Customer Reviews:
A classic life enhancer.......2007-09-21
Covey's book is a classic that I frequently pull off my shelf to review. This CD set is a convenient way to review the timeless principles Covey teaches and to trigger thoughts about new applications in my own life while I'm on the road.
I'm a big supporter of listening to self development and training material while you drive/ride. Currently in my car's CD player: Dave Lakhani's "Making Marketing Work" (a guide for successful sales/marketing in today's world), Kevin Hogan's "Time for Love, Time for Money" (rock solid set on time, energy and financial creation) . . . and High School Musical 2 soundtrack (for my girls, not me - really!).
Your life will be richer - way beyond finances - for reading Covey's book and frequently reinforcing with this set of CDs. Even if you have not read the book and don't intend to, you will still benefit from these CDs.
Mollie Marti
Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success
Simply a Classic.......2007-09-16
I have read the book and I now faciliate 7-Habits Seminars using the 3-CD Audio version which is simply fantastic. After absorbing a plethera of thse types of books, I recommend that Dale Carnegies' How to Win Friends and Influence People be used as a pre-requisite to the teachings of Dr. Covey. DC focus is on very basic human relationships which is a great primer and reinforcement for the first 3 of Stephen Habits whick comprise his concept of the private victory. Too many companies make the mistake of promoting their technically competent to the position of leader without an accurate assessment of their basic character and leadership potential. They usually assume that basic great character is already there sometimes based on just a high likability factor. You really have to have these character base concepts down before you move on to the public victory which is the path to true leadership.
A Realistic Look in the Mirror.......2007-08-13
It's been around awhile, but this publication is at the top of the list. It makes you take stock in yourself and others.
It is better to take time to read this material instead.......2007-08-10
The author just seems to be reading the book at his pace. It is lacking artistic touch. Although he understands the material very well, he has not taken time to illustrate the material using extra examples. A role playing of several people could be more effective to make it more interesting. The material is too intense to just hear and go to the next step without thinking through. On the other hand, it works out much better just reading the book and understanding the material, making notes and see how I can relate to the material.
Truly effective!.......2007-05-17
My first audio book. Truly an effective use of time as a commuter. Great principle based habits to live by presented in an easily digestible format.
Book Description
This is the landmark book that changed the way exceptional families think about their heritage, their wealth, and their legacy to future generations - now revised and expanded. "A masterpiece. No one is more astute than Jay Hughes about the topics of family wealth and family life." - Charles W. Collier, Senior Philanthropic Adviser, Harvard Univesity.
Customer Reviews:
Great Treatment of Family Wealth Topics.......2007-09-28
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great treatment of key issues facing families transitioning significant wealth across generations.
This is not a tedious discussion of dry, technical strategies requiring an LLM in taxation to understand. Rather, it is an analysis of ways to maximize the long-term positive impacts of wealth on a family while minimizing the negative ones.
While this book would be a helpful read for anyone concerned about leaving heirs more than just money, I think families with estates over $5MM would find some of the advice most directly applicable to the challenges they face.
Family Wealth - Keeping it in the Family.......2007-02-16
As an advisor, preparing for my first Family Meeting, I found this more helpful than most other books on Family Governance. I really liked the way in which it talks about not just financial capital, and social capital, but human & intellectual capital as well. It resonated well with me and with my Family Office clients. It gives more of a structure for developing the governance model than other books I've seen.
Immensely valuable for members of a family business.......2007-01-03
Chapter 1 applied most directly to my situation, and this chapter alone makes the book worth having on my shelf. Hughes' perspective, from both his own family and his experience advising other families, gives the book authority.
Often family wealth seems to be treated as a "dirty little secret" where money concerns trump people concerns. Hughes provides a framework where financial, human, and intellectual assets can all be considered. He shows that family wealth can be a path towards growth of individuals, families, and their wealth, through investments, philanthropy, and professional development.
Bravo!
Hands on, long term familiy peace.......2006-08-19
I profound and comprehensive book on long term principles and practices to preserve family wealth (human an financial).
A must reading for medium family businesses.
Addresses issues of significant importance in the wealth management process.......2006-08-18
As principal of a financial planning and wealth management firm, I highly recommend this book for families who have acquired wealth and want their children and future generations to be concerned about their human, intellectual and social development in addition to the growth of their financial resources.
Family Wealth does a good job of addressing issues of importance to wealthy families such as the need to create and establish mission statements, plan for family governance and how to create a mutually rewarding relationship with trustees and financial advisors.
As someone with practical experience in planning and/or supervising all aspects of a client's financial planning needs with the goal of protecting and enhancing retirement assets and estates, I especially like the emphasis by Hughes on the need for long-term thinking and how personal and intellectual development is just as important as financial decisions in the family organization.
This book has added a new dimension to our multi-disciplined practice. Along with our principal specialty, retirement income and retirement plan distribution strategies, we now help our clients think of ways to use their financial capital to nurture and enhance their human and intellectual capital.
Book Description
Get out of debt and stay out with the help of Dave Ramsey, recently seen by millions of Today Show viewers. His practical regimen, first set forth by The Financial Peace Planner, which will be published by Penguin in January 1998. Loaded with inspirational insights that come from personal experience, this set of books is the most valuable purchase a debt-ridden reader can make.
