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Millionomics: My Journey to Gaining Financial Freedom
It is the true story of a common man’s journey to becoming a millionaire after his arrival in the United States—the story of a man who started from ground up to gain financial freedom in a new land. This book is short and practical volume about living well and saving smartly.
Shiv Verma illustrates how to create a successful financial model based on simple and educated decisions. This book walks the reader through a model based loosely on the lessons Shiv’s father taught him before he passed away. Shiv explains how he modified and replicated his father’s model into something he now calls the “smart savings model” and shows how it can be recreated in a variety of environments. By maintaining the strong and adaptable system of “smart savings” and finding your own personal “commit force,” you can be on the path to achieving financial freedom sooner than you expected.
Millionomics is an easy to read book that can be finished in a single sitting. Readers of all ages, regardless of where they stand financially or what their goals are, will leave with a new perspective on how to save more money without sacrificing a high quality of life. Shiv teaches readers how to set practical goals and prepare for the unexpected events that throw life off course at times. He takes you on a year-by-year journey and uses his own life and spending as a concrete example of how he became a millionaire by simply saving. This book proves that with planning and conscious spending, wealth is not an unattainable goal!
With this book you can identify your “commit force” and start your journey today. There are no tricks or gimmicks, no magic, no shortcuts here—just an easy to follow concept and some inspiration. You will learn how to save wiser, spend more consciously, and invest smartly. Are you ready for a change?
Shiv Verma illustrates how to create a successful financial model based on simple and educated decisions. This book walks the reader through a model based loosely on the lessons Shiv’s father taught him before he passed away. Shiv explains how he modified and replicated his father’s model into something he now calls the “smart savings model” and shows how it can be recreated in a variety of environments. By maintaining the strong and adaptable system of “smart savings” and finding your own personal “commit force,” you can be on the path to achieving financial freedom sooner than you expected.
Millionomics is an easy to read book that can be finished in a single sitting. Readers of all ages, regardless of where they stand financially or what their goals are, will leave with a new perspective on how to save more money without sacrificing a high quality of life. Shiv teaches readers how to set practical goals and prepare for the unexpected events that throw life off course at times. He takes you on a year-by-year journey and uses his own life and spending as a concrete example of how he became a millionaire by simply saving. This book proves that with planning and conscious spending, wealth is not an unattainable goal!
With this book you can identify your “commit force” and start your journey today. There are no tricks or gimmicks, no magic, no shortcuts here—just an easy to follow concept and some inspiration. You will learn how to save wiser, spend more consciously, and invest smartly. Are you ready for a change?
138 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2013
4 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2013
A Word FROM the Wise!
Shiv Verma has given us all the gift of his experience in discovering the commit force that resulted in his becoming financially secure on his own. In these perilous times, when everyone in the infamous 97% group is struggling to keep heads above the rising waters of inflation and loss of income and debt and even foreclosure much less saving for the education of our children or for a retirement that will be comfortable, the message that he delivers in this thoughtful, well-designed and presented book is one of the finest gifts to come around in a long time.
Were it not for Verma's personal story of how his financial model worked successfully for him, this book would be less impressive. There are no magic tricks, no sudden wealth promises, no easy way to live high and end up with lots of money. The simple truth is that Shiv Verma is reassuring us that if we spend with forethought, cut costs wherever we can, share costs (carpool, marketing in places that hold the best substantial bargains, etc), maintain credit card use (but restrict the number of cards to two) and always pay more than the monthly bill (these are ways to assure good credit), save on utility usage, shop smart, and always commit a portion of the paycheck to savings, AND commit to keeping a running ledger on our income and expenses, then we will not only survive - we will thrive!
If all this sounds too good to be true, then you very much need to read this enormously helpful book. We, as Americans, spend too much money, live beyond our means, use credit cards and loans unwisely, purchase major items we do not need - items that other less expensive alternatives could provide our needs in that direction. The financial model Shiv Verma presents is common sense: it just requires what he terms `commit force'. His book is rich in graphic charts that enhance the concepts he addresses. His presentation is warm, sound, informed, experienced and very much what we all need to know and practice in order to have the life and future we truly wish. Highly recommended for all readers no matter age or income bracket or frustrating current situation.
