 An Enjoyable Read |
| Review Date: March 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Gray, Wilmington, NC |
| This book is full of useful tips for making the most of your money. It gave me a realistic plan for saving for my retirement and was an enjoyable read. It was worth the price. |
A Helpful Guide
|
| Review Date: May 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Leonard G. Kassel, Los Angeles, CA USA |
| A wealth of information packed into 223 clearly written pages. The author presents a program for accruing wealth through planning, budgeting and savings. His discussions of credit, mortgages and high end purchasing decisions (homes and cars) are sobering, but helpful. Financial success, especially these days, requires discipline... hello!... however, those using these tools are more likely to achieve it. |
Begin Your Journey Toward Financial Freedom
|
| Review Date: July 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Bettie Corbin Tucker, PA USA |
Curtis Hill, the author of Poor No More, ends the last chapter of his book with three words: "Thanks for listening." After reading the book twice and taking notes along the way, I came to the conclusion that most readers should thank the author for writing this work of non-fiction. It is perfect for the times we are facing and written in a way that is easily understood, even by novices in the field of investing and saving. At the end of every chapter--other than the last one which is his personal wrap-up of the book--there is a section entitled "Chapter Takeway" which stresses the important thoughts and advice that he wants readers to take with them into the world as they plan their financial futures. The book is written with honesty, and although some of the ideas may require temporary lifestyle changes, the concepts address the realities of life and what must occur in order for readers to achieve success. Of course, there are no guarantees; however, the author offers guidelines and his expert advice as he was a successful businessman and manager for fifteen years before becoming a financial advisor. Mr. Curtis worked at three major brokerage firms and is a Certified Financial Planner.(tm) But don't automatically place him into the same category of other financial advisors you have worked with or heard about; if you do, you will be in for a surprise. In this book, you will quickly learn that, through his unique ideas and proven strategies, the author is truly looking out for you--his readers.
This book emphasizes how the decisions that individuals make impact their personal and financial goals. Do readers truly want to understand the difference between "wants" and "needs" in order to achieve financial freedom? Can they tune out the toxic external influences of Madison Avenue advertising executives and think for themselves? Can they "listen" to the author and--referencing the sub-title--learn that wealth is within reach?
Mr. Hill redefines the meaning of retirement which I personally responded to with enthusiasm; it has everything to do with financial freedom and serenity, rather than retiring at a particular age. In order to bring this about, readers are introduced to the concept of a "freedom account," from which individuals can draw interest the second year of their investment. The author provides several tables to illustrate the dynamics involved. I found the information fascinating--imagine being able to invest all your income and live off the money from such investments. Eventually, that is a goal that can be reached.
There is so much information contained in this powerful book that this review could go on forever. Just let me emphasize that if you have trouble with debt, wondering where all your money went, effectively budgeting so you can live well on less, keeping a good credit rating, deciding whether to rent or lease a car, knowing what type of housing you should seek, and understanding the basics of investing, then this is the book that you need to add to your library. Purchase this "must read" book for yourself and those you care about so that all can begin the journey toward financial freedom.
|
Greatest help I've found!
|
| Review Date: March 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Laurel Link, |
Poor No More offers great practical help and understanding for those of us who are trying to find our way through the maze of financial complexities. This easy to read and clear presentation is the best I've found for the everyday investor who is trying to make their assets grow. |
A thoghtful provacative book filled with gems and new perspectices
|
| Review Date: March 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Gerald G. Persch, |
| No one can read Curtis Hill's Poor No More without learning something new. Even the most experienced, knowledgeable person will see things differently after reading this book. Although Curtis Hill is financial advisor, this book in not a guide to what to invest in. It is chock full of little gems and new perspectives. He highlights the bumps in the road that can derail success and shows you how to avoid them. He delves into things like job happiness and success, car leasing vs. buying, how to improve your FICO score and avoid things that will lower it, how to approach mortgages and how to approach debt in general. It is indeed a practical guide to how to live our lives and get a better outcome. It takes the most complicated subjects and deconstructs them to their core so that you can see the issues involved so clearly. I truly recommend this book for beginners and for those professionals who might actually learn something new. |
Poor No More Wealth is Within Reach
|
| Review Date: March 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Patty Ellsworth, Los Angeles, CA |
Sometimes reading about money issues seems like a "Magical Mystery Tour" to me. I almost grasp it then the ideas slip away. Mr. Hill's book is written in language that we can all understand. You don't need your dictionary or a PhD to read and understand the concepts he presents. His ideas are practical and applicable in everyday life for an average person.
Whether digging yourself out from financial mistakes or trying to avoid them, this book is for you. Written in an entertaining style, he takes a potentially dry and sometimes scarey topic and makes it approachable and even enjoyable. There is hope. It's not magic and it is available to us all. Thank you Mr. Hill |
Insightful and Informative
|
| Review Date: March 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Maxwell, |
| This book is full of insightful ideas to help us reach our financial goals... Definitely recommended for those of us just starting out in our careers to help establish financial tools and habits that can stick with us for the rest of our lives and allow us to become independently wealthy. |
Great and useful book! Must read
|
| Review Date: March 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Irina S. Hill, |
This is an amazing book. Definitely, this book will help everyone to increase their wealth.
