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You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead Paperback – December 30, 2008

by Larry Winget (Author)

504 ratings

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Now in paperback: The New York Times bestselling author and star of A&E?s reality series Big Spender, Larry Winget, cleans up America?s personal finance crisis

More than 40 percent of families today are feeling financial pressure: spending more than they earn, and worrying about retiring and being dependent on the government, family, or charity. Larry Winget knows. He grew up poor, then made and lost a fortune when a business in which he?d invested went bankrupt. But he worked his way back from rock bottom to become a multimillionaire.

In You?re Broke Because You Want to Be, Winget expands on the ideas that have made his popular television show Big Spender a hit and offers straightforward talk about coming to grips with your finances, such as:

· Feel bad. Have remorse. You need to feel deep emotion to take action. So start crying and take responsibility.
· Figure out who you owe and how much you owe. It?ll be a scary number to face, but you need to know where you are and what you have.
· ?People are stupid, lazy, or they don?t give a damn.? You already know you need to do something; Larry will help you finally do something.
· Are you more interested in looking cool and being cute or providing a financially secure future for your family? How you spend your money will tell you that. With a boot-camp regimen that is steeped in personal accountability, Winget cuts through the double-talk contained in most finance books and presents a simple, guided program that is sure to motivate anyone out of their money problems.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?Larry Winget is a great guy?he's tough, talks straight, and has a big heart. Read this book if you need a good kick in the butt!?
?Robert T. Kiyosaki, investor, entrepreneur, teacher, and author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad"

?Go Winget, go! Larry tells it like it is (in his trademark style), and gets in your face to make you FACE your financial reality (or lack thereof). Stop thinking and acting broke, and get with his program. It can change your life.?
?David Bach, author of the #1 "New York Times" bestsellers "The Automatic Millionaire" and "Start Late, Finish Rich"

aLarry Winget is a great guyaheas tough, talks straight, and has a big heart. Read this book if you need a good kick in the butt!a
aRobert T. Kiyosaki, investor, entrepreneur, teacher, and author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad"
aGo Winget, go! Larry tells it like it is (in his trademark style), and gets in your face to make you FACE your financial reality (or lack thereof). Stop thinking and acting broke, and get with his program. It can change your life.a
aDavid Bach, author of the #1 "New York Times" bestsellers "The Automatic Millionaire" and "Start Late, Finish Rich"

aLarry Winget is a great guy - he's tough, talks straight and has a big heart. Read this book if you need a good kick in the butt!"
aRobert Kiyosaki, Investor, Entrepreneur, Teacher, and Author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad"
"I love this little book! Larry is authentic, sincere and generous in his advice. So shape up and STOP being broke... FOREVER! Listen to this man. He is the ROCK STAR of personal finance!"
aKeith Ferrazzi, author "Never Eat Alone"
aLarry Wingetas no-nonsense advice will make a difference in your life today. His plain talk and simple solutions - right in this book-are what every American needs to go from broke to making money and living life. If youare feeling broke, get this book, now.a
aJennifer Openshaw, Author of "The Millionaire Zone"
"Classic Winget. Bold, brash, and exactly on target. If you want to escape debt and get your life back, this book is your game plan."
aRandy Gage, author, "Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke... And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich!"
"Go Winget, go! Larry tells it like it is (in his trademark style), and gets in your face to make you FACE your financial reality (or lack thereof). Stop thinking and acting broke, and get with his program. It can change your life."
aDavid Bach, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "The Automatic Millionaire" and "Start Late, Finish Rich"

Larry Winget is a great guy - he's tough, talks straight and has a big heart. Read this book if you need a good kick in the butt!"
Robert Kiyosaki, Investor, Entrepreneur, Teacher, and Author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad"
"I love this little book! Larry is authentic, sincere and generous in his advice. So shape up and STOP being broke... FOREVER! Listen to this man. He is the ROCK STAR of personal finance!"
Keith Ferrazzi, author "Never Eat Alone"
Larry Wingets no-nonsense advice will make a difference in your life today. His plain talk and simple solutions - right in this book-are what every American needs to go from broke to making money and living life. If youre feeling broke, get this book, now.
Jennifer Openshaw, Author of "The Millionaire Zone"
"Classic Winget. Bold, brash, and exactly on target. If you want to escape debt and get your life back, this book is your game plan."
Randy Gage, author, "Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke... And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich!"
"Go Winget, go! Larry tells it like it is (in his trademark style), and gets in your face to make you FACE your financial reality (or lack thereof). Stop thinking and acting broke, and get with his program. It can change your life."
David Bach, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "The Automatic Millionaire" and "Start Late, Finish Rich"