Customer Reviews:
Simply the best book on personal finance you can buy.......2006-05-20
I actually had this book in 1993 when it was self published the principles in it showed me how to go from being totally broke and $50,000 in debt to now having a net worth of $150,000, this is also after going through a divorce where I lost 50% of my net worth.
This is financial step one:Start the journey.I have also been listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio since he started in Nashville in 1993. His common sense information is why I have a 6 figure 401K, and have had financial peace over the past 13 years. He taught me what my parents should have about personal finance. This is a great beginners book in personal finance,it can show you the way out of debt and into prosperity. Here are some of the rules:
1). Never have a car payment
2). Do not use credit cards
3). Get a mortgage of less than 25% of your monthly net income.
4). Have 3 months of expenses saved
5). Get a career you love not a job
6). Tell yourself and yout family NO to things you can not afford
7). Contribute 15% to your 401K
8). Live on a budget
9). Live on less than you make!
10). Work two jobs until you are out of debt.
It is worth the price you pay short term for the long term peace.
Financial Peace - A Plan that Truly WORKS!.......2006-05-05
This book has literally changed our lives. I give this as a wedding gift (w/some cash) for many young couples. But, young or old, the practical steps given in this book can change your life!
Ramsey is blunt, but caring. He provides hope when things look the worst. He's lived through bankruptcy and loss of everything, and he shares his story to show how changes in money management can impact you. Written in easy to understand language and terms. Should be required reading for all high school students! (but, it's not too late for the Baby-boomers.) Ramsey is a true teacher.
Practical and Doable.......2005-07-06
Dave Ramsey makes it easy to apply the principles he outlines in this book. In the conclusion he evens admits he hasn't totally implemented all he writes about in his own life. He explains that if a reader can accomplish 25% of what he describes, significant financial progress will result. There is not any major revelations in this book. He reminds you of the basics.
He puts finances into context, emphasizing from the outset that other aspects of life have to be taken into consideration. One of the recurring themes is to give to worthy causes. He also talks about tithing. His discussion on money always being in circulation is worthwhile.
The reflective nature of this book takes the subject matter way beyond greed. Stewardship, not accumulation is the framework. These principles are worthy goals which should be achieved by anyone interested in being a responsible adult.
SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL.......2004-06-03
This is a very simple and easy to read book about getting out of debt and becoming financially free. The steps are clear-cut and presice and I plan on using the techniques to become free of debt. But to me the most powerful thing about the book is how it changes your way of thinking about debt. I like everyone hates being in debt but for some reason we've come to think that it's neccesary. The whole nation is in debt and it's only getting worse. This book opens your eyes to the fact that debt destroys lives and causes a never ending cloud of depression over you.
I really don't think people realize this in their everyday lives. They buy and buy what they can't afford and wonder why they're not happy with their spouses, jobs, careers, lives. Bottom line ,,, Debt equals NO PEACE and this book proves it.
The only negative about this older version of the book is that it doesn't suggest what a person should do if they don't have the money to take the steps. The book is so powerful in influencing your mindset it seems strange that it leaves out the important fact that a person may have to get a part-time job or they may have to cut out a lot of luxuries in order to get debt free. This version also doesn't suggest how a couple should work out differences of opinions when it comes to credit.
Other than those two things this is a great read for everyone and a book I feel every freshman in college should get for free before they start receiving all of those pre-approved credit card statements..
Knowledge without Action is Powerless!.......2003-05-03
Dave Ramsey presents some very good information and IF most people appled it they could indeed create Financial Peace. The truth is as Dave says on page 271, "..Reading this book and obtaining knowledge is good, BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH." Over 7 trillion dollars in consumer debt has families struggling with not only money but with time. They need a system that takes less than an hour a month, which is about all of the time and energy they have to break free. Dave certainly has the heart of his reader in mind when he wrote the book.
Book Description
Do you have too much month at the end of your money? Is your credit card screaming for relief? Are you tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul . . . whoever they are?
Meet Steve and Annette Economides. They’ve been called cheapskates, thriftaholics, and tightwads, but in these tough economic times, Steve and Annette have managed to feed their family of seven on just $350 per month, pay off their first house in nine years and purchase a second, larger home, buy cars with cash, take wonderful vacations, and put money in savings. Without degrees in finance or six-figure salaries, Steve and Annette have created a comfortable, debt-free life for themselves and their children. In
America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money, they show you how they did it- and how you can do it too.
Steve and Annette share many down-to-earth principles and the simple spending plan that they have used since 1982. They have taught this economizing lifestyle to thousands of people worldwide through seminars and their newsletter, and they include lots of real-life stories to make you feel as if you’re having your own private coaching session. Not only will you find solutions to your financial dilemmas, you’ll also discover a whole new way of life.
You don’t need to be a CPA or a math wizard to learn their revolutionary system, which will teach you:
- hundreds of ways to save money on everyday household expenses, including groceries, clothing, and health care
- how to save in advance for major purchases such as homes, cars, and vacations
- how to stop living paycheck to paycheck
- how to eliminate debt . . . forever!
