On August 25, 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that from January 2013 through December 2015, there were 3.2 million workers displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years. Losing a job is distressing. Not being able to find a replacement job can be devastating and there is no comfort in knowing the number of people who share in your job loss position. The possibility of poverty becomes a "real" alternative and managing the transition is your only solution. This is a memoir. It is a true story that recalls the journey of Marlene Bertrand, a woman who once owned a small business, who once earned a six-figure income and lived the lifestyle of the American Dream. But, then in the year 2008 a new presidential regime was voted in. This new Commander-in-Chief charged in and changed the way of the world, making decisions without regard for the citizens who would be affected. These presidential decisions wrought havoc on the economy; consequently, these decisions destroyed the very lifestyle to which Marlene had become accustomed. After losing her job due to "Right-Sizing," Marlene was unable to find gainful employment and rapidly went from living an upper-middle class lifestyle to living in poverty. It wasn't easy, but Marlene is a positive thinker. When life gives her lemons, she makes lemonade. After making some adjustments in her mindset and behavior she is now living a simple life, sharing her struggles and solutions to help others transition to living a simple, yet sustainable lifestyle. Marlene not only talks about living with less income, she is living with less income. In "From Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living," Marlene shows you how to live with less money, yet still live a more abundant lifestyle.
About the Author: Being raised in a military household offered Marlene Bertrand the opportunity to grow up in multiple states throughout the U.S. In 1986, Marlene co-authored the book titled, "Kindercize." Marlene is also the instructional voice heard on the accompanying musical CD. In 2011, Marlene began writing content for internet publishers, and receives numerous editors' choice awards for her publications. In 2014, Marlene began narrating and producing audiobooks. Wanting to write a book to help other aspiring voice artists, Marlene wrote the book titled, "Ten No Nonsense Steps to Becoming an Audiobook Recording Artist." Currently residing in the Sierra Foothills of sunny California, Marlene lives a simple life, growing her own food and living a sustainable lifestyle.