Book:Happiness Sold Separately

I had never heard of Lolly Winston or this book Happiness Sold Separately. I was tempted to set it back down when I checked it out on the Bargain Book table @ Barnes & Noble. The books I wanted were still too new for an acceptable price, so I returned to a couple times to this book prior to purchasing.

The story is about a couple that longs to have a child. The struggle pushes them into worlds of their own and the husband makes a terrible choice for adultery.

As emotionally negative as this situation could be, the author does a fabulous job of leaving hate and revenge at the door.

An easy read. If you are struggling in life and need a break, this is a good choice. You will find yourself wanting the story to go a different way, every time you get to a new character. Trying to formulate how all can end up happy.

After watching that You Tube clip of Dan Gilbert's Stumbling on Happiness, I found this book to be similar and a reminder that happiness is available to all of us. We are the creators of our happiness.

Book - You're Broke Because You Want To Be

I haven't read a finance book in so long that when my package arrived, I derailed my current read to get one in. It is strange how I found myself hungry for this book. I've been stopping myself from acquiring more books of this nature, because.....well, they are so much a like.

I do enjoy them, but I feel like I am wasting money and time on the redundancy.

Of course, no money wasted here - Thanks Cheryl!

In this book, Larry Winget says the things we think but never say because of etiquette. We, as a majority, have been taught "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.". The whole time I am reading this book my mind held a picture of one person. A person that I know, who needs this book.

The brain is a remarkable thing. I was reading and absorbing and at the same time, formulating a way to get this book to this person on my mind - without insulting them. Yes, Larry's tone does make me question if this book can be used in a pay-it-forward situation.

Of course, Cheryl gave it to me.......is she trying to tell me something? Just kidding. I am pretty much convinced that this book DOES NOT relate to me. Thankfully, we are well past those struggles in our life. I guess that means lessons have been learned and we are growing up.

This book is for the people that can't get out of debt. The people that are chasing their tails like a dog. The ones that:

• Keep incurring bank fees
• Are positive that if they had more money their problems would be solved.
• Eat out the majority of the time
• Never see balances decline
• Have no savings
• and Spend the vast majority of their time worrying about paying bills.

Oh sure, there are many like this. I would say the largest portion of young people are here. The best lessons learned are through experience and as a young person - I was testing and trying all waters. I have to think, after seeing my children, this is the case for most.

They aren't alone there are way to many older folks, who have never learned to balance their check book. To not spend more then they earn. To save for the retirement that is almost upon them.

There is not magic pill in this book. The reader will not see a take this step and you are free action plan. This book is the truth. Plain and simple. No candy coated outside. Just an abrasive you did it, get it cleaned up.

While reading this book, I also thought that this is much like a father would tell his child. One of those lectures, that we hate at the time, but that stick with us for life. Inside, prior to the lecture, we knew we messed up. The dad in the situation is just going to shine the light on the topic and make you stop hiding from the situation. Creating a back bone in ya, to get back on the right path.

The biggest thing here is - we are responsible for where we are at financially. If we are broke, we can not blame anyone but ourselves. It isn't because of the economy. It isn't because of our boss, that doesn't pay us enough. It isn't because we were the middle child and our parents ignored us.

Just like any thing you want to fix - get to the why and you can fix it and move forward. As Mr. Winget says - we all could do it, but will you?

Book - 19 Minutes

Last night, I completed my current read 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. With everything happening in our schools, I found it quite appropriate.

This book brings to life a school shooting. In classic Picoult style, each and every character is brought to life. Which for the first time, made me look at the shooter as human - instead of the monster I have to think they are to get through it.

As a parent, Picoult put a spotlight on my fears of parenting. I have to believe it is normal to question your parenting, it is the most important job we do. Leaving us constantly with fears that we are not good enough. Or that we might do or not do something we should or shouldn't.
We probably wouldn't be human, if we didn't worry a bit about this. A parent's goal is to always end our job, placing the child or children in a better place then where we are at.

The sober awakening, is when you see you can do everything and nothing and sometimes things just are.

