When Answers Aren't Enough: Experiencing God as Good When Life Isn’t

by Michelle Singletary

In her softcover book The Power to Prosper, award-winning writer Michelle Singletary has a field-tested financial challenge for you. For twenty-one days, you will put away your credit cards and buy only what you need for survival. With Michelle's guidance during this three-week financial fast, you'll discover how your spending habit*Handle money with your significant other or your spouse*Break your bondage to debt with the Debt Dash Plan*Make smart investments*Be prepared for any contingency with a Life Happens Fund*Stop worrying about money and find the priceless power of financial peaceAs you discover practical ways to achieve financial freedom, you'll experience something even more amazing ... your faith and generosity will increase, too.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Money, Self Help, Unfinished, Business

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2009

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ms. Singletary's book is a wonderful choice if you identify yourself as a Bible reading Christian. However, as a stand alone financial book, I cannot recommend it. I cannot in good faith recommend a book that I could barely get through without flipping numerous pages.

This book is more hardcore Christian than Dave Ramsey's books (Which are geared toward Christians, especially families) but less straight to the point than Suze Orman's books. There are some gems in this book regarding about dealing with yourself and your emotions, impulse buying and tracking your spending patterns - all of this I already had read and incorporated into my life from other books. Unfortunately, this book held nothing new for me.

The tone of the book, her point of view regarding the subject matter discussed, excessive Bible references and my lack of connection with the writer's voice created a divide that could not be conquered.

If you want a book with a religious undercurrent with good text, I would recommend one of Dave Ramsey's books.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it was recommended as a good, basic, get-started book on getting your financial life in order. My finances are fine, but I think they could be better. (Is there anyone who doesn't feel like their finances could be better?) When I started reading, I immediately thought, "Uh-oh, this isn't for me." Because the book makes use of scripture, prayer, and general praise to God to make a point....and I am not a religious person. But then I kept reading, and I found that the book was enlightening.

The author use scripture to help challenge and question the *emotional* and *psychological* reasons you are spending money the way you do. For example, I think everyone feels that they would like to give more money to charity and spend more time volunteering, regardless of religious persuasion....but they hesitate because their money and time are already wrapped up in other things. But is that really true? The author does a great job helping you uncover your impulses, fears, and tough-to-admit greediness you have around possessions and money. And you don't have to be a spiritual or religious to understand that a little less impulse, fear, and greed will make you feel a whole lot better. She also gives very sound advice about paying off debt, handling credit, making a budget, and saving for the future.

While the book is written so you read one chapter for each day of your 21-day financial fast, I decided to read the whole book thru first - to see what I was getting into. I hope to start my financial fast soon.

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like their finances could improve or that their spending has gotten a little out of control lately.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it too cliche to say a financial planning book changed my life? Probably, but it is true. I have just finished the book and the 21 day financial fast. The goal of the book is to better understand one's relationship with spending/consumption and gives strategies to address overspending. Make no mistake - the book is very challenging and the things that Michelle asks the reader to do seem and unreasonable. But it all works. Of note - the book is based in principles found in the Bible and ask the reader to perform some religious practices. This is not an issue for me as I identify as Christian. I would recommend this to any Christian hoping to change their relationship with money to achieve financial goals.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom by Michelle Singletary
6h 42m read by the author, 227 pages

Genre: Finance > Personal Finance;
Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion > Christian, Money > Money Management; Reference, Business

Featuring: Testimonies, Daily Assignments, A Biblical Perspective on Prosperity, God's Power to Prosper, 21 Days to Financial Freedom, a Promise of Prosperity, God's Generosity, Tithing Today Prepare Yourself to Prosper, the Evil of Entitlement, Coveting Versus Contentment, the Providence of Preparation, the Salvation of Saving, Diversification Delivers, Matrimonial Money, the Impact of An Inheritance
Prudence Begets Prosperity, the Devil Is in the Debt, the Curse of Credit, the Stupidity of Surety, Greed Will Not Bring Grace, Financial Fornication
Believe the Promise and Witness the Proof, Perpetual Peace, Broken Bonds, Strengthen Stewardship, Relationships Rescued, Financial Freedom, Budgeting Worksheets, Spending Journal, Fast Journal, Scripture Verses, Index

Rating as a movie: PG

Quotes: "The Bible is the key source for this book. Even if you are not religious, the Old and New Testaments give the best and most basic advice on how to handle your money — in good times and bad."

