Book Buzz
If I Had a Million Dollars, a guide to financial literacy, will appeal to the very audience for which it is intended: young adults starting their work lives.
It is highly readable, with its text peppered with quotes, graphs, and photos. Munkeby's writing style-breezy, and, at times, irreverent-appeals as well. Questions at the ends of sections encourage readers to interact with and internalize the text. Finally, Munkeby's sharing of personal stories adds to the book's motivational value.
MMD, University Supervisor
Empower the young generation with financial smarts in the new economy! The economic crisis is upon us ---- the young main street needs an immediate hands-on fusion of financial skills so they will be able to have the independence to follow their goals in life and not have the same problems their parents did. This book is a quick, high interest read that provides the student with motivational, real life examples illustrating how to get his/her finances set up in order to obtain financial freedom and gain the option to chose in their "heydays".
If I Had A Million Dollars should be incorporated in the curriculum in all educational systems. Teaching financial literacy needs to be a priority and a focus in all schools. It is necessary to go beyond the economic theories and teach the individual steps to becoming part of a new financially stable free market society. The economic crisis triggers the need for personal finance classes. This book provides each learner the opportunity to get a first hand account of the author's personal and financial life. It gives the reader direction towards their financial independence and the internal motivation to say, "Yes, I can do that"!
If I had a Million Dollars needs to be read by all ages. Tim Munkeby is "right on the money"!
Cheryl Martens, Educational Consultant
This book provides an uncomplicated, but compelling, message to young people about to enter their income-producing years. The narrative is filled with interesting facts and quotes, mostly from current sources, as well as personal experiences of the author that keep a reader moving along to the end in a few hours time. The key nuggets of motivational advice are readily understood, whereas, the more detailed sections with advice on “how to do it” can serve as reference whenever needed.
While intended primarily for a young audience, this book is appropriate for all ages. If understood and followed, the advice given will make it much more likely that an individual or family will have a fulfilling life and be free of financial constraints and concerns. By starting early, young people can maximize the financial implications of the saying “time is on your side”. In describing a lot of his own experiences and the consequences of decisions made at various times in his life, the author demonstrates clearly that he “walks the talk” as presented in the book.
I highly recommend “If I Had a Million Dollars” for everyone – the earlier the better.
Burle Gengenbach, Emeritus Professor, University of Minnesota
I really enjoyed reading the book for several reasons. First and foremost it was written in such a comfortable conversational style. Very much like the years we have spent in your office as you advised us regarding our investments. You have always been the teacher at heart.
Secondly, I think the book clearly meets your goal of reaching out to young adults. The book works because the text is minimal on each page, written with rye humor and honesty, and most pages have illustrations or quotes to support the text. All of these things make it appealingly easy to read and understand. You are very clear about living within our means, paying ourselves first, and starting young even if the amount is only $50 a month.
Finally, the organization of the book is easy to follow. The use of the financial pyramid makes clear categories. I'm a visual learner so I liked seeing the colored block move up the pyramid, there would be an end to the informational flow. The addition of questions at the conclusion of each chapter is a useful tool whether it is being used in a class setting or by an individual who is serious about getting started on their "Heyday" plan.
So, did I learn anything? Yes. Would I recommend the book to others? Most definitely yes. I think this book is appropriate for all ages from young, soon to be adults, to us old fogies. We have adult children and young adult grandchildren who need to hear these words.
Thank you for asking me to review your book, Tim.
Bev Johnson, Client and High School Teacher
The majority of financial planning books and lectures I've gone through over the years have been equivalent to walking through a desert. They're extremely dry and the content is so overwhelming that it seems like you will never get to where you want to be. This book breaks it down to the basics and provides a straight forward, yellow brick road approach to obtaining financial security when you're ready to retire. The author does a fantastic job of breaking down the steps in a way that young adults can relate to. He includes humor, and real world scenarios to get his points across. Although reaching financial independence requires you to be very disciplined with your money, this book offers you the light. Should you choose to follow it, you will be extremely thankful you had when you're sipping cocktails on the beach while your friends are still working!
I would highly recommend this book for all young adults with any type of financial background, but especially those who have little to no understanding of personal finances.
Ryan Koch, Minneapolis MN
"If I Had a Million Dollars" is a book with a message, and it delivers that message in a manner that is at once effective and entertaining. The message is simply this: financial independence later in life is earned by the decisions that one makes in his or her early years in the workforce. To make this point, the book uses a nice mix of hard data and information, as well as personal anecdotes from the author's life.
As a member of the books target demographic--late 20s; in the workforce for less than 5 years--I can say that the book served as a wake-up call for me. I've already set up an appointment with a financial advisor, so that I don't end up working into my would-be retirement years.
I would recommend this book to anyone. However, I think it is especially valuable for those to whom the book is directed: young people. By learning to make the right financial decisions now, they will be better able to enjoy financial independence later.
Charles Delbridge, Attorney
This book is great for anyone who is just entering the "real world" from college or high school, or even anyone who just wants to know more about the surprisingly large world of personal finance. The in-depth explanations of different retirement plans, investment portfolios, and real estate speculation provided me with a tool that I'm certain my parents never had. Not having to rely on costly trial and error before figuring these things out for myself gives me some optimism as one who will soon be graduating college and entering the workforce--even though lately we've all been conditioned to expect the work in regards to even getting a job. I can't recommend this book highly enough: it may appear as common sense to a lot of people, but unfortunately a lot of people these days don't follow the simple tips set forth in Munkeby's book.
U of M Student
Every young person needs to read this book, Tim Munkeby wrote it in a way that we (young people) can understand it and construct our own way to make our millions attainable. I finally get it, and now I have a plan that will get me everything I have ever wanted, and tons of money.
Andrea M., Buyer for Target, Recent College Grad
My name is Naomi Rakow. I recently turned 18 and I am a senior in high school. This book opened my eyes up to what financial freedom is, and has motivated me to start planning my financial future. The unique writing style used and the personal tone are what kept me reading. Generally I have no interest in finances. The presentation of the book will help many people be able to plan for their retirement easily. For visual people, there are a lot of charts and graphs included. I would recommend this book to people of any age who want a personalized and easy way to plan for the future.