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Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life
Quietly and steadily, the number of women making six figures or more is increasing and continues to rise at a rate faster than for men. From entrepreneurs to corporate executives, from white-collar professionals to freelancers and part-timers, women are forging careers with considerable financial success. In Secrets of Six-Figure Women, Barbara Stanny, journalist, motivational speaker,and financial educator, identifies the seven key strategies of female highearners: A Profit Motive, Audacity, Resilience, Encouragement, Self-Awareness, Non-attachment, and Financial Know-How. Based on extensive research and hundreds of interviews, including more than 150 women whose annual earnings range from $100,000 to $7 million, Barbara Stanny turns each of the six-figure traits into a specific strategy for upping earnings. By rigorously fine-tuning them, readers can, step-by-step, climb the income ladder.
275 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
7059 people are currently reading
9881 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
May 23, 2016
Challenged me to suck less with my money. It's a bit too focused on exceptional women without taking cultural, economic, and other environmental factors into account... which definitely affect how much power you have in a situation and how much money you can make.
October 28, 2012
Good book -- I initially thought I'd just skim it as a quick-and-easy self-help book, but it actually offers a substantial amount of material that prompts self-reflection, as well as useful references to other material.
This book is as much about developing and projecting belief in oneself as it is about earning power, and it's as applicable to men who may also fall into the "under-earner" trap. The author notes that "under-earning" doesn't necessarily mean low-pay but really means earning less than your value in the marketplace. This book is really about gaining power over your life and increasing your choices in life.
This book describes many different reasons and belief patterns for why people (and women in particular) sabotage themselves in salary negotiations and career advancement. During two job interviews within the last week, I low-balled my salary requirements because I choked on stating the market salary range for such positions. It also offers some exercises to get over our own mental hurdles.
Notes re: patterns of success:
1. Feel the fear. Have the doubts. Go for it anyway.
* Many people feel fear at the brink of success -- that's when you really need to push forward. Nelson Mandela: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
* "Where your intention goes, so goes you. Your intention becomes your reality." Gary Sukav, Seat of the Soul
Focus on working passionately, not working hard -- view tradeoffs rather than sacrifices.
2. Maintain positive attitude and gratitude.
3. Ignore nay-sayers ("let the dogs bark") -- they're not necessarily mean-spirited, but simply test your commitment
4. Develop a thick skin -- don't take rejection or criticism personally
5. There are always two games that we can play -- playing the game "To Win" or playing the game "Not to Lose" (playing it safe, avoiding risk). Play the game "To Win" / Live with an attitude of abundance/audacity rather than fear/avoidance/scarcity (contrary to the message of "Moneyball").
6. Women are often afraid of coming across as a b*tch, but think of it as "Being In Total Control of Herself". Don't be afraid to speak out, walk through fire, be a lioness.
* In negotiations, silence or "hmmm" can be more effective than talking.
* "Asking for more is an act of self-love. Saying no is a show of self-respect. Refusing to settle is a statement of self-worth. And walking away is a sign of self-trust."
7. Resilience is as important as audacity -- when you fall on your face, pick yourself, reflect on lessons learned, and start again.
8. Obey the rules of money -- focus on building wealth rather than monthly salary/spending
* Spend less than you earn (budget don't allow debt)
* Pay yourself first (save)
* Put your money to work (invest -- max out 401k and IRA contributions)
Give generously
Patterns of Under-earners:
* Debt is about giving away your energy, choosing chaos rather than success and control.
* Change begins with a challenge or problem. Use your challenges as stepping stones rather than as stumbling blocks
This book is as much about developing and projecting belief in oneself as it is about earning power, and it's as applicable to men who may also fall into the "under-earner" trap. The author notes that "under-earning" doesn't necessarily mean low-pay but really means earning less than your value in the marketplace. This book is really about gaining power over your life and increasing your choices in life.
This book describes many different reasons and belief patterns for why people (and women in particular) sabotage themselves in salary negotiations and career advancement. During two job interviews within the last week, I low-balled my salary requirements because I choked on stating the market salary range for such positions. It also offers some exercises to get over our own mental hurdles.
