Yep, I said it….. this is to all of you whiners and critics who love to write me about the book and write negative comments about the book, You’re Broke Because You Want To Be.
First, the positive response to the book has been overwhelming. It seems like those who need to change their situation and read the book are very satisfied with my advice and have written me thankful emails. I sincerely appreciate those letters. You are ready for things to improve and you are doing something about it. That’s all I ask of anyone. I applaud you. And over one thousand of you have used my Refer A Friend button to suggest my book to others…..maybe you just wanted the free book, but that’s okay too. Thanks!
But to those of you who have trashed me over the title saying things like, “How dare you put people down for being poor and for having financial problems…..yada, yada, yada.” I say to you, READ THE BOOK. I understand financial problems. I understand poor. I even start the book sympathizing with the condition “POOR.” The book is NOT for poor people.
Then there is the group, like the couple who trashed my book with one star reviews on Amazon (by the way, they are a married couple who write separate reviews) and they follow me around trashing every book I write. Also, they hate all self improvement books they read and these bozos read a lot…..seems they have every problem known to man, buy books on how to deal with the problem and then hate every book they read. Gee, think THEY might be the problem? Nope, that can’t be it – the experts must be the problem!!!! These people weren’t happy with the book because I didn’t address a number of very specific problems like what happens when you get some disease and can’t work as much and have medical bills and your boss is unsympathetic and again: yada yada yada. In order to address every single specific problem known to man that can cause financial problems I would have to write a 26 volume set of encyclopedias! Instead I address a handful of the most common problems people experience that cause their financial situation. Mostly the problem of an extravagant lifestyle. So to those of you with specific problems that my book doesn’t address……too bad. You are still looking for someone to blame. I’ll let you blame me since obviously you have no fault in your situation at all!
Next, for those of you who post negative comments on Amazon and write me about how stupid the book is because you think I am an arrogant, trash-talking elitist who hides behind sunglasses and stupid shirts and has no idea what it is like to be broke (yep folks, this and more has been said to me and about me), I again say READ THE BOOK. If you read the book, you will find that I am ANYTHING but an elitist and I know broke better than most. I am a country boy from Muskogee, Oklahoma where my family still lives and I grew up without much of anything. And I wear those shirts because I like them! And I wear sunglasses because the sun hurts my eyes! And arrogant? Well, maybe a bit but it is not because I grew up rich or am now rich. I could be the poster child for stupidity. I have made every mistake in the world in every area of my life: with my family, my wife, my businesses, my money. I just learned from my mistakes and now teach what I learned. Period.
Then we have that group of people who trash the book because it is too basic and doesn’t teach anything new. You and ONLY you are 100% correct!!!!!! It is basic….but I meant for it to be that way. People don’t have a clue what their situation is. 40% of our society spends more than they earn. Something basic is needed to wake people up and get them on track… they don’t need a sophisticated approach – they need a basic approach. And you are also right when you say that I am not teaching anything new. I admit that too. There is NO new information anywhere in the world on any topic. I have said that in all my books. I present proven information in a NEW way. I don’t say it like other people. My style is the only thing new and different in any of my books.
Now, it may appear to you who are reading this that I can’t take criticism. Actually I like criticism. In fact, I thrive on it. When you say the kinds of things I say in the way I say it, you have to be prepared to offend people and make them uncomfortable. I am fine with that. So I love all the reviews. IF you read the book. If you read my books and don’t like them, you are free to leave an informed critique of my work. If you haven’t read what I write and you want to critique it, I say, “Shut the hell up because you don’t have the right to comment on something you know nothing about.” Fair? Seems so to me.
Again, thanks to those of you who like the book and are telling me and others. And thanks to those of you who read the book and have issues with it. That shows you are reading and trying to learn and should probably look elsewhere for your answers since I am not the right guy for you. But to you whiners……. you can ….. oh well, you can figure that last one out can’t you???
Larry
Heard of you for the first time today on the Ron and Fez show and was amazed to actually hear some common sense on the radio. People make stupid decisions and look for others to blame or for the government to bail them out, pathetic. Thanks for your straight talk and KEEP IT UP!
If you introduced non-proven information of course you’d be trashed for not presenting any proof! I’m glad you present proven information in a new way because obviously if you presented it in an old way “they” wouldn’t get it!
Nice job on the Ron & Fez show Tuesday!
Don’t let the Pants-Pullers get you down…
Larry, many years ago a wise man introduced me to the concept of “Pants-Pullers”. You have a clear vision of where you’re going with your books, your life and your business. You’ve made changes that have given you success. Picture yourself running a marathon with a clear end destination in mind.
The Pants-Pullers are folks like the couple who reviewed you with one star on Amazon. They sit by the side of the race, not participating (for whatever reason), but so frustrated that others are IN the marathon and moving forward that they reach out as you’re going by and try to pull your shorts down to slow you down. It’s really the only way they know how to express themselves and it’s sad that they can put their energy into themselves and positive change. They can’t stand it when others succeed.
