FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynam

I am excited! I have been a Tax Preparer for about 20 years and by default have talked to many people about their personal finances. I have been in private practice for over ten years and financial consultations has been a key part of what I do. I have read many books from a variety of authors including the well known ones, taken classes and attended seminars. I do not say lightly: FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynam is the very best book on money I have ever read (which includes the one I wrote)

“Money has caused me so much stress, anxiety, and hardship that giving my own finances attention triggers all the horrible memories and experiences I’ve had” Page xiii FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER

It is an ongoing theme I see in my practice, among my friends and family as well as myself. I hate with a passion the word budget, I choose to use the term “spending plan” to make managing my own money palatable.

FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER goes beyond what most books on financial planning, financial help, budgeting, whatever you want to call it, does. This book hears you! The author understands what you are going through.

FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynman discusses money, the need for it as well as sharing a practical approach Believers can have regarding financial planning.

The information in this book covers every area of finances a person needs to know: retirement, estate planning, giving, maintaining a lifestyle and even bankruptcy.

I will be recommending this book to my clients. I find it interesting that most of the information in this book I know but it is not only what he says but the way he says that makes the information digestible.

- written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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YOUR MONEY, YOUR MARRIAGE by Cherie & Brian Lowe

I really believe that there are two issues most married couples disagree on, even if they do not talk about it: sex and money,   which is why I was excited to read and review YOUR MONEY, YOUR MARRIAGE by Cherie & Brian Lowe. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this to a couple who has been married for years; though newlyweds would benefit from this book.

The concept of blending money and marriage into one book is an excellent idea and the one plus this book has is the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Personally, the questions were to simplistic and would not lead to areas of agreement with my husband and I.

I am sure many people would love this book. I know a few cutesie couples who don't have divorce threatening problems in their marriage that would use this book as a tool to maintain their relationship. The church I once attended would use this book in one of their small groups.

For everyone else I would suggest seeking a financial adviser to help put them on the right path. Since money problems acts as a deterrent for intimacy and marriage counseling to help with improving communication. There are separate books that can address each.

YOUR MONEY, YOUR MARRIAGE is a great concept that, for me, did not deliver. After 22 years of marriage my husband and I still don't agree but we have learned how to manage not using any of the concepts presented in this book.  As a Tax Preparer I have married clients that have disagree about how to manage money and they too have discovered a way to agree without being  disagreeable.        written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

MONEY MYSTERIES FROM THE MASTER by Gary Keesee

“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:2 Contemporary English Version

There is a whole lot of misinformation about money out there! Based on my conversations with people most of the information is wrong, in addition to educating individuals about finances I also recommend a television program called “Gary Keesee-Fixing The Money Thing” (Daystar Network) the information is presented on a level that is what we all need to hear.

Christians often mix teachings from the pulpit with misinformation they receive from the world in MONEY MYSTERIES FROM THE MASTERS - Time honored Financial Truths from Jesus Himself the author, Gary Keesee, teaches in an almost painstaking step by step process what the Bible really says about finances. Because much of what people know about finances has been presented in such away that many people don’t know what to believe it is important that the reader lets “God change the way you think” (Romans 12:2 CEV).

By combining real life stories with Bible verses and subsequent principles the reader is able to digest the information presented at his or her own pace. There is no rush to read MONEY MYSTERIES FROM THE MASTER as you read the testimonies and study the Biblical concepts you will be able to eliminate the false teachings and misunderstandings which well help achieve financial success.

As with his other book, Fixing the Money Thing, I recommend this book. 

Although I receive many complimentary books in exchange for a review this book was not one of them.  I chose this book and purchased it with my own funds. As with all reviews the words written are my honest opinion. Marsha L Randolph

Pocket Your Dollars

    I have attended seminars, workshops, private consultations in addition to reading numerous books so I know how to get out of debt.  “Pocket Your Dollars; 5 Attitude Changes” is by far the most practical, doable, sense making resource I have come across in a long time. I cannot tell you that the author presented any new radical information that others did not tell you, however what Carrie Rocha has done is addressed debt from the source- attitude.

     “I waited for three-paycheck months because then we could afford things that were otherwise out of reach” (“Pocket Your Dollars” page 27) I once had this crazy logic even though I knew there would always be 52 weeks in a year.

      The approach towards debt elimination in “Pocket YourDollars” is what I appreciated.  It is not so much about what you’re spending your money on but WHY. Unlike other books that say do this and don’t do this Carrie Rocha discusses why we may not buy that gallon of ice cream but will purchase the dress that is 75% off knowing that we do not need either.

The 210 page book is divided into 3 primary sections, which does not include the authors story, which I am sure many will identify with.  The five attitudes are addressed in the first section of the book. What are the 5 attitudes?  If only I had more money;  I deserve a treat; it won’t  happen to me; I’ll fake it ‘til I make it; and I can’t afford it. The second section discuss the skills needed to change. Upon successful completion of the first two sections you will be ready for practical application- creating a spending plan.

I recommend this book and suggest you purchase a copy for yourself and maybe a friend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book  in exchange for an honest review.