Notes re: patterns of success:
1. Feel the fear. Have the doubts. Go for it anyway.
* Many people feel fear at the brink of success -- that's when you really need to push forward. Nelson Mandela: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
* "Where your intention goes, so goes you. Your intention becomes your reality." Gary Sukav, Seat of the Soul
Focus on working passionately, not working hard -- view tradeoffs rather than sacrifices.
2. Maintain positive attitude and gratitude.
3. Ignore nay-sayers ("let the dogs bark") -- they're not necessarily mean-spirited, but simply test your commitment
4. Develop a thick skin -- don't take rejection or criticism personally
5. There are always two games that we can play -- playing the game "To Win" or playing the game "Not to Lose" (playing it safe, avoiding risk). Play the game "To Win" / Live with an attitude of abundance/audacity rather than fear/avoidance/scarcity (contrary to the message of "Moneyball").
6. Women are often afraid of coming across as a b*tch, but think of it as "Being In Total Control of Herself". Don't be afraid to speak out, walk through fire, be a lioness.
* In negotiations, silence or "hmmm" can be more effective than talking.
* "Asking for more is an act of self-love. Saying no is a show of self-respect. Refusing to settle is a statement of self-worth. And walking away is a sign of self-trust."
7. Resilience is as important as audacity -- when you fall on your face, pick yourself, reflect on lessons learned, and start again.
8. Obey the rules of money -- focus on building wealth rather than monthly salary/spending
* Spend less than you earn (budget don't allow debt)
* Pay yourself first (save)
* Put your money to work (invest -- max out 401k and IRA contributions)
Give generously
Patterns of Under-earners:
* Debt is about giving away your energy, choosing chaos rather than success and control.
* Change begins with a challenge or problem. Use your challenges as stepping stones rather than as stumbling blocks
May 15, 2019
Great book to get your off your ass and help you realize that you are worth so much more than you probably think that you are! This book opened my eyes to so much stigma that I have unknowingly been carrying around my whole life! I looked at my husband last night and told him that I was just as capable as he was, and it felt great! I may need to revisit this in the future as a good reminder as I build my empire! off, off and away!
February 8, 2013
So I was 44 years old and deep in debt when Suze Orman finally got my attention and convinced me that my financial security was my responsibility. Six years later I have savings, a retirement account, and no debt. Thank you Suze.
But it was Barbara Stanny who showed me that the adjustments I needed to make were not all on the expenses side of the ledger... I was a chronic UNDEREARNER... I was not making what I was worth. Worse, I wasn't even trying.
Sometimes people need a kick in the head to do the right thing for themselves. That's Orman's approach... and it helped me. Stanny's approach is more subtle but equally effective: provide role models. Show readers that women who earn good money are not male-defined, sold-out automatons with mixed up priorities. By finding them, interviewing them, and presenting their stories, Stanny shows us that high earning women can be passionate about their work and deeply invested in advancing social welfare. They also work with an intent to make money. They are paid well often because they have confidence in their ability to do well and they clearly express their worth to those who decide the pay rate, whether it be boss or client.
I gave a copy of this one to my niece as a high school graduation present. My brother, who knows me as a struggling academic with a bent toward poverty, was amused. But these authors have changed my outlook, and by changing my outlook they have changed my life for the better. There is no greater gift and I am forever grateful. If you are a woman who can't pay the bills each month, go get this one and do the exercises. You will be glad you did.
But it was Barbara Stanny who showed me that the adjustments I needed to make were not all on the expenses side of the ledger... I was a chronic UNDEREARNER... I was not making what I was worth. Worse, I wasn't even trying.
Sometimes people need a kick in the head to do the right thing for themselves. That's Orman's approach... and it helped me. Stanny's approach is more subtle but equally effective: provide role models. Show readers that women who earn good money are not male-defined, sold-out automatons with mixed up priorities. By finding them, interviewing them, and presenting their stories, Stanny shows us that high earning women can be passionate about their work and deeply invested in advancing social welfare. They also work with an intent to make money. They are paid well often because they have confidence in their ability to do well and they clearly express their worth to those who decide the pay rate, whether it be boss or client.
I gave a copy of this one to my niece as a high school graduation present. My brother, who knows me as a struggling academic with a bent toward poverty, was amused. But these authors have changed my outlook, and by changing my outlook they have changed my life for the better. There is no greater gift and I am forever grateful. If you are a woman who can't pay the bills each month, go get this one and do the exercises. You will be glad you did.