"We shop so much, we don’t even stop to think about what we’re buying. How many times have you gone to Walmart or Target with the intention of buying just a few things, but you ended up tossing more than a few things into your shopping cart? You get to the register, and a trip that should have cost you $20 ends up costing you $200. If we all waited longer before making many of our purchases, we’d have more money. During this fast, don’t even go window-shopping. Take shopping off your weekend to-do list."

"Main Point: We need to be set free from the bondage spending holds on our lives. My Pledge: For the next twenty-one days, I will be on a spending diet. I will not shop for anything except necessities. I will not use my credit card. I will limit or eliminate the use of my debit card. I will use cash for purchases I make during the fast. In this way, I will strive to break the chains that keep me from achieving financial freedom."

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts: 📱16% 1:05:17 Day 3 God's Generosity - These books are nearly identical, the formatting has changed for the location of the testimonies, and this book is missing some of the dedication and introduction found in the new book the information is mostly the same. The Ten Commandments examples are gold.
📱28% 1:50:08 Part 2 Day 5 - I love this book. I will most definitely be rereading.
📱50% 3:19:17 Day 10 Marrying Your Money - This is where this book is outdated. It also isn't as funny or eye-opening as the beginning was.
📱81% 5:26:07 Day 16 Financial Fornication - This is why I'm reading both books. This chapter a topic is completely eliminated from the revised publishing of this book titled The 21-Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom, it has been replaced with The Caregiver Cliff and instead of talking about how you should mingle your money before marriage, you talk about long-term care insurance. I'm definitely excited for this chapter.
📱85% 5:43:43 Part 4 Day 17 - That was the best chapter since chapter 10, I can't believe they'll remove it. It needs to be heard and I really enjoyed the songs she used to show how culture reflects this.

I honestly enjoyed this original publication more than the rewritten version. I think this is a must-read book. I have ordered a hard copy of both books from my library and I'm purchasing a few for relatives. I think this one would be better for singletons and young adults, the rewritten version has the same message with a swap of long-term care over comingling money before marriage. I think this is a fantastic message. I'm going to be doing a group reading over 21 days.

Recommend to others?: Absolutely. I think this is a wonderful book for everyone to read no matter their religious beliefs or financial situation.

[Katie Niekamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't immediately drop this book when I first started reading it is because I'd read the reviews first. Yes, this thing is very religious. Actually, it's not just a religious slant but the POINT is religious. Regardless, I decided to read it anyway, hoping my nonbeliever status wouldn't put me too at odds with the financial points.

It's hard to say where I've landed. If you are at enough of an emotional distance, you can laugh off and ignore the bits of bad financial advice that seep through. She warns against living in sin (aka unmarried couples) even if it is financially advantageous. She heavily promotes still giving 10% of your gross earnings to the church even if your are in a dire financial situation. There are a few other alarming nuggets like that that kind of stains the overall message.

However, the fast ended up being a good thing for me. I have a harmful tendency to ignore stressful things until they become unmanageable problems. This book is all about putting a laser focus on your finances, good or bad, and asking the questions that need to be asked. I'm certainly better off after.

So would I recommend this book? Ironically, I'd maybe only recommend it to people who aren't that religious and will therefor ignore the harmful bits and skim onto the cherries of actual financial wisdom. Which this book does have.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I do not consider myself a Christian, I do believe in God (And in Jesus amongst other Divine Beings) so I found this book thought-provoking, particularly provoking thoughts such as "why DO I feel entitled to put things on my credit card?", "how much HAVE I fallen for money habits in my generation/society that are not helping me at all?"

But I did find some of the advice and points in this book might be things that encourage householders (aka you and me, unless you are reading this in a monastery or an ashram right now) to act as if they're renunciates. Something I've learned about from Rose Rosetree's work and do my best to avoid.

Also there were some falsehoods that were distracting (e.g. mention of "the devil" yadda yadda yadda).

All in all, I did find this a helpful book for examining how I spend my money.

[Erica Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third year participating in the fast. As a Christian the book is a reminder of how different the world's way is from God's way. Just thinking about where I spend my money made me pay closer attention to where I can save. Before the fast, I had more month than money. After the fast, I realize that not only has God given me all that I need, when I am a good steward and budget my money I can even get some of things I want. I'm committed to paying off debt and to staying debt free (this time). The new expanded version of the book speaks to new areas that are very helpful; the simplified budget sheets are much better than the previous ones. I confess that while I will resume getting my hair done weekly, our family will cut back on eating out and shopping in an effort to save money and maintain a balanced budget. If you are ready for change in your finances and feel like drastic times call for drastic measures, buy the book and sacrifice for the 21 days.