Grady Harp
Shiv Verma has given us all the gift of his experience in discovering the commit force that resulted in his becoming financially secure on his own. In these perilous times, when everyone in the infamous 97% group is struggling to keep heads above the rising waters of inflation and loss of income and debt and even foreclosure much less saving for the education of our children or for a retirement that will be comfortable, the message that he delivers in this thoughtful, well-designed and presented book is one of the finest gifts to come around in a long time.
Were it not for Verma's personal story of how his financial model worked successfully for him, this book would be less impressive. There are no magic tricks, no sudden wealth promises, no easy way to live high and end up with lots of money. The simple truth is that Shiv Verma is reassuring us that if we spend with forethought, cut costs wherever we can, share costs (carpool, marketing in places that hold the best substantial bargains, etc), maintain credit card use (but restrict the number of cards to two) and always pay more than the monthly bill (these are ways to assure good credit), save on utility usage, shop smart, and always commit a portion of the paycheck to savings, AND commit to keeping a running ledger on our income and expenses, then we will not only survive - we will thrive!
If all this sounds too good to be true, then you very much need to read this enormously helpful book. We, as Americans, spend too much money, live beyond our means, use credit cards and loans unwisely, purchase major items we do not need - items that other less expensive alternatives could provide our needs in that direction. The financial model Shiv Verma presents is common sense: it just requires what he terms `commit force'. His book is rich in graphic charts that enhance the concepts he addresses. His presentation is warm, sound, informed, experienced and very much what we all need to know and practice in order to have the life and future we truly wish. Highly recommended for all readers no matter age or income bracket or frustrating current situation.
Grady Harp
August 22, 2017
I did not like this book. I appreciate his honesty that getting rich takes a lot of saving and getting frugal, but he did not do a good job of explaining how to get rich. He talks about saving and uses charts, but was not clear in explaining them in my opinion.
April 24, 2013
In this short 139 paged book there are many treasures to behold. The Author starts the story out with him leaving everything he had ever known to come to the US to pursue his dreams. He explains in the book how important it was to save money and pay off debts in order to achieve this dream.
One of the financial theories that the author uses to advance his financial freedom is called Smart Savings. He outlines how any money saved can be included in your savings. He shows how one can use common sense and self-control to keep spending to a minimum. He also proves how keeping an eye on your future interests can help you to stay on the right financial track. As his life in the states progressed, he realized that some of the things he thought were unnecessary frills were actually vital in American life. But he also stayed on budget by only purchasing those items he truly needed. His explanation of how mistakes can be turned into progress and growth is well defined for anyone looking to increase their financial freedom.
Vital information is contained in this book for everyone, but younger college aged adults can greatly benefit from the authors advice. The idea of saving and budgeting does not sound exciting to young adults but this book shows how exciting it can be to use what money you do have to live the best possible life. The book breaks down tips for everything from paying off loans to the best ways to travel. The author’s informative yet humble approach to financial freedom is inspiring to even the worst spender. He uses logic and basic math principles to show how easy it is save up to 50% of your yearly earnings! This may sound impossible but it is precisely what this book is all about.
If you are inexperienced in financial responsibilities you would do well to read this book. The ideas of smart savings are easy to follow and clearly defined within it. The author proves that you don’t have to be rich to live a rich life. This book presents ideas that many may have thought of but few have actually followed. Once you read this book you will be forever inspired to save money and be financially responsible. If you are just out of college this book lays out tips for not only your financial life but your career as well. If you want to learn to grow and eventually be promoted there are important steps you can take to get that process moving along. This book explains how to best accomplish your goals and to do so with a grateful attitude.
This book is well written and carefully put together.It's books organization and easy readability style makes it one of the best books about financial freedom. If you are looking for a way out of debt, or the best way to start out your relationship with money, then you should read this book! You’ll be glad you did.