January 31, 2013
Unfortunately I couldn't finish reading this book. I wish I paid attention to the publication date before buying, and read a sample on Amazon. It just feels outdated for this day and age.
The material could have been condensed, by a lot. There is too much repetition, I felt like wanting to skip ahead all the time.
There is also too much focus on why some women are afraid, unwilling or uncomfortable to make six figures. Afraid?! That's just crazy.
The material could have been condensed, by a lot. There is too much repetition, I felt like wanting to skip ahead all the time.
There is also too much focus on why some women are afraid, unwilling or uncomfortable to make six figures. Afraid?! That's just crazy.
March 11, 2019
I'm returning this book to audible. Lots of platitudes, obvious points, and magical thinking. Are you holding yourself back by believing you can never be rich? Fuck off.
January 19, 2019
After 23 years working in managed care, I decided it's time to get out. To help with my transition, I hired a career coach, who has inspired me to do a great deal of self-reflection.
I came across this author in my research and chose this book, though a little outdated, because I could get it from the library.
OMG...LOVED IT!!
This is more than a self-help, how to get rich/increase your income book, and interestingly despite being somewhat dated, I felt the content was extremely relevant.
Stanny interviews several dozen high-earning (six figure) women in the hopes of understanding why they were making so much more than a number of women she referred to as underearners, given the fact that all the women were smart, educated, and hard working.
If anything the book inspires a lot of self-reflection about value, the values we serve as well as the way we value or undervalue ourselves.
Had I read this book a few years ago, much of the message might have been lost on me. But this really was the perfect book at the perfect time. I felt as if I derived a tremendous amount of insight from Stanny's research.
I came across this author in my research and chose this book, though a little outdated, because I could get it from the library.
OMG...LOVED IT!!
This is more than a self-help, how to get rich/increase your income book, and interestingly despite being somewhat dated, I felt the content was extremely relevant.
Stanny interviews several dozen high-earning (six figure) women in the hopes of understanding why they were making so much more than a number of women she referred to as underearners, given the fact that all the women were smart, educated, and hard working.
If anything the book inspires a lot of self-reflection about value, the values we serve as well as the way we value or undervalue ourselves.
Had I read this book a few years ago, much of the message might have been lost on me. But this really was the perfect book at the perfect time. I felt as if I derived a tremendous amount of insight from Stanny's research.
November 6, 2024
(More nervous to share I read this than some of my werewolf romance novels) 🤣
Is this book dated? Yes.
Does it ignore structural challenges women may face in achieving career success? Somewhat. It doesn’t question capitalism as a whole and sometimes falls into manifesting/girl boss energy.
Does it assume inherent differences between genders? At times, but it does also acknowledge socialization as a powerful factor in how we might interact with money and power.
Was it a fascinating psychological study? Absolutely.
The author definitely comes from a privileged background but I appreciated that she was forthcoming both about her upbringing and her challenges around money, both in terms of losing it and deeply held beliefs.
That said, I loved it from a psychological perspective of women and money, and I liked all of the mini case studies and different perspectives around what money means. I found it fascinating that most didn’t set out to make money but had a strong goal where money could assist them (independence, freedom to choose, philanthropy).
Is this book dated? Yes.
Does it ignore structural challenges women may face in achieving career success? Somewhat. It doesn’t question capitalism as a whole and sometimes falls into manifesting/girl boss energy.
Does it assume inherent differences between genders? At times, but it does also acknowledge socialization as a powerful factor in how we might interact with money and power.
Was it a fascinating psychological study? Absolutely.
The author definitely comes from a privileged background but I appreciated that she was forthcoming both about her upbringing and her challenges around money, both in terms of losing it and deeply held beliefs.
That said, I loved it from a psychological perspective of women and money, and I liked all of the mini case studies and different perspectives around what money means. I found it fascinating that most didn’t set out to make money but had a strong goal where money could assist them (independence, freedom to choose, philanthropy).