I read your book. It was good. I like blunt. Truth is, many people NEED blunt but don’t know it. My advice to you is equally as blunt as yours:
Don’t let the Pants-Pullers get you down. The more time you spend on them, the more they’ve won by distracting you from the race. Keep on keeping on.
Cheers from Portland…
Larry,
The criticisms are obviously calculated attempts to deter anyone who just may not know any better. Every success has it’s challengers. It’s like you wrote in IT’S CALLED WORK… about our friends wanting us succesful but not moreso than themselves. These people who take time out of their lives don’t want you successful either because they seep with green jealous ooze. They are probably sitting on their fat asses at work on company time, plugging away at the keyboard instead of earning the money they need by making cold calls like they need to be so they can pay for the half a whale they are going to eat that night and pay for with a credit card they have maxed out. You give people information that they can either decide to use and make a better life, or not. No one who has read your work would let anyone else believe those lies. You “make people uncomfortable for a living” as you said yourself, and just like at work, the bottom 20 can’t take that. Best of luck, Okie from Muskogee.
larry –
THANK YOU !
I saw you at the Inter-Tel Dealers Convention in Las Vegas 3 years ago….
I DOUBLED my income last year thanks to listening to you and taking charge
of my own destiny.
Well wishes to you
James Dimmer e3
http://www.jamesdimmer3.com
Wow. Just wow. Are these people KIDDING? Look, I don’t even need Larry’s advice… I did at one time in my life, but I luckily found my way clear to doing all the things he advises… after ending up in bankruptcy. Now, I can wholeheartedly endorse everything he says. I watch Big Spender and shout my agreement at the TV the whole time. HE COULD NOT BE MORE CORRECT. People ARE so full of crap.
Larry, no one likes being told that they’re to blame for a lot of their own problems. I watch episodes where some princess is whining that she just CAN’T live without manicures (um, nail polish is 99 cents), trips to the salon (ever hear of Miss Clairol?), dining out (learn to cook) and daily purchases of $700 handbags and $300 jeans (no comment). Then I listen to her whine that her financial problems aren’t her fault, and Larry’s just so meeeeaaaaaan! How dare he point out that she’s spending three times more than she makes… ON USELESS CRAP SHE DOESN’T NEED.
It’s people like that who trash Larry and his advice. Because he tells them straight out that they’re not victims of anyone but themselves.
Larry, you are my hero. Keep telling it like it is. Those of us who have learned how to live on average salaries in big cities without running up credit card debt by using your philosophies and methods salute you. You rule.
Dear Larry, I did read the entire book in one reading and I did the questions as i went to a degree some I’m still working on. I want you to know I did not find your book my husband did and he would not read it. I purchased your book partly because because it pissed me off a little and partly because I was intriged because just maybe I was ready to hear, see and feel the truth.
I feel like that caged rat running around in circles and I’m sick and tired of the same ol thing (a little program) and I needed an ass kicken I believe sometime it is better than medicine or hugs. Larry I have a PLAN, NOW and wether its successful or not I’m going for it (f___ it), and if this plan does not work then I’ll try another plan and they will all be written down. Dream, wish, picturing it in your mind and putting it on paper I have done I’m rerady to live it………..THANK YOU KEEP ON WRITING LEISA P.S THIS IS FOR ME!
This is the one thing I hate about Amazon. Because you’re behind this wall of semi-anonymity, people say nasty, obnoxious things for no reason and give no basis for their opinions. “This book SUCKED!” is not a review.
Also, as far as that couple goes, anybody who reads tons of self-help books and hates them all because they’re wrong needs professional help, not self-help.
Larry,
I picked your ‘Get a Life’ book up in a office supply store on a whim, and I must say that I am disappointed I haven’t heard of you before now! As a financial advisor for 7 years (now a life coach) I LOVE your kick-in-the-pants approach to life. This country needs it so badly! We don’t appreciate what we don’t earn, and it’s time to start growing up – especially the Gen-Xers.
As for the critics…two choices. WASTE YOUR TIME writing insulting remarks about a person who wrote a book you haven’t read (stupid), or get over it and find someone who has a message that lets you feel sorrry for yourself. Seriously folks – this isn’t politics.
Larry, I love everything about you so far – love the book, love the shirt, love the shades! Keep rockin’.
“Spend less than you earn.”
No, you didn’t originate that idea, but I think you reiterated it in a manner that does hit home to people who have been making excuses to themselves, or whining, or feeling helpless and self-pitying.
It’s impossible to reach every person with the right words each time. I’m glad you’re trying to get at this very resistant core of self-indulgence in our society, the people who actually do make enough money but choose to be stupid about how they spend it.
We’ve all got to fight this madness of mushrooming personal debt. So thanks for your efforts on our behalf!
Will you please release an audio of Shut Up Stop Whining… I’d like the company in the car on the way to work. At least someone makes sense. I know why you wear shades; the sun always shines when you’re cool.