One of the financial theories that the author uses to advance his financial freedom is called Smart Savings. He outlines how any money saved can be included in your savings. He shows how one can use common sense and self-control to keep spending to a minimum. He also proves how keeping an eye on your future interests can help you to stay on the right financial track. As his life in the states progressed, he realized that some of the things he thought were unnecessary frills were actually vital in American life. But he also stayed on budget by only purchasing those items he truly needed. His explanation of how mistakes can be turned into progress and growth is well defined for anyone looking to increase their financial freedom.
Vital information is contained in this book for everyone, but younger college aged adults can greatly benefit from the authors advice. The idea of saving and budgeting does not sound exciting to young adults but this book shows how exciting it can be to use what money you do have to live the best possible life. The book breaks down tips for everything from paying off loans to the best ways to travel. The author’s informative yet humble approach to financial freedom is inspiring to even the worst spender. He uses logic and basic math principles to show how easy it is save up to 50% of your yearly earnings! This may sound impossible but it is precisely what this book is all about.
If you are inexperienced in financial responsibilities you would do well to read this book. The ideas of smart savings are easy to follow and clearly defined within it. The author proves that you don’t have to be rich to live a rich life. This book presents ideas that many may have thought of but few have actually followed. Once you read this book you will be forever inspired to save money and be financially responsible. If you are just out of college this book lays out tips for not only your financial life but your career as well. If you want to learn to grow and eventually be promoted there are important steps you can take to get that process moving along. This book explains how to best accomplish your goals and to do so with a grateful attitude.
This book is well written and carefully put together.It's books organization and easy readability style makes it one of the best books about financial freedom. If you are looking for a way out of debt, or the best way to start out your relationship with money, then you should read this book! You’ll be glad you did.
April 21, 2013
This is truly an inspiring story. Buy telling the story in personal terms through his journey to financial freedom the author inspires the reader to understand that financial freedom is something that anyone can accomplish through hard work, and understanding of sound financial principles, and effective planning and execution. As much as we'd like to believe that financial freedom can happen overnight, it's really a journey that occurs through years of due diligence and occasional setbacks.
I particularly enjoyed how Mr. Verma tells the story in sections that cover over a decade of this journey, showing the reader that successes like this take time and discipline. Mr. Verma's journey took fourteen years and was truly inspiring. There are several key messages that I took from the book:
1. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes time and good habits. So many of us want these things to happen instantly. Financial freedom is really a journey that occurs after years of sound decisions, and understanding of savings and best habits, and an execution of a plan. Like anything in life there are occasional hiccups and bumps in the road. Having a long term plan can insulate you from those occasional setbacks and help you get to the end result, financial freedom.
2. The Art of Smart Savings: Savings is about being wise with your money, not necessarily about being frugal. You don't have to avoid the pleasures in life, you just have to be smart about your decisions and have the long-term, big picture in mind. In making big financial decisions always ensure you're leveraging sound principles in relation to understanding money.
3. The concept of the Franchise Model. The author likens his smart-savings model to a franchise, ie something that can be tweaked and re-created in different aspects of your life and different times in your life. The key is sticking to those sound principles and constantly remembering the building blocks of financial success.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in the journey to financial success or is at the point that they want to begin the journey. I've read a handful of similar books over the years and what makes this one unique is its readability and the story it tells. I'm a big believer in personal anecdotes and someone who takes you down the journey in biographical fashion of what got them to their success point. This is truly and inspiring story full of practices and principles that I'll leverage in my personal financial journey moving forward.
I particularly enjoyed how Mr. Verma tells the story in sections that cover over a decade of this journey, showing the reader that successes like this take time and discipline. Mr. Verma's journey took fourteen years and was truly inspiring. There are several key messages that I took from the book:
1. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes time and good habits. So many of us want these things to happen instantly. Financial freedom is really a journey that occurs after years of sound decisions, and understanding of savings and best habits, and an execution of a plan. Like anything in life there are occasional hiccups and bumps in the road. Having a long term plan can insulate you from those occasional setbacks and help you get to the end result, financial freedom.