March 3, 2012
This was a great read! Stanny starts by explaining that more women than ever are becoming high earners chiefly due to the fact that they were absent in the workforce for so long. She next turns to the issue of underearners - women who don't believe or who are unwilling to ask for what they are truly worth. To highlight her point she asks, "How can we ever expect to earn as much as a man if we can't even earn as much as we ourselves are capable of making?" However, there's a raging double standard here - when men lobby for raises or negotiate a starting salary, they are seen as aggressive, which is typically a good trait in the business world. When a women does the same, she is seen in a far less positive light. It honestly blows my mind that we're still dealing with this issue in the 21st century.
On that same note, when Stanny begins walking the reader why and how she should negotiate a starting salary, raise, bonus, duties, etc. she does a wonderful job. I particularly loved this statment: "Asking for more is an act of self-love. Saying no is a show of self-respect. Refusing to settle is a statement of self-worth. And walking away is a sign of self-trust." I realize that without reading the book or fully understanding her arguments, this may sound pie-in-the-sky and totally unrealistic. But I'm a believer; you're not doing yourself any favors in selling yourself short. Being a martyr isn't the goal in business. It isn't going to help your family if you're overworked, underpaid, stressed to the max, and bitter over your situation. I work to make money; it's not a charity event for me.
I took extensive notes on this book that I plan to refer back to often. Stanny's strategy is as follows:
1. Declaration of intent
2. Letting go of the ledge
3. Get in the game
4. Speak up
5. The stretch
6. Seek support
7. Obey the rules of money (spend less than you earn, pay yourself first, and put your money to work)
I love, love, LOVE that Stanny covered that last topic; it really gives the book a holistic feel and puts the reader in a good mindset. Some may initially find Stanny's relentless focus on money off-putting. But she consistently reminds the reader that money is only a means to an end. Money provides security, freedom (if you want to quit your job, you can), the ability to help others, etc. When speaking about philanthropy, one of the women Stanny interviewed said, "Money is like manure. If you pile it up it stinks. But if you spread it around, it does a lot of good."
The strategies are a little different than the "secrets" Stanny alludes to in the title. Those are:
1. Working hard doesn't mean working all the time
2. Focus on fulfulling your values rather than financial gain
3. Loving what you do is much more important than what you do
4. Feel the fear. Have the doubts. Go for it anyway.
5. Think in terms of trade-offs. mot sacrifices, to find a workable equilibrium.
6. Sometimes you just have to shrug it off and have a good laugh.
7. Appreciate abundance
I found it interesting that Stanny's father was the founder of H&R Block. She had a disastrous first marriage where she stuck her head in the sand when it came to financial matters. As a result, her trust fund was basically squandered by the guy. Before she completed this book, Stanny had joined the ranks of six-figure women, herself. If there was thing I dind't like about this book, it was the heavy emphasis on getting your frame of reference in place; the "think good thoughts and they will manifest in your life" type thing ala The Secret. Fortunatley, that passes rather quickly and Stanny gets to the meat of the material. As the book progresses, though, I came around a little. You're never going to make six-figures if you're not confident in yourself, your abilities, and what you're worth. I wish, though, that she had stressed a little more than that was just like the pre-req for everything else; it won't get you there on its own.
Overall, I would recommend this book to any woman. We all deserve to be paid what we're worth and have confidence in our skills and abilities. I may end up purchasing this book (which I hardly ever do) and can definitely see myself picking it up again. A great read!
Facts:
* Women's chances of high incomes are increasing faster than men's. From 1996 to 1998, the number of female high earners jumped 68% while the number of males in that category increased only 36%.
* Wealth doesn't come from what you make, but from what you don't spend.
* The glass ceiling at work is nothing compared to the lead ceiling in my head.
* Luck is a frequent companion of a firmly fixed focus.
On that same note, when Stanny begins walking the reader why and how she should negotiate a starting salary, raise, bonus, duties, etc. she does a wonderful job. I particularly loved this statment: "Asking for more is an act of self-love. Saying no is a show of self-respect. Refusing to settle is a statement of self-worth. And walking away is a sign of self-trust." I realize that without reading the book or fully understanding her arguments, this may sound pie-in-the-sky and totally unrealistic. But I'm a believer; you're not doing yourself any favors in selling yourself short. Being a martyr isn't the goal in business. It isn't going to help your family if you're overworked, underpaid, stressed to the max, and bitter over your situation. I work to make money; it's not a charity event for me.