America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money puts meeting your financial goals- and living well at the same time- in reach for every family.
Customer Reviews:
Practical ideas for frugal living.......2007-10-10
I loved this book! I read it cover to cover and have implememted great money saving techniques into my lifestyle. I feel I am already somewhat frugal, but this book gave me great ways to teach my children and to have an even more detailed budget. I ahve implemented some of the tips to save on groceries and am so pleased! I not only am saving money but also valuable time! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for practical money saving tips already put to the test!
It's worth reading.......2007-10-02
I'm a pretty good cheapskate myself so some of these ideas were not new to me. However, even though some of their ideas were so draconian I would never personally do them, it was interesting to read and I got a few ideas from them. I checked the book out of the library instead of buying it, proving another way to be frugal.
The budget that set us free.......2007-09-10
I read this book when my family was spiraling into financial doom. We were spending $250-350 MORE than we were earning--per month. We were looking into selling our home and only car because we couldn't afford our lifestyle. And we were totally sinking in debt.
Then I read AMERICA'S CHEAPEST FAMILY and decided to try the budget outlined in the book. It took me many hours of work at first to figure out all our expenses & debts, but it was so exciting when it started to come together. My husband and I were elated because we finally knew what was wrong with our finances. Before we put everything on paper using their worksheet, we couldn't pinpoint exactly why & how we had lost control. Once we finished listing our costs, our overspending was clear and we knew we could change it.
We've been doing this budget for 5 months now. We're now spending less than we earn. We have money set aside ahead of time for all our bills, even the big ones like car insurance. And I no longer have to pay with the payment plans--I pay the entire bill at once. We've got a now-thriving savings account too. We even pay a little extra for our mortgage each month. And we've also got money set aside for Christmas & birthdays, so we can splurge and have no credit card debt.
The one thing we do differently from the Economides' is that I pay all of our bills automatically (and free) online. It's way easier than checkbooks and you save on stamps and grief.
Utilizing their budget system saved our family. We still own our home and car and I am so grateful. Our son can still play in our yard, which means everything to me. I could see how this budget could be too much for some people... however I actually enjoy the time I spend on it. Seriously, it's all good news now! It's also our plan for the future.
This budget set us free. I never thought I'd ever say that, because you always hear how budgets restrict you, but for us it's the opposite. Now we have financial freedom.
Recently featured on a major news show, this is what you need to know.......2007-09-01
I saw the show. I already had the book. I bought another copy to give to my son. I use the tips in the book and, yes, we DO save money.
Here is the REALITY you have to face before you even buy this book:
To get the full benefit of this book, you do need to be willing to buck certain attitudes that are part of our society. The Economides family is willing to get clothing from the thrift shop. When your child comes to you and asks to have those designer jeans, will you have the courage to say "No" or will you cave in? Can you put off impulse buying? Are you willing to take the steps necessary to stay out of debt? Read the chapter on Attitude and if you think you don't have the guts to commit to a new attitude (and don't fool yourself, it does take guts), the this may not be the time for you to buy this book....just don't wait till you are drowning in debt to see the light. I personally think that one chapter is the MOST valuable one right there.
One MAJOR advantage of this book is that it offers options, depending on your comfort level with saving money. You can opt to be a bit frugal or save every spare penny. If you need to take some baby steps before moving to the next level - or just stick with a certain level of savings - each chapter offers options. Clearly, this family understands that not everyone can commit to their value system and they give a nod to those people. I found that refreshing and different.
It is not an "all or nothing" book, although the family themselves describe how far they'll go to save money. They get by on about 35K a year and have 7 children, so it doesn't take a lot of imagination to figure out that they have to be cutting back in a MAJOR way.
We don't save quite as drastically as they do. Even so, we have learned a lot from this book. One of the most important facets of a longterm savings plan is maintaining the right attitude and not giving in to peer pressure or temptation. When I feel like I'm weakening, I turn to this book and am inspired again.
Be prepared to save real money using these tips!.......2007-07-05
What takes courage, commitment, creativity, idealism, faith, and the help of others? And isn't homeschooling? Choosing to live a frugal lifestyle, especially during the good economic times.
The biggest negative about this book - use it and you'll soon realize that not everyone cares to be smart about how they spend their money. It could be an elderly parent on a fixed income who says, "I'm not /that/ desperate," when you tell them how to save $20 a month on their AOL bill. A sibling who thinks coupon clipping is only for lonely housewives who need something to do while watching soap operas between loads of laundry. Or maybe a good friend who swears their current method for teaching their children responsible money habits works perfectly fine, but admits they rarely remember to actually use it with their kids. When faced with these people, its best to avoid asking for the $240 per year in AOL savings, fast food coupons, and money their kids may very well waste themselves "forgetting" to pay their own bills, as they learned from mom and dad forgetting to pay them during their childhoods.
Don't panic - this is not an all or nothing book that will force you to live on ramon and peanut butter just to pay off bills as early as possible. Every helpful chapter ends with three options: Timid Mouse for those wishing to start slowly, Wise Owl for those ready to make more of a commitment to frugality, and Amazing Ant for those eager to stop wasting their money needlessly and wanting to change now. Nor do you have to read this as a start to finish system with each chapter requiring you've read and implemented the previous chapters. Instead, you can start where you wish to dive in and bounce around as your interests and needs dictate.