2. The Art of Smart Savings: Savings is about being wise with your money, not necessarily about being frugal. You don't have to avoid the pleasures in life, you just have to be smart about your decisions and have the long-term, big picture in mind. In making big financial decisions always ensure you're leveraging sound principles in relation to understanding money.
3. The concept of the Franchise Model. The author likens his smart-savings model to a franchise, ie something that can be tweaked and re-created in different aspects of your life and different times in your life. The key is sticking to those sound principles and constantly remembering the building blocks of financial success.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in the journey to financial success or is at the point that they want to begin the journey. I've read a handful of similar books over the years and what makes this one unique is its readability and the story it tells. I'm a big believer in personal anecdotes and someone who takes you down the journey in biographical fashion of what got them to their success point. This is truly and inspiring story full of practices and principles that I'll leverage in my personal financial journey moving forward.
April 25, 2013
Many may read this book and identify the outcomes with living the American Dream. But to me, Shiv Verma was able to capture the Universal Dream that reflects the goals of almost every person to be financially independent.
Shiv recounts his family’s fate after his father lost money, businesses, and prestige during a tumultuous period in Indian history. His parents were able to sustain the family by doing more with less. They relocated to a city where his father was able to find employment. Their life became simple. Costs were cut at every opportunity. The author took these lessons to heart once he became an adult. After achieving his dream of working in America, Shiv used what he learned during his childhood to cut back on expenses and save money. His common sense approach to daily living helped him to become debt free all while reaching a millionaire status.
This book is an excellent reference for anyone looking to revamp their financial health, especially young people who are just starting out. Shiv provides easy to understand guides that explain everything from managing credit cards to buying a car. As the author states, those who are in various circumstances will have to tweak the plan to fit their needs. So, if you are married or have kids, your approach will be slightly different. I highly recommend this to parents as a tool to help their teenage kids understand where all that money goes (and why Mom and Dad said no to the latest tech gadget or video game). I’ve been personally using some of these tactics over the last few years, and now I couldn’t imagine my any life different.
Shiv recounts his family’s fate after his father lost money, businesses, and prestige during a tumultuous period in Indian history. His parents were able to sustain the family by doing more with less. They relocated to a city where his father was able to find employment. Their life became simple. Costs were cut at every opportunity. The author took these lessons to heart once he became an adult. After achieving his dream of working in America, Shiv used what he learned during his childhood to cut back on expenses and save money. His common sense approach to daily living helped him to become debt free all while reaching a millionaire status.
This book is an excellent reference for anyone looking to revamp their financial health, especially young people who are just starting out. Shiv provides easy to understand guides that explain everything from managing credit cards to buying a car. As the author states, those who are in various circumstances will have to tweak the plan to fit their needs. So, if you are married or have kids, your approach will be slightly different. I highly recommend this to parents as a tool to help their teenage kids understand where all that money goes (and why Mom and Dad said no to the latest tech gadget or video game). I’ve been personally using some of these tactics over the last few years, and now I couldn’t imagine my any life different.
April 23, 2013
This book is the epitome of the American Dream. From the start of the book with the author as a child to his youth and adult life we learn about the financial struggles he had to overcome. This book is awesome, especially for people in my generation (I'm 28) because I feel like we know nothing about saving money and we just spend like crazy and we are all learning the hard way. I wish I would've picked up this book when I was a bit younger in order to read about how to save money and the life lessons the author learned as he was growing up.
This book includes lots of crucial information for anyone from teens, young adults to people in their 50's and beyond. It addresses impulse purchases, credit cards and loans. EVERYTHING I wish I would've researched in my earlier adult life. The book goes into detail lining up all the numbers for you... and seeing the numbers rise as the author implemented his new strategies was really informative and helpful.
