Thursday, November 7, 2013

Book Review

Book: Money, A Love Story by Kate Northrup

Initially, I reacted to the author with cynicism and doubt because she was pretty, young, had no kids, and her mother's name.  I was also skeptical of the author's method of financial freedom (network marketing) due to my own experience with a different network marketing company.  I was also uncomfortable with the book title, which I realized while reading the book was due to my own limiting beliefs about money.   In spite of my resistance (I passed on the book at least once), I found myself drawn to the book intuitively.  I was quite surprised to actually find much of value in the book (and ashamed of my prior criticism and judgment).

The book definitely contains quite a bit of valuable content and wisdom.  I started marking many pages and actually doing the suggested exercises on paper (not just in my head as is my norm with this type of book).  I had intended to donate the book to the library when I was done, but I couldn't resist making notes in the book itself and highlighting particularly relevant information!  Having just finished the book, I already want to go back and re-read the areas I highlighted.  I think I will make a note sheet to read regularly with some of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom.

I especially found the message and connection the author made between money and self love/value to be very important and awakening.  In addition, the author's examination of beliefs and spirituality and physical health as these pertain to our finances really got through to me.  The author's approach to attitude and generosity was a very healthy and refreshing one that speaks right to my soul!  The idea/comparison of money to fertilizer is so accurate.

Though I found the book very worthwhile, I did have a few slight issues with it as well.  In particular, the author's suggestion that kindergarten/school is free.  Public school is not free.  We all pay for it with taxes, even if we choose not to use it (we homeschool).  Also, the frequent plug for USANA, the author's network marketing company of choice, seemed overdone.  A single mention is one thing, constant selling is another.

In spite of the few small details mentioned above, I would highly recommend this book.   I think it is probably the best book I've read about money and finances and I was a finance major in college!  I was familiar with all the formulas, budget ideas, and practical issues related to finances, but the author's way of acknowledging the personal and spiritual aspects makes this book special.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. This review is unbiased and reflects my honest opinion of the book.

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