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Stop Acting Rich: And Start Living Like a Real Millionaire Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Fred Stella (Narrator), Thomas J. Stanley (Author), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)
4.4 out of 5 stars 992 ratings
With the current 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." The reality is that 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, listen to this audiobook and understand how to become rich instead of acting rich.

It all starts with where you live. Live in a prestige neighborhood 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. 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.

Best-selling author of The Millionaire Next Door and The Millionaire Mind and leading authority on the wealthy, Dr. Thomas Stanley uncovers the truth that 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. Just stop acting...and instead start living like a rich person.

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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 26 minutes
  2. Author
    Thomas J. Stanley
  3. Narrator
    Fred Stella
  4. Audible release date
    September 28, 2009
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  7. ASIN
    B002QUL4PC
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 26 minutes
Author Thomas J. Stanley
Narrator Fred Stella
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 28, 2009
Publisher Brilliance Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B002QUL4PC
Best Sellers Rank #25,475 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#96 in Money Management & Budgeting
#197 in Budgeting & Money Management (Books)
#209 in Finance (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
992 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book worth multiple reads and appreciate its great lessons on true wealth, with one customer noting it's written in a conversational style. Moreover, the pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting it as a great follow-up to The Millionaire Next Door. However, the readability receives mixed reviews - while some find it easy to understand, others note it's repetitive. Additionally, the content receives criticism for lacking new material and being unexciting.

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Value for moneyAdvice qualityMessagePacingReadabilityContent
130 customers mention "Value for money"116 positive14 negative

Customers find the book worth multiple rereads and consider it a great follow-up to previous works, with one customer noting its thorough research.

"...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

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

"Said this was an excellent read." 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 informative and well-researched, providing great lessons on true wealth and proving its points with facts.

"...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

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

12 customers mention "Message"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message, finding it concise and easy to understand, with one customer noting it's written in a conversational style.

"...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 appreciate the pacing of the book, with one noting it's a great follow-up to The Millionaire Next Door and another highlighting its realistic depiction of temptation.

"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

44 customers mention "Readability"21 positive23 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it easy to read and understand, while others note that it is repetitive, particularly in the last few chapters.

"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 express disappointment with the book's content, noting that it contains little new material and nothing exciting or profound.

"...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

  • Stan57
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Book by a Great Author!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    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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  • James E Z East
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    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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  • Dan Danford
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stop Acting Rich: The Paradox Of This Book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    262 people found this helpful
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  • Christie Kennedy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gift
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Said this was an excellent read.
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  • Curt
    3.0 out of 5 stars rehash, but simple
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    kind of a simple-language rehash of Millionaire Next Door... though this one may be more appropriate for someone who is just not familiar with the concepts. I did read it, annotated it... then gave it away to a younger friend.
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  • IMHO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    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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Top reviews from other countries

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  • WEALTH007
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another must have book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • Oscar Lozada
    5.0 out of 5 stars Focus in value more than price
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book has the effect to produce a shock with real wealthy people concept. The parameters could differ from other countries, but at the end results should be the same. If you're looking for real rich people concept this book is a must read.
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  • A. Sharma
    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
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • Carlos M.
    2.0 out of 5 stars Only data and statistics
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on October 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • k84
    5.0 out of 5 stars 謎が解けた
    Reviewed in Japan on April 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    「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。
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