If you are wondering what exactly you need to no longer bear the burden of bad decisions - it's hard work.. and learning what you need to know now rather than having it bite you later. I can sympathize with the author and relate - all the up's and down's of America and the successes and failures and the journey to become finically stable. He does a wonderful job of allowing us to see the bigger picture.. and hopefully it's not to late.
If you are looking for financial truth - look no further. This book is it!
This book includes lots of crucial information for anyone from teens, young adults to people in their 50's and beyond. It addresses impulse purchases, credit cards and loans. EVERYTHING I wish I would've researched in my earlier adult life. The book goes into detail lining up all the numbers for you... and seeing the numbers rise as the author implemented his new strategies was really informative and helpful.
If you are wondering what exactly you need to no longer bear the burden of bad decisions - it's hard work.. and learning what you need to know now rather than having it bite you later. I can sympathize with the author and relate - all the up's and down's of America and the successes and failures and the journey to become finically stable. He does a wonderful job of allowing us to see the bigger picture.. and hopefully it's not to late.
If you are looking for financial truth - look no further. This book is it!
April 21, 2013
When I started reading this book I quickly realized that this is a great story of victory in the midst of challenges and setbacks. Admittedly, the author was keen to OBSERVE and LEARN from those who had gone before him. Insightful and inspiring!
The early lesson is clear - don’t pay for something you can do for yourself. Wise! Don’t be lazy.
I also love the very good narration the book uses to tell fascinating stories of humility and determination which eventual was exalted to success. Be patient! The journey to financial freedom will come if you follow the rules.
There are many treasures to behold in this book. The truth is that this one review cannot truly justify its relevance and effective approaches. The “Billionomics: My Journey to Gain Financial Freedom” is for you even if you are only stuck with “ZERO” dollars. It will motivate you to get out of that rut that you have fallen into. For those who have started, it will propel you to the next level full of confidence.
The book shows you how to appreciate where you are and know how to identify a good opportunity. Important! Wrong choices will always amount to failure. The information shared cut to the core of some of our obstacles to financial freedom.
Get this book if you are serious about your consistent success and financial freedom!
The early lesson is clear - don’t pay for something you can do for yourself. Wise! Don’t be lazy.
I also love the very good narration the book uses to tell fascinating stories of humility and determination which eventual was exalted to success. Be patient! The journey to financial freedom will come if you follow the rules.
There are many treasures to behold in this book. The truth is that this one review cannot truly justify its relevance and effective approaches. The “Billionomics: My Journey to Gain Financial Freedom” is for you even if you are only stuck with “ZERO” dollars. It will motivate you to get out of that rut that you have fallen into. For those who have started, it will propel you to the next level full of confidence.
The book shows you how to appreciate where you are and know how to identify a good opportunity. Important! Wrong choices will always amount to failure. The information shared cut to the core of some of our obstacles to financial freedom.
Get this book if you are serious about your consistent success and financial freedom!
April 27, 2013
I want to start this review by first thanking the author for writing such an informative and inspirational book. Even though this book is based on a true story, it reads like something out of a Hollywood movie script. What Shiv Verma has done is basically given each and every one of us who read his book two things: hope and a plan. His financial plan is the epitome of the model for success. He has adapted what he learned to work anywhere in the world and not only does he prove it, he teaches it to us. Smart Savings is genius! I have never been able to save under any circumstance, but using the plan this book teaches us, anyone can do it, even me.
Millionomics is written almost like a textbook in that it teaches you a lesson by breaking it down into easy to follow segments. You will learn how to save and how to spend, even the best way to invest. His advice is straight to the point with no filler added, except for the occasional bit of inspirational wisdom. Not at any point in my life did I think that saving money would ever amount to anything more than a nice amount in the bank. Shiv has taught me how wrong I have been and I am now on a new path, a path that will take me to financial success. Forgive me for gushing about this book, it is just that good. After reading Millionomics I have a new outlook on life. Shiv Verma has a great book on his hands.