About the Author

Larry Winget is one of the country’sleading business speakers anda member of the National SpeakersAssociation Hall of Fame. He isthe author of the New York Timesand Wall Street Journal bestsellersYou’re Broke Because You Wantto Be and It’s Called Work for aReason!, and the Wall Street Journaland BusinessWeek bestseller ShutUp, Stop Whining, and Get a Life.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avery
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2008
Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1592404294
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1592404292
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.56 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #384,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #107 in Budgetary & Cost Accounting
- #330 in Budgeting & Money Management (Books)
- #1,577 in Success Self-Help

Customer Reviews:
504 ratings

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Larry Winget

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Larry Winget (Paradise Valley, AZ) is known as "The Pit Bull of Personal Development®" and "The World's Only Irritational Speaker®" He is a six-time New York Times/Wall Street Journal bestselling author of books such as Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get A Life, You’re Broke Because You Want To Be, It's Called Work For A Reason, People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It, Your Kids Are Your Own Fault, Grow A Pair and What's Wrong With Damn Near Everything. He is a member of the Speaker Hall Of Fame, has starred in his own television series and appeared in national television commercials. Larry is a regular contributor on many television news shows on the topics of money, success, business and parenting. Find out more at www.larrywinget.com.

Customer reviews

504 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a great read with a straightforward writing style and common sense approach to money management. They appreciate its motivational value, describing it as refreshing and honest, while also finding it amusing. Customers report astounding results from applying the book's advice, and one customer mentions it serves as a financial reality check.

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Readability Writing style Money management Motivational value Humor Effectiveness Value for money

61 customers mention "Readability"61 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read that is to the point and provides worthwhile advice.

"Good book" Read more

"...The book is well written and easy to read. He gives some very good exercises for the reader to do that will certainly get you on the road to..." Read more

"...This book is worth it to give you a chance to look at your money situation and realize quickly that you have to fix it for it to change...." Read more

"...the Porsche. Ok, that's all I read; it seems like a great book and I am looking forward to reading it once I finish some other books I need..." Read more

34 customers mention "Writing style"34 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as easy to read, straightforward, and full of common sense.

"...The book gives very straight-forward steps to get control of your finances, get out of debt and get ahead...." Read more

"...He's been there. He doesn't mince words. His writing is really good. I found his suggestions helpful and some I never considered...." Read more

"...An easy read for those of you (like me) who can finish a book to save your life. I found it impossible to put down and finished in just a few days." Read more

"...He can really relate to Larry's style, i.e. blunt honesty and factual...." Read more

32 customers mention "Money management"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to money management, describing it as a great starting point and common sense guide that helps turn financial lives around.

"...truly want a guide to achieve a financially sound life, this book is a great start. But do not look for an easy way out or some magic bullet...." Read more

"...The book is small and succinct and not intimidating (so you'll read it cover to cover)--but it's large enough to tell you some truths...." Read more

"...It is educational and stimuating giving you true examples, and great exercises to help you create change...." Read more

"...These are hard lessons and truths for anyone to learn - so start young, before they wreak too much financial damage on themselves!..." Read more

32 customers mention "Motivational value"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and honest, providing excellent real-life information.

"...Despite the bravado, Larry's got a good heart and a better mind and this book is what everyone needs...." Read more

"...Brutally honest and fun at the same time. A must read and keep for anyone who cares at all about improving their life...." Read more

"...These are hard lessons and truths for anyone to learn - so start young, before they wreak too much financial damage on themselves!..." Read more

"...He can really relate to Larry's style, i.e. blunt honesty and factual...." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one noting that Larry is an entertaining person.

"...I love how Larry writes--he's entertaining, self deprecating and not stuffy or preachy. He's been there. He doesn't mince words...." Read more

"...Brutally honest and fun at the same time. A must read and keep for anyone who cares at all about improving their life...." Read more

"...He takes everything to the max, with no excuses allowed. He's also really funny, if you can take it...." Read more

"Larry Winget pulls no punches inn this fun, easy read. Just one of his tips is going to save me over $1200 a year that i can use to buy more books!" Read more

6 customers mention "Effectiveness"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book effective, with some reporting astounding results, and one mentioning that it works if you apply it and make sacrifices.

