Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can: Personal Finance & Money Management

by Mehmet Çalışkan

Discover a portfolio example that achieved a 30% USD return in 2025!

Facing financial challenges? This book helps you build a financially sustainable future by leveraging the power of compound returns through a disciplined, long-term approach.

Are you a new entrepreneur? It also includes a dedicated section outlining the essential disciplines you should know when starting a business.

Financial freedom isn’t complicated — your mindset is.
Money doesn’t change, but your habits, beliefs, and emotional reactions can.

This book does not promise quick fixes. Instead, it provides a guide on sustainable financial habits, budgeting, risk management, money discipline, and long-term growth — all approached through mindful awareness.

Note: This book is not investment advice. The portfolio examples presented are based on past performance and do not guarantee future returns.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2025

About the author

Mehmet Çalışkan is a fearless explorer of ideas, from the depths of the human mind to the vastness of the cosmos. His works defy easy categorization, spanning financial mastery, philosophical science fiction, cosmic metaphysics, and psychological insight.

In Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can, he guides readers through the disciplined, long-term path to financial freedom, showing that money doesn’t change, but your habits, beliefs, and emotional reactions can. Entrepreneurs and novices alike find actionable wisdom grounded in mindful awareness, risk management, and sustainable growth.

In Children of Jotunheim, Çalışkan dismantles human-centered myths with a cold, high-philosophical sci-fi lens. It is not an adventure story, but an intellectual confrontation with the nature of power, creation, and consciousness—where ideas speak louder than events, and systems take precedence over heroes.

With The Big Crunch, he embarks on a metaphysical journey into the universe’s vibrational and layered nature. By exploring the cosmic codes of Move, Unite, and Fragment, Çalışkan presents a radical model of existence that reshapes our understanding of time, matter, AI, and consciousness.

Finally, in The Mind’s Operating System, he turns inward, uncovering the mind’s biases, personality, and the hidden reasons behind why we think, feel, and act the way we do. Dare to face yourself?

Mehmet Çalışkan’s books are an invitation: to think, to reflect, and to transform both internally and externally.

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn’t Change, but You Can: Personal Finance and Money Management by Caliskan Mehmet is a valuable resource. Not intended for sophisticated investors, it is jam-packed with information to give the uninitiated financial freedom – something anyone can do using planning, initiative and patience.
The offering contains a wealth of information and gives detailed instructions about documenting a financial plan. It makes suggestions about maximising income through career advancement and other steps. Likewise, the work suggests ways to minimise expenses. The author's ultimate message emphasises the importance of a steadfast, disciplined approach to a financial plan once it is documented.
Later, the work contains detailed yet simple explanations directed to financial literacy. It deals with a host of financial products from bank savings accounts to futures contracts.
I am incredibly impressed. The work is a masterpiece that belongs in every home for frequent reference. It would be a worthwhile addition to every high school library.

[Calix Mentis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can – Mehmet Çalışkan is a comprehensive guide that combines personal financial freedom with entrepreneurial success in a clear and practical framework. The book presents complex financial and business concepts in an accessible way, providing readers with a roadmap to strengthen their financial foundations before achieving success in the business world. It covers personal finance, investment strategies, entrepreneurship, and business management through step-by-step sections.

The book places special emphasis on investor psychology, distinguishing between emotional and strategic investors, and highlighting that financial decisions rely not only on numbers but also on the right mindset. Fundamental principles such as prioritizing saving, the power of compound interest, and maintaining an emergency fund are reinforced. Additionally, creative concepts like turning expenses into income and understanding good versus bad debt offer fresh perspectives. A must-read for anyone looking to build a lasting foundation in financial freedom and entrepreneurship.

[Book Voyager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive yet accessible guide on money management and entrepreneurship. Instead of promising quick riches, it emphasizes patience, discipline, and the right mindset, which I found very valuable. The writing is clear and easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners, while more experienced readers can also gain fresh insights. Overall, it’s a useful resource for anyone looking to build a sustainable financial foundation rather than chasing short-term solutions.

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author’s Note –

It is designed to help individuals facing financial difficulties build a financially sustainable future by leveraging the power of compound returns through a disciplined, long-term model. It also includes a dedicated section outlining the essential disciplines that new entrepreneurs should be aware of when starting a business.

Financial freedom is not complicated — your mindset is.
Money doesn’t change, but your personal finance habits, beliefs, and emotional reactions can.