Millionomics is written almost like a textbook in that it teaches you a lesson by breaking it down into easy to follow segments. You will learn how to save and how to spend, even the best way to invest. His advice is straight to the point with no filler added, except for the occasional bit of inspirational wisdom. Not at any point in my life did I think that saving money would ever amount to anything more than a nice amount in the bank. Shiv has taught me how wrong I have been and I am now on a new path, a path that will take me to financial success. Forgive me for gushing about this book, it is just that good. After reading Millionomics I have a new outlook on life. Shiv Verma has a great book on his hands.
April 21, 2013
Millionomics is an account of a personal journey. New to the US Shiv arrives from India with very little but with big dreams. The book chronicles his successes and failures year by year, but is also backed up with real, useful and doable plans and methods for increasing your wealth. There are a gazillion graphs and tables which can be adapted for the reader's use. It was refreshing to read that Shiv suffered through the dreaded impulse buying trap, and speaks openly and honestly about his experience. The concept of houseclearing was very interesting to me. To go through your home and your life and clear anything that isn't working for you anymore.This includes objects and coverage for things like insurance. I learned that I can save money and even earn money by doing this once a year or so. The book also covers investing and saving. All in all the lesson I took from the book was to be frugal, take some chances but don't be reckless, and always invest in myself and my future health and wealth!
April 26, 2013
I find it a pleasure to get books about money making that don't promise an easy, no-work, system of signing up to a program and just letting the cash come in. First, it never is easy. Second, I'm smarter than the twenty people who were fooled by the get-rich-quick proposition. The best kinds of money making books are the one's that don't leave you feeling like you need a shower after your read them.
Sometimes accumulating wealth is just a matter of a mundane, even boring on the surface, strategy of careful planning and frugality. That's what this book is. A very detailed system put forth by someone who put it to work. It's not as exciting as winning the lottery, but it's far more likely to work. And that day when you don't have to get up and work to pay your bills won't feel so boring. Whoever said money can't buy happiness . . . was absolutely full of it.
Sometimes accumulating wealth is just a matter of a mundane, even boring on the surface, strategy of careful planning and frugality. That's what this book is. A very detailed system put forth by someone who put it to work. It's not as exciting as winning the lottery, but it's far more likely to work. And that day when you don't have to get up and work to pay your bills won't feel so boring. Whoever said money can't buy happiness . . . was absolutely full of it.
April 20, 2013
The book starts off with the author as a child, learning his background and how he grew up financially to give you a better idea of the teaching he received from his family. In his early years this book is perfect for teenagers, college students or anyone that is single. They will get a lot of excellent ways to save money from the life lessons the author learned. If you are married or have children there are many examples that will also get you to your goals of becoming a millionaire. As you get into a few years you will learn more about retirement, savings, buying a home, credit cards, impulse buying, shopping for a car, and the importance of a will. The charts show how he spent and saved his money, and how achievable this is.
April 22, 2013
What I really liked about Millionomics is the way it showed me how this life system could change my life. I think we have all been raised to spend, spend, and spend. That to be happy we need stuff. The one with the most toys wins mentality. I have been in that place and can tell you toys do not equal happiness.
Millionomics walks you year by year through the life of Shiv Verma. You get an insight into his choices and how they changed his life. Watching Shiv’s journey I felt that I could do what he did. That I could change my life.
As with any real plan for financial freedom, the road is long and must be stuck to. But I feel that the journey will be worth it. Thanks Shiv Verma for sharing your story!
Millionomics walks you year by year through the life of Shiv Verma. You get an insight into his choices and how they changed his life. Watching Shiv’s journey I felt that I could do what he did. That I could change my life.
As with any real plan for financial freedom, the road is long and must be stuck to. But I feel that the journey will be worth it. Thanks Shiv Verma for sharing your story!
January 9, 2015
Great Book
I like this book because it shows how you can be a millionaire by working, saving and investing in a very smart way.
I like this book because it shows how you can be a millionaire by working, saving and investing in a very smart way.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews