a simple lifestyle as a path to security." (Associated Press)

"After reading through Stanley’s engaging anecdotes about how the other America actually lives, you may come to feel that perhaps you don’t need to impress the other guy so much. This in itself is no small thing. Your wallet will thank you. And you may end up happier." (Smartmoney.com)

"Thomas Stanley has written a fascinating book that is based on years of research into how the truly wealthy live. Stanley’s main contention is that those with millions aren’t among the nation’s hyper consumers. Rather it’s the "aspirationals," those seeking recognition as members of the moneyed set, who are loose with a buck. It’s a hypothesis offered often, but the difference is Stanley’s research. He has packed his book with oodles of statistics ― and not just the usual numbers. For example, 75 percent of millionaires pay $19.79 or less for a bottle of wine. When it comes to a dinner, 75 percent pay $24.53 or less and 95 percent keep the tab to less than $40. This is all fascinating stuff and Stanley presents it in a very readable style. Stanley has written two other best-sellers on millionaires. It seems he’s done it again." (The Star-Ledger)

"If you’ve read the 1996 best-seller The Millionaire Next Door, you already know it’s hard to identify the truly affluent based on appearance. . . Now Millionaire co-author. . .Stanely is back with a dose of financial tough love for high-spending wannabes. . . offers surprising insight. If your goal is long-lasting wealth and not just the appearance of affluence, start reading ASAP." (BetterInvesting magazine)

“Stanley is right in advising people to have a re-look at their spendthrift ways and to avoid getting trapped by symbolism. “If you spend in anticipation of becoming rich, you are unlikely to become truly wealthy,” he quips.”(Personal Finance Magazine Moneylife)

"Stanley's research does a great job of proving there's a big difference between income and net worth. Many pretenders have become very good at generating income and enjoying a high standard of living. But take this Stanley gem to the bank: ‘Those who are among the least productive in transforming their incomes into wealth are in the higher-status occupations.’ Don't be a great pretender, pretending you're doing well when you only look the part. Read this book and find out how to emulate real-deal millionaires." (The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary)

From the Inside Flap

With the financial crisis, high unemployment, and tight credit, you may be saying to yourself: who is acting rich these days? We're barely making ends meet.

You would think that our wastrel ways are over, we're erasing debt, and stocking up on savings. The reality is that not only are we spenders who barely understand the concept of frugality, we are big spenders on expensive elite brands, and we do it in an attempt to emulate the rich people we see on television, in magazines, and down the street. The recession may have caused us to take a breather, but every indication is that we will pick up right where we left off when gentler economic winds blow again.

Before you spend another dime, read this book and understand how to become rich instead of act rich. Stop Acting Rich . . . And Start Living Like a Real Millionaire will upend every assumption you have about wealthy people: where they shop, what they buy, and most shockingly, where they live (it's not where you think).

Did you know that three times more millionaires live in homes valued at under $300,000 than over $1 million? Would it stun you to learn that more millionaires drive Toyotas than BMWs? How about a second home? Not for the millionaire.

Bestselling author of The Millionaire Next Door and The Millionaire Mind and leading authority on the wealthy, Dr. Thomas Stanley uncovers the truth about spending to show you how you can really live rich.

It all starts with where you live. Live in a prestige neigh?borhood and you will spend more on everything from your car to your watch. Real millionaires understand that living in communities where their neighbors have less net worth than they do naturally leads to spending less. It's easier to be rich when keeping up with the Joneses hardly costs anything.

Dr. Stanley's research also uncovers what makes rich people happy. Life satisfaction comes not from cruising down the highway in a chunk of your net worth, but from having the financial resources to choose―to spend time with family and friends, to volunteer, to pursue interests.

Stop Acting Rich . . . And Start Living Like a Real Millionaire rips the lid off just about every assumption we have about what rich looks like. Few people become rich by way of a high income, and even fewer high-income people are truly rich. The good news is that almost anyone can become wealthy―even without a super high income―if you would just stop acting . . . and instead start living like a rich person.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wiley; 1st edition (September 28, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0470482559
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0470482551
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.44 x 1.06 x 9.13 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 980 ratings

About the author

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Thomas J. Stanley
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Dr. Thomas J. Stanley (1944-2015) was the author of seven award winning books concentrating on America's wealthy population and was the foremost authority on the affluent. His last book, The Next Millionaire Next Door, was published posthumously in October 2018 and co-authored by Dr. Sarah Stanley Fallaw.

He began studying the affluent in 1973. Dr. Stanley's first book, Marketing to the Affluent, was selected as a top ten outstanding business book in America by the editors of Best of Business Quarterly. Dr. Stanley wrote The Millionaire Next Door in 1996. Over 4,000,000 copies of this New York Times bestseller have been sold. In 2000, he published The Millionaire Mind, which explored America's financial elite and how they became so. The Millionaire Mind debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list. His other works included Selling to the Affluent, Networking with the Affluent, Millionaire Women Next Door, and Stop Acting Rich.