I took extensive notes on this book that I plan to refer back to often. Stanny's strategy is as follows:
1. Declaration of intent
2. Letting go of the ledge
3. Get in the game
4. Speak up
5. The stretch
6. Seek support
7. Obey the rules of money (spend less than you earn, pay yourself first, and put your money to work)
I love, love, LOVE that Stanny covered that last topic; it really gives the book a holistic feel and puts the reader in a good mindset. Some may initially find Stanny's relentless focus on money off-putting. But she consistently reminds the reader that money is only a means to an end. Money provides security, freedom (if you want to quit your job, you can), the ability to help others, etc. When speaking about philanthropy, one of the women Stanny interviewed said, "Money is like manure. If you pile it up it stinks. But if you spread it around, it does a lot of good."
The strategies are a little different than the "secrets" Stanny alludes to in the title. Those are:
1. Working hard doesn't mean working all the time
2. Focus on fulfulling your values rather than financial gain
3. Loving what you do is much more important than what you do
4. Feel the fear. Have the doubts. Go for it anyway.
5. Think in terms of trade-offs. mot sacrifices, to find a workable equilibrium.
6. Sometimes you just have to shrug it off and have a good laugh.
7. Appreciate abundance
I found it interesting that Stanny's father was the founder of H&R Block. She had a disastrous first marriage where she stuck her head in the sand when it came to financial matters. As a result, her trust fund was basically squandered by the guy. Before she completed this book, Stanny had joined the ranks of six-figure women, herself. If there was thing I dind't like about this book, it was the heavy emphasis on getting your frame of reference in place; the "think good thoughts and they will manifest in your life" type thing ala The Secret. Fortunatley, that passes rather quickly and Stanny gets to the meat of the material. As the book progresses, though, I came around a little. You're never going to make six-figures if you're not confident in yourself, your abilities, and what you're worth. I wish, though, that she had stressed a little more than that was just like the pre-req for everything else; it won't get you there on its own.
Overall, I would recommend this book to any woman. We all deserve to be paid what we're worth and have confidence in our skills and abilities. I may end up purchasing this book (which I hardly ever do) and can definitely see myself picking it up again. A great read!
Facts:
* Women's chances of high incomes are increasing faster than men's. From 1996 to 1998, the number of female high earners jumped 68% while the number of males in that category increased only 36%.
* Wealth doesn't come from what you make, but from what you don't spend.
* The glass ceiling at work is nothing compared to the lead ceiling in my head.
* Luck is a frequent companion of a firmly fixed focus.
November 12, 2025
I loved this book! Some of the stats are kind of dated, but the overall message and tips provided throughout make all the difference! I loved hearing from women in the workplace and how shifting their mindset helped them don’t settle for less and to find the courage to speak up for what they desire. The beginning can take awhile to get to the practical tips, but overall it has been an interesting read! I would read this again.
July 11, 2013
I have read this book and passed it on and bought it (secondhand) for several friend.
It's not about how to make more money and be greedy - it's about how to recognize your worth, increase your confidence and get your career and earnings on track with your "seemingly" more successful peers.
It's not about how to make more money and be greedy - it's about how to recognize your worth, increase your confidence and get your career and earnings on track with your "seemingly" more successful peers.
June 26, 2019
This book has some pluses and minuses.
The pluses:
-Barbara highlights many areas where women fall short in helping themselves earn the money they deserve. It is certain characteristics that need to be acknowledged and dealt with in order for growth and she talks about ways some women broke the cycle. This would certainly be empowering to some women.
-She also talks about how to have the money work for you instead of the other way around. I personally liked that part.
- hearing the stories of the other women was empowering and made me feel like earning 6 figures was obtainable and not something I could only dream of.
The Minuses:
- If you are looking for concrete directions on what you need to do or what the women in the book did, you will not find them. Granted, there isn't a universal step program for promotions in all jobs and so it will vary from person to person. The points made in the book are broad and may allow space for you to fit those stepping stones into your life/situation.
- WAY too much fluff. I was hoping for more concrete methods these women used in obtaining 6 figures, but instead I found myself reading about how these women dealt with emotions. I understand why she felt the need to talk about this- but I felt it wasn't entirely necessary to talk about it as extensively as she did.
