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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad, Poor DadRich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I have read this book before, I learned a lot this time around. For example, I thought Ramsey and Kiyosaki were opposites, but they actually have a lot in common.  Don't live paycheck to paycheck. Focus on building assets. Don't get addicted to the desire for more stuff.  Build a strong financial base first. Your assets buy your luxuries, not your job or debt. Success comes from controlling your emotions and behaviors regarding money.

Somewhere in my early years I missed the emphasis on those parts of this book.  All I heard was that debt is OK if the cash flow it generates is positive.  That may not be a false statement in Kiyosaki's opinion, but that is not the whole story either.

This is a great book, and with the right companion texts it brings some important insights to the personal finance discussion.


Friday, May 18, 2018

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial FitnessThe Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read this book a number of times, so I do not have much to add this time around. I'm in a bullet point kind of mood,  so here I go.


  • It was shorter than I remember.  I finished it in an afternoon this time. 
  • I didn't really get new info from this reading.  A few details on the "rules" of a few baby steps,  but by now I've basically got the plan down. 
  • So why did I read it?  Two reasons. First,  motivation.  I've found myself slipping in the smart money choices area lately, and this was just what I needed to recommit. Second, I just read The Richest Man in Babylon, and while these books are more complimentary than competitors, I wanted the refresher to do a legit compare and contrast.  In short, I feel that RMIB covers the salient points,  including motivation, more completely.  However,  TMM gives the detail needed to really succeed at the baby steps in today's world.  What TMM is missing is advice on what types of risk are worthwhile and when to take them. Rich dad Poor Dad is the other side of that coin, I think,  so that is next on my list.  It's been quite a while since I've read that one,  so it is time.



Thursday, May 17, 2018

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

The Richest Man in BabylonThe Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read this one before, since it is one of our company's annual reads,  but this year for the first time in years it is my turn to teach it. While the language of the book is definitely dated,  it does a great job of sharing simple principles in very consumable ways. Like the Total Money Makeover, the strategies for managing money are not revolutionary, or even exciting. They are boring, almost insignificant sounding adjustments to how we live our lives in relationship to money. Yet the principles are simple enough that they work.

I recommend this to be in your "re-read occasionally pile."

Monday, May 14, 2018

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive, #3)Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. So the depth of this series is amazing. It reminds me of the Wheel of Time as far as scope, but seems to be better contained. Sure, there are subplots happening elsewhere at the end, but the main wrap-up is, well, wrapped up. It is like one conflict ended, and then a new one started. He keeps the characters growing and keeps them at the heart of the story. Even with political or religious intrigue (or hints about the cosmic connections), the characters are center stage.

Things that I'm glad about:
- A resolution [for now] to the Adolin - Shallon - Kaladin love triangle. Is it really the end of that issue? I don't know and I don't care. It is wrapped up enough that I don't feel an ongoing conflict for now, which I think would detract from the conflicts that are continuing on. I generally prefer to wrap up interpersonal conflicts at the end of the book, and let the overall plot conflict carry the series from book to book. Does that make sense?
-More explanation on how soul casting works. This came mostly at the end, some in the epilogue I think, but it is a major part of the book, and not very well explained. As long as there is action and the characters keep growing, I can be patient, but I appreciate the explanation when it comes.
-Queen Jasnah. Yes.

Things that I'm not excited about:
Taravangian's diagram. I'd just like to have a better idea of where it came from. I felt like I'm supposed to know more about it, as if the hints were there, but I missed them. The whole negotiation between Taravangian and Odium at the end confused me. I thought Odium was already behind the diagram? So confused.

Long endings. There was a final battle and then the book went on and on. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the wrap up, but it just felt like it took too long. It is like a really exciting party or event, and then a long ride home afterwards. The excitement wears off and you just want to get home and go to bed.

Finally, I can't not say it again: Brandon Sanderson is a genius. He has such an amazing natural talent, and then he adds dedication and effort on top of it, and shares it with us. Thank you, sir.