Millionaire: No. 2 in a LMK series; 'Books and Money'.

You have to admit, 'Millionaire', is quite a catchy title for a book on Real Estate investment; as is the promise that it contains '170 Incredible Investment Insights guaranteed to boost your property profits'.

Strange thing is, while not all of the 170 insights are marvelously inspirational or original, enough of them are to make this book well worth the cover price.

Authors, Steve McKnight and Stu Silver have a rare combination of credibility (as actual successful investors) and the genuine desire to share their knowledge. The book is not just a 300 page advertisement for a seminar you have to attend before you get the gold standard advice, there is gold in every chapter!

The structure of the book is also a refreshing change from dull (if not informative) finance guides. McKnight and Silver have basically transcribed a conversation they had on stage at a seminar (I knew there had to be a seminar in there somewhere!) where they swapped stories, shared insights and had the odd jovial disagreement.

The real factor in the book's success is the intent behind its creation. McKnight and Silver aimed to create a series of questions and answers that they would like to share with an audience of people who they loved and respected. Moreover, shared under the assumption that this would be the last chance they had to impart their hard won wisdom.

This intent shines through and had me sharing (unwelcome I might add) property investment gems with my husband at regular intervals (for the record, I think I just about have him hooked.....).

 If you like the idea of getting massive amounts of information and inspiration in the one spot  then 'Millionaire'  is a no brainer; just don't blame me if you start scanning real estate web sites for flippers, rentals and 'urgent sales'.

Millionaire is available for sale through Amazon.com through the following link;

'Millionaire'

Fixing your financial attitude! No. 1 in a 'LMK' series: 'Books and Money'.

It may be true that money can't buy love or happiness, but 'lack of' money can sure be a bummer.

Given that in my 'real life' I work in the finance industry, I decided I should have a good look at books about money.

I wanted to answer a few questions for myself, with the most prominent one being;

Can reading a book really improve your financial situation?

I really hope that the answer is yes! Otherwise I feel my faith in the power of books will be somewhat shaken..... and we don't want that!

In an attempt to approach this topic logically, I am starting out with books that deal with money and the mind. By my way of thinking, if your brain is not on board, no book about budgeting will be of any help at all!

While researching money and the mind I came across hundreds of books dealing with 'the law of attraction', you know, books with titles like 'Powerful affirmations to call money into your life' and 'Automatic Wealth; The attraction factor' (by the way one of those titles is real and one I made up....).

Now, I know that everyone from your next door neighbour to Oprah ('The Secret' anyone?) is a fan of these books, but me, not so much. They smack too much of a 'get rich with no effort' approach and while I really wish 'the law' were true, I think the reality is not quite so sweet and simple.

So here is a little list of books that do require you to work on your mindset, without promising instant money!

Two Great books on 'Money and the Mind'......

'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill; This book is a classic for a reason! Some of the examples may be dated but the advice is not :)

'The Nine Steps to Financial Freedom' By Suze Orman; While some of this may sound a little hockey, Suze cuts to the chase in terms of how our thoughts and well being impact on our financial freedom. This guide also contains great practical financial advice as well. Well worth the effort.

and one more for fun!

Now, for those of you who want to give 'The Law of Attraction' a try here is one for you :)

'Happy Money' By Laina Buenostar; For only 99 cents from Amazon, even I am going to give this one a go.... and I'll happily eat my words if it works. Of course I'll be eating them from the spa bath in a seven star resort somewhere....


Happy Reading!

'The Joy of less': Can less really be more?

'Minimal Impact' Art Print available from society6

'We are not what we own; we are what we do, what we think, and who we love.'

Francine Jay, author and blogger

If there was a written agenda for a meeting of over spenders, item one might read something like this:

1) Brainstorm ways to live well for less (and by 'well' we mean 'no visible reduction to our current standard of living').

and two;

2) Let go SHOPPING!

Just to avoid confusion, I will confess up front. I would be at the meeting, I would probably 'Chair' the meeting. I might have even sent the invites.

Despite my 'consumer' tendencies, there is something about the frugal approach that appeals and it is not the 'cheap' aspect of the movement, rather the minimalist ethos.

 Making do with what is beautiful and necessary, and jettisoning everything else.

So I have set out to find books that embrace the philosophy of simplicity and minimalism as opposed to the 'how to' of extreme couponing (which I have to admit is not even really a 'thing' in my country).

This search has been surprisingly difficult, for all the thousands of books in the market place on the topic of minimalism, very few seem well written and for those that tick this box, even less focus on inspiration and mind set and not on time consuming money saving 'tricks'.

While I am looking forward to sharing as many great books as I can find on this topic, I am going to have to content myself with sharing just one today, 'The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life 'by Francine Jay (an ironically long heading for a book on simplifying life ;).

Francine is a fellow blogger (see 'Miss Minimalist') and the conversational tone of her blog carries through to her book. Jay admonishes her readers to 'speak with' their belongings asking;

'What are you and what do you do? How did you come into my life?'

I love this suggestion; it seems a fun exercise that just might help those keen on reducing clutter really 'see' their belongings and the place they have in their lives; perhaps for the first time.

This is what Jay does best, helping us 'unpack' the emotions around owning and purchasing 'stuff'. While you may not love all of her minimalist ideas (is a no couch house really a great idea?), you will love the way she can make you think about your consumer and pack rat tendencies, after all, change happens first in our minds and then in our worlds!

For those of us who also like some practical tips with our dose of inspiration, Jay offers chapters on decluttering and simplifying every room in the house and tackles the tricky issue of dealing with heirlooms and sentimental items (if you are like me you will have cupboards devoted to these treasured but never seen items).

I am still on the hunt for more wonderful and inspiring books on paring back and simplifying life and would welcome any recommendations offered! In the mean time I am happy to give Francine Jay's uplifting and practical book my own tick of approval.


Francine's book is available for purchase through amazon, simply follow the link below to get started:

'The Joy of Less' By Francine Jay