The Average Family's Guide to Financial Freedom

Like most average American heads-of-household, Bill and Mary Toohey found themselves increasingly stressed by their financial responsibilities, with no real job security, their standard of living in constant jeopardy, and little promise of ever having enough time for their children or each other. The realization that their family?s financial future was entirely dependent on benevolent employers, a lifetime of full-time work, and the fate of social security was a disheartening condition they wanted to change?quickly. Unlike most Americans, in eight short years, the Tooheys managed to save nearly half of their modest annual income?and add almost half a million dollars to their net worth. They now have enough money to cover most expenses for the rest of their lives?even if they never earn another paycheck. With a daughter headed for college and a son with costly health problems, do the Tooheys claim this was easy? No. But it was doable. And it can be for you, too.Named among the "Best Personal Finance Managers in America" by Money magazine, the Tooheys have taken their story, and their strategies, public in the hopes of helping others achieve the financial independence to enjoy their lives? and even their work.Easy-to-understand and conversational, here is the Tooheys? groundbreaking formula for building assets without earning more money, relocating, or changing jobs?and without suffering. In addition to practical planning and investment suggestions, covered here are crucial issues in developing a money saving mindset, including:The impact of money on relationships--featuring the Tooheys? personal "Killer of Love" listThe value of work beyond a paycheckThe importance of a varied reading in order to build a network of ideas and stimulate creative thinkingMaintaining normal family routines in times of crisisDeriving comfort, satisfaction, and beauty from your home?your most inexpensive place to beThe simple truth that spending less is easier than saving moreHow adapting an "attitude of gratitude" can help break the spending cycle Defining financial freedom.and more, to help you turn your average income into above-average wealth. BILL and MARY TOOHEY lecture widely and have written several magazine articles on their sound money strategies. Bill is a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and Mary is an office manager. The couple live in Iowa and have three children.H OW ONE FAMILY QUICKLY WENT FROM "GETTING BY" TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM?AND HOW YOU CAN, TOO"If you?ve got the grit, determination, and vision, the Tooheys? astonishing plan will lead you to financial security."?Jeff Davidson, author of The Joy of Simple Living"If you think you can?t build wealth on what you earn, read this book. Bill and Mary Toohey will show you exactly how to achieve financial freedom for yourself and your family. Inspiring!" ? Gerri Detweiler, coauthor of Invest in Yourself: Six Secrets to a Rich Life"The Average Family?s Guide to Financial Freedom is an excellent resource for people who are serious about changing their financial lifestyle. Moderation is the key. The point is that it doesn?t require a huge fortune to achieve financial freedom. This book teaches the reader in a sensible, realistic fashion how to control spending by reducing needs. As the authors say, it?s not easy, but doable." ? Kerry Hannon, author of Suddenly Single: Money Skills for Divorcees and Widows"Hooray for the real-life version of getting financially fit. All of us coping with families, middle income, and mortgages can relate to this energetic, practical book. If they can do it, so can we!" ? Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and editor/publisher of The Simple Living Journal.…