This book does not promise quick fixes. Instead, it is a behavioral finance guide that analyzes your emotional patterns and teaches sustainable budgeting, risk management, money discipline, and long-term growth — all approached through mindful awareness.

[Anita Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

money

This book has got every bit of information needed to do with money. It is worth a read to help anyone understand things better what they need to do.

[Linda Meris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As author proclaims - “great achievements belong to those who can unlock hidden talents.” This book is a bible for successful financial planning in all sectors of finance. It’s learning the skills and the right strategies, and being disciplined and consistent for attaining sustainable wealth. Also, it’s very important to do the right type of work that interests you for the best outcome.

[Glenda V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After chasing too many “get rich quick” ideas that never worked, Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can felt like the honest reset I needed. Mehmet Çalışkan doesn’t sugarcoat things; he breaks down money management in a way that makes sense and sticks. What hit me most was realizing that my mindset had to change before my bank balance ever would. His tips on budgeting and controlling daily spending helped me finally start saving without feeling deprived. It’s practical, down-to-earth advice that actually feels doable, not just motivational talk. I happily recommend this read.

[Sonia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t another “buy crypto and retire at 35” kind of book... thank God. The writer keeps things refreshingly simple and real, for people like us, that don't have degrees on the matter. The main message is that money itself doesn’t change much, you do. The book digs into how our habits, emotions, and beliefs mess with our financial decisions more than math ever does.

It’s not packed with complicated investing charts or jargon (which I appreciated), but instead focuses on discipline, consistency, and emotional awareness around money. I especially liked the sections on budgeting and the psychology behind spending — very relatable and not condescending like a lot of finance books can be.

If you’re looking for quick tricks or “turn $10 into $10,000” gimmicks, this isn’t it. But if you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by money and want to understand why you do what you do financially, this is worth reading. Great mindset reset for beginners or anyone trying to rebuild healthy money habits.

[Book Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Simple guide to Financial Discipline and Freedom

This book is a mini guide to understanding and dealing with personal finances. Instead of using long and lengthy equations, the author, Mehmet Caliskan, uses simple language so that it can be understood by those who don’t have any background in finance or accounting.
The book is divided into three main parts: financial budgeting and basic understanding of financial tools, portfolio forecasting and management, and business management, which focuses on the key aspects of managing a business and its main components.
I totally agree that financial freedom can only be attained through discipline in spending and making calculated moves rather than actions based on impulse and emotions. It’s all about discipline. The book also highlights how simple steps, such as growing vegetables in our garden, can turn savings into real investments.
It shares many techniques we can use to reduce expenses that are normally fixed in nature, such as house lease payments, transportation, and groceries. It explains how an individual can create a diverse investment portfolio to avoid risks, maximize returns, and minimize uncertainties. The book also sheds light on starting a business, its core components, and the setup requirements of any organization, regardless of its size or investment level.

[Unscripted Chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a smart and inspiring read, and makes personal finance simple and motivating. I like that this book focuses on mindset and real-life money habits. A great guide for anyone wanting to take control of their finances! It was worth the read.

[Alefiyah Ghadiali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mehmet Çalışkan’s Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can isn’t another flashy promise of overnight wealth—it’s a grounded, insightful, and deeply human guide to transforming the way you think about money. Written for everyday individuals rather than professional investors, this book redefines financial success as a matter of mindset, discipline, and emotional control.

Çalışkan takes a behavioral approach to personal finance, breaking down not just what to do, but why we struggle to do it. He explores the psychology behind spending, saving, and investing, helping readers identify self-sabotaging habits and replace them with mindful, sustainable ones. From budgeting and managing risk to building consistency and leveraging compound returns, every chapter offers practical frameworks that feel achievable—not overwhelming.

What sets this book apart is its tone. It’s calm, clear, and motivational without being preachy. Çalışkan doesn’t claim to have a magic formula; instead, he gives readers the tools to take ownership of their financial journey—reminding us that while money itself doesn’t change, we can.

[Olivia Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

fresh and ground view

This book offers a fresh and grounded take on personal finance that’s both practical and motivational. Mehmet Caliskan breaks things down in a way that feels approachable, even if you’re not a “numbers” person. I liked that it focuses not just on money itself, but on mindset—how your habits and choices shape your financial future.

