THOMAS J. STANLEY is the bestselling author of The Millionaire Mind and The Millionaire Next Door, which have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. A recognized authority on the lifestyles and behaviors of the affluent,Dr. Stanley is frequently quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, and other major publications. He has appeared numerous times on the Today show, 20/20,and Oprah. Visit Dr. Stanley at www.thomasjstanley.com.

List of Tables ix

Preface xi

Chapter 1 The Difference between Being Rich and Acting Rich
1

Chapter 2 Everything You Think about Rich Is Wrong 33

Chapter 3 Do the Shoes Make the Man? 59

Chapter 4 Brother, Do You Have the Time? 83

Chapter 5 Keeping Up with Your Spirits 115

Chapter 6 The Grapes of Wrath 145

Chapter 7 The Road to Happiness 171

Chapter 8 Getting Out of the Poorhouse 209

Chapter 9 All that Glitters Is Not the Millionaire's Goal
235

Appendix A The Nationwide Search for Millionaires 245

Appendix B The Millionaire Profi le 247

Notes 251

Acknowledgments 257

About the Author 259

Index 261

"Now Millionaire co-author Thomas Stanley is back with a dose of
financial tough love for high-spending wannabes in Stop Acting
Rich ... and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire."
(Better Investing Magazine, January 3, 2010)

"This is all fascinating stuff and Stanley presents it in a very
readable style. Stanley has written two other best-sellers on
millionaires. It seems he's done it again." (The
Star-Ledger, January 3, 2010)

"...not only is this a book that everyone should buy, it's a
book that every parent who loves his or her kids should buy for
them--and bribe them to read it." (WalletPop, October
7, 2009)

"Contains some surprising data that makes for a convincing
argument supporting a simple lifestyle as a path to security."
(Associated Press)

"After reading through Stanley's engaging anecdotes about
how the other America actually lives, you may come to feel that
perhaps you don't need to impress the other guy so much. This
in itself is no small thing. Your wallet will thank you. And you
may end up happier." (Smartmoney.com)

"Thomas Stanley has written a fascinating book that is based on
years of research into how the truly wealthy live. Stanley's
main contention is that those with millions aren't among the
nation's hyper consumers. Rather it's the
"aspirationals," those seeking recognition as members of the
moneyed set, who are loose with a buck. It's a hypothesis
offered often, but the difference is Stanley's research. He
has packed his book with oodles of statistics -- and not just
the usual numbers. For example, 75 percent of millionaires pay
$19.79 or less for a bottle of wine. When it comes to a dinner, 75
percent pay $24.53 or less and 95 percent keep the tab to less than
$40. This is all fascinating stuff and Stanley presents it in a
very readable style. Stanley has written two other best-sellers on
millionaires. It seems he's done it again." (The
Star-Ledger)

"If you've read the 1996 best-seller The Millionaire Next
Door, you already know it's hard to identify the truly
affluent based on appearance. . . Now Millionaire co-author. .
.Stanely is back with a dose of financial tough love for
high-spending wannabes. . . offers surprising insight. If your goal
is long-lasting wealth and not just the appearance of affluence,
start reading ASAP." (BetterInvesting magazine)

"Stanley is right in advising people to have a re-look at
their spendthrift ways and to avoid getting trapped by symbolism.
"If you spend in anticipation of becoming rich, you are
unlikely to become truly wealthy," he
quips."(Personal Finance Magazine Moneylife)

"Stanley's research does a great job of proving there's a big
difference between income and net worth. Many pretenders have
become very good at generating income and enjoying a high standard
of living. But take this Stanley gem to the bank: 'Those who
are among the least productive in transforming their incomes into
wealth are in the higher-status occupations.' Don't be a
great pretender, pretending you're doing well when you only look
the part. Read this book and find out how to emulate real-deal
millionaires." (The Washington Post, Michelle
Singletary)