This was my 10th Picoult book read. I have about 4 more to complete, at some point. Maybe it has been the break in between my last book or hers to this one, but I think this was the best book since My Sisters Keeper.

A fascination from a book

Earlier this year I read the book Matzo Ball Heiress, which was a comical look into the life of a Jewish girl trying to pull together a ritual that had been lost to her family - the Passover Seder. This was really my first inside look at a Seder and I was fascinated. I love the rituals and how they are handed down generation to generation.

One of the main problems that the main character had was finding someone to lead the Seder. Like anything else, when left unpracticed, it becomes difficult. So when I saw that the Haggadah could be obtained online, I was thinking - this is exactly what she needed.

I was hoping it would be free, sadly it wasn't. I guess everyone needs an income. :-) I really am just curious and would enjoy a deeper a look. Probably stems from my belief that inside every Christian is a Jew.

For those of you that find yourself in a similar situation there is a site to help - www.ModernHaggadah.com.

You not only have the option of ordering a real life book for reference at the Haggadah site, but you can also download the materials and print off as many copies as you need. The heiress definitely needed this site, since the majority of the participants were lost.

I have so much to learn - like I had no idea that the Buddists have an influential part in this whole thing. This is why I love technology, we can learn and be exposed to anything. I guess that is also the downfall of technology.

The Secret Life of Bees is a MUST READ

I read a lot. In fact, I read so much that I have lost track of all the books I have read so far this year. It is my favorite past time. And the only way I fall asleep at night.

This week I began the most spectacular read, that I have read in a long, long time. This book has been around for a while, but I had just finally made the leap to it.

The Secret Life of Bees, By Sue Monk Kidd is worth your money and your time. The authors site will give you a taste of this fabulous book. And show you how slow I am at getting to this one - it came out in 2002.

It was an easy and relaxing read. One that entices you to turn the page. I found it extremely hard to put this book down. The author did a fabulous job of creating the women, the personalities, and the setting in my mind. It will forever be etched in my brain and person.

From the back cover:

Set in South Carolina in 1964. The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina - a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

I will be sharing and passing this book on. I have so many that I wish to share this book with, I am feeling stress of who to give it too first. It isn't everyday that book enters your soul.

All I can say is FABULOUS! I need to check more of Ms. Kidd's books out.

Taking The Short-Cut

Although my reaction to the Tolle book is not even close to the masses. There are millions gaining those "AHA" moments every minute of every day. I think there is an easier way to receive and comprehend the information that is being disclosed. Without the long and tedious hours of reading out loud, because in quietly left me re-reading parts over and over again - thus the long wasted time.

The Sedona Method Makes Eckhart Tolle’s Work Practical. We all can be a part of a new earth, if we all are receiving the proper information that touches our soul and is actually being comprehended.

The book, A New Earth, had the opposite effect on me - that I am sure the author wanted me to experience. And I can only conclude that it was the manner in which I received that information. Much like The 5 Love Languages, I think we all learn a bit differently and require to be taught differently.

For instance, I am certain, had I purchased the book The Secret, I would have missed the quality inside. Yet, since I purchased the CD set, I was able to listen and absorb the information that would have been a boring read for me. Thus, why I read The New Earth out loud. I was looking for that comprehension inside of myself. Too bad, it never came.

I'm not sure if any of you have this style of comprehension, like me, but The Sedona Method is giving away a FREE DVD, CD & MP3 to help folks like us. There is a flying box on their main screen. This system may be the secret for us.

Just because we do not all learn the same, does not mean we need to miss out on Spiritual Enlightenment. We can only make the world a better place by being aware and stopping the spread of baggage.

Life is too short for a crappy book!

I know that with Oprah's help, Eckhart Tolle's new book A New Earth is on many reading lists. Oprah has this power to motivate millions to read, this is seen in the popularity of her book club.

I am not outside of the Oprah powers. I have joined in on many of her recommended books. Most of which I have enjoyed as much as she said I would.

