Author Interview with Rachel Cruze, author of Love Your Life Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want
Why did you write Love Your Life, Not Theirs?
I was inspired to write this book because it’s relatable to where I am in my life now. As I travel around the country and talk to people, I’ve noticed a recurring trend—comparison living. We’re letting other people dictate how we spend our lives and our paychecks. I want people to realize that when they’re scrolling through social media, they’re not seeing the entire picture. When they see a friend’s newly remodeled kitchen, they don’t see the second mortgage they took out to fund the project, which may be causing money fights and stress on their marriage. I want to empower people to have tunnel vision when it comes to their money. I want them to focus on their own values and spend their money according to their values, not someone else’s.
How do you think social media plays a part in the problem of comparison?
Social media gives us a window into other peoples’ lives, but we are seeing a highlight reel. Now days, we carry the Joneses around in our back pocket and have 18 different filters on Instagram. The comparison trap is real, especially when it comes to social media. When we start comparing our lives to what we see on these apps, we struggle to see the blessings in our own lives. I love social media, but if you struggle with comparison, it might be time to consider taking a break!
In your book, you talk about how comparison can lead to debt. Why is that?
The road to comparison always dead-ends in debt. Comparisons lead to discontentment in our own lives, and we wind up spending money to keep up with a lifestyle that we probably can’t afford. People need to understand that it’s possible to live life on their terms, using their own money without the stress and worry that come with debt. It just takes a plan.
What do you hope people will gain from reading Love Your Life, Not Theirs?
My biggest hope is that this book will help people to not only beat the battle of comparisons, but to also begin truly living the life they want. This is a message that needs to be heard in today’s culture. I want people to walk away after reading this book and put good money habits into place—habits of steering clear of debt, making a plan for their money, and talking about money, even when it’s hard, so that they can enjoy a life with less debt, stress and worry.
About Rachel Cruze:
As a #1 New York Times best-selling author and host of The Rachel Cruze Show, Rachel helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. She’s authored three best-selling books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey. You can follow Cruze on Twitter and Instagram at @RachelCruze and online at rachelcruze.com , youtube.com/rachelcruze or facebook.com/rachelramseycruze .
