"Most parents will do just about anything to secure happy lives and bright futures for their kids. Add in competition with other parents and near-constant pressure, their drive to give their kids the best of everything can backfire, setting back the child and the household finances. Not Buying It proves that sound, rational decision-making about spending is far more beneficial for our kids than purchases made out of fear, pressure and confusion. With Graff's guidance, you'll confidently create the financial strategy that's best for your family, not the one pushed by marketers or practiced by your neighbors." --

Starting out: choose college savings over commercial spending -- Early learning: choose academic acceleration and financial protection over advertising hype -- Your home: choose perfect timing over the two-hour commute -- Schools: choose public schools over private education -- Your star: choose endurance over narcissism -- Food: choose fresh over formaldehyde -- Medical care: choose good health over hearsay -- Materialism: choose stylish freedom over brand-name slavery -- Congratulation, your kid got into a great college: choose peaceful retirement over piles of debt