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55 reviews for:
The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money: Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs
Jill Schlesinger
3.65 AVERAGE
55 reviews for:
The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money: Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs
Jill Schlesinger
3.65 AVERAGE
Great book for helping to get your financial life in order. Most of the advice is the general information you’ll hear from other books, blogs, and advisors but it includes some good ways to think about your finances and the important aspects to consider when making a financial plan.
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Now I’m even more worried about retirement! Also, I make much less than most of her advice assumes, though the chapters on life insurance and planning for parental care were illuminating.
As someone who is always reading about personal finance this one was an immediate grab for me. I found so many of the thirteen items helpful to think about. There are items for everyone in here. For example I do not need the saving for college or my kids college but the saving for you parents old age section did prompt me to ask my parents about how they were set. There are lots of great ideas and what is nice is the appendix that comes with a list of the things you should do and how often. I highly recommend (even for those smart people who do not think they need the help).
I'm a 35-year-old man who is just now figuring out how to be financially responsible, and I'm also a huge psychology nerd who loves learning about why smart people do dumb things. So, when I heard about this book from Jill Schlesinger, I knew I had to check it out. This book is definitely a must-read for just about everyone. It covers typical topics such as investing and saving for retirement, but she uses some great examples of how people royally screw these things up. Personally, I was happy that specific chapters covered making a will, estate planning, and having touch conversations with family as we all get a bit older. Unlike some other books I've read, this one was willing to have some uncomfortable conversations.
My only critique of this book is what I've noticed about most books in this genre, which is that they can come off pretty privileged. Schlesinger grew up knowing how to be smart about money and has done this for most of her life. During a time when most people couldn't afford a $400 emergency expense and have no money in savings, I really dislike when these book minimize expenses. They say "how cheap" it is to get various types of insurance "just in case" or to work with a lawyer for estate and will planning. Then, they go on to explain that "cheap" is $500 to $1000 for an appointment or $10,000 for additional types of insurance. Most people can't afford these things, and when this is said in these books, it makes me realize that these books aren't written for most people.
My only critique of this book is what I've noticed about most books in this genre, which is that they can come off pretty privileged. Schlesinger grew up knowing how to be smart about money and has done this for most of her life. During a time when most people couldn't afford a $400 emergency expense and have no money in savings, I really dislike when these book minimize expenses. They say "how cheap" it is to get various types of insurance "just in case" or to work with a lawyer for estate and will planning. Then, they go on to explain that "cheap" is $500 to $1000 for an appointment or $10,000 for additional types of insurance. Most people can't afford these things, and when this is said in these books, it makes me realize that these books aren't written for most people.
Well rounded
I got this book from my local library on a whim, so I can’t say I expected much. Though I was eager to know the “13 mistakes” smart people make with their money, and got just that, in a more long winded way.
A lot of the advice reaffirms the standard money advice I’ve read in other books, but with other books, there’s usually a lot more number crunching and step by steps to lead the reader, while this book admits that it’s not intended to be a personal finance guide in any way, and the best surmountable evidence for its talking points are anecdotes from scorned retirees or vague University studies. I won’t get into too much detail but while I appreciate the simplicity of the book, since that was the case I would’ve appreciated it if the book was at least under 150 pages: Each of the 13 points without the hard hitting “next steps” advice that traditional PF books take could’ve been explained in 10 pages or less!
I think the criticism that the examples used in the book mostly consistent of the author’s well to-do clients and upper echelon friends is valid. However, their stories were an interesting window into the financial lives and predicaments of 6- and 7-figure-naires who screw up like the rest of us. I just wish there were examples of younger people in their 20s and 30s and not people in their retirement years with nest eggs to rely on.
That isn’t to say any of the advice is bad . It’s well rounded and i will follow up. But I will probably hinge on a PF book for more step by step knowledge and feedback
I got this book from my local library on a whim, so I can’t say I expected much. Though I was eager to know the “13 mistakes” smart people make with their money, and got just that, in a more long winded way.
A lot of the advice reaffirms the standard money advice I’ve read in other books, but with other books, there’s usually a lot more number crunching and step by steps to lead the reader, while this book admits that it’s not intended to be a personal finance guide in any way, and the best surmountable evidence for its talking points are anecdotes from scorned retirees or vague University studies. I won’t get into too much detail but while I appreciate the simplicity of the book, since that was the case I would’ve appreciated it if the book was at least under 150 pages: Each of the 13 points without the hard hitting “next steps” advice that traditional PF books take could’ve been explained in 10 pages or less!
I think the criticism that the examples used in the book mostly consistent of the author’s well to-do clients and upper echelon friends is valid. However, their stories were an interesting window into the financial lives and predicaments of 6- and 7-figure-naires who screw up like the rest of us. I just wish there were examples of younger people in their 20s and 30s and not people in their retirement years with nest eggs to rely on.
That isn’t to say any of the advice is bad . It’s well rounded and i will follow up. But I will probably hinge on a PF book for more step by step knowledge and feedback
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
I wish this audiobook came with a checklist or something for the different section tips. Overall I liked this book, the suggestions are very reasonable and the narration was well done
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Jill brings up a lot of valid points in this short book. Highly recommended for anyone to read. If you have a brain and a heartbeat, then you need to read this book. She goes over topics such as retirement, wills, having control over oneself, et cetera. You're leaving money on the table by not reading this book. Thank you, Ms. Schlesinger! Also found out that she has a podcast called Jill on Money that I'm interested in checking out soon. Best of luck to us all 🤞🍀
informative
medium-paced