Our family has enjoyed many benefits already from the tips given to the reader by Steve and Annette Economides. Yes, that is their real last name. The day after my copy arrived, it paid for itself in a single grocery tip regarding lunchmeat. We used the money we saved the first month on medical expenses to buy new bedroom furniture. Think clipping coupons is a waste of time for just a few pennies? We didn't change our eating habits or purchases a bit, yet with coupon savings, we financed not one but two vacations to San Diego, complete with annual passes to Sea World, the Wild Animal Park, and the Zoo for the whole family.
Throughout the book, the Economides' children chime in with their thoughts on the ideas and, more importantly, their implementation is a real homeschooling household. With that in mind, here is what our son thinks of our new lifestyle.
I like the kid's paycheck. I get money for doing stuff like cleaning animal cages, feeding the cats, and even exercise. It's helping me save up to buy a used X-Box.
Living a frugal lifestyle isn't about depriving yourself, it's about keeping as much of your money in your hands as possible. This book is full of tips to help you do just that as painlessly as possible.
Average customer rating:
- Heartfelt, shocking, and an opportunity to "cleanse"
- Very valuable
- transformational book
- Rev Theresa Claytor, GCFP, CLL
- Another rediculous rip-off
|
Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More
Joe Vitale , and
Ihaleakala Hew Len
Manufacturer: Wiley
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ASIN: 0470101474 |
Book Description
Praise For Zero Limits
"This riveting book can awaken humanity. It reveals the simple power of four phrases to transform your life. It's all based in love by an author spreading love. You should get ten copies of it——one for you and nine to give away. It's that good."
—— Debbie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Dark Side of the Light Chasers
"I love this book! I feel it will be the definitive personal-change/self-help book for at least a generation and viewed as a watershed event by historians. There is real potential for this book to start a movement that will end war, poverty, and the environmental devastation of our beloved planet."
—— Marc Gitterle, MD, www.CardioSecret.com
"This book is like a stick of dynamite, and the moment you start reading, the fuse is lit.
It blows away all the complex and confusing success paradigms of the past and reveals a refreshing and clear path to transform your life with just one simple step. As you explore Zero Limits with Vitale, be prepared for a journey that is both challenging and inspiring beyond anything you've imagined."
—— Craig Perrine, www.MaverickMarketer.com
"There are more than 6 billion different manifestations of human existence on the planet?and only one of us here. In Zero Limits, Vitale has captured the truth that all great spiritual, scientific, and psychological principles teach at the most fundamental level. Boil it all down to the basics and the keys are quite simple—— the answer to all life's challenges is profound love and gratitude. Read this book; it's a reminder of the truth and ability you already possess."
—— James Arthur Ray, philosopher and bestselling author of Practical Spirituality and The Science of Success
"Wow! This is the best and most important book Vitale has ever written!"
—— Cindy Cashman, www.FirstSpaceWedding.com
"I couldn't put it down. This book elegantly sketches what I've learned and learned about in twenty-one years of personal study, and then it takes it to the next level. If you're looking for true peace along with 'the good stuff,' then this book is for you."
—— David Garfinkel, author of Advertising Headlines That Make You Rich
"Zero Limits is Vitale's adventure into the most mind-altering reading experience of your life."
—— Joseph Sugarman, President, BluBlocker Sunglasses, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Heartfelt, shocking, and an opportunity to "cleanse".......2007-10-14
At first I was dissuaded from reading Zero Limits by some of the negative reviews on Amazon, which stated that the book was simply a tout for Vitale's seminars and other products.
Still, when I found the book in a local bookstore and looked into it. I was quite surprised by what I discovered. A book with "heart," insight, and some quite fascinating information.
Some reviewers have complained that the book simply reveals the four key phrases of the modern ho'oponopono technique, and never does offer any deeper secrets of the practice. That is true, but if someone really practices those so-called "basics" of Love, Forgiveness, Apology, and Thanks till they resonate in every area of one's life---then one's Life becomes an almost miraculous succession of divinely-inspired events.
The book essentially describes Vitale's meeting and subsequent relation with Dr Ilhaleakala Hew Len, a proponent of "modern ho'opononono," which was devised by Morrnah Simeona from the ancient Hawaiian practice. Dr Len became an internet legend when the story of how he "cured" a ward of criminally insane patients by doing nothing more than cleansing HIMSELF was disseminated online.
In general terms, the ancient version of ho'oponopono was a community affair in which Elders and members of the community would come together to resolve problems according to spiritual principles for the good of each individual and the group as a whole.
The modern version is a solitary practice in which one attempts to correct wrongs in oneself on all levels. The very far-reaching and mind-blowing concept is that ANY wrong which comes into our life in ANY way becomes a part of US, and we are now responsible for it. We then can "cleanse" this within our own heart and soul.
So, for example, if we pick up a newspaper and read about some terrible crime committed in a distant state, that crime then becomes a PART OF US, since it is now in OUR consciousness. And we can then "cleanse" the effects of that crime in ourselves by seeking love, apology, and forgiveness. And our cleansing will then radiate out into the world at large.
