Wealth Virtues

It was inevitable that when my own book hit the market, I would certainly recommend it to everybody. In this case, I will defer to the literary critique provided by Deborah Young in March of 2010 for Dog Ear Publishing. At least I can present somewhat of an unbiased recommendation - James Ward, Author of Wealth Virtues.

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I find the concept of this manuscript beneficial to the economic times we are currently living in. When I begin a book, I search for something to immediately capture my attention. This book does that extremely well. After the first two paragraphs I wanted to continue reading. That is a great sign and very beneficial to sales when a copy of this book is picked up in a store and the reader instantly wants to know the purpose of the message. Capturing the reader’s attention right at the beginning ensures they will continue rather than having them search through a few pages looking for the point of the book, become bored, put it down and move on. Excellent beginning!

Another aspect of this manuscript I find intriguing is the common sense style of the author. People can pick up so many books these days which offer instant wealth and false dreams. This author is so down to earth in his explanations of building wealth. It makes sense. The strategies don’t offer paths to “miracles”, but actual methods by which you achieve comfort in living standards and retirement. That is why I believe this book is far more useful than those who offer dreams and wild imaginations, but not real methods of arriving at the position in life one desires to be in.

The next very positive feature of this book is the fact it is based on Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues. I have to admit, since I minored in history in college, I always feel I have a fair grip on America’s history and those who shaped our country. However, while reading this information on Benjamin Franklin, I learned many things about his character and achievements that I hadn’t previously discovered. I think to intertwine his theories and teachings into a financial book of this type is nothing short of genius. Most people never would have thought of it. Very clever technique on the author’s part and it makes this book stand out as unique instead of yet another financial instructional manual.

The author’s interpretation of Franklin’s virtues and then relating them to his own experiences is very well done. It will give the reader an opportunity to look into their own lives by comparison as they move throughout the book. This is an excellent concept. The lists of questions and/or guidelines for the reader to incorporate into their own lives within each section is a wonderful addition and helps the individual reading this book for improvement and self-discovery the chance to draft their own “outline” for improvement.

Even though the general topic of financial wellbeing (and health initiatives) in this manuscript is of a serious nature, I like the way this author incorporates humor into many situations. Readers like to move through a non-fiction manuscript which holds their attention. The book should contain a storyline alongside useful, life-changing information. This book does that and more. It is constructed with a highly-skilled method of writing which makes the reader want to follow the author’s tales, yet they are learning something about improving their lives at the same time.

The charts at the end of this book are excellent in helping the reader evaluate their own financial condition. Many people, as we all know, never really see the whole picture or the trouble they could be in until it is placed before them in black and white. This helpful tool along with the quotes from Benjamin Franklin are completely appropriate. Excellent way to end the book.

At this point in a critique, I generally like to start picking apart everything I found wrong with the manuscript. In this case, that is nearly impossible to do. I liked it. I found the information relevant and entertaining. It didn’t drag on, was just long enough to contain all the required information, and kept my interest. I think this manuscript has a great potential for high-volume sales. In fact, I am going to actually read it from start to finish again for my own benefit, something I have to say I almost never do when writing a critique.

The Little Book of Main Street Money: 21 Simple Truths that Help Real People Make Real Money

Street Smart Tips for Main Street
Content from author Jonathan Clements

1. Don’t pay an insurance company to shoulder risks you can afford to shoulder yourself.
2. To make it easier to amass enough for retirement, aim to start saving no later than age 30
3. Make it a point to sock away tax refunds, year-end bonuses, overtime pay, and any other extra money you receive
4. Mentally divide your portfolio into growth money and safe money – and expect a rough ride from the former and comfort from the latter
5. The harder you try to beat the market, the more likely you are to fail, thanks to the investment costs involved.
6. By building a portfolio that is unlikely to suffer big short-term losses, you should improve your long-run investment compounding.
7. Unless your health is poor, plan on a retirement that lasts until age 90 – and maybe longer.
8. Resist following the crowd, whether it’s chasing hot performers in bull markets or shunning stocks during market declines.
9. Before purchasing a house, make sure you will stay put for at least five years and preferably longer.
10. If you’re a conservative investor inclined to buy bonds, consider making extra principal payments on your mortgage instead.


21 Simple Truths that Help Real People Make Real Money
Content from author Jonathan Clements

1. Our finances are bigger than a brokerage account
2. We can’t have it all
3. Money can buy happiness – if we spend it carefully
4. Even the best investors need to be great savers
5. Time is as valuable as money
6. No investment is risk-free
7. Portfolio performance – it’s all in the mix
8. Stocks are worth SOMETHING
9. To add wealth, we need to overcome the subtractions
10. Aiming for average is the only sure way to win
11. Wild investments can tame our portfolios
12. Short-term results matter to long-term investors
13. A long life is a big risk
14. Markets may be rational, but we aren’t
15. Our homes are a fine investment that won’t appreciate much
16. Paying off debts could be our best bond investment
17. Saving taxes can cost us dearly
18. A tax deferred is extra money made
19. Insurance won’t make us any money – if we’re lucky
20. Even if we have a will, we may not get our way
21. Financial success: it’s about more than money

Book Reviews:

"A gem from one of the most brilliant minds in personal finance."
—Ben Stein, author, actor, TV personality, and New York Times columnist

"Investing, as it is said, is simple but it is not easy. Jonathan Clements's fine new Little Book underscores the priceless (and price-less) value of simplicity. And his sage advice on living the good life and on spending well and saving wisely will surely make it, if not easy, at least easier for us to achieve financial peace of mind."
—John C. Bogle, founder of Vanguard and author of Enough

"Nobody, and I mean nobody, can make the world of investing as easy to understand as Jonathan Clements can. In this wonderful book, he teaches Main Street how to beat Wall Street at its own game-and how to have fun along the way. This book does not stop at merely making you richer and smarter; it will even help you lead a better life."
—Jason Zweig, author of Your Money and Your Brain and editor of Benjamin Graham's The Intelligent Investor

"Jonathan Clements is one of our wisest and finest writers in the field of personal finance. This Little Book contains gems of wisdom not only about investing, but also about living a full and satisfying life."
—Burton G. Malkiel, author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street

"Easy to read, easy to understan-and easy to put to work-this Little Book is a winner. I'm getting copies for our children-and their children, too."
—Charles D. Ellis, author of Winning the Loser's Game

The New Three-Legged Stool: A Tax Efficient Approach to Retirement Planning

Confident from a lifetime of hard work and smart investing, most people dream of retirement as a relaxing, worry-free time in their lives. What many do not realize is that the IRS is also looking forward to the day you retire. Our complicated tax system can mean the government is entitled to a significant amount of your retirement assets -- unless you protect them properly.

Now, Rick Rodgers, founder of one of the country's top wealth managers, helps you retain as much of your hard-earned retirement assets as possible. His unique Three-Legged Stool TM approach to financial security makes it both easy to understand how to achieve this retirement security and difficult to ''lose balance'' -- that is, to get off-track once you've established your plan.

Rodgers will show you how to balance between the three ''legs,'' or components, you will need to create the most tax-effective financial structure.

- Leg One, Tax-Deferred Savings Strategies
- Leg Two, After-Tax Savings Strategies
- Leg Three, Tax-Free Savings Strategies

Plus, a closer look at - the all-important Retirement Distribution (R/D) Factor

- Social Security
- Estate planning

With real-life case studies, tips, and recommendations from Rodgers' own experiences as a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Retirement Counselor, this guide will help you establish a plan to build the retirement you and your family have always dreamed of -- and deserve.

Amazon.com Review