- Anecdotal accounts of women who worked their way to 6 figures. Again, everyone is different and so the methods used were all different. Was it luck? Research wasn't mentioned as much as I would like... but that's just me. I like personal stories but I would prefer evidence that the methods will grant you at least semi-successful monetary gains in your life.
- Secrets??? No secrets. A lot of the "secrets" were, in my opinion, no brainers. Again--- fluff.
Would I recommend it? Of course. I feel every woman should read it. The psychological torment we women put ourselves in is really the main issue as to why we don't earn so much (when it's in our control). She talks about this extensively and it is because of this section that I highly recommend women to read it, at least once.
The pluses:
-Barbara highlights many areas where women fall short in helping themselves earn the money they deserve. It is certain characteristics that need to be acknowledged and dealt with in order for growth and she talks about ways some women broke the cycle. This would certainly be empowering to some women.
-She also talks about how to have the money work for you instead of the other way around. I personally liked that part.
- hearing the stories of the other women was empowering and made me feel like earning 6 figures was obtainable and not something I could only dream of.
The Minuses:
- If you are looking for concrete directions on what you need to do or what the women in the book did, you will not find them. Granted, there isn't a universal step program for promotions in all jobs and so it will vary from person to person. The points made in the book are broad and may allow space for you to fit those stepping stones into your life/situation.
- WAY too much fluff. I was hoping for more concrete methods these women used in obtaining 6 figures, but instead I found myself reading about how these women dealt with emotions. I understand why she felt the need to talk about this- but I felt it wasn't entirely necessary to talk about it as extensively as she did.
- Anecdotal accounts of women who worked their way to 6 figures. Again, everyone is different and so the methods used were all different. Was it luck? Research wasn't mentioned as much as I would like... but that's just me. I like personal stories but I would prefer evidence that the methods will grant you at least semi-successful monetary gains in your life.
- Secrets??? No secrets. A lot of the "secrets" were, in my opinion, no brainers. Again--- fluff.
Would I recommend it? Of course. I feel every woman should read it. The psychological torment we women put ourselves in is really the main issue as to why we don't earn so much (when it's in our control). She talks about this extensively and it is because of this section that I highly recommend women to read it, at least once.
December 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! Especially when she described the traits of an "underearner." A lot of times, your income doesn't really change until your attitude towards money changes. Once upon a time, I was a compulsive spender... I could have saved but I didn't because I grew up in a household where holding onto money was viewed as somewhat selfish and greedy. My parents spent every nickel and dime to raise 4 girls on less than blue collar salaries. I realized I was doing the same thing. I didn't hold onto money because that was the norm for me growing up.
Now, after adopting more healthy mindset towards wealth and valuing my skills more, I managed to switch from a low-income industry to a really well-compensated industry, leverage my previous work experience, and get a new job that boosted my income by 70%!
Now, after adopting more healthy mindset towards wealth and valuing my skills more, I managed to switch from a low-income industry to a really well-compensated industry, leverage my previous work experience, and get a new job that boosted my income by 70%!
March 22, 2021
I am really glad I read this book. This book taught me to not dream small when it comes to money. Women are hardly ever encouraged or supported if they say they want to get rich. Why is that? Money equals to financial independence and according to me, it is something everyone should aspire for, especially women.
Check out my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on my blog Travelling Through Words and bookstagram!
Check out my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on my blog Travelling Through Words and bookstagram!
July 20, 2014
"Feel the fear. Have the doubts. Go for it anyway."
November 29, 2022
1 star
Does not address inequities of pay (race, social capital, lack of generational wealth). Incredibly outdated and out of touch with the workforce of today.
Does not address inequities of pay (race, social capital, lack of generational wealth). Incredibly outdated and out of touch with the workforce of today.
June 18, 2021
I think the book does an excellent job of presenting what is holding you back from your earning potential. I am actually rereading it now to pick up whatever nuggets I may have missed.
Critiques:
-she does not seem to understand the level of privilege she possesses, and that there are more barriers for entry than she mentions, such as when it comes to people who are truly in poverty.
-she kind of acknowledges that people of colour are marginalized in the workplace but she seems to think it’s equivalent to hers as a (white) women.