That gives a whole new and much more challenging significance to the "we are all one" bromide that is rife in much spiritual and new thought literature.
If we are REALLY "all one," then each of us must take full responsibility for anything that comes into our life. And then "cleanse" it.
Joe Vitale conveys this idea thoroughly in the book by citing his own experiences in applying the technique, as well as his encounters and numerous discussions with Dr Hew Len.
All in all, I really liked this book, and in some ways, it has become a life-changing read for me. Since applying the "zero limits" technique in my life, numerous good things have happened for me, both financially and in family relationships. The idea is that as one goes on cleansing and cleansing, one can reach a state in which anything is possible---Zero Limits.
Joe did give me one special opportunity to "cleanse." I discovered that much of his chapter "What Exceptions?" as well as numerous instances of his purportedly personal conversations with Dr Hew Len, had been copied verbatim from an interview between Dr Hew Len and Cat Saunders, published in 1997!! http://www.drcat.org/articles_interviews/html/hotfudge.html
Well, I guess I'll just go on "cleansing" my diminished respect for Vitale.
Nonetheless, that aside, the book is sure to give you a totally different view about how to transmute "problems" both personal and "outside" yourself into the much higher frequencies of Love, Forgiveness, and Thanks.
That alone is invaluable and makes this book a great and unforgettable resource for positive living.
Very valuable.......2007-10-13
Even though I had attended a seminar with Drs. Vitale and Hew Len, I found this book to be highly worthwhile. Points that were obscure in person became much clearer in print, for some reason. In all honesty, I had seen/heard/read much of the material in this book before. That does not diminish the value of it, though. Sometimes we need to have material presented to us in more than one way before we get it. This was certainly worthwhile for me. Your mileage, of course, may vary.
transformational book.......2007-10-05
Zero Limits can only be described as life altering. The pure and simple practices of the Hawaiian healing method detailed in the book can literally change the world as we know it.
Rev Theresa Claytor, GCFP, CLL.......2007-10-04
This book is so simple that it is hard to fathom. I have been using this ancient Hawaiian healing system and it has been working for me. In order to let go of hoping I can forgive somebody else for a perceived wrong, I just ask to be forgiven. I now know that everything exists within me and not out there. So the way out of a problem is to go within. Thanks I needed that.
Another rediculous rip-off.......2007-10-03
Nothing but sales pitch for his other books, his seminar, and he says nothing about real Ho'O Ponopono.
And I am disgusetd by his published claim that he is "The Jesus of Business".
Customer Reviews:
What I expected.......2007-08-29
It helps to see budgets in black and white and be reminded how simple it is supposed to be for us.
A Must Read!.......2007-05-15
Dave Ramsey hits it on the head - I wish I had read it at 18 years old. Personal money management can be tough, but this book (as well as all the Dave Ramsey books) gives very clear, concise instruction on how to manage your life's fortune (or how to create a life's fortune).
He is hysterical and animated - It's easy, fun reading.
Helping me control my spending.......2007-05-08
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it is a little dated. I bought this book along with Financial Peace Revisited, and I found this one to be more helpful. It is just the basics/outline of the book, but he actually gives examples so you can build your budget worksheets, which i found really helpful.
Having said all that, I highly recommend the books to anyone that doesn't have a written budget. I thought I had one, albeit in my head, but it turned out that I had no idea where our money was going. I was in shock when I really started tracking our spending and found that we were overspending in areas we didn't need to. Now we use cash and our debit card, instead of our credit card and I feel I'm in much more control of our money. One of these days we'll be out of debt...
The Workbook that Works.......2007-05-07
You can not go wrong with Dave Ramsey's advice. With this Step by Step guide, as a companion to the Total Money Makeover, Dave puts you in control of your finances to achieve total freedom from Debt and build wealth. A must have if you want to be free - as Dave Says "Replace your BMW with a Paid Off Mortgage".(and all debts)!
The Financial Peace Planner: A step-by step guide to restoring your family's financial health.......2007-01-04
This is a must have tool for anyone wishing to better their financial position.
Book Description
Suffocating materialism is robbing people of their spiritual vitality. This book addresses the profound impact that handling money has on a person's relationship with God.
Customer Reviews:
Gentle Reminder .......2007-01-05
This is a great book. It really doesn't tell you anything you don't already know, but it reminds us of where we are and what we should be doing as stewards of His belongings. I am a Financial Planner and I give it to my clients as gifts and they love it !
Informative and Enjoyable.......2006-08-14
This is a fantastic book. It's easy and enjoyable to read. It tells you all those common sense things about money that we often lose sight of in this world's culture of materialism and 'gotta have it now' attitudes. I've read it multiple times and it just keeps driving home those truths you need to be reminded of like figuring out contentment, the value to giving and saving, etc.