The author lived in Atlanta, held a doctorate of business administration from the University of Georgia in Athens and was formerly a professor of marketing at Georgia State University. Visit Dr. Stanley's website at www.thomasjstanley.com for more information on his life and work.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
980 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides good advice and insights for saving money. They appreciate the author's clear message and pacing. However, some readers feel the content lacks new material and is repetitive. Opinions differ on readability - some find it easy to understand and straightforward, while others consider it repetitive.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

130 customers mention "Value for money"116 positive14 negative

Customers find the book provides good value for money. They say it's a fun read with good information and examples. The first chapter is great, and the author does a good job at using examples to illustrate. The message of the book is to learn to be frugal and happy with what you have.

"...This set of people is able to hold onto its money. Money sticks to their fingers instead of just passing through their hands...." Read more

"Said this was an excellent read." Read more

"...Great reading and an important reminder that , to be happy, one should live within his means." Read more

"It was a good read and provided a nice follow up if you found yourself wanting more pages in The Millionaire Next Door...." Read more

114 customers mention "Advice quality"102 positive12 negative

Customers find the book provides good advice on saving money. They say it has good insights and lessons. The book is interesting and helpful, providing a nice follow-up if needed.

"...Dr. Stanley in this book provides powerful evidence to refute many of these false advertising claims...." Read more

"...He chronicles the spending patterns of genuinely rich people, and the lifestyles they enjoy...." Read more

"Haven't finished reading it but it has been interesting so far. Similar to "The Millionaire Next Door" in the graphs, etc...." Read more

"Fascinating book based on data that, frankly, surprised me. This book will change your outlook...." Read more

12 customers mention "Message"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the author's message clear and simple. They appreciate the conversational style and lack of math or statistics. The book is well-written and fun to read, with a message that never gets old.

"...Stop Being Stupid, much better title. Much simpler message." Read more

"...I agree and author conveys that message well. There are probably people out there who need to hear it in this form...." Read more

"...It is written in a conversational style and he doesn't go heavy into the math or statistics. There's plenty there if you are into it...." Read more

"Author makes some great points. He describes the different type of rich very well and uses examples that are clear and concise...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing good. They say it's a great follow-up to The Millionaire Next Door, with relatable examples and realistic depictions of temptation facing high earners but not yet rich. The book is easy to read and eye-opening on the topic of how to keep money. It provides exact prices and brands that millionaires buy in the classic and unique Thomas Stanley style.

"Loved Millionaire next door but this one is very repetitive. The tone is a bit harsher when it comes to not being extremely frugal, I think...." Read more

"This book is great info, in the classic and unique Thomas Stanley style...." Read more

"Very realistic depiction of the temptation facing those that are high earners but not rich yet...." Read more

"Good examples that are relatable and unpretentious. If only we could all pause and understand there is more to a world of consumerism...." Read more

43 customers mention "Readability"20 positive23 negative

Customers have different views on the book's readability. Some find it easy to understand and well-written, while others mention that it is repetitive in nature and storyline.

"I enjoyed the book. It's an easy read. It has some good insights as to what you should do to start saving money...." Read more

"...Overall, the book is a bit repetitive in nature and story line. Ok, Dr. Stanley, we get it...." Read more

"...from his studies and, unlike other books I've read, do not read like a sales pitch...." Read more

"...The repetition was extremely difficult to read through, but it seems like he either wanted to drill his points into our minds, or he needed rhe book..." Read more

7 customers mention "Content"0 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's content lacking. They say it lacks new material and exciting ideas, with too much filler and excessive time spent on vodka.

"...if you read his other books and are convinced, there is little new material in this book...." Read more

"...talking about vodka, wine and spirits, but really excessive amounts of time on vodka...." Read more

"It's okay. Some good ideas. But overall nothing new and exciting." Read more

"Nothing profound in this book. The author tends to repeat the same thing over and over. It doesn't tell you tricks to be the millionaire." Read more

