What do you think?
Rate this book
Sacred Success: A Course in Financial Miracles
Sacred Success®: A Course in Financial Miracles shows women there is a better way to achieve wealth and on your own terms—as a woman.
Barbara Stanny, the leading expert on women and money, has helped women take control of their finances for two decades—and she knows there is much more to success than how much you earn. In her work with powerful, successful women over the last 20 years, bestselling author and financial educator Stanny has found that most women’s problems with money have little to do with money itself, but rather with their fear of, or ambivalence toward, power. Instead of pushing women to pursue financial success in the traditional fashion, Sacred Success seeks to redefine power from a feminine perspective.
More than a financial guide, Sacred Success is a primer on power for women—a tutorial for taking charge of your life by taking charge of your finances, and not only growing your money but creating a deeper, richer, and more meaningful life. Best described as “ A Course in Miracles meets the Wall Street Journal ,” Sacred Success gives you a proven process that uniquely blends the practical, psychological, and spiritual work of wealth.
You can be financially successful without sacrificing your soul or compromising your values. You can create wealth and exercise power by staying true to your authentic self and personal mission. Start now.
Barbara Stanny, the leading expert on women and money, has helped women take control of their finances for two decades—and she knows there is much more to success than how much you earn. In her work with powerful, successful women over the last 20 years, bestselling author and financial educator Stanny has found that most women’s problems with money have little to do with money itself, but rather with their fear of, or ambivalence toward, power. Instead of pushing women to pursue financial success in the traditional fashion, Sacred Success seeks to redefine power from a feminine perspective.
More than a financial guide, Sacred Success is a primer on power for women—a tutorial for taking charge of your life by taking charge of your finances, and not only growing your money but creating a deeper, richer, and more meaningful life. Best described as “ A Course in Miracles meets the Wall Street Journal ,” Sacred Success gives you a proven process that uniquely blends the practical, psychological, and spiritual work of wealth.
You can be financially successful without sacrificing your soul or compromising your values. You can create wealth and exercise power by staying true to your authentic self and personal mission. Start now.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
147 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 4, 2014
Barbara Stanny's book "Sacred Success" offers a ton of advice to help women achieve financial success. Its warm and friendly tone makes it easy to ready. Unlike other finance-related books, her book is enjoyable. The series of thinking exercises and short activities really reinforces her advice. Thank you GoodReads for the book.
April 13, 2016
The most fiscally responsible thing I did was to check this out from the library and save myself the cost of the book.
Barbara Stanny came to my attention in a "USA Today". For the most part, she's a more interesting interview than author. The points she made in the interview that intrigued me are nearly 2/3rds through the book, until then the few practical items are masked by a lot of the metaphysical. It's sort of a "if you build it, they will come" for women and finance.
As someone who fell for the mantra, "Do what you love and the money will follow". I'm not sure who it's following, it's not me. So I'm a hard sell on if you believe, all will be well. It's also hard to follow someone who is an heir to the H&R Block fortune. Yes, she made bad choices but always had a cushion, I could not take a 9 month sabbatical as the author did.
My hope when reading books like this is to pick up a few nuggets which I did and found myself already doing some positives.
Barbara Stanny came to my attention in a "USA Today". For the most part, she's a more interesting interview than author. The points she made in the interview that intrigued me are nearly 2/3rds through the book, until then the few practical items are masked by a lot of the metaphysical. It's sort of a "if you build it, they will come" for women and finance.
As someone who fell for the mantra, "Do what you love and the money will follow". I'm not sure who it's following, it's not me. So I'm a hard sell on if you believe, all will be well. It's also hard to follow someone who is an heir to the H&R Block fortune. Yes, she made bad choices but always had a cushion, I could not take a 9 month sabbatical as the author did.
My hope when reading books like this is to pick up a few nuggets which I did and found myself already doing some positives.
April 6, 2015
Blown away is seldom something I write about business books. If I hadn't read an interview about how her husband gambled away her huge inheritance while she continued to believe that men should handle the finances, I would have never have picked this up.
Talk about a 180! And now Stanny appears on business shows plus wants to help other women achieve the same success.
The process described can work if people follow the steps. Excellent!
Talk about a 180! And now Stanny appears on business shows plus wants to help other women achieve the same success.
The process described can work if people follow the steps. Excellent!
December 23, 2019
Can a sister get a hell yes I’m a bad mf who is on her way to making millions and billions.