Some parts felt a little repetitive to me, but the core message is strong and the advice is realistic. It’s not about getting rich overnight—it’s about being intentional, disciplined, and learning how to make your money work for you. A solid read for anyone wanting to take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed.

[Rohan Ramgarib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can is a refreshing, no-nonsense guide to building long-term financial stability. Mehmet Çalışkan blends practical advice with psychology and philosophy, showing that true wealth begins with mindset, not money. Instead of promising quick riches, he teaches readers how to budget, save, invest wisely, and turn expenses into opportunities.

Clear, motivating, and easy to follow, this book helps both beginners and seasoned readers rethink their relationship with money. A must-read for anyone ready to build real financial freedom, patiently and purposefully.

[Don L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a practical and clear approach to managing money. I liked how it showed simple ways to categorize expenses, find opportunities to create income, and explained different types of investments in an easy-to-follow style. It feels like a complete guide that makes personal finance less overwhelming and more achievable for everyday life. This book not only for financial, lot of crucial part of life.

[Dimitris Margetas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about personal finance. Quite basic I must say.  It is great for beginners. There is advice about budgeting, investing and savings. What I appreciated was the focus on mindset and habits. Best audience I would say is college kids and recent graduates.

[Jessica Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Foreword of this book clearly states, this is not book designed to guide you with a bunch of 'get-rich-quick' tips and tricks. So if that is what you're looking for, then you may need a different book to suit your needs. BUT! That is also what is great about this particular guide! This guide teaches and shows you how to look at your costs and expenses and turn some of them into profit! How to take a close look at your routine expenditures, look for where you can make some cuts, teach yourself to budget and save and truly make the most of every penny you make AND SPEND! This is a book for the long-term game. No short-time make money quick and fast and take huge risks kind of game. And when it comes to your money, let's face it. It really shouldn't be a game anyway. It's your livelihood and should be treated as such. So don't go rushing off to spend it all the second you get a bonus or pay increase. Save first and spend only within the budget you set for yourself, minus emergencies--WHICH IS WHY YOU SAVE! Save so you don't feel overwhelmed and burdened when an emergency pops up. Save first, splurge and spoil later within your means. I'll be honest, I learned that the hard way but quickly figured it out and saved myself some major pains.

One thing I appreciate about this guide is that it breaks it down pretty well for even the guy and gal that have zero financial basics to go off of. This part alone points out some key things to consider that may even help you find some of your spending and saving flaws right off the bat. Then it jumps into the all-you-can-eat buffet of what you need to know when it comes to investing and different strategies to consider when investing. There is a plethora more to follow and I think the flow and organization of information only aided in its effectiveness.

[Select Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mehmet Çalışkan sounds an alert when promoting his book, “Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can: Personal Finance & Money Management.” He warns: “This book is not written for professional-level investors.”

While “Money Doesn’t Change” may not have been written for the pros from Dover, it is still a useful primer on all things money. As you begin reading this 302-page book, you immediately realize it is a veritable financial encyclopedia which contains numerous topics, the explanation of which will benefit investment rookies and pros alike.

Owing to the author’s personal proclivities as a financial consultant, psychologist, and philosopher, the book deals with economic realities, as well as psychological and philosophical aspects of finance. Freely discussed are financial freedom, wealth, and poverty, as well as investor strategies, emotions, and habits.

Among the topics covered in the book are budgeting and planning, career development, ways to turn expenses into income, investment strategies and instruments, financial markets, credit and debit, real estate, insurance, business foundations and operations, and financial management. The book is easy to read, insightful, and remarkably complete for a book that wasn’t written for professional-level investors.

[SA · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was all over the place

It felt like the book was written in a hurry. It talked about a LOT of things, and yet nothing in detail. It felt like I was reading a glossary rather than a book. In the investing section, I would’ve liked to see some examples, historical references, illustrations. And the beginning sections - “turn food expenses into income” etc. didn’t make a lot of sense.

I didn’t quite understand who the intended audience is for this book. Is it for people looking to cut costs on basic necessities like food or is it for people who can afford a second home and rental properties because no effort was made to help people get from that to this. It talks about commodities and then jumps into setting up a business and about operating costs, partners, family business etc. Connection between pieces is missing.
Someone who wants to know about everything about finances and have it all in one place might find it useful but for me it was just all over the place.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite comprehensive in some ways, and appears to be written either for newcomers to a country (though this isn't stated and I'm not sure which country), or people who didn't learn any financial literacy in high school. Has helpful tips for increasing income such as:
- rent a room in your home
- rent your car to others when you're not using it

The forward mentions "our approach" but there's no explanation of who "we" might be, and there are no personal examples in the book from the author's own experience, so it's not clear on what authority the information is provided. There is no bibliography, no sources cited, and no references. So what is the book based on? This isn't clear or authoritative.