This book, A New Earth, is not going into that category. In fact, it is going in a the pile of rejects. I'm sure there will be many that say "she didn't get her aha moment" or "she is not ready for such enlightenment".

Let me assure you folks, I'm enlightened. I do understand the purpose of this book. I do see how our ego's and our past block us from enjoying and living the moments in the presence.

My problems with this book:

• Could it be more redundant?
• Boring - from all the repetition.

300 pages of looking at exactly the same issue - just applied to different situations. Leaving me to believe that I wasted $8.20 on this read. It won't be the first waste or the last.

I also tried to watch the first couple of online discussions on Oprah.com. Which made is boring writing come a bit more alive. I'm crediting Oprah for that - the guy is just boring, for me. Inflection Mr. Tolle, please no more mono-tone. Show some passion for life. Life is a beautiful and remarkable miracle - don't miss out on the excitement that is there.

I struggled through 200 pages and then HAD AN AHA MOMENT - life is just too darn short for me to waste my valuable time on a crappy read.

Wow - 4th Book of the Year

I just finished my 4th read so far this year. This is what I do when I am overworked and overstressed. I read.

Thankfully, like the book DD2 got me for Christmas, Can You Keep A Secret, my latest book was an easy read.

This book I found on the clearance table at barnes and noble. I believe I paid $3. I would say it was worth it. The title The Matzo Ball Heiress, by Laurie Gwen Shapiro.

Although, I love Matzo Ball Soup, I know very little about the Jewish. Which I find odd, because I believe there is a Jew in every Christian. Not to mention, I have a relative who married and converted to the Jewish faith. We have had many conversations regarding the differences and their traditions, I just didn't catch them all I guess.

This book is about a 31 year old heiress, Heather Greenblotz. The company Greenblotz Matzo Ball, is a large contributor to the Jewish Passover meal. And the Food Network, would like to show how the Greenblotz celebrate.

Well, that would be fine, but like your family and mine, they are not perfect. From her cold, disassociated mother to he gay father and an extended family that can't even speak to each other - her family is not the June & Ward Cleaver varity.

Which leads no choice but to throw the family sedar together with a bunch of "non-family" and make it look authentic. But only dad knows Hebrew. Which is a necessity. Time to go find her dad and his friend.

This book is lighthearted, easy to read and entertaining. Drama a quirks exist with each character. I would recommend this to any of you looking for a break from your day to day.

You will be amazed at how much you learn about the Jewish Faith, without a lot of thought. Like why do they wear those little hats? Come on, you want to know don't you?

Total Money MakeOver, By Dave Ramsey

I can't believe I "shaved my head and drank the kool-aid". For weeks now, I have been listening to Mr. Ramsey's show on the Internet. I love his straight forward approach to money. Though I am touched by his compassion for the folks that call in. I hear the stories and I feel these chills run up and down my spine. Not because this is where I am, because I am not, but because I remember so vividly the life that was mine, thankfully many years ago. I see a hero in each and every caller. I know the burden they carry and I wish I could scream out....

"I'm here cheering you on. Your going to make it. Don't give up."

Of course, in our world today, they would probably respond with "who's that crazy chick? I don't know her."

Anyway, I read this book, first because, I am a crazy book reader. Second, because I love to add in many views to my financial look. And third, because I have 3 people on the top of my mind, that need this help desperately. Don't get me wrong, I love the concept of debt free and also am attempting to change some things in my home to get us there. I have even been pulling my hubby in over the weekend, as he questioned my current read. Last night, he even said "that is where we need to be." Yea!!!

Our task is a bit tough, at this point. When you bring to play 2 divorcees, 2 in college, 2 preparing for college and bills gone mad. This should not be taken that we can't see some very valuable changes from the steps provided, but that we are a bit more challenged. An example would be - no college savings step, we need to pay for it now.

In case, there is 1 person out there that hasn't read this book, let me give you an outline of what it tells.

This book is an easy read. Mostly because it is full of "fluff". Stories of others and their struggles, goals and achievements. When you aren't reading of anothers plight, you are filled with cliches and real life examples of excuses and why we all need to take the baby steps and "drink the kool-aid" (hope it's cherry).