This book holds truth, wisdom and inspiration down to the core.
A read for anyone who is ready to show the world and themselves just how badass they truly are and everything they can accomplish by taking action.
Time to reign!
This book holds truth, wisdom and inspiration down to the core.
A read for anyone who is ready to show the world and themselves just how badass they truly are and everything they can accomplish by taking action.
Time to reign!
May 10, 2017
It took me a while to warm up to Stanny's writing style and her brand of self-help (eh...actually maybe I never really did...). The whole thing felt very Corporate Retreat to me, complete with lots of "Four Steps to [insert aspirational state of being here]," plentiful quotes pulled from "A Course in Miracles" and even a few Bible quotes. Blech. Stanny's been through her own trials and tribulations when it comes to money and finding her way professionally, but she started out with a sizable trust fund, so I felt kind of skeptical from the beginning.
This book wasn't quite what I thought it was, which also frustrated me when I started reading (obviously, not the book's fault, but I was going into it with certain expectations). I was expecting something more like a book-length version of Chapter 6 (Disciplined Action, Part 2—The Discipline of Affluence), which breaks down wealth-building from the bottom up in practical understandable terms. I thought that chapter was great and well written, but she starts it off by saying "I suspect, for some of you, pairing money with discipline is a definite turnoff. In fact, you're probably tempted to skip this chapter altogether." To which my response was, "Are you kidding? That's the whole reason I'm still reading this damn book." So, I feel like maybe I wasn't exactly the primary audience.
With that said, I think this book is still a worthwhile read and has useful exercises for figuring out your career and financial trajectory. A lot of the ideas in this book are basically mindfulness techniques, but they're presented in a way that makes them relevant to career and financial planning specifically. While reading I pasted the exercises and some excerpts into a Word document and by the end I had ~15 pages that I think distill the parts of this book that I'll come back to in the future. I also think the templates provided for tracking expenses are useful and I'll probably use parts of them.
My inclination is to give this book 2 stars, because I really did find it incredibly annoying a lot of the time (could I roll my eyes any harder at the notion of taking a 9 month sabbatical, as if that's a totally normal thing that normal people can do?). But I think the content is important and, most significantly, accessible and geared toward the challenges that women face. Also, even though I felt like a lot of what Stanny was talking about was way beyond where I am in my own career, it was kind of interesting to read and think "well, that's something to look forward to" (and not in a snarky way...I mean, it did help me see what's possible even if I'm not there now).
Anyway...I think the underlying message is a good one and there are useful tools embedded in this book. I just had to get past the way it all was packaged.
This book wasn't quite what I thought it was, which also frustrated me when I started reading (obviously, not the book's fault, but I was going into it with certain expectations). I was expecting something more like a book-length version of Chapter 6 (Disciplined Action, Part 2—The Discipline of Affluence), which breaks down wealth-building from the bottom up in practical understandable terms. I thought that chapter was great and well written, but she starts it off by saying "I suspect, for some of you, pairing money with discipline is a definite turnoff. In fact, you're probably tempted to skip this chapter altogether." To which my response was, "Are you kidding? That's the whole reason I'm still reading this damn book." So, I feel like maybe I wasn't exactly the primary audience.
With that said, I think this book is still a worthwhile read and has useful exercises for figuring out your career and financial trajectory. A lot of the ideas in this book are basically mindfulness techniques, but they're presented in a way that makes them relevant to career and financial planning specifically. While reading I pasted the exercises and some excerpts into a Word document and by the end I had ~15 pages that I think distill the parts of this book that I'll come back to in the future. I also think the templates provided for tracking expenses are useful and I'll probably use parts of them.
My inclination is to give this book 2 stars, because I really did find it incredibly annoying a lot of the time (could I roll my eyes any harder at the notion of taking a 9 month sabbatical, as if that's a totally normal thing that normal people can do?). But I think the content is important and, most significantly, accessible and geared toward the challenges that women face. Also, even though I felt like a lot of what Stanny was talking about was way beyond where I am in my own career, it was kind of interesting to read and think "well, that's something to look forward to" (and not in a snarky way...I mean, it did help me see what's possible even if I'm not there now).
Anyway...I think the underlying message is a good one and there are useful tools embedded in this book. I just had to get past the way it all was packaged.
