Financial Planning

A Book Review of ‘More Than Money’: Real Life Financial Planning Stories and a Guide to Prosperity

By 
Caitriona Maria

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Life is full of ups and downs, but how can we best prepare? How can we carefully allocate our resources to make the most of the present yet help us through the inevitable struggles that await us?

The book “More Than Money” emphasizes that money is not the sole key to a fulfilling life. Instead, it shows us how we can use money as a tool to achieve our goals, support our vision, and enhance our enjoyment, as well as prepare for life’s tough challenges.

The authors of this book are true professionals and experts in their financial fields and provide some invaluable insights into financial planning. They have also gone beyond sharing financial advice by donating all the book’s net proceeds to two non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people gain access to financial planning resources.

True and Inspiring Stories

Each chapter of the book shares a story of real clients from different backgrounds and with varying money challenges. 

The clients had different financial goals and obstacles in their path. Some wanted to increase their income and plan for retirement, while others aimed to excel in business. Some were dealing with complex financial situations such as health issues, relocating, or coping with losing a family member.

The financial planners provided helpful guidance instead of imposing restrictions on how the clients used their money. They asked important questions that empowered their clients rather than constrained them. These 28 real-life stories illustrate how financial planning is an art and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

By turning to financial planners for help, these clients knew their next steps and changed their attitude toward money, feeling more in control regardless of the circumstances they found themselves in.

What You Can Learn

From practical financial planning ideas to charitable giving, digital estate plans, and generational wealth, the book provides reliable tips and sound solutions you may wish to tailor to your circumstances.

Through real-life stories, you can be inspired to align your finances with your values and passions and plan for life’s what-ifs.

You’ll likely find a story that resonates with you or know of someone going through a similar experience as the people described in this book. You may have a “Why didn’t I think of that!” moment or experience some realization that will help you improve your financial situation.

Ultimately, the book encourages readers to define success by joy and connection rather than a large bank account. In this way, it serves as a guide for anyone who wants to create a meaningful life with money. 

My Key Takeaways

Before this book, I had some basic knowledge of finance and consider myself a decent budgeter who tends to be more risk-averse when it comes to money matters. While the book does not delve into the specifics of Roth IRAs or other financial terms, it does provide great personal examples to show what can be accomplished with careful planning.

One story that piqued my interest was about a man who sold his business and the emotional journey that came with it. It reminded me of my father, who retired from his farming business and had to figure out who he was outside of work. This was just one of the many stories I could learn from.

The book has also considerably changed my perception of a financial planner. Previously, I thought financial planners were only for wealthy people who didn’t know what to do with their money. I thought they were people with spreadsheets and numbers, with hard facts and truths about money that I could learn from a textbook. However, this is nothing further from the truth.

Regardless of income level or status, financial planners help you maximize your finances and live a fulfilling life. They are decision-making and accountability partners all wrapped up in one to give you autonomy, confidence, and power moving forward in your money-making decisions.

Financial planners have been around the block and dealt with all kinds of situations, and in some cases, they will help you seek further support and expertise, such as attorneys or specialists, where needed. They pivot you in the right direction.

As a young adult with a “This won’t happen to me” mentality, this book has shifted my perspective and made me more aware of the potential future scenarios. It reminded me that rainy days do happen and that planning to the best of our abilities can save us in the future.

Who Should Read This Book

Overall, “More Than Money” is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create a more prosperous life beyond just having more money. The book offers practical advice and real-world examples that can be applied to your situation. It provides a well-rounded approach to money matters that will help you better balance monetary security, meaningful experiences, and the pursuit of your dreams.

Financial success is more than just numbers; it includes living purposefully and meaningfully. This book is sure to become a timeless resource for financial planners and is a must-read for anyone looking to gain insight and knowledge about money and financial planning. I highly recommend it!

About the Author

Caitriona Maria (TPR Teaching)

Caitriona is a private language tutor and founder of TPR Teaching. Caitriona has been teaching the English language since 2016. She has taught in schools in Spain and the U.K., and she currently teaches online. You will find tons of language articles, worksheets, resources, tips, and advice for learners and teachers on her blog.

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This article originally appeared on Wealthtender. To make Wealthtender free for our readers, we earn money from advertisers, including financial professionals and firms that pay to be featured. This creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn money from advertisers, including financial professionals and firms that pay to be featured. This creates a conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Read our editorial policy and terms of service to learn more. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.
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