Dave's Baby Steps:

Bring all bills current

Meaning all your monthly bills. If you are not current, that is your top priority. You will not be able to move forward if you are worrying about the electric bill or the gas bill or a possible eviction/foreclosure notice.

How do you do this if you don't have the cash flow? Get a part-time job delivering pizzas. Hold a garage sale this weekend. Sell on craigslist, ebay, to anyone who will buy your things. Discover what you don't need and turn it into cash - NOW! If you have been contributing to retirement - stop. Use these dollars to keep your home safe and food in your belly.

Create a budget

Harry Potter Arrived Safely

Yep, I was one of those people waiting for Harry Potter to arrive at midnight last night. I didn't buy the book. Even though I read ALOT, I prefer Harry on tape. I have listened to the first 5 books on tape, during my trips to Chicago. I didn't buy them, my dad did. He offered them up and I accepted, not sure if this was something that would interest me.

This is why I was so surprised to enjoy the Harry Potter tales. I think they are excellent books and everyone should try and consume them in what ever way they can. I just prefer the tapes. They help me multitask on the road. :)

Anyway, last Monday, DS1 asked if I would pre-order his copy. And after scoping out some coupons and discounts, his book is on the way and I expect the delivery some time today - per the UPS tracking. DS1 received free shipping and just under $6 dollars off the list price. Not bad, plus no gas for him.

It was DD3 and a host of friends who ventured out for the release. The only problem, their licenses all expired prior to the release. So, for the limited time....we were needed. How sweet!

What I discovered last night....

I did not drink even one beer or a glass of wine. I worked until 9pm - started at 6:30am. I caught up on reading while waiting for the Harry Potter pick-up and tumbled into bed and to sleep at about 1:15am.

I awoke this morning to a massive "hang over" headache. These are even worse, when you didn't get to live it up. Leaving me to the conclusion that getting older is the enemy.

Billionaire - 19 heirs none of which are his decendants

I will not be buying a book for a while. Some generous person, brought in a box full of books to share with people at the laundry. This "pay-it-forward" share a book thing is really working fabulously. Until this box, I think I left more books then I took home. Now, I see that it is becoming a benefit to me too. I took 9 books from the box to read.

I just finished my first (see picture above), The House by Danielle Steel. I haven't read any of her books in a while and was pleasantly surprised by the easy read.

This book tells the story of a billionaire in California, whom chased the dime for so long, he missed the things that were important. He was a very wise man, making excellent investments in malls and other properties. Including his home, that he purchased in 1930 for a song, from a family that had lost it big in the stock marked (depression).

He never married or had children, but amassed great fortune. I can't recall the exact number but I know he came with very little to California when he was still wet behind the ears. He lived in the House's attic until nearing 100 years old. The only visitor he received, outside of his nurses, was his attorney. He would update his will regularly as he made changes in his investments. Always searching with his attorney for the most tax savings and easiest transition of property to 19 heirs in which he didn't even know. The classic unknown rich uncle leaves you a fortune.

The old man, seeing that his female attorney is on the same path - he now regrets, advises her to stop working and to live. He becomes very attached to her, like a grand-daughter and feels he must convince her to change her ways. She was the last of a long line of attorneys he outlived from the firm.

She is the only one to cry for him, when he passes away. Left with a terrible sadness, a man who only wants to date and see her on weekends, and the desire to not only disperse the will to the heirs, but share with them about the man and his home can not escape the words of the father figure she never had.

A couple twists to the story, but most of it I felt was predictable. It was still a relaxing end to my day as an easy read.

Although, now, I am not so sure I want to be a benefactor of a man I did not know. I would hope that he would contact me before, so I could feel the loss and not just the reward.

Book:The 5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me

When I ordered those books for my hubby for Fathers Day I was a few dollars shy of getting free shipping - thanks to my discounts, so I decided to select a bargain book for me. I wanted to read The 5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me by Richard Paul Evans anyway, I just got to it a little quicker.