August 2, 2018
Barbara Stanny has produced a very accessible and inspiring read on the relationship of women with success, money, wealth, and power. I wish I had read it twenty years ago. Not to worry, it is never too late to accept success. She presents so many lives of women in the seven figure range that are useful and heartening. It's not anti-patriarchy, merely states facts and experiences, letting the reader choose her own conclusions.
Interestingly, the last two non-fiction books I have read bring in The Course in Miracles, a book I have not read in decades. Stanny refers to it occasionally, and not obnoxiously. Two memorable quotes from her book:
"According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a warrior is one who is not afraid of herself."
The next is from Erich Fromm:
"The main task in life is to give birth to our self to become who we actually are."
Sacred Success is indeed warrior building.
Interestingly, the last two non-fiction books I have read bring in The Course in Miracles, a book I have not read in decades. Stanny refers to it occasionally, and not obnoxiously. Two memorable quotes from her book:
"According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a warrior is one who is not afraid of herself."
The next is from Erich Fromm:
"The main task in life is to give birth to our self to become who we actually are."
Sacred Success is indeed warrior building.
December 29, 2017
Holistic/spiritual approach the term 'financial success'. A large part of the book introduces major concepts from the Course in Miracles. I love this because it helped me break through a ton of doubts I had about my relationship with money.
There's a ton of excellent quotes and themes in the books that are taken from many different types of figures. Religious, political, historical, professional... etc
Only towards the very end does the book start to cover actual financial advice. (The advice is pretty basic and not anything I've never heard of before)
It is however, presented in a spiritual framework that addresses some of our deepest concerns about money. Do we deserve it? How do men and women think differently about money? What is my core purpose in life?
There's a ton of excellent quotes and themes in the books that are taken from many different types of figures. Religious, political, historical, professional... etc
Only towards the very end does the book start to cover actual financial advice. (The advice is pretty basic and not anything I've never heard of before)
It is however, presented in a spiritual framework that addresses some of our deepest concerns about money. Do we deserve it? How do men and women think differently about money? What is my core purpose in life?
April 5, 2021
The book 'Overcoming Underearning' was for women who were struggling financially and to get them out of the struggle mode.
This book is for the next level of financial and personal accomplishments - finding one's deeper purpose and getting your directives from above rather than focusing on ego-created goals like making money.
Personally, I've benefitted massively from Barbara's work and from the book 'Money a Love Story'.
I am at a different place financially because I worked hard at their exercises and shifted the way I think.
This book in particular goes beyond getting over one's struggles. This is all about a higher level of growth and finding purpose that aligns with divine inspiration.
For me, it reinforces my current experiences and is a good read with solid exercises.
This book is for the next level of financial and personal accomplishments - finding one's deeper purpose and getting your directives from above rather than focusing on ego-created goals like making money.
Personally, I've benefitted massively from Barbara's work and from the book 'Money a Love Story'.
I am at a different place financially because I worked hard at their exercises and shifted the way I think.
This book in particular goes beyond getting over one's struggles. This is all about a higher level of growth and finding purpose that aligns with divine inspiration.
For me, it reinforces my current experiences and is a good read with solid exercises.
June 26, 2018
I thought this was going to be just about getting my financial act together, so had been putting it off. Finally picked up the audio version, and ...wow. There is so much wisdom in here about all of life.
Some of the exercises I've done in earlier periods of my life, so didn't need to repeat. Others were new to me. All were valuable. I've incorporated some things and plan to re-read this book later this year so other practices can better sink in and become part of my day-to-day.
Highly recommend this.
(One note: the narration is odd. Speeds are occasionally wonky, and the speaker can be a little too perky for my tastes. But the information is worth it, so stick with it.)
Some of the exercises I've done in earlier periods of my life, so didn't need to repeat. Others were new to me. All were valuable. I've incorporated some things and plan to re-read this book later this year so other practices can better sink in and become part of my day-to-day.
Highly recommend this.
(One note: the narration is odd. Speeds are occasionally wonky, and the speaker can be a little too perky for my tastes. But the information is worth it, so stick with it.)
January 30, 2024
I picked up Sacred Success to read about the mindset needed to take my financial management to the next level, but this book is more about finding your purpose than managing your finances. The idea being that if you follow your passions the money will follow. There's not much new here that I haven't already read in other personal development books. I did appreciate the section on intuition and how you need to take a break from everyday busyness to tap into your inner knowing. However there were not many tips on how to make a life sabbatical work for people with a lot of responsibilities and financial obligations.