[Gabriella Bishop-Schiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at page 156
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I was really trying to find kernels of wisdom and I did, but I started feeling ashamed of my social status. There is no conversation about capitalism and poverty and how systems keep people broke. She makes broke sound like a personal failing.

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 3 out of 5]

21 Days of Financial Fasting

This book was ok. It made me think about my spending habits. Only buying needs and not wants was restrictive, but I did it. This book helped me remember how important budgeting is. Hoping I reach all of my financial goals this year. I try to start each new year off with a financial book, and that is how I ended up reading this book. I would recommend this book to those who want to do better financially.

[Majda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly interesting, although the religious asides are not really for me. Many useful strategies and the fast was enlightening - not at all difficult to give up credit cards, but to ignore the iTunes shop and betterworld or amazon (or a decent bottle of wine)... not so easy!

[Candace Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Though the book is heavily influenced by Michelle’s faith, she gets real about monitoring how we spend money. Read it!

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick review for a quick read. In all honesty, I did not like this book, though I understood what the author was intending to accomplish with it. Granted, I know there are people who need help with managing their finances. I also know there are people of faith who like having real world applications and topics tied to aspects of their faith (which is actually a good measure to use if you're motivated by tying different topics together to learn). I know of quite a number of people who have been able to make these bridges work effectively, efficiently, and without necessarily feeling like it's beating you over the head with information. I felt that this book was trying much too hard and didn't organically blend the material for utility's sake. Granted, there are pieces of solid financial advice here - but it felt less inspirational and motivational than some other guides to finances I've come across, and this is taking into consideration both faith based and non-faith based financial guides. Perhaps if it had better streamlined and trimmed some of the excessive material, I would've liked it much more.

Overall score: 1.5/5 stars.

[Jessie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read reviews about this book being too scripture based. First, there’s no such thing as being too biblical in changing your life. This was the most convicting book on finances I have ever read. Life long habits and heart change only come from knowing that the gifts we have are not from ourselves. This book highlights truly knowing and believing where our prosperity comes from. When we treat each dollar as a blessing from above, we are bound to handle it with great care.

[Thankful Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reset book. Don't miss the message because of the religious tone. This book is full of great resources, exercises, and food for thought.

[Michelle Barnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm always so frustrated by people who make personal finance religious. There's no need to muddle the two. If you skip all the bible verses and calls to prayer you'll only have about 50% of the book left, if that. The advice is fine, but the message is lost. It feels like being stuck in a grocery line with some really pushy older southern Christian lady who notices your cart and gives you some great cooking advice but then can't shut up about how she really thinks you need to come to Sunday School with her so no matter how good the advice is, it's really quite soured by the pushiness.

[Joseph R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of people struggle to manage their finances. Either they don't pay attention or they can't resist impulses or they just have more expenses than revenues. Money management is not glamorous and is barely lauded in our culture. But it is very important for personal wellbeing.

With that in mind, Michelle Singletary has developed a financial challenge: for three weeks, don't use any credit cards (i.e. only use cash) and only buy essentials. The idea is to recognize what you spend money on and what you can live without. Swiping a credit card is a bit of magic, spending money you don't have on you with the promise of paying it later. A purchase is more real and impactful if you put actual dollar bills down for what you are buying. By eschewing non-essentials, you can see how much cost they consume and if their absence is really a hardship for you. Having extra money at the end of the month may be more satisfying than having a Starbucks treat every day.

The book has a section for each day, focusing on one issue in financial life, like how to manage debt or how to make a budget or where to put extra money. Each section is only a few pages, including testimonials from people who have gone through the fast before and tools and tasks (usually journalling) to apply what's been learned. She has a lot of good insights and practical tips for making it through the fast and for being more deliberate in using money.

She comes from a Christian perspective, emphasizing how money is to be used wisely and the spiritual benefits of managing it well. She talks about the Lord blessing you financially if you live a good and deliberate life (i.e. the prosperity gospel) which I don't think is right. God wants you to be full of grace, not full of cash. He cares for your wellbeing, which includes your financial wellbeing, but He isn't going to make you rich because you are a faithful follower. That idea is a small part of Singletary's bigger picture, so you can still do the program without being evangelized.

As with many self-help books, I did not jump into this whole-heartedly. My challenge was not using credit cards. Using cash at the grocery store or gas station was hard to get used to (and remember). Leaving off buying snacks or random drinks while running errands was relatively easy, I quite often take a travel mug of hot or cold beverage. I am working out our budget, a thing I've thought a lot about but never put to paper (or the digital equivalent). Getting more deliberate about money is important, especially with the goal of retirement coming closer.