-she uses weight loss as a way of making a point of making a point about earning what you really want a few times and it is dripping in fat shaming / fatphobia.
Critiques:
-she does not seem to understand the level of privilege she possesses, and that there are more barriers for entry than she mentions, such as when it comes to people who are truly in poverty.
-she kind of acknowledges that people of colour are marginalized in the workplace but she seems to think it’s equivalent to hers as a (white) women.
-she uses weight loss as a way of making a point of making a point about earning what you really want a few times and it is dripping in fat shaming / fatphobia.
November 7, 2023
The problem with this kind of book is it’s not really helpful with how to apply it. It more pumps you up like “I can do it” but then you go back to normal life without learning enough to really change.
February 1, 2013
I'm an MBA from a top program and I still found this book helpful. It teaches you how to think and look for support. Good read, I finished in 2 days.
June 6, 2014
Jump off the ledge. If you hate your job and don't believe you are earning your worth, do something about it. Motivating and encouraging. To change your life, you have to change your perspective.
February 6, 2015
Great book. Gives you enormous insight into regaining your own power, becoming a woman who knows how to speak up and ask for what she wants.
October 29, 2018
More interesting than I thought
Picked out this book and was more interesting than I thought it would be. Has some valuable points anyone can use to empower themselves further.
Picked out this book and was more interesting than I thought it would be. Has some valuable points anyone can use to empower themselves further.
March 1, 2020
Motivational I suppose, but lacked depth on how six figure women stay six figure women.
December 22, 2024
I won't bury the lede: this is dated self-help book aimed at women much moreso than a financial guidance book.
I'll let Barbara Stanny (who now goes by Barbara Huson), the daughter of one of the founders of H&R Block, explain why she wrote this book:
Let's all collectively facepalm now.
Though the author writes repeatedly about her own circumstances that forced her into financial literacy, she also interviewed a number of women who, at the turn of the millenium, were making at least $100,000 annually (approximately $175K in 2024). We find that this group of women:
- generally values money for the power and autonomy it brings, not the number of designer handbags it can buy
- do better with a supportive partner whose sense of self isn't denigrated by having a high-income partner
- know their worth and aren't afraid to ask for it
That's pretty much all there is to this book, folks.
My statistics:
Book 312 for 2024
Book 1915 cumulatively
I'll let Barbara Stanny (who now goes by Barbara Huson), the daughter of one of the founders of H&R Block, explain why she wrote this book:
Raised in a wealthy family, married to a stockbroker, given a trust fund when I turned twenty-one, I never gave money a lot of thought. I always worked hard but never earned much, and it didn’t matter. My father kept assuring me I’d never have to worry. But as Sandy revealed, in the back of many an inheritor’s mind is the nagging fear: What if I lost it? How would I get it back? In my case, that fear became fact. Immediately following my divorce, I struggled in vain to recoup the losses from my ex-husband’s speculative investments.
Finally, I went to financial counselor Karen McCall for help. She was the first one to tell me I was an underearner. “Wait a minute,” I protested, “I’m a writer”—as if my profession precluded any chance of higher pay. Besides, I wasn’t looking to make money. (I guess in some high-minded way, I didn’t want economics to taint the purity of my journalistic integrity. But the truth was—as seen in hindsight—my father never thought women should work. In an unconscious attempt to win his approval, I figured if I didn’t make money then it wasn’t a real job.)
Let's all collectively facepalm now.
Though the author writes repeatedly about her own circumstances that forced her into financial literacy, she also interviewed a number of women who, at the turn of the millenium, were making at least $100,000 annually (approximately $175K in 2024). We find that this group of women:
- generally values money for the power and autonomy it brings, not the number of designer handbags it can buy
- do better with a supportive partner whose sense of self isn't denigrated by having a high-income partner
- know their worth and aren't afraid to ask for it
That's pretty much all there is to this book, folks.
My statistics:
Book 312 for 2024
Book 1915 cumulatively
March 15, 2020
Was planning on giving this one star until the last 1/3-1/4 of the book. The end redeemed itself by talking about support systems (or lack thereof) and the difference between making money and having money.
