It was what I expected. Vanderkam speaks to a very specific population--upper middle class dual-earner families--and you may find it frustrating to read if you are not in that group. If I put aside the things I knew would annoy me based on having read some of her other books, I could find kernels of wisdom. I think I lean too far towards frugality for frugality's sake and she made compelling arguments for finding a balance and spreading out the joy that money can buy.