The program is very valuable as a financial "reset" if you want to improve habits around money, a goal everyone should have.

Recommended for accessible financial advice even if you don't go fully with the program.

[Jennifer Sardam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day! I am the type of person who gets excited about non-fiction more than I do a rousing round of romance novels, and there are some really actionable and doable steps in this book that make it easy for anyone to get started on a path to better management of their personal finances.

I am spiritually minded; however, I wouldn’t call myself religious. Still, I didn’t really mind the Biblical tone of this book. It really stretched me to think about my finances from a whole new perspective — taking me from the practical to the philosophical. It helped me to see my money as a valuable resource for the first time, and not just a means to an end. My money is a blessing that can be a powerful tool to effect change for myself, my family, and others. It’s so much more than my ticket to endless amounts of Starbucks.

This book has also really opened my eyes to how long I have been asleep at the wheel and playing into the consumerism game, without even realizing that I have the power of choice. I have been unhappy with my life, always wanting more, and living in fear of my finances. I’ve been complaining for so long that I can’t afford this life, even the basics; but I now have to really take a hard look at things and realize that I am the one who got myself here. I am also the only one who can, with perseverance and dedication, find my way out of the darkness of debt.

This book really made me ponder some of the things I never realized. In all my years, I’ve never managed to save money, no matter how much I made … I figured if I didn’t feel I had enough to save, then why bother? I didn’t believe in cutting my expenses drastically, starting small … but now I see that even tucking away $5 here and there is better than squandering that amount. I’m learning to take a good hard look at the values and the lessons I received about money from my childhood and beyond and question them. I also hope that I can get a better handle on things and give my daughter a better financial legacy by teaching her to do better with her own financial future.

Yes, I realize the whole point of this book is that it is meant to be digested slowly, day by day, alongside thoughtful journaling around each nugget of wisdom. But I just couldn’t wait to learn more as I swiped through my Kindle app. Now that I have gleaned some overall knowledge, I am going back through and slowly doing the exercises, working my budget, and charting my path.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is organized around a 21-day money fast that Michele Singletary recommends readers to take. The book is heart-felt and contains excellent money tips and very solid scriptural explanations. Singletary has written the excellent "Color of Money" column in the Washington Post for years.

I read this book at the same time as Love Your Life Not Theirs by Rachel Cruze. It is an interesting comparison. They are both excellent books, and are very consistent with the advice they give.

Of the two, I would say that Michele's is much more Bible-based and has more examples from lower-income people that the author has helped. The Rachel Cruze book focuses a lot on the pressures to faced in the modern climate of social media and easy credit. Her examples seem to focus more on millennials and middle-to-upper class readers, but I think that the principles are good for anyone.

[Melania Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

So first and foremost, this is a great book for those seeking a way to reset their minds about how they spend their money. It’s especially helpful if you read it first thing in the morning as it helps set your mind to not spend money on non-essentials throughout the day.

However, she does write from one viewpoint on most things - primarily that of being married with children. She also talks a lot about people with shopping addictions - which I don’t have but doesn’t mean this fast isn’t good for other people. She does mention how this fast could also be helpful for good stewards of money, but it feels like an afterthought.

While it is still good, and I did learn a lot, it did feel somewhat short-sighted and geared towards one type of person. It would be really nice if she came out with a few different editions geared towards other types of people, such as single people, those without children, and good stewards of money.

Ultimately, I feel that I’m a good steward, but there’s always room for improvement. This did help me set my mind on the idea that just because I have it, doesn’t mean I have to spend it.

[Bobbi Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michelle Singletary does a good job of analyzing why we spend money and how to change bad habits. For the most part, I think I am pretty cheap--always pack my own lunch rather than buying it, rarely ever get Starbucks, etc.--but this book helped me see some areas where I need improvement, mostly in the category of shopping if I don't *need* something and making an effort to save more.

The book encourages you to read a chapter a day for 21 days and perform a "spending fast."
Chapters cover topics such as why you should give 10% of your income to your church, keeping a journal of your spending habits, entitlement (it's just not for teens!), teaching your children about managing money, different approaches for paying off debt, caregiving (either for your parents or preparing yourself with long-term care insurance for yourself and spouse).

