What Your Money Means:

by Frank J. Hanna

Countless books tell you how to make money: only this one turns to the wisdom of the ages to illuminate for you the reasons you have money in the first place, and the role money is meant to play in your life and in the lives of others. Here, American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Hanna introduces you to a lean, no-nonsense explanation of the meaning of your money, and a guide for dealing with it constructively.
From a tradition rooted in ordinary virtue, common sense, and the pragmatism that allows societies to flourish, Hanna has skillfully drawn forth principles and criteria that will enable you to discover quickly and with confidence:

• Why you, in particular, have money
• What your money calls you to be, and why
• How to determine how much money is enough
• The three vocations of all those who have money (can you name even one of them?)
• How to shield yourself and your loved ones from the dangers inherent in wealth (and even make your wealth a school of virtue!)
• How – if philanthropy is your calling – to give wisely (and ten rules of thumb that should guide all donors)
• Plus: much more to help you understand what your money means, and how to use it well.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Garret Starke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on my shelves, so at some point I must have thought it would be a good read. I learned about fundamentals and how non-essential wealth can affect not only one's self, but those it's given to in the future. The writing style was clear, and each of the author's statements were either supported with historical figure references, or his own opinions. Overall, the book was interesting, but I can't say that I would recommend to figure out where to spend your non-essential wealth.

[Jacob Yates · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really rich catholic author talking how to use your money in a purposeful way. I think this book misses a "why should I care" hook. It also casts a net that is too wide, catching no fish in the end.

[Juan Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to Catholicism, so this book has been really helpful to understand how to handle money the right way. It made a lot of my fears disappear.

[Jon Evers · Rating 2 out of 5]

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." - Matt 24

What then, is a rich man to do? A wealthy man that reads the Bible, believes in Jesus, can't possibly go to heaven? However, if you are Frank J Hanna you can get around this dilemma by writing a book. "What Your Money Means, and How to Use it Well" is a rich man's guide to giving money away. I wasn't aware wealthy people needed guidance to give away money, but here it is all the same.

The richest American ever (corrected for inflation) John D. Rockefeller is quoted "I believe the power to make money is a gift from God". Frank Hanna elaborates on this while he discusses his vocation and his God given ability to create wealth. The ability to make money is a God given talent? God given? Is that the same as divine right rule? Does that apply to Bill Mason, author of "Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief"? Were his talents God given? It's an odd claim. I would have thought Frank Hanna's choices in life, his education, financial skills, business sense and ability to lead are the talents that help you build your bank account. But forget those things. They are not mention here. For Frank Hanna it was God that gave him that wealth. What a relief that must be for the wealthy. It means you don't have to feel any sense of guilt for hoarding cash while your neighbors live in poverty. God gave you that money. It's yours now. Don't feel guilty for having it and using it as you want.

Most of this book revolves around Philanthropy and how to donate. How to select a charity, what to look for and some pitfalls along the way. It contains warnings to be careful not to give away so much that your nest egg devalues so far you can't give next year. Obviously this advice does not apply to my life. I didn't run a successful business, retire young, and wonder what to do with all this extra cash I had lying around. If you are wealthy and can't seem to figure out how to give away your money then you have found the book for you.

If like me, you still work for a living is there anything here of value? The first third or so of the book contains good advice on managing your money. Don't become too attached to it. Categorize your spending so you can really separate your needs from your wants. Give to charity as you feel better about yourself when you do. This is sound advice for anyone and certainly of some use to the average wage earner. There just didn't seem to be enough of it and not enough in any depth to really leverage. Plus, there are plenty of works to read if your focus really is managing your finances. I did like the comics frequently intertwined throughout and the entire book is also a well written and easy to read.

The one thing I could not get past was the feeling that I was reading one man's rationalization for his wealth, his right to hold on to it, and how that should not keep him from entering the pearly gates. Frank Hanna even elaborates on the Eye of the Needle. Apparently it's not a needle for thread, but a doorway that was so low a camel had to kneel to cross through it. That's difficult, but not impossible.

I have the full quote from the Gospel according to Matthew 21-24 follows:
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Note particularly the line "...sell that thou hast, and give to the poor". That's sell ALL, not just the extra cash you don't need.

[Stormy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had seen a one sentence quote from Frank Hanna, young philanthropist. Found some things repetitive, but helped me see how money that is mine to use that is beyond that that meets my basic needs and a bit more as well as the needs of my dependents is only mine to manage for the world's use.

I liked what I read and was exposed to by this author/philanthropist who had taken the time to read a great deal through history - from Deuteronomy, Aristotle, Socrates and many through time. Enjoyed the exposure.

[Thomas Selling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very insightful book about the meaning of money and a right perspective on using it for the benefit of our world. It's more specifically instructive than, let's say, the Bible, on how to use money. He gives some helpful formulas and tips. Mostly it is insightful and provokes deeper thinking into the meaning of money and wealth. A great read for anyone with a lot of extra cash lying around, but equally helpful to your average day laborer who seeks to be more financially responsible and generous.

[Betsy Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about the purpose of wealth, and the responsibility and vocation associated with it. It is written from a Catholic perspective, but could appeal to a much wider audience. This is definitely a book I need to reread several times.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very real/Christian look at money. Would be even more helpful to someone who actually has some!