Generally I would not recommend this book. It’s probably partly my fault: first, I didn’t realize that the author is the heiress of HR Block, which just makes it lose credibility. I also thought it would be more about best practices of successful women, like routines, approaches, etc. but it was only about how to ask for more money which is irrelevant in my line of business (sales).
I hated the way the author compared success in business to things that only ‘women’ could understand. Direct quote from the book below.
‘Fear and anxiety are to financial success what labor pains are to child birth. An unpleasant but unavoidable part of the process.’ VOMIT
It was as if the author thought we could understand what she was saying if she put it in those types of terms? On top of that, it was just poor writing style — ‘i said x. He say y. Then i said Z. Then he said...’
Generally I would not recommend this book. It’s probably partly my fault: first, I didn’t realize that the author is the heiress of HR Block, which just makes it lose credibility. I also thought it would be more about best practices of successful women, like routines, approaches, etc. but it was only about how to ask for more money which is irrelevant in my line of business (sales).
I hated the way the author compared success in business to things that only ‘women’ could understand. Direct quote from the book below.
‘Fear and anxiety are to financial success what labor pains are to child birth. An unpleasant but unavoidable part of the process.’ VOMIT
It was as if the author thought we could understand what she was saying if she put it in those types of terms? On top of that, it was just poor writing style — ‘i said x. He say y. Then i said Z. Then he said...’
April 4, 2025
This was mostly just an inspirational book telling women "you can do it!" And "don't let fear hold you back". That sort of thing. It seems like the author interviewed a whole bunch of women to come up with some surface level strategies. But it is mostly just changing one's mindset rather than specific steps to take. I think I would have preferred it if she had gone in depth into a handful of women's journeys from start to finish instead of just throwing in a phrase or two from a bunch of different women. If you've never read anything encouraging before about working to change your path in life, then this can have some value. But if you are already a self-help book reader, then I would say skip this one.
March 28, 2019
This book would have been better suited to be a couple of blog posts. There was a lot of fluff and anecdotes that I skimmed through since they didn't contribute much to the overall point.
However, I found myself highlighting a lot of key bullet-points. I admit I'm fascinated by money, and although I don't think I'll surpass the six-figure mark in my chosen career path, this book gave me some pointers on making sure I'm paid my worth for the work I do.
However, I found myself highlighting a lot of key bullet-points. I admit I'm fascinated by money, and although I don't think I'll surpass the six-figure mark in my chosen career path, this book gave me some pointers on making sure I'm paid my worth for the work I do.
January 18, 2020
Yes, it’s a book about making more money...and so much more. It is ultimately about claiming your power and putting yourself in the mindset (and financial position) to achieve your goals no matter how wild they may seem to you now.
I have read a number of books on this topic, but this one is realistic, interesting, and well written. Highly recommend, especially if you have a dream in mind that scares you and want help getting outside your comfort zone. Aha! Asking for help, one of the strategies outlined in this book. :)
I have read a number of books on this topic, but this one is realistic, interesting, and well written. Highly recommend, especially if you have a dream in mind that scares you and want help getting outside your comfort zone. Aha! Asking for help, one of the strategies outlined in this book. :)
January 5, 2022
A must-read for every woman, and anyone who is looking to unlock the key to personal power and financial well-being. Good structure and helpful inspiration along the way. The steps that were included in one of the last chapters made the process of achieving certain financial goals seem very possible. It ended on a great note about female empowerment, and how knowing how to control your money is knowing how to control your life.
“Each and every one of us has so much more power to govern our life than we can possibly imagine.”
In a time when news about the wage gap and inequality is prominent, I think this book makes women feel that they have more control over their destinies and their personal and professional lives than they ever imagined.
“Each and every one of us has so much more power to govern our life than we can possibly imagine.”
In a time when news about the wage gap and inequality is prominent, I think this book makes women feel that they have more control over their destinies and their personal and professional lives than they ever imagined.
December 4, 2024
Trust Fund Baby interviews other rich women and they give their 'tricks to success' without any acknowledgment of her or their positions of privilege in society during their process of getting to a six-figure income.
There are some good tips, but a lot of it does not take into account the perspectives of people who are marginalized for factors other than their gender.
There are some good tips, but a lot of it does not take into account the perspectives of people who are marginalized for factors other than their gender.
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