In one of the comments on the previous post Seva notes that many books of the like Getting Things Done suck. I won’t argue that point, and I have to admit that while shopping for my copy I was appalled to find myself in the business management section of the bookstore. Since I view myself as an engineer, there has been little of interest to me in the self-help and business management sections of the store, and I was beginning to wonder if I had lost my mind — or at least my way.
But let’s face, the old adage about not judging a book by it’s cover (or it’s classification in the bookstore) is true, and while 99% of the books with “morons smiling on the cover”” might suck, I don’t think Getting Things Done is one of them. While reflecting on that comment, I was reminded of another good book that has another person smiling from the cover, the Wealthy Barber.
At college graduation several years ago, a physics professor recommended the the Wealthy Barber to many of us as good guide to learning about managing the money we would all soon start earning. Since I had always felt that I didn’t have the first clue about investing or managing money. I dutifully went to the store and picked up a copy. In the intervening decade, the insights in the Wealthy Barber have helped me: begin saving to retirement, buy a house, and make crucial decisions about things like cars and life insurance.
These are not sexy topics, but they’re all important, and many people could really use the help. the Wealthy Barber explains personal finance in plain language and an approachable format; I highly recommend it!
I didn’t think my comment would actually make you stop what you were doing and have a think. Hope you didn’t take offence, it was just something I notice every time I see a book about ‘the management of resources.’ 🙂
I didn’t think my comment would actually make you stop what you were doing and have a think. Hope you didn’t take offence, it was just something I notice every time I see a book about ‘the management of resources.’ 🙂
So, are you the one that introduced Kev to this book? Did you influence him to be responsible with money at an early age? Or did he just pick that up on his own / from his family. I’m sort-of curious now about whether you played a role, since you corrupted him in so many other ways! =)
BTW, we miss you and since we won’t be able to get out to DC this summer you should call Kevin and chat with him when you have the time. This weekend I’ll be at a conference (La Leche League regional) and he’ll be watching Mia for most of it. So, I’d imagine that he would be able to work in a chat with you at some point! =)
So, are you the one that introduced Kev to this book? Did you influence him to be responsible with money at an early age? Or did he just pick that up on his own / from his family. I’m sort-of curious now about whether you played a role, since you corrupted him in so many other ways! =)
BTW, we miss you and since we won’t be able to get out to DC this summer you should call Kevin and chat with him when you have the time. This weekend I’ll be at a conference (La Leche League regional) and he’ll be watching Mia for most of it. So, I’d imagine that he would be able to work in a chat with you at some point! =)