Larry,
I’ve been sharing your ideas with students and recommending your books for years and you are right on the mark. Keep up the great work!!
Larry Curtis
I seen you twice now, the last time in Arizona last year at our National Meeting. I purchased the the book It’s called work for a reason and downloaded it on line. I listened to it numerous times and it helped me to achieve “President’s Club” thru our company, something I have been trying to do for over 8 years.
Thank you so much for your no nonsense approach for work, life and finance’s.
Now, if I could just stop buying cowboy boots everything would be fine ;o)
Dave
By the way… now
Larry
The key skill that I picked up from Dan Kennedy was the concept of “Thick Face Black Heart” from the book by Chin-ning Chu. i.e. not worrying about what other people think.
Your stuff is great, you have a huge and loyal following and you’ve genuinely changed people’s lives.
Forget goons like those Amazon folk.
Regards
John
Thanks to all of you for the great feedback.
Hey Larry – Shut Up Stop Whining IS available on audio – but for some reason the publisher wouldn’t let ME record it. So it is by someone I never heard of and frankly, I can’t recommend it. It is just a voice reading words. So I apologize for it even though I had nothing to do with it and didn’t make ONE DIME from it.
LARRY
Larry, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. You have inspired me to start my own personal finance blog. No, I’m not your competition. I’m just another voice in the wilderness, shouting out the message, hoping others will want to listen. And talking tough now and again.
Why do this when you’re out here and so many others are, too? Because we have to keep trying to get the message across. I worry that our middle class will simply vanish under the combination punch of stupid money behavior and punitive taxes that hit us harder than any other segment of society. And without a middle class, revolution is the only answer for the underdog. By trying to turn the tide of financial insanity, we’re trying to help our nation remain financially stable. Because if you think about it, spending a lot of money on a plasma TV that then throws you into bankruptcy does not help the economy.
I have listened to your motivation download a couple of times now and it’s good stuff. Keep up the good work, so you can enjoy your moments lounging by the barbecue.
Larry,
I just finished your book “You’re broke because you want to be….” Well I’m not really done with it…I’m still making notes and re-reading parts. I can’t mark up the book because it is from the library (#10 “Stop all unnecessary spending”) So I am filling a notebook up to refer to. When I finished the book, I was thirsty for more, like I am after reading any good book, so I picked up this little book that was on the receptionist’s desk (I was covering the switch board while she was at lunch) called Dr. Seuss-isms. Here’s what I found:
“You have brains in your head
And feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
You’re on your own,
And you know what you know,
You are the guy who will decide where to go!”
~Oh, the places you go by Dr. Seuss
Just thought I would share that. If you look hard enough, Knowledge is EVERY WHERE so there is no excuse to be an idiot!
Larry, you are great and you know you are on the right track when you cause a stir. I am at the top of my sales team at a major company. When I hear the more “senior” rep who has never hit his goal in the TWO YEARS I have been with the company talk trash about me, I know I am on to something. I want to model my career after your success in telecom sales, and I think you should write a book about being successful in business, within a large corporation. Talking about gaining promotions and how to carry yourself to get ahead, I think it would be a gold mine that I would immediately use.
Now its my turn(again), to offer my advice to you: Release your newest release on Nightingale as an MP3 download, rather than just offering CD’s. I haven’t used a CD in about 5 years. Everything I listen to is either an MP3(music file), or an MP3 I have burned from a CD. It would be much easier for me to buy and immediately download your materials, than to order CD’s, wait for the shipment and then burn the CD’s and finally listen to them on my phone. I am sure most of your listeners do this.
The internet is prone to allow anyone with the marginal ability of single key typing the inalienable right to write like they are Hemingway, and to post ill informed ignorant opinions and put downs online very easily. I often think this is the cost of doing business online. It wont take away from your success.
Larry, i couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when i saw you in the Hyundai commercial. You are encouraging people with credit card debt to buy a brand new car!!!
How can you justify someone carrying credit card debt to go out and buy a new vehicle, just because it is a little cheaper than aternative new vehicles?
How about they either keep their existing car and pay down their debt first, or buy an old beater with no payments, and pay down the credit card.
I know you guys like to make an extra buck on the side doing speeches, books or commercials, but at least make it consistant with your daily preachings.
For now, i am sticking with Dave Ramsey.
Larry,
I’ve been reading your books for about a year now after I discovered your stuff. EXCELLENT is the only word I can use to describe your approach. I have always been know as an arrogant and cocky guy in my approach, and I have always worn that badge with a smile, knowing that it was really confidence and the knowledge that I was not going to accept anything less than full performance from myself and others. Your books are straight forward and to the point, which is exactly what this world needs more of. Keep it going….
Hey, Larry, my wife and i are going through some tough times and i must say we enjoy reading your book together. We like your open approach and often find much humour in what you have to say. Kudos to you on your openness about all your own issues. It definitely lends credibility to what you have to say. It really is helping to put things in perspective.