Each chapter topic is related to a Bible passage or two, which was interesting. I didn't realize money and wealth was mentioned so much!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent eye-opener for those interested in being more mindful of good financial habits. The “fast” (from unnecessary spending and use of credit cards) serves as a shock treatment to focus your financial thoughts, and during those 21 days, there is a specific task each day to accomplish - like tracking spending, developing a budget, analyzing wants vs.needs, etc.

The reader may be put off by the strong Christian emphasis throughout the book, especially regarding tithing, but there is no attempt to proselytize, and the financial advice and steps are not any less valuable because of the Christian flavor.

[Stef · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed with book- it has ths wrong title - should say "21days with the Bible to financial freedom"

I only read up to page 60. If I wanted to read a bible I would read a bible,! Nothing in the information of the intro did it have "will quote the Bible every page". I got the book free on Amazon Prime 2-2-2021. Totally disappointed since I did not get thru the 21 days since I stopped at page 60 day 4..

I've done the Budget Boot camp with Jordan Page and I will stick with that information. . .doing spending freezes for weeks at a time. And only spending $100 per person a month I learned more about my budget and what I need to do with Jordan Page.

[Liz Omvig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I really wish this book were advertised as a religious book. There's a lot more about Christian beliefs than about money. I'm giving it two stars because the little financial advice that is there is mostly good, although somewhat condescending and judgemental. I disagree with the author's beliefs about debt and credit, but I like the overall strategy and found the daily prompts to be thought-provoking. I'm glad I was able to read this on Kindle Unlimited because I would not have liked to spend money on it. I'm hoping to find another book about limiting spending without any preaching of religious beliefs.

[Anjanette Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get on track

I like how this book addressed the various phases of life, emotions and issues that directly affect spending (habits). Personally, it helped me hone in on tracing where my money is going, and yes I found out where! It’s not that you’re being wasteful but knowing where my money is going is a good feeling . I really enjoyed all of the testimonials, many of which were relatable.
I have recommended the book to many friends already. Yet, the proof is in the pudding so I know when they see the results I experience they will undoubtedly hop on board. Thanks for sharing your wisdom Michelle

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very outdated approach to managing finances. With the advent of digital banks, using the “cash only” method is not always realistic. Many of the examples she uses are forced and it reads as if each chapter begins the book anew. If I had a shot for every time I read Big Mama, I’d be in a grave by the second chapter.

I too am a Christian, but this book does not do well with the ages. If you’re looking for a modern take on managing your finances through Christianity, this book is not for you.

If you’re looking for a Fundamentalist view on managing your finances, this ones for you. I was very disappointed.

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I faithfully follow the fast? No.
Did I do the daily assignments? No.
Would I recommend this book? No.

The only benefit to reading this book is that reading the chapters daily as directed can help keep you in the headspace of saving and following the fast. I still cheated during the fast. But, reading the chapters each day made me feel guilty about cheating.

It just felt very basic to me. Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover is a better option. And, in fact, Singletary's "debt dash plan" is a carbon copy of Ramsey's "debt snowball."

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

As we are now in the season of Lent, I thought it would be appropriate to take a fast from unnecessary spending. This book was helpful in making me aware of how I spend my money and am I being consistent with my values. While I did not keep the journal, I did spend time thinking about her questions and doing some of the exercises. Would recommend for people who don't mind their personal finance information coming from the Bible.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, tools, and knowledge

I have always felt that I was good with money. I don't spend a lot, but I didn't realize how obsessive I was about saving, and the possibilities of why. This fast made me see that although I didn't think I was worrying about money, I was because I was saving too much! I didn't want to be destitute, I wanted to make sure without a doubt we have money for retirement and I didn't think there was such a thing as saving too much. I actually learned I needed to loosen the reigns a bit. I also learned that I wasn't exactly saving correctly. I needed a life happens fund too. I have been sharing what I've learned with my family, and even helped my teenage daughter build a budget and saving for her summer job. Thanks Michelle!

[Lexy Perez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t even get past the first chapter, and even then I skipped/skimmed through half of the pages in chapter one. I didn’t realize when I grabbed this book that it would be so heavy on the biblical references. I’m sure it’s a great read for anyone who is a devout Christian but I just not bring myself to sift through the immense amount of religious babble just to find the actual financial advice.

[CJ Pinkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book and it helped me gain a better sense to doing something’s right financially. One, opening an account with a debit or credit card being attached to it and saving my money in it(HYSA), learning how to tithe again and do it properly, also, learning how to make very smart financial decisions, I gave up Starbucks! Been a challenge but this book helped me see I don’t need the extra cost of going there.