Why Our Money Counts.......2006-02-25
I teach a seminar at our church on the Biblical approach to managing one's finances, and I use this book as a starting point. My students love it (one said she needs to go back and "marinade" in each chapter. Another pointed out that the while the title is "Your Money Counts", what he got from the book is "Y our Money Counts.") The bottom-line is that this book is an easy-read and makes it clear why God cares about our money matters, and it is equally clear how to apply those principles to succeed financially. I teach it once a year, and so far 90 students would vouch that what this book teaches works!
a wake-up call.......2005-07-18
Two parts warning about the corrosive effect of debt, one part encouragement that such slavery can be overcome, Howard Dayton's manual to a better way of living is an almost constitutional document in the Christian financial ministry movement. Dayton is the founder of Crown Financial Ministries, the benchmark institution in what has become an effort to counteract the personal indebtedness that increasingly pervades Western economies.
The book's subtitles cover the topics presented in seventeen brief, topical chapters. Dayton's no-nonsense style is softened by his transparency regarding his own one-time disorganized financial style. A box on the 'contrasts' between secular and biblical notions of finances and another on 'commitment' conclude most of the chapters, crystallizing the teaching that preceded them and adding a practical feel to a book designed as a guide-book towards D-Day ('Debtless Day'). Dayton is convinced that Christians can and should make that journey. The webpage of Crown Financial Ministries (...) provides additional information and tools.
Godsend!.......2005-03-28
This is a simple yet insightful book full of workable money management plans.
We read this book over the course of a few hours one week and were immediately impressed with it. Within only a few chapters, we were impressed with a desire to again be debt free. Why? When we're free of financial debt, we are more able to respond to the direction of God.
The book is not full of legalistic finger pointing,instead you'll find a careful and thoughtful approach to becoming debt free. Christians and non-christians alike will find this a great resource to becoming open, humble, obedient, and less indebted.
Book Description
"For anyone who needs to understand different types of life insurance, as well as considerations for purchasing and managing policies, this book should be on your nearby reference shelf. If you’ve frequently found yourself fumbling around with terminology, such as the differences between variable, universal, and variable universal life (VUL) policies, you’ll finally see some light through the haze." - MorningstarAdvisor.com
Life insurance doesn't have to be complex or intimidating. Ben Baldwin's completely revised and updated guidebook makes it clear and logical, discussing how to analyze insurance products based on their investment merits and best overall financial returns. This clear, authoritative resource for consumer insurance information covers the pros and cons of Internet purchases, techniques to use capital within a policy, the fixed premium feature, insurance for different stages of life, and the new emergence of "immediate annuities."
Download Description
This clear, authoritative resource for consumer insurance information covers the pros and cons of Internet purchases, techniques to use capital within a policy, the fixed premium feature, insurance for different stages of life, and the new emergence of "immediate annuities."
Customer Reviews:
An excellent resource.......2007-06-27
This is the best source I have come across for dissecting and analyzing VUL. Most insurance professionals shy away from this product because of its risks. My feeling has been that this reaction is born out of a lack of understanding. This book is very clear about the risks and the rewards, teaching both with depth and candor. Knowledge is power and this book provides both.
good info, but too biased towards VUL.......2007-03-17
The book is very informative, entertaining, and instructive. It gives the benefits and drawbacks of each type of life insurance. It's a good reference book. It's easy to read and understand.
However, it is very biased towards variable universal life (VUL). In fact, the author states that this type of policy is the reason why the book exists. He even goes so far as to say that VUL is one of the best investment vehicles of the century! He's a good cheerleader for VUL and even though he is honest and does point out the pitfalls of VUL, he sort of skims over the probability of problems with these policies in later years.
This book inspired me to check VUL policies and get some illustrations. I was shocked at the high probability of lapse in these policies if the expected return in the investments was average, say expected 8% return. You really need to get over 10% annualized return in the policies to be assured that the policy will not lapse. Anything less than that and you are running a grave risk of having to fund the policy dramatically or see it lapse just at a time when you need it most, after age 70. The trick is to adequately fund the policy from the start, and the funding can be quite expensive. And even after all of that, the insurance company makes YOU assume the risk of generating enough return to keep the policy in force. Even if you don't take any loans, the policy can lapse if the returns are just a little bit less than expected. That's very high risk to me. There are no affordable guarantees of minimum death benefit or cash values in a VUL, regardless of loans or premiums paid on time. I was shocked to learn this in reality.
So don't fall for the hype in this book about VUL. The author greatly under-estimates the risk inherent in VUL policies.
Ultimately, I'd say there are better books on insurance if you just want to learn about the basics.
Excellent User's Guide in Clear Language.......2006-11-10
Ben Baldwin has always been one of the clearest writers about life insurance from a financial planning perspective. The explanations of what the insurance industry would call "Advanced Underwriting" uses of life insurance in this book are clear, concise and free of jargon. Although this is a consumer book, I would recommend it to financial planning professionals to enhance their own understanding and to see how to explain complex financial topics to clients.
Great way to learn about insurance.......2006-07-27
The author did a geat job in explaining life insurance products. Those that have panned the book have a built in bias against insurance companies and their salesmen/woman. Fine, but I am waiting for one to write a cogent critique of why the author is wrong in his analysis. Frankly, I haven't found one financial services professional that can, even those that don't sale insurance products. Bottom line, the strategy makes sense for a many if not most folks who are trying to accumulate retirement $$. And yes the insurance industry makes good fees selling their products just like the securities companies make great fees with their products whether they are indexed mutual funds or stocks and bonds. I simply consider this the cost of doing business and move on. So what if someone makes some money helping you have a more comfortable retirement. Read it, take the ideas seriously, and incorporate the ideas into your plan. I have.