The author gives us tools that could help us get out of debt, achive financial independece and retire early. He gives us strategies on regaining control over our purchase decisions and teaches us how to use budgeting in order to understand our finances while improving our lifestyles. The book is full of money-saving resources and sites where we can find deals. Mr. Hill demistifies the credit scoring system and describes the steps we can take to significantly improve our scores.The author lifts the veil of mystery from the world of investments and gives us a basic understanding about their various types.
Thank you Mr. Hill for showing us how to improve our lives.
|
A must read for the uneducated
|
| Review Date: March 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Beverley De Freitas, |
You can learn so much from this book, especially for those of us who are oblivious to the opportunities out there. All we need to do is read the book and discover how we can save money, get rid of debt and be able to sleep at night.
The language is very simple and easy to read.
|
This should be in every high school
|
| Review Date: March 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Lori Nebenzahl, |
Do you know how to negotiate when you buy a car? Do you really know how to improve your FICO score? Do you think you got a great deal on your mortgage? Do you think you are in control when it comes to spending money? Read this book and think again!
I learned so much from this easy-to-read book! All the kids in high school shoudl read it before starting their lives. They can kearn how to be independent from their jobs and paychecks by the age of 30. I wish I could read this book when I was in my teens!
If you don't want to read it, get it for your kids! |
What Mom & Dad Didn't Teach You...
|
| Review Date: March 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Brinegar, Roanoke, VA |
| Our parents teach us many things for life as an adult, but they neglect to teach us the financial skills we need to have a successful life and retirement. This book makes learning these skills easy. It does not talk down to you like a child, nor does it throw a lot of techincal lingo at you. It is easy to learn, and so simple it was surprising to me. I highly recommend it everyone, especially these days. I plan to give it to the young adults in our family this year. |
Powerful yet simple Insights in this easy to read book.
|
| Review Date: March 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: K. Gara, Hollywood, CA United States |
This book deserves 5 stars.
I've read many financial books, but Mr. Hill's book is great because he writes the basics and explains it in a very honest and direct way.
None of this mumbo-jumbo, pie-in-the-sky malarky!
It's straight to the point.
He is very forthright in his writing. And Mr. Hill is opinionated in a way to protect the consumer from the Madison Ave. Marketers. I can appreciate that.
He isn't trying to make friends, he is telling the truth. If you want to buy the marketing hype about how to become rich, that's your business.
He doesn't and he suggests you don't either, in order to create your own financial well being.
When I received the book in the mail, I just happen to open the book up to Chapter 9, "Debt is a 4 Letter Word", and was so relieved to read that what I've been doing all these years is the RIGHT way to get rid of debt.
He explains the common sense knowledge that most people need to get out of debt in a realistic way.
And the best point he makes is about how people go so deep into debt to make themselves look a certain way because they think they must have the big house or that sports car-- all because the Madison Ave. Marketers tricked us with slick advertising.
This book is coming out at a perfect time, especially with the economy the way it is. "Poor No More" gives sound advice for anyone who may be struggling in today's economy. And the great thing is, it is advice that many people have never heard because they got caught up in the "glitz" of advertising campaigns!
I then went back to the beginning of the book and read through it with great pleasure.
I strongly suggest this book. Read it, and learn to create a solid financial life the right and easy way.
|
Practical Application
|
| Review Date: June 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mark Deo, Torrance, CA |
| With the thousands of books available on investing, Poor No More manages to set itself apart form the pack by focusing on the "practical" matters of wealth creation. Curtis Hill has authored an easy to read set of instructions on how to increase our net worth without trying to be financial guru or even LISTENING to them. I particularly liked the Chapters on "Our NEEDS vs our WANTS", Living Well on Less and Proper Use and Control of Credit (we can all benefit from that one). Hill makes a great case for the fact that our biggest impediment to financial freedom is listening to what all the experts are saying. I couldn't agree more. This is a fast, easy and fun read. I recommend it highly. |
Very helpful book
|
| Review Date: March 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Brenda Maxwell, USA |
| I read this book to gain insight regarding my own finances but very quickly realized that it contained information that I can discuss with the elementary students I teach. It is so important that today's youth are taught and encouraged to follow the sound financial principles that are covered in this book such as "living within your means" and how to distinguish between your "needs" and "wants." Chapter 8 provides a great science lesson on ways to conserve energy and I love all the coupons websites provided both in the book and at the book's website. I really recommend this book to educators looking for a fresh approach to teaching students about basic economic principles regarding personal spending and ways to secure a personal debt free future. |
A complete money management seminar and workshop in a single volume
|
| Review Date: August 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Midwest Book Review, Oregon, WI USA |
| There are simple paths to financial success and security. Make more money. Spend less money than you make. Get more value for the money you save or spend. These are not mutual exclusive propositions. The best of all personal financial management is to incorporate all of these guiding principles. It also helps a great deal to read common sense and practical personal finance instruction manuals like certified financial planner Curtis hill's "Poor No More: Wealth Is Within Reach". This 223-page, 'user friendly', informed and informative guide to sound money management and financial well-being begins by addressing the psychology of money management and financial behavior, then goes on to address a variety of relevant issues including goal setting (financial freedom, not retirement!), planning and budgeting, the proper uses of credit, home mortgages, investments, and more. Of special note is what "Poor No More" has to offer on the subject of coupons and rebates. If there is one suggestion for the next edition of "Poor No More" it would be the creation of an index. Highly recommended reading for anyone trying to create and carry out financial goals for themselves and their families, "Poor No More" is a complete money management seminar and workshop in a single volume. |
Great advice on how to save money!