Overall, a good basic beginner's guide to money and starting a small business for those who may need guidance and lack any foundation in the basics.

[Mitchell Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mehmet Çalışkan, in this book, provides valuable information on what it takes to become a financially independent and responsible person when it comes to money matters, touching on all areas of finances, starting with basics, defining what "wealth" and "poverty" mean, how to methodically learn better methods to manage money and investments, starting with budgeting and planning. The author gives rational advice on all aspects of one's finances, how to limit expenses, increase income, giving the reader specific methods to do so that one might not always think about. He also gives great information on investing and diversifying one's investment profile, as well as discussing how to build a successful business. This is a great basic guide for the financially challenged.

[Vu M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This insightful work offers a strong and empowering roadmap to financial and business success. By avoiding shortcuts or quick fixes, it emphasizes the importance of hard work and timeless principles—diversification, disciplined decision-making, a long-term vision, and the power of compounding. The author combines practical financial wisdom with self-resilience, adaptability, and responsibility. What makes this book unique is its focus on building not just wealth, but a sustainable legacy rooted in discipline and purpose. A thoughtful, motivating guide for anyone striving for proper financial stability, business growth, and the freedom that comes from deliberate, disciplined choices.

[JM Saner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn’t Change is an inspiring and practical guide to achieving financial freedom. Caliskan starts with the fundamentals—defining wealth, poverty, and the mindset needed for success—and builds toward a clear, sustainable plan for financial independence. With its mix of psychological insight, smart budgeting strategies, and proven investment principles, this book delivers real value for readers ready to take control of their finances. A highly recommended read for anyone serious about building lasting wealth.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t another “get rich quick” book — it’s a reality check wrapped in practical wisdom. The author breaks down the emotional side of money and shows how mindset and discipline matter far more than flashy investment tricks. I appreciated the focus on sustainable habits like budgeting, managing risk, and thinking long-term. The section for new entrepreneurs is especially useful, offering clear, no-nonsense advice on building solid foundations. A refreshing, grounded read for anyone ready to take control of their financial future without the hype

[Pampy Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn’t Change, But You Can is one of the most refreshing and empowering personal finance books I’ve read. It doesn’t just focus on numbers or budgets—it dives deep into the mindset behind money and how small, consistent changes can lead to real financial freedom. The author’s tone is relatable and motivating, making even complex ideas easy to grasp. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your habits, this book is a must-read. Truly inspiring and actionable

[Peter Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book covers the basics well - I found the investor types interesting especially. Our emotional habits (when it comes to spending) are more important than we might normally realise especially when we are starting out in adult life. I’d suggest this as reading for that kind of time - when you’re planning to get married and getting ready to manage your own finances! There’s some stuff in here that’s good to understand. Thanks!

[Izzy Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a practical introduction to money habits, budgeting, and mindset, with a strong focus on discipline and long-term growth. It’s written in a clear, approachable way, but it stays pretty basic — more suited for beginners than anyone already familiar with personal finance. Still, it’s a useful reminder that managing money is more about mindset than quick fixes.

[M.T. Groom · Rating 4 out of 5]

some interesting things in this book, but some of it was not new and felt a bit recycles.
Overall, it was an interesting read and covered a lot go ground in a short book so I would recommend for someone who has limited investment knowledge or a beginner in managed their finances .

a good structure an flow to the book., so I did enjoy it

[Pablo Reina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than overwhelming readers with technical jargon, the book stays practical and accessible. It gently challenges the reader to take responsibility without shame, linking financial behavior to self-awareness and decision-making. The “Exploring Ideas” approach gives the book an easy rhythm: one idea at a time, simple but thought-provoking.

[Vishnu Pingali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strictly for beginners, this book is a very good guide in all financial matters. The author has explained all the financial terms in simple language. The book gives guidance for all type of people, right from students to retirees.

[Kathy Shanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good basic guide for beginners with a good overview of a variety of ways to better manage your money. I really enjoyed the ideas for turning your expenses into income - some great ideas.