A Book Review: Money Saving Mom

Now, I'm sure you've read about one of my favorite bloggers before, Crystal Paine over at Money Saving Mom.  She has just come out with a new book, "Money Making Mom".  I had the privilege of pre-reading the book and would like to share some of what I gained from it.

Crystal has what I would call an eclectic mix of Dave Ramsey's financial principles (be responsible, be wise, cautious risk-taker) and Pope Francis' call for social stewardship, you can acquire all the money in the world, but what fun is that if you don't give it away?  See http://allcreaturesgreatandcrazy.blogspot.com/2015/09/st-thomas-and-modernity.html if you would like some deeper philosophical musings on whether mans happiness consists in wealth.

Throughout the book, Crystal uses her own life experience, as well as others, to illustrate her points.  She had a humble start and is very open about sharing mistakes so she can help others and prevent them from making the same ones.

Her main objectives were:

"find freedom to dream big and set long-term financial goals"

"start thinking creatively"

"forge an intentional pathway for your future in line with your priorities"

"best of all: be in a position to help others along the way."

Overall, I found her book entertaining, informative and encouraging.  It's actually a book I'm considering giving to some people for Christmas.  There is an old saying that I used to use all the time to describe my political beliefs.  You can give a man a fish, but to teach him how to fish is a much greater act of charity.

Crystal goes through how to detect a scam (and to be cautious and responsible with any thing that could look like one).  Knowing your talents and using your talents appropriately is also a focus in the book.  Let's face it, some people are not meant to be sales people.  I for one could not be a make-up consultant for a variety of reasons.  There is no box, no set way for setting up financial independence for yourself and your family.  The end of the chapters of the book ask questions to make you think about how the points apply in your situation.  This is a great book that could keep on giving by helping others start on the way to their own small businesses.

As a final encouraging note for those who are struggling to get a small business off the ground:

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently- Henry Ford