Since this was a no work evening, I finished True Believer By Nicholas Sparks today, and I had a glass of wine I thought the time was right to begin.

I have to say, this book at 83 pages of actual reading is a fast read. It is easy to understand and even entertaining with various references to other folks and events. The references really helped to drive the basic points home. My opinion is that the clearer a picture the writer can create in the readers mind, the more they will take away from the content. This book provides a vivid look of information we may already know, but with a twist that drives it home. As we have learned through life knowing is not always knowing.

I was highly impressed with the authors note in the beginning where Mr. Evans reveals that all profits from this book will be donated to the Christmas Box Foundation to help abused and neglected children. This not only made me feel my purchase was a worthwhile one, it made me want to continue to see what this sort of a man had to say. I love folks that give back to this wonderful world we live in. Although, the Christmas Box is a self-published book by the Author that made him a pretty penny over time, I still believe he is paying it forward the way we all should.

The Lessons:

1. Decide to be Wealthy - This is along the lines of "positive thinking" if you can see, believe it, you can become it.
2. Take Responsibility for Your Money - This means track it. Like most of us PF Bloggers are doing. Regularly view your Net Worth and see your progress. Track how much and where your income comes from. Track how much and where your money goes to. Living on less than you earn.
3. Keep a Portion of Everything You Earn - In our world it is Pay Yourself First. Basic minimum of 10% off the top. Review of the power of compounding and encouraging the influx of another 10% from other avenues. The idea that stuck with me is 10% of your regular income 90-100% of extra income (bonus or new income streams).
4. Give Back - Tithe, is just so important. Find the causes that spur you into giving and then give. You can not receive the riches until you give and make room for them to come to you.

The lessons are the basics of financial growth and stability, but the true gold mine in this book are the quotes and recounts of others, the list of extra income ideas, the Millionaire Mentality Mindsets, and the saving by spending less hints for every aspect of ones lives.

What I will carry with me forever are the 7 Golden Words to use when making a purchase:

IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO?

I totally plan to utilize these words with every new purchase from here on out. Even though I am not a negotiator.

All Your Worth - Part 6

Book Review Previous Parts:
Overview - Part 1
Income Determination - Part 2
Must Have's Calculation - Part 3
Must Have's Adjusted to 67.1% - Part 4
Savings 20% - Actual 16.72%

Wants - 30%

Or what ever is left over. In our case 67.1% + 16.72% = 83.82% accounted for. We are left with a measly 16.18% fund for the Wants. This says it all. We enjoy little or none of our money. Wants are what makes us happy. Keeps us motivated and gets us through.

This is where the debt monster takes away our life. He leaves us very little. Making us feel like a failure. Killing our dreams and our hopes for the future. This is where spouses get led to divorce. Arguments created for issues out of control.

The Wants for us consist of just a few things with the percentage so small. Looking at our cash flow report we can see it all. We send our left over out to:

1. Cable TV
2. Sunday Paper Subscription
3. Clothing
4. Sporadic Grooming (hair cuts)
5. Kids School things - registration, games, pictures etc.
6. Charity
7. Entertainment
8. Home Repairs
   
   Which we hardly spend anything on these things.

• We only have basic cable, and only because there are no channels where we live without it.
• Sunday paper, heck I could take it all week - I can live with just Sunday's.
• Clothing devours the largest portion, there are a lot of us. Grooming is minimal.
• Kids School things are the 2nd largest only to Clothing. Charity, I give when we can, every week, but minimal.
• Entertainment - I'm almost ashamed to say this, we spent $269.19 last year - we don't entertain.
• Home repairs, my husband is a very handy guy so we don't pay out much here. except for that dang ice maker this year.

Although, this shows me our issues, I don't feel I can correct them or decrease our spending any more at this time. We are already down to our bottom. The only positive to this is that we can only go up from here. I hope.

You know I did not enter a bill in to the Must Haves that I should have, although I did include it in our numbers. This is College spending and only the amount we are paying today not accruing. Sorry!