But more importantly, it makes being frugal a little bit of a sexy thing - showing that denying yourself useless treasures in the short term often leads to much bigger and better things in the long term. Its an interesting dichotomy as they show that underprivileged first-generation immigrants that work incredibly hard are the most likely to be "the Millionaire Next Door", but then are often likely to want 'better things' for their children and the cycle isn't necessarily repeated (or repeat-able). Most interesting were the chapters on gifting to children - and the (seemingly obvious, but not quantified) results.

Overall, an excellent study in what truly boils down to Millionaire mentality, and relative motivation. Well written, easy to understand, excellent message. Well done.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It is full of facts, figures and statistics on who the affluent actually are, what types of businesses they run, how they live, what their spending habits are. What an amazing resource for understanding this group, and even marketing to them.

For my full review, click here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1921164/book_review_the_millionaire_next_door.html?cat=3

"The Millionaire Next Door" explores the investing habits, values and beliefs of millionaires from a statistical perspective.

The book shows that many people with high incomes, luxury cars, and houses in prestigious neighbourhoods often have a much lower net worth than you might expect. These people spend as much money as they make - sometimes more!

In contrast, actual millionaires (people with a net worth of one million dollars or more) prefer to live well below their means and believe that financial independence is more important than social status.

I enjoyed "The Millionaire Next Door". It contains some very powerful ideas and is a good primer on building personal wealth.

I have to say that this book was really enjoyable. I'm not the most avid reader, but this is one book that I did not want to put down. There are tables that give direct information, which are a must for returning to the book for information later. The only thing that I can say is that the book is a tad repetitive, which can be a good thing if that kind of style helps you to retain information. This book is a VERY good start if you are looking to learn a lot about finance and investments.

Just because you earn $120,000 a year does not make you a rich person if you are in debt. It's your net worth on your balance sheet that counts, according to this book. Emphasis on this book is how the typical millionaires accumulated their millions by being frugal. Invest wisely, buy things with lasting value, and only borrow money when in need or for an opportunity. We have been blinded by society's perception of millionaires in golf clubs, with yatchs, expensive european cars, expensive suits and watches. Statistics in this book will surprise you. You may be living next door to a millionaire.

This is not a step-by-step book, rather it shows a lot (and I mean a lot) of statistics of American millionaires. My negative criticism in this book, it glorifies net worthiness too much even when the time to spend your riches is due.

Are you wealthy? Would you recognize the average millionaire if you saw him or her? What factors explain the variations in wealth accumulation? How can you help your children become wealthy? This readable interpretation of solidly researched statistics on the rich is an eye-opener. Get yourself a copy and decide whether you are ready to let go of the consumer lifestyle and move into financial independence.

Ha! You think you look cute and affluent just because you drive a BMW? Think again, buddy! Dr. Stanley might surprisingly teach you one of the most important lessons in your life. For me, this book is among my all-time Top-10 favourites. I read this book like a page-turner. Now I understand more about managing my finances, the use of money, and, yes, the TRUE way of life. Two of the most important messages in his book are: you don't become wealthy to impress people, and, the true idea of financial independence. Ever wonder what's a "go-to-hell fund"? Read this bestseller and you'd find out. You always lament that you don't have a million-dollar inheritance? Dr. Stanley would give you hope.

My father always said "never judge a book by its cover", and never has this been more true than in looking at one's wardrobe or car and one's bank or investment account statement. It's the truly rich that don't have the pretentions of Gucci loafers and a Rolex watch and a Summer place in the Hamptons.
They have, instead, a Ford in the driveway of a modest house and a long-term spouse. They look at money as a job and not a hobby or pasttime--or they simply hire the best to do it for them. They live below their means and make sure that they have an emergency fund--just in case.
These are just a few of the intriguing and perplexing (at first) conclusions that this book--based on surveys of hundreds of millionaires--brings to light.
Good for non-investment/financial/stockmarket types as well.

In our age of hyperconsumption this book is refreshing as it reviews what is really required to "become wealthy" as opposed to "appearing wealthy". Not boring, Stanley gives life to even the stats with real people examples.
Give it to a megaconsumer friend and watch the wheels turn!

The surprising truth about the attitudes and spending habits of America's millionaires. It makes good use of case studies and tables to show how millionaires accumulate their wealth. It also teaches readers to determine their own net worth, so they too can become one of the financial elite. Recommended for anyone who wants to know what it really takes to become wealthy.