So far, so good..........2005-10-20
I'm an avid reader and have ordered dozens of books through Amazon, but this is the first one I've taken the time to write a review for, because I believe this book can help others in the same situation I was.
I ordered this book when I was applying for Life Insurance, based on the investment strategy in Douglas Andrew's book, "Missed Fortune 101". I wanted to review another reference on life insurance to learn more about it, and to corroborate Andrews' strategy. This is the only other book I could find that discussed LI from a financial investment perspective. This is a very comprehensive book about LI. It's a large book, and so far I've only read portions, skipping around to the areas I needed to understand the type of policy I was applying for, and to justify in my mind that indeed it was the right one for me (I'm working with a financial planner who recommended a particular plan, and has largely focused his practice on Doug Andrews' strategy). This book gave me a lot of the information I needed to ask my agent questions about my policy. In fact, he was impressed with my questions and wanted the name of this book.
This is a very easy to read book, with plenty of *understandable* tables as examples. I have also found it to be very objective, discussing the tradeoffs of the different types of policies, and discussing in what personal situations a particular policy might be best. The intent of this book is clearly educational - there's no hidden agenda or bias that I can detect. The author has CFP, CLU, and CHFC credentials.
Finally, and very importantly, this author stresses the need to manage your life insurance policy over time, as you would any other investment - especially the flexible aspects of policies, and including, where necessary, 1035 transfers to a more appropriate policy.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Life Management Book
- A Lifetime Guide
- What's important in your life?
- great getting it together tool
- Good Book
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ASIN: 0671864416 |
Amazon.com
What are the most important things in your life? Do they get as much care, emphasis, and time as you'd like to give them? Far from the traditional "be-more-efficient" time-management book with shortcut techniques, First Things First shows you how to look at your use of time totally differently. Using this book will help you create balance between your personal and professional responsibilities by putting first things first and acting on them. Covey teaches an organizing process that helps you categorize tasks so you focus on what is important, not merely what is urgent. First you divide tasks into these quadrants:
- Important and Urgent (crises, deadline-driven projects)
- Important, Not Urgent (preparation, prevention, planning, relationships)
- Urgent, Not Important (interruptions, many pressing matters)
- Not Urgent, Not Important (trivia, time wasters)
Most people spend most of their time in quadrants 1 and 3, while quadrant 2 is where quality happens. "Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things," says Covey. He points you toward the real human needs--"to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy"--and how to balance your time to achieve a meaningful life, not just get things done. --Joan Price
Book Description
I'm getting more done in less time, but where are the rich relationships, the inner peace, the balance, the confidence that I'm doing what matters most and doing it well?
Does this nagging question haunt you, even when you feel you are being your most efficient? If so, First Things First can help you understand why so often our first things aren't first. Rather than offering you another clock, First Things First provides you with a compass, because where you're headed is more important than how fast you're going.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Life Management Book.......2007-06-22
I read the 7 habits of Highly Effective people a few years ago and was very inspired at that time to take more control of my life and try and implement the habits into my daily life. In particular, i really found the third habit on time management useful and could see the benefit. However, at that time i did not put the habits into effect in any real way.
Then recently, i discovered this book again which mainly deals with the third habit and some of the second habit and found that i was now ready to not only read about it but to actually start doing it by using the tools and techinques outlined to take control of my life and focus on the things that really mattered.
It may seem simple but starting with a vision of my life and then writing out my goals for incorporation into my monthly, weekly and daily planning has alreaady had a tremendous effect on my life and i find that i am scheduling important things in my life such as meditation and exercise and doing these which is giving me a more balanced work life balance. I also find it very effective for my job in which i am now scheduling important activites into my calender and doing them rather than just reacting to the urgent day to day requests at the expense of these more important long term activities.
A Lifetime Guide.......2007-02-05
I have bought this book for four years, read over it for many times.
If I can only take one book with me to another world, I will take this one. It is a good guide to how to live for a lifetime.
It begins with the foundamental principles, then gradually teachs you how to live a better life based on those principles. Every sentence is a sentence of truth. Everytime I have setback, I go back to this book; and everytime, I find that I have violated a principle.
Over four years, I become a different person.
What's important in your life?.......2007-01-23
What's important in your life? What do you really want to accomplish? What do you want to see completed at the end of the day, at the end of the week, at the end of the month, at the end of the year, and, ultimately, what do you want to have accomplished by the end of your life?
Getting things in line in your life, learning to set priorities, not just for money, purchases, and trivial things, but for more important things. How about family, relationships, and career?
great getting it together tool.......2007-01-18
I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for someone special who told me since reading the book he has been able to adapt a positive change in his busy and hetic life in a very positive way. He has been able to put in priority and balance the pressures, responsibilities, expetations of both his personal and business life,
Good Book.......2006-12-06
I bought this book because I needed some guidance to start putting things back in order in my life. Eventhough it focus on business and work, it provides some helpful hints to apply on you personal life.