"...He returned it within two days and the result was truly amazing. He can really relate to Larry's style, i.e. blunt honesty and factual...." Read more

"Upon finishing this excellent work, I'm left with the sad feeling summed up in the expression, "You can take a horse to water, but you can't make it..." Read more

"...have been doing a lot of the items Winget says to do for years IT WORKS!!!..." Read more

"...It works if you apply it and make sacrifices." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good value for money, with one mentioning it offers a common sense approach to managing finances and another noting it serves as a financial reality check.

"...very straight-forward steps to get control of your finances, get out of debt and get ahead. The book is well written and easy to read...." Read more

"As described. Good value. Received promptly." Read more

"...Larry's common sense approach to money is something every kid should study before they hit the real world...." Read more

"Finacial reality check..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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P. Cris Walker
Good advise
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
Verified Purchase

Good book

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Robert Stinnett
Great Book, Great Material, Great Writer!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2008
Verified Purchase
When is the last time you sat down and read a book cover-to-cover without stopping? That is just what I did the other day when I got home and found Larry Winget's book waiting for me from Amazon. In "You're Broke Because You Want To Be..." Larry Winget uses this in your face style of self-help coaching to let you know that there is a way out of this debt hole you are in. Given the current state of the economy, this book couldn't have come out at a better time.

Larry puts it on the line and basically says that all of us have the power to make our lives better and stop the financial bleeding if we want to -- and you know what he is right. He states, for example, to get off your rear end and stop watching television and take a class or learn something new to help advance your career which helps you earn more money. He's dead on in that regard -- I personally stopped watching the idiot box over 2 years ago and started taking night classes towards an MBA. It has helped me more than I could ever have imagined.

The problem with this book is that most people, just as Larry says, won't want to do what he tells you to. They don't want to give up their cable TV, they don't want to get a 2nd job to pay off the bills, they don't want to stop eating out every other day. They just want a magic bag of money to drop into their lives. Well wake up folks, it isn't going to happen. The theme of this book can best be describes as "It's All About You!" -- YOU have to sacrifice to get out of the hole and if you aren't willing to or don't want to make tough choices then save your money and don't buy the book and continue living in your financial nightmare.

After reading this book I got the extra "boost" I needed to continue working my 2nd job (my own small business) to help it grow even more. My goal is to be debt free by the beginning of 2009 and I know I can do it -- I got my shot of reality from reading this book. Now I'm ready to hunker down and make it happen!

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78 people found this helpful

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John Chancellor
Hard nosed truth
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2008
Verified Purchase
This book is no different from Larry's other books. He tells it like he sees it without pulling any punches. Larry is an in your face, Dutch uncle that tells you what you know to be the truth but don't want to hear.

There are no real secrets to getting out of debt and getting ahead. Just like losing weight requires you to eat less and exercise more, getting even financially requires you to spend less and earn more. It is as simple as that.

If you truly want a guide to achieve a financially sound life, this book is a great start. But do not look for an easy way out or some magic bullet. Larry is a very straight shooter and does not sugar coat any of the medicine. The book gives very straight-forward steps to get control of your finances, get out of debt and get ahead.

The book is well written and easy to read. He gives some very good exercises for the reader to do that will certainly get you on the road to financial freedom. However as he makes it clear very many times, it will not be easy. It probably took you a long time to get where you are and you will not get out of debt overnight. It takes work and discipline.

If you truly want a no-nonsense guide to getting your financial life straight, this would be a good book for you to read and follow the instructions. If you are looking for a quick fix or a secret method, look elsewhere.

Larry finishes the book by giving five examples of his friends who all started with little or nothing and made it big. There are some common threads among their stories. It is a path anyone can follow if they put everything they have into getting ahead. It is simple but not easy. As Larry points out, most people are too lazy to really follow his advice.

Even if you don't have financial problems, it makes a good read and you probably can think of someone to give it to.

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22 people found this helpful

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Suzanne S. Klapmeier
PURE LARRY
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2008
Verified Purchase
I LOVE LARRY WINGET. Despite the bravado, Larry's got a good heart and a better mind and this book is what everyone needs. It's about personal responsibility and looking at your life instead of just stumbling through.

