Ms Spent Money

I read one more financial book and vaguely scanned another, so I thought I'd document that experience.

The Ms. Spent Money Guide - I am not joking about the title. This book had some really good, general advice, like Gail's book that I mentioned before, but in less detail.

The guide emphasized the difference between "conscious" and "unconscious" spending - basically, "conscious" spending means minimizing the money you spend on things you enjoy less, to free up money for what you enjoy more.

I found the visualizing exercises at the beginning of each section a little hokey. Some people might benefit from creating an image of what their money flow looks like, "using the analogy of a waterfall", but I skimmed over those parts. The sections of the book, divided into the areas where you spend money, are based partially on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - you spend more money on food, shelter, etc. at the bottom of the pyramid than vacations and toys and extras at the top.

The most useful item I got out of the book was the advice that splurging on something expensive, but well-made, would be more satisfying and a better buy in the end, over scrimping on multiple items that are less useful and that you don't like as much.


Surprise! You're Wealthy - Every Woman's Guide to Financial Independence - I started reading this book but found the info either didn't apply to me, or I had already read it elsewhere. The entire second chapter is about running your own business, the third about high-powered, managerial jobs, and the fifth about insurance settlements, inheritances, and lottery winnings.

I only vaguely aspire to start my own business on the sole basis of claiming home office supplies on my tax returns, management is really far removed from my current career plan at the moment, and I don't anticipate inheritances or lottery winnings to stumble onto my front porch any time soon. The appendices of the book did have some useful info and worksheets, such as how to calculate your net worth and how to select a financial advisor.