Customer Reviews:
Good Overview of How One Wealthy Family Manages its Money.......2007-07-23
In "Wealth," Lucas gives a good overview of how his family manages its money. His family is a little different than most, in that it had a liquidity event that led to about $1 billion in cash for the family.
As one reviewer pointed out, the author can get wordy at times, but overall the book is well written and approachable.
If you have less than $1 million of investable assets this book might not be the best starting place for advice as the method his family uses requires quite a bit of capital to pursue effectively.
Lucas's use of real-life examples is good, as is his view of his generation being stewards for future Lucas generations. There is a good chapter on how to use wealth to help society, which is a topic that is all too often overlooked in wealth management books.
Wealth management.......2007-03-30
Overall the book provides a good overview on the topic of wealth management. It may also be useful to refer to while chosing a wealth manager. Many topics and chapters are wordy and you may lose focus many times during the reading. But if you are serious on gaining basic knowledge on the topic of wealth management it maybe a good book to start with.
Savvy advice for managing major money.......2007-03-13
This is one of the best books yet written on the subject of personal financial management. The author, Stuart E. Lucas, is heir to one of the biggest family fortunes in America. When he and his family took a close look at their finances, they discovered that mediocre management was eroding their wealth. They decided to take a new, very disciplined approach to money management. This book recounts their experiences and summarizes their guiding principles. Although few readers will have wealth on the scale of the author's family fortune, we believe that even those in modest circumstances, and certainly the well-to-do or up-and-coming, will benefit from Lucas' advice about spending, saving, investing, taxes and family values.
A Longer Term Perspective.......2006-12-11
Stuart Lucas's book makes one appreciate the differences in viewpoint between planning for the financial future of a couple versus many generations of a family.
Conventional financial wisdom says that a couple should withdraw no more than 4% of the investment portfolio during retirement (with an annual inflation adjustment). This 4% rule came from examining past 30 year periods to see if the money would last. Thirty years was chosen because that was the expected lifetime of a couple retiring at age 65.
With a family foundation, like the Lucas one, you are no longer planning for just the 30 year retirement period of one couple. You are actually planning for eternity if you plan for each succeeding generation to the current one. This drops the 4% rule down to more like a 1 to 2% safe withdrawal rate to assure the money lasts forever. Quite a different planning horizon than just one couple.
Lucas does an excellent job of laying out the annual costs of a foundation, and more importantly identifies 4 investment strategies which are typically used.
I was a little surprised at Lucas's definition of barbell investing. The definition I was familiar with was in regards to asset allocation. The definition I am familiar with is a strategy where you invest in small cap and large cap stocks, but you skip the mid-caps. Lucas has developed a different definition. He suggests that 80% of your assets be invested in financial entities, and you use 20% for running your own business. This strategy allows people to try a 2nd career working part-time for full-time. Because you are working, there are no withdrawals and therefore the portfolio lasts longer.
I was also surprised that Lucas invests in some very high risk investments such as emerging markets, private equity, and hedge funds. He sometimes practices market timing once per year as well. The returns for these investments can be higher than conventional stocks and bonds, but so are the risks. It takes time and the ability to get some highly sought after managers to work for you. Many of these high risk investments are not available to the individual investor.
Lucas also warns to find the right municipal bond funds, since many bond funds are not immune to the AMT tax.
I enjoyed Lucas's book. His writing style is good, and he uses his own family's experiences to tell his story. I like the fact he recommends index funds. He also makes you think about modifying one of his four strategies for your investment strategy. If you are thinking about retiring from your first career, and then starting your own business, his barbell strategy is interesting as well.
I would suggest companion books to supplement this book including:
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing
All About Asset Allocation.
Investors don't plan to fail...they fail to plan.......2006-08-05
Author Stuart E. Lucas is financially savvy, a superb communicator and a very decent human being. His book, "Wealth; grow it, protect it, spend it, and share it," is an important roadmap for all types of investors. After all...it is common knowledge that investors don't plan to fail...they fail to plan.
The foreword for this impressive text is provided by Joe Mansueto, Chairman & CEO of Morningstar. Mansueto explains that Stuart is a pedigree...he is a fourth-generation investor and a member of one of America's wealthy families. Mansueto also informs us that Stuart has a broad definition of wealth..."that being wealthy is about being productive, giving to others, serving society, and creating a legacy." The Morningstar chief applauds the holistic approach and more importantly points out that "Stuart packages advice for his readers in an understandable cohesive framework."
On that note, Chapter 3, "Everything begins with values," and Chapter 7, "Making your most important hire," are the jewels of this book. In Chapter 3 Stuart helps the reader understand critical issues and then provides guidelines for translating values into financial goals. However, Chapter 7 covers the most important decision in investing..."selecting a financial advisor/administrator." Certainly, most of Main Street America will not have to go to the extremes that Stuart advocates (they simply do not have that kind of wealth). Nevertheless, his core values of making sure one has a high degree of trust...and of insisting that you select an investment representative that is skilled, transparent and with a good firm are solid benchmarks to grow and protect your lifetime of savings. Recommended.
Bert Ruiz
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