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bunrab's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this, especially anyone who has ever, even for just a second, considered taking one of those "The Secret to Being Rich" seminars, be it "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" or "Make Your Fortune in Real Estate." Also anyone who has ever wondered whether it's worth checking into those free-meal talks sponsored by brokers or insurance salesmen. Just don't do it.
anitaashland's review against another edition
5.0
At last, a book that takes on the personal finance industry and endeavors to remove the shame and inadequacy one can tend to feel when going through a rough patch financially. As she says, there is no financial plan that can protect us from downward spirals or can replace family, friends, and the government when hard times hit.
Olen takes on all the personal finance gurus, from David Bach ("the latte is a lie") to Richard Kiyosaki (it turns out the rich dad is a fictional character) to Dave Ramsey ("it flummoxes me that anyone could file for bankruptcy and then go preach the anti-position to millions of people and be taken seriously.")
The chapter on women and money is very good, as it shows how personal finance materials directed to women do nothing to address the fact that salaries for women at all education and income levels remain lower than men's. These materials also focus on women's spending habits, when men spend more money than women overall, and there aren't books out there that nag men about cutting back on spending.
She also makes the point that one tends to remain quiet when going through a financial struggle because of the shame aspect, so this is why she was supportive of Occupy Wall Street, because that fostered a public conversation about money and how our collective (not just our personal) financial lives are going down.
Olen takes on all the personal finance gurus, from David Bach ("the latte is a lie") to Richard Kiyosaki (it turns out the rich dad is a fictional character) to Dave Ramsey ("it flummoxes me that anyone could file for bankruptcy and then go preach the anti-position to millions of people and be taken seriously.")
The chapter on women and money is very good, as it shows how personal finance materials directed to women do nothing to address the fact that salaries for women at all education and income levels remain lower than men's. These materials also focus on women's spending habits, when men spend more money than women overall, and there aren't books out there that nag men about cutting back on spending.
She also makes the point that one tends to remain quiet when going through a financial struggle because of the shame aspect, so this is why she was supportive of Occupy Wall Street, because that fostered a public conversation about money and how our collective (not just our personal) financial lives are going down.
nyker0408's review against another edition
4.0
No spoilers.
It's important to hear a different point of view about the financial services industry and the many popular personalities.
As always, do your own research to discern who you should take financial advice from.
It's important to hear a different point of view about the financial services industry and the many popular personalities.
As always, do your own research to discern who you should take financial advice from.
matthewjulius's review against another edition
5.0
feel worse about everything except also feel sort of better about how you'll never be able to buy a house
andrea_c's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first audio book I ever tried, and I think it was a good choice as a lot of the content was no different than something I might encounter in a news commentary podcast.
Beyond that, not sure what masochistic itch I'm scratching that I keep exposing myself to these take-downs of the modern financial world. Do you like feeling powerless, as though adrift at sea? But also incredibly angry because (yes, I'm going to extend the metaphor) you were actually thrown overboard so the other passengers on your boat could make room for a buffet table? Then read this!
Beyond that, not sure what masochistic itch I'm scratching that I keep exposing myself to these take-downs of the modern financial world. Do you like feeling powerless, as though adrift at sea? But also incredibly angry because (yes, I'm going to extend the metaphor) you were actually thrown overboard so the other passengers on your boat could make room for a buffet table? Then read this!
2catmom's review against another edition
4.0
This book help me understand bankruptcy in the US. I always thought it was people buying flat-screen TVs and buying McMansions. There's a serious problem in this country. The cost of housing, education, retirement and medical care is too high. One setback in any of these will lead you to bankruptcy. despite anyone's best intentions like divorce.
I like how she exposes financial gurus for the fluff they preach. and the ways financial advisors are trying to get your money.
It's a book about money but it also underlies some of the social problems we have in this country. And relates very closely to the self-help movement, which puts all responsibility on an individual. Without taking into account the society and culture that they live in. when something goes wrong, with out a safety net, bankruptcy is inevitable for all but the very rich.
I like how she exposes financial gurus for the fluff they preach. and the ways financial advisors are trying to get your money.
It's a book about money but it also underlies some of the social problems we have in this country. And relates very closely to the self-help movement, which puts all responsibility on an individual. Without taking into account the society and culture that they live in. when something goes wrong, with out a safety net, bankruptcy is inevitable for all but the very rich.