Self-Discipline at It’s Finest
4 out of 5 stars
Self-Discipline at It’s Finest
This was a pretty good book. I give it 4/5 stars because this book is EXTREMELY boring with very high emphasis on extremely. But, it challenges you and I liked that. It challenged me to be disciplined to finish reading a book that was extremely boring and repetitive, but most likely with have some good information throughout. The repetition was extremely difficult to read through, but it seems like he either wanted to drill his points into our minds, or he needed rhe book to be a certain amount of words/pages. I was able to get 8 key things from the book after fighting with myself for 7 days to read it. I wanted to get his other book, The Millionaire Mind, but I read the first review and it said that it was very repetitive so I’ll be ok. If he doesn’t teach anything else from his books, he’s going to be sure to get discipline across as one of his points. But, at the end of the day, you have to be extremely disciplined with yourself when on a healthy financial journey, as with any change in life. I’m actually teaching my students from this book, so thank you again Thomas.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
    Dr Stanley's books dispel many of the myths commonly held about millionaires. I read "The Millionaire Next Door" shortly after it came out. Back then I entered my data into his "Wealth Equation" and was disappointed to find that I was "behind" in terms of wealth accumulation. Subsequently I stepped up my savings and it has paid off. Following his advice enabled me to completely retire at the age of 54 on a relatively modest military doctor's salary. As he points out there is a big difference between high income and high net worth. All of my classmates are still working. They have good income, but also have great expenses. Effectively they are on a "treadmill." Many drive prestige brand vehicles (sometimes leased or financed). They have the trappings of wealth without the high balance sheet. He refers to this as the "Big Hat, No Cattle" phenomenon. The key to success is to live below your means and invest as much as you can. It's not really hard, but as Dr Stanley points out it does require discipline and planning. I go on several cruises each year and am surprised how few doctors I meet. I do meet a great number of professors and teachers. As Stanley points out, educators are very good at investing and planning for retirement. I went on Dr Stanley's website to tell him a funny story and was very saddened to learn that he passed away in Feb 2015--hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta. I will miss his books. I was on the Queen Mary 2 talking with one of the speakers on the cruise and a guy wearing a "Rolls Royce" polo shirt walked up to us. The speaker asked him "Are you connected with Rolls Royce?" The guy responded "I own five of them." The speaker then asked diplomatically "What do you do?" The guy looked a little embarrassed and responded "I'm a retired school teacher and one of my Rolls Royces actually runs!" I think Dr Stanley would have liked that.
    27 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2010
    I am a huge fan of Thomas Stanley's books. His books are on a specific set of people: self-made millionaries who are prodigious accumulators of wealth (PAW's). This set of people is able to hold onto its money. Money sticks to their fingers instead of just passing through their hands. We are bombarded every day by deceptive advertising that encourages us to spend instead of save and invest. This advertising creates in us a mindset that causes us to value consumer goods over money and financial assets. PAW's have a mind set that allows them to see through the Madison Avenue hype. Dr. Stanley in this book provides powerful evidence to refute many of these false advertising claims. In his books he is teaching how to think like a PAW self-made millionarie. Another reviewer got bored with the book. I think that says more about the reviewer than the book. Given today's poor economy, there is nothing about money management that bores me. This book is an exciting look into the mindset of the self-made millionaire.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2009
    I'm a big plan of Tom Stanley's research and books. I first encountered Stanley at a trust conference many years ago, and I've read and recommended his books to dozens of clients and prospects. His insights are helpful and entertaining.

    His newest book, Stop Acting Rich: And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire, reveals the differences between what we say and what we do. He chronicles the spending patterns of genuinely rich people, and the lifestyles they enjoy. It's interesting, because there are two groups of people with serious money: the glittering rich (think Donald Trump or Bill Gates) and the millionaires next door. And, as you'd guess, they consume differently.

    Spending by the glittering rich, well, glitters. These are the few folks with so much money that spending really doesn't matter. They own multiple cars, multiple timepieces, and they tend to entertain lavishly. We all know who they are and they set a remarkable standard for living.

    Other rich people are remarkable for differing reasons. As Stanley has recorded previously, they stand out for their modesty and good sense. These millionaires drive Toyotas, wear Seiko watches, and surround themselves with value-oriented merchandise. We know who these neighbors are, too, but we probably don't realize how financially successful they truly are. They set a different kind of standard.

    Here's the paradox of this book. Almost everyone else (and that's a huge chunk of our society) dwells in yet another culture. This is the culture of false wealth. Where looking rich is more important than being rich. It's the world of luxury goods sold to high-income buyers. But, sadly, that spending pattern yields no genuine wealth. The simple act of buying those goods, by itself, is financially counterproductive.

    These are residents of mini-mansion neighborhoods. And owners of luxury automobiles and Rolex watches. They send their children to private schools and belong to expensive country clubs. They buy Brooks Brothers suits and shop at exclusive department stores. They are glittering rich wannabes, and they spend most of their income on a prestige lifestyle. There's nothing left for saving.

    The depressing truth is this book won't change much. Most of us would rather look rich than be rich. We like those luxury goods and that luxury lifestyle, even if we can't afford them. We can see how sensible living might bring stability and success. We know Tom's right, but we don't want to live in sensible neighborhoods or drive sensible cars or wear sensible clothes.