May 17, 2020
I purchased this a few months ago, started the first chapter and felt like it just 'wasn't the book for me.' However, a week or so ago I got a *ping* to pick it back up and WOW - it was everything I needed to hear and so affirming for what I've been learning and experiencing in my personal life.
I love how Barabara brings in the Course in Miracles. There were so many beautiful passages that I had forgotten, and some I remembered but experienced in new ways.
If this book is calling to you, pick it up! It's juicy.
I love how Barabara brings in the Course in Miracles. There were so many beautiful passages that I had forgotten, and some I remembered but experienced in new ways.
If this book is calling to you, pick it up! It's juicy.
February 5, 2018
Reads very much like a day seminar or one of those programs they put in during a PBS telethon - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. For me, based in other books I've read recently though, it felt very prescribed and almost like a textbook.
But there are also some great nuggets in there too that were just enough to make me finish the book and not just move on. Women and finances has a lot of dynamics to unpack, and Stanny's willingness to share her own stories made for compelling examples.
But there are also some great nuggets in there too that were just enough to make me finish the book and not just move on. Women and finances has a lot of dynamics to unpack, and Stanny's willingness to share her own stories made for compelling examples.
February 24, 2019
Excellent read
Barbara Stanny takes you on a personal journey to find yourself and bring back your roar. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. This is a must read for all women. I will read it over and over to find the warrior within as I continue my journey to Greatness!
Barbara Stanny takes you on a personal journey to find yourself and bring back your roar. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. This is a must read for all women. I will read it over and over to find the warrior within as I continue my journey to Greatness!
July 20, 2021
I read this on a recommendation from a friend. While interesting and thought-provoking, much of the content didn't apply to me at this point in my life. If you are looking for a reflective approach to explore your relationship with money, finding your life's purpose, and women's empowerment - give it a try.
January 5, 2019
Findyour greatness
A book about empowerment that is a little stuck in binary discussions of gender but still has a useful set mindful practices. Ithought the beginning of the book was very inspiring but the rest of the book maybe wasn’t as concrete as I was hoping.
A book about empowerment that is a little stuck in binary discussions of gender but still has a useful set mindful practices. Ithought the beginning of the book was very inspiring but the rest of the book maybe wasn’t as concrete as I was hoping.
August 25, 2021
Highly recommend this book
I just love reading Barbara's books. This one especially hit home because I was ready to hear the message she wrote. I'm excited to put into practice what I learned.
I just love reading Barbara's books. This one especially hit home because I was ready to hear the message she wrote. I'm excited to put into practice what I learned.
November 28, 2021
If this book doesn’t empower you to achieve Greatness, reclaim your power, and respect money, i don’t know what will! I deeply loved this book because it taught me by respecting my money, im respecting my power and myself. Money is an energy of abundance and power. I highly suggest this book!
May 3, 2024
I found this book inspiring and useful. I bought the audio version and plan to re listen again this coming winter.
Nothing is massively new but the information was packaged well and it's what I needed to hear at this time. I've also been intrigued by "A Course in Miracles".
Nothing is massively new but the information was packaged well and it's what I needed to hear at this time. I've also been intrigued by "A Course in Miracles".
August 31, 2017
If you're looking for your inner Wise Woman Warrior, check in this book! Make sure to do the exercises; that's where the growth is.
January 26, 2018
For me this book was super spiritual I just wasn’t interested in that. It had a different flavor than the other books that she has written which I totally loved.
March 11, 2018
Uplifting, spiritually-based, practically-grounded discourse on financial success. Highly recommended!
June 12, 2018
Phenomenal
March 18, 2019
Amazing book!! I ordered 3 additional copies to give to some women I think need to hear this message. I think all women should read this book because Barbara imparts some amazing wisdom in this.
May 4, 2019
I enjoyed her insights and it was a fast read. Made the Course In Miracles easier to understand.
August 18, 2019
Thank you Barbara for this book. It is full of great tips and actionable items. I look forward to going through it again and digging deeper.
April 27, 2020
Just finished reading this book and it was amazing. I loved the way it talks about the real greatness and power. It wasn’t an easy one but it is worth your time
February 3, 2021
I'm not into the Course in Miracles but there's enough here for non-believers to make use of.
July 1, 2021
I loved this book! It's a great combination of finances and spirituality.
February 8, 2023
Some helpful concepts. Not very sacred.
March 20, 2017
I love all books by Barbara Stanny, and this was no exception.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews