Tightwads and Spendthrifts - by Scott Rick (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A revolutionary guide to navigating the financial aspects of real relationships Have you ever asked yourself 'What if I'm a tightwad and my significant other is a spendthrift?' or vice versa? Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, knows that many people do. He also knows that the financial aspects of an intimate relationship can become a money minefield if couples try to navigate it without first discussing all of the financial issues between them, especially if those two people have different approaches to spending. Tightwads and Spendthrifts is a science-based guide to understanding and transforming how we manage money, both on our own and in relationships. Building on his original research, and surveying a vast body of interdisciplinary work, Tightwads and Spendthrifts will help you understand your own financial psychology and how it plays out in your relationships. Can tightwads and spendthrifts live together in harmony? Rick says 'yes,' but not without first asking hard questions about whose opinion should count most when making a financial decision. After all of the issues have been aired, he tells readers how to create a game plan for navigating financial decision making that both Tightwads and Spendthrifts can rely on for a happy life together"

Book Synopsis

A revolutionary guide to navigating the financial aspects of real relationships

Have you ever asked yourself "What if I'm a tightwad and my significant other is a spendthrift?" or vice versa? Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, knows that many people do. He also knows that the financial aspects of an intimate relationship can become a money minefield if couples try to navigate it without first discussing all of the financial issues between them, especially if those two people have different approaches to spending.

Tightwads and Spendthrifts is a science-based guide to understanding and transforming how we manage money, both on our own and in relationships. Building on his original research, and surveying a vast body of interdisciplinary work, Tightwads and Spendthrifts will help you understand your own financial psychology and how it plays out in your relationships. Can tightwads and spendthrifts live together in harmony? Rick says "yes," but not without first asking hard questions about whose opinion should count most when making a financial decision. After all of the issues have been aired, he tells readers how to create a game plan for navigating financial decision making that both Tightwads and Spendthrifts can rely on for a happy life together.

Review Quotes

"A compelling journey through the human psyche, shedding light on the intricacies of our financial choices and their far-reaching consequences. It's a must-read for anyone looking to unravel the mysteries of money and love." - Booklist

"Scott Rick has written the book we all need to better navigate the often-tricky intersection between money and relationships. Grounded in cutting-edge research, Tightwads and Spendthrifts offers practical strategies to help you better understand your own financial tendencies and build stronger, more fulfilling financial partnerships." - Katherine L. Milkman, James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania, author of How to Change and host of the podcast, Choiceology

"Tightwads and Spendthrifts is an essential primer for anyone seeking guidance on how to think about or approach the fraught topic of money between spouses, parents and children, or friends. Scott Rick looks at the plentiful research literature on money management and relationships, and distills it to its often surprising essence. A fascinating, interesting and thought-provoking read." - Helaine Olen, author of Pound Foolish and co-author of The Index Card

"We promise to have and to hold for richer or poorer, but nobody's ever taught us how. Even among loving spouses who earn good incomes, navigating money issues can be fraught, even toxic. Finally, in Tightwads and Spendthrifts, we have the essential guide to achieving monetary peace with our spouse or life partner. In lucid and compelling prose, Scott Rick offers an engaging tour through the science of spending and saving, gifts and secrets. With each chapter, we are positioned for a deeper connection with our beloved." - Eli J. Finkel, author of The All-or-Nothing Marriage

"Money matters can derail even the healthiest marriages. In Tightwads and Spendthrifts, Scott Rick offers surprising and practical guidance on how to safely and happily traverse these troubled waters. A fun read that is sure to spark a lot of conversation." -Jonah Berger, Wharton Professor and Bestselling Author of Contagious, Magic Words, and The Catalyst

"This book will change your perspective on both your romantic relationships and your relationship with money. In this practical guide, Scott Rick reveals how your deepest beliefs about money may be working against you -- and what you can do about it." - Logan Ury, author of How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love

"Scott Rick has been studying couples and money for years. Tightwads and Spendthrifts is a masterfully-researched unpacking of how money frames our relationships. It makes for remarkably compelling reading for anyone in a marriage - or approaching marriage - because it forces us to think about why we do what we do. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand why we spend what we spend, and maybe how to make those tough conversations a little easier." - Lizzie O'Leary, the Host of What Next: TDB at Slate and columnist for Wealthsimple

About the Author

Scott Rick is a marketing professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, where he has won awards for research and teaching. He holds a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon, where he was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow. His research on consumer behavior has been covered in outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He has published in premier journals spanning marketing, psychology, and economics.