    That's the paradox of Stop Acting Rich. We don't want to.
    261 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    Said this was an excellent read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Haven't finished reading it but it has been interesting so far. Similar to "The Millionaire Next Door" in the graphs, etc. When I finish reading it I will update this review.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    The data show a different picture of the wealthy than portrayed by media and advertising. Being Ben Franklin frugal is clearly the winner.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017
    Fascinating book based on data that, frankly, surprised me. This book will change your outlook. When I see a person in a gilded luxury car ( which is common in Scottsdale,Arizona) I no longer subconsciously assume that he/ she is wealthy. Actually, Professor Stanley has lifted the veil for me, and I now see these folks as statistically more probably un-wealthy. This perceptual change extends to many of the trappings, or artifacts ( As Dr. Stanley describes them) consumed by people trying to keep up with the Joneses.

    Great reading and an important reminder that , to be happy, one should live within his means.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Adriana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buen libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 8, 2023
    Buen libro
  • Carlos M.
    2.0 out of 5 stars Only data and statistics
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on October 3, 2024
    Only data and statistics about what the wealthy and non wealthy people spend their money on. Not useful at all. Even worse when data is as old as 2008.
  • WEALTH007
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another must have book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2018
    Like his other books 'Millionaire Mind' etc this is another classic to own. Will make you question your own habits and hopefully adopt what is suggested you avoid reckless loss of your wealth to avoid impressing people that do not care.
  • Avinash Sharma, The Yogic Manager
    5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating insights, backed by empirical data. The best personal finance book I have read.
    Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2010
    I read Thomas Stanley's The Millionaire Next Door three years ago and was thoroughly impressed by the insights and research. While reading it I wished the author had published a revised edition with updated numbers - the book was published in 1998. This book (Stop Acting Rich...) covers similar themes as the book I previously mentioned. However, it has updated numbers and includes insights gained from the financial crises of 2008-2009.
    The central theme of this book is that there is a difference between those that are genuinely rich and those that act like they are rich. This book details the differences between these two groups of people - what they wear, drive, eat, drink, etc. These differences, presented throughout the book in the form of several tables and lists, are backed by empirical data that are drawn from the author's extensive research on the affluent.
    We live in a culture of hyperconsumerism. It is far easier to act rich than to become truly rich. All we have to do is to buy the luxury goods/services that we think the rich buy and we get the feeling that we are rich. But this kind of excessive consumerism is detrimental to our net worth. The author explains that most rich people become wealthy and stay that way by being frugal and by being investment oriented as opposed to consumption oriented. As for wealth and happiness he warns, "those who think that acting rich must be predicated on hyperconsumerism are likely to end up on the short side of both the wealth and happiness scales".
    Throughout the book many myths about the rich are dispelled. Their consumption habits are described and compared with those of the pretenders. What brands of shoes, suits, watches, etc do they wear? What wines and spirits do they consume? What motor vehicles do they drive? Where do they shop? And how much do they pay for the goods listed above? The insights are illuminating and thought provoking.
    During the financial crisis of 2008-2009, many articles were published regarding the benefits of frugality and the dangers of excessive consumption. In many ways the root of this crisis (sometimes referred to as the Credit Crisis) was excessive borrowing and consumption. I share the author's belief that as soon as the economy improves, people will resume their spendthrift ways. This is most unfortunate since it could lead to a repeat of the crisis we just experienced.
    Bottom line - I highly recommend this book as the single best personal finance book I have read. You cannot save the whole of society from this disease of hyperconsumerism. But by educating yourself, you can simplify your lifestyle so that you can be truly rich as opposed to just acting like you are rich.
  • k84
    5.0 out of 5 stars 謎が解けた
    Reviewed in Japan on April 17, 2014
    「ふつうの億万長者」徹底リサーチが明かす お金が“いやでも貯まる”5つの「生活」習慣 (East Press Business)の原書です。日本語訳を読んでいるときは特に気づかなかったのですが、大分抄訳だったようです。

    例えば、高級時計店に入ったとき、1回目は見込みのない客扱いで店員が寄ってこなかったのに、2回目は寄ってきた。グッチの大きな買い物袋を持っていたから、というエピソード。なぜ大きな袋だったかというと、その日は他にも買い物する予定があって、色んな荷物を一つにまとめたくて、それで「一番大きな袋を下さい」と言ったというくだりが省略されていて、ただ、グッチの店で「一番大きな袋を」と頼んだことだけが書いてあり、謎だったのですが、謎が解けました。

    それから、チャプターごとに最後に書いてある大きな赤字の格言もなく、私には英語の方が大分読みやすいです。文章もペーパーバックとしては易しい方ですし、ケーススタディも日本語訳より沢山入っています。

    ただ、必要なことは大体日本語訳に書いてあるように思います。つまり、お金持ちのふりをしようとして高価なものを買うより、本当に一代で富を築いた人を見習って倹約して、ふりではないお金持ちになりませんか?ということ。