The book is small and succinct and not intimidating (so you'll read it cover to cover)--but it's large enough to tell you some truths. I love how Larry writes--he's entertaining, self deprecating and not stuffy or preachy. He's been there. He doesn't mince words. His writing is really good. I found his suggestions helpful and some I never considered. Like don't use coupons--you end up buying something just because you have one. Smart!

The only fault I could find with the book is that Larry encourages you to buy that Armani suit, eat at the best restaurants, etc. etc. WHEN you get rich. Maybe I'm older but it seems to me the real outcome and prize for getting ahead is the peace of mind and the richness of a simple life you attain. Larry stresses this too, but not as much. The old saying of "real wealth is not how much you have but how little you need" needs to be highlighted even more.

Bravo Larry!!!! Thanks for a great and timely book for everyone!

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2 people found this helpful

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Jeremy E
The Slap in the Face We All Need
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2008
Verified Purchase
Larry's book with hit you right between the eyes telling you all the things you have been saying for years. It is educational and stimuating giving you true examples, and great exercises to help you create change.
This book is worth it to give you a chance to look at your money situation and realize quickly that you have to fix it for it to change. Brutally honest and fun at the same time. A must read and keep for anyone who cares at all about improving their life. Not only will you have a chance to gain valuable information but Larry will show you how to do something about it. An easy read for those of you (like me) who can finish a book to save your life. I found it impossible to put down and finished in just a few days.

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Top reviews from other countries

P. Rosser
Another great book from Larry
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2017
Verified Purchase

As the title suggests being broke is a choice and something which is completley in our control to change, but that starts with making different choices with regards to your spending habits.

Like all of Larry's books he doesn't pull any punches and tells it exactly as he see's it, which may upset some readers but thats the point, even if you disagree with what's being said it gets you thinking.

The book itself is full of really useful tips and lessons with regards to how you should be utilising your finite amount of money and some lessons on how to teach your kids spending habits which will stay with them a lifetime.

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Amazon Buyer
Buying this book - One of the reason I am broke.
Reviewed in India on November 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Very poorly written book. Lacks the punch in the gut writing style of Larry Winget he is famous for.

A can-skip book. Nothing more what is written in 100s of money management books.

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Flamingsteel
AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF BOOKS FINALLY ONE THAT HAS SOMETHING REAL TO SAY!!!
Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
This guy is crazy!!! Cruel, ruthless and right to the point. If you want to get off the self help merry go round and start getting somewhere then this is the book to get you going. He hit me right on the head. I have been reading self-helpless and get rich books for years and now have barely got enough for next months rent. Who the hell have I been trying to kid! His head blow did not give me a concussion but instead a conclusion. Time to Shut up, stop whinning and get a life... which is actually the title of another one of his other books. Sure the truth may hurt a little more now but try denying it and see what happens down the road. The best part about this book is the fact he doesn't just kick your butt with some fancy new ideas. He also points you in the direction you need to go. Real and practical steps to get your life going. Steps that a broke victim of self help teachings can actually take. Steps that if you take you will actually see change start to unfold in your life tomorrow. Sure maybe not major change but enough to tell you that you are finally on the train and actually going somewhere! Most of the problems we are trying to solve in our lives by reading magical formula self help books could be solved with just a little clear headed thinking and action. Out of the hundreds of self help get rich books I have read this is the only one that rates up there with my other number one book. "Illusions" by Richard Bach.

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Andrew Field
Helpful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
Brilliant Read

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Amazon Customer
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great transacation

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You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead Paperback – December 30, 2008

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Good advise

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Great Material, Great Writer!

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard nosed truth

5.0 out of 5 stars PURE LARRY

5.0 out of 5 stars The Slap in the Face We All Need

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Larry

1.0 out of 5 stars Buying this book - One of the reason I am broke.

5.0 out of 5 stars AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF BOOKS FINALLY ONE THAT HAS SOMETHING REAL TO SAY!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Good advise

Great Book, Great Material, Great Writer!

Hard nosed truth

PURE LARRY

The Slap in the Face We All Need

Another great book from Larry

Buying this book - One of the reason I am broke.

AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF BOOKS FINALLY ONE THAT HAS SOMETHING REAL TO SAY!!!

Helpful

Five Stars