|
| Review Date: July 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Manley Klassen, Oxnard, CA |
| I was pleasantly surprised to find information in this book that was helpful to me. I am a saver by nature, and I feel like I could have written a book like this myself. Many suggestions in the book are things that I already do, but I did find things in the book that I could use to help my finances become even better. I would recommend this book to everyone, and it will be especially helpful to people who are having a hard time getting ahead in their financial life. |
Are all these reviews real?
|
| Review Date: June 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Ross Mendel, Santa Monica, CA |
Today, I received this book in the mail for free, sent by the Author, Curtis Hill. I can't help but assume this is really a marketing tool. Mr. Hill used to work with a different firm, and he keeps sending me stuff in the mail encouraging me to try to follow him to his new firm.
I was curious what reviews I would read at Amazon, and I was amazed to see 13 five-star reviews, and not one lower rating. I can't help but be suspicious about such an unrealistic rating, even the best book or product doesn't get 13 of 13 five-star reviews. I looked at the other reviews some of these people have written, and some are very fishy (like a guy who has given 50 extremely positive book reviews in the past month -- he's never reviewed a book he didn't love!).
I also found a review of this book on a blog (easy to find with a google search), and the reviewer said it explained investment vehicles well and in a concise manner. However, she also thought the book also made some major assertions that didn't necessarily make sense. And the reviewer had a major problem because the book recommends a "freedom account," but this account is only available from the author's firm!
So yes, I have a bone to pick with the author, and I am annoyed when I feel any Amazon product has reviews stacked by what appear to be ridiculously favorable reviews. But don't take my word for it, read the other reviews and decide for yourself. |
A SCAM IN MY OPINION
|
| Review Date: August 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: K. Trout, Pagosa Springs, CO USA |
I enjoy reading books on finance to see if they have anything new or unique to offer, particularly during this time of recession. Curtis Hill writes about how media advertising influences our thinking and how conventional Retirement Accounts are not the way to invest. His plan is for you to place your money in what he calls a Freedom Account, from which you will start withdrawing money in the second year. Quoting from page 25:
"...The size of these withdrawals should grow every year as we become more dependent on our freedom accounts and less dependent on our paychecks. As we become less dependent on our paychecks (due to our growing withdrawals from our freedom accounts), we are able to contribute a larger percentage of our paychecks each year to these accounts.
"What I am describing here is a cascade effect that makes early financial independence possible. I understand that the concept and the math involved in the above statement may seem a little fuzzy or at least unconventional to many. However, I will demonstrate in the following chapters that the concept will work with ease.
"This may seem like a shell game - i.e., it may appear that we are moving money around for no reason. In fact, there is a method to this strategy. We are progressively learning to depend on our investment income. Furthermore, we are gradually decreasing our dependence on our paychecks. Reducing dependence on our paychecks equates to financial freedom."
In the next chapter Curtis Hill presents his "Freedom Account Dynamics" Table
showing Independence Growing at 5% with 20% Start. This table is for people who have an "after-tax" income of $100,000 and can contribute 20% ($20,000) the first year. For people with such an income, they're probably educated and have better options. This is not a plan for me, nor could I open a freedom account just anywhere, only with Curtis Hill because it is his own concept applied to traditional financial structures. And what types of accounts does he suggest you include in your freedom accounts: 401(k), SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs and standard brokerage accounts. Do you see the problem here? Can you really be making withdrawals from these types of investments in the second year?
As the author said, "This may seem like a shell game...." What do you think?
[...]
On the positive side, Hill did an excellent job explaining all the investment vehicles available in a concise manner. Would I recommend this book?...no.
As a contemporary, very wise man once said, "When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you're looking at the only person you can trust with your money...so learn how to take care of it."
Kaye Trout for Kaye Trout's Book Review
|
|
No details are available for this product
No video reviews found for this product.
2 comments
Valuable Internet Information » Poor No More: Wealth Is Within Reach | Budgeting | Business Do … on January 6, 2010 at 1:00 am
[...] Read the original: Poor No More: Wealth Is Within Reach | Budgeting | Business Do … [...]
Poor No More: Wealth Is Within Reach | Budgeting | Business Do … | Madison Niche Marketing on January 6, 2010 at 1:31 am
[...] full post on Google Alerts – Madison coupons Categories : Madison | Tags: Budgeting, Business, More, Poor, Reach, Wealth, [...]