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Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever
Get Rich, Don’t Bitch
“I don’t have time to deal with my money.”
“Managing money and investing is too intimidating.”
“I’m not a numbers person.”
“My husband takes care of our finances.”
“I’m just not good with money.”
Jean Chatzky has heard all the excuses for why women don’t deal with their finances. She used to make them herself. For the first time, Jean tells you how she made every financial mistake in the book—not paying her bills, going into credit card debt, letting her 401(k) lapse—before finally making the decision to take control of her money and her future.
Whether you’ve made these mistakes or you want to avoid them, if you’re ready to take charge of your financial life then this is the book for you. In it, Jean shares these valuables
• Where to start
• How to decode financial jargon (it’s easier than you think)
• How to get over your “I’m not smart enough to deal with money” feelings
• Why being a “good-enough investor” will make you more money in the long-term (while trying to be a “great investor” will drive you crazy)
• Why you might think you are bad at math, and why that doesn’t have to be true
• How (and where) to save your money
• Why women make better investors—and higher returns—than men
Jean is famous for her ability to explain money and investing. In a clear and accessible way, she breaks down all the scariest parts of dealing with money—from investing in stocks to saving for your retirement—to make them doable, easy, and yes, even enjoyable. She also includes throughout a “Map to a Million,” great tips on easy and quick financial changes you can make immediately . . . that really add up!
Are You Ready to Be Rich?
If you want to get rich, if you want to be wealthier than you are today, you really need to do only four things. That’s right, just four things.
• You need to make a decent living
• You need to spend less than you make
• You need to invest the money you don’t spend so that it can work as hard for you as you’re working for yourself
• And you need to protect yourself and this financial world you’ve built so that a disaster—big or small—doesn’t take it all away from you
Everything else is just window-dressing. The fees—and how to avoid them. The advisors—and how to hire them. The deals. The scams. The ins. The outs. They are all interesting. Some of them are even quite important. But until you have conquered the heart of the matter, they are all minutia.
The four cornerstones, by contrast, are the meat and potatoes of your financial life. If you do those things today, you’ll start getting rich tomorrow. And once you feel set financially, you’ll be able to start focusing on the truly important things in life. — from the Introduction
“I don’t have time to deal with my money.”
“Managing money and investing is too intimidating.”
“I’m not a numbers person.”
“My husband takes care of our finances.”
“I’m just not good with money.”
Jean Chatzky has heard all the excuses for why women don’t deal with their finances. She used to make them herself. For the first time, Jean tells you how she made every financial mistake in the book—not paying her bills, going into credit card debt, letting her 401(k) lapse—before finally making the decision to take control of her money and her future.
Whether you’ve made these mistakes or you want to avoid them, if you’re ready to take charge of your financial life then this is the book for you. In it, Jean shares these valuables
• Where to start
• How to decode financial jargon (it’s easier than you think)
• How to get over your “I’m not smart enough to deal with money” feelings
• Why being a “good-enough investor” will make you more money in the long-term (while trying to be a “great investor” will drive you crazy)
• Why you might think you are bad at math, and why that doesn’t have to be true
• How (and where) to save your money
• Why women make better investors—and higher returns—than men
Jean is famous for her ability to explain money and investing. In a clear and accessible way, she breaks down all the scariest parts of dealing with money—from investing in stocks to saving for your retirement—to make them doable, easy, and yes, even enjoyable. She also includes throughout a “Map to a Million,” great tips on easy and quick financial changes you can make immediately . . . that really add up!
Are You Ready to Be Rich?
If you want to get rich, if you want to be wealthier than you are today, you really need to do only four things. That’s right, just four things.
• You need to make a decent living
• You need to spend less than you make
• You need to invest the money you don’t spend so that it can work as hard for you as you’re working for yourself
• And you need to protect yourself and this financial world you’ve built so that a disaster—big or small—doesn’t take it all away from you
Everything else is just window-dressing. The fees—and how to avoid them. The advisors—and how to hire them. The deals. The scams. The ins. The outs. They are all interesting. Some of them are even quite important. But until you have conquered the heart of the matter, they are all minutia.
The four cornerstones, by contrast, are the meat and potatoes of your financial life. If you do those things today, you’ll start getting rich tomorrow. And once you feel set financially, you’ll be able to start focusing on the truly important things in life. — from the Introduction
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
36 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 2, 2011
I bought this book at a library book sale for 25 cents, as I often like to peruse personal finance books. I find that no matter how many of them you look at, there are always little tips and tricks that are good for keeping motivation high. I've seen Jean Chatzky in magazines and on television, and I really thought I liked her. Turns out I am pretty lukewarm to her. She writes with a female reader in mind, but her stereotypes of what this female reader is like are farfetched and annoying. She assumes her readers are 30 to 45, and that they are obsessed with clothing and handbags and shoes and makeup and facials and spa treatments and botox. WHAT? Needless to say, I found it very difficult to relate at all. Furthermore, this book is one of the "wordy-est" lengthy books of its sort, but there is ultimately very little information in here. Most of the chapters are broken down into sections called "Don't bitch" and "Don't make excuses".....as if her readers are some whining fashionistas who are financial airheads. My two stars are in honor of each chapter's "Map to a Million", where she demonstrates ways that small changes can really make a HUGE impact in your long-term peace of mind.
May 3, 2009
There is something about this author's style and outlook on life that irritates me. I don't know why except that her assumptions about her readers' incomes are a little skewed. While this book does have some practical advice that everyone can use, it seems to be aimed at people with large incomes, more than $50,000 a year or so. If you make less than this amount, you'll need to be creative and tailor the tips to work with your income. You may need to use a $4 a day plan instead of $10 a day to pay down your debt. After reading several books on this subject, I'm more comfortable with the material from Dave Ramsey, Mary Hunt, or Larry Burkett.
Read
October 15, 2018Not going to give this a star rating as I am totally NOT the target audience for this book. This is a VERY basic, VERY beginner type book. It is aimed as someone who is many thousands of dollars in debt and hasn't save a dime for retirement or emergencies. If you are that person this is the book for you. I was looking for something else.
December 5, 2021
I love the way Jean Chatzky makes sense of money, finances, investing, etc. She's no-nonsense, but talks like your best friend: down to earth, keeps it real, and tells you exactly what you NEED to hear! This one is a little long and detailed but very worthwhile!!
January 11, 2010
I didn't realize that I was not the target audience when picking this finance book. Lots of generalizations about men and women, but if you can get over that, it is ok. She has lots of decent general information about finances, but doesn't really have a good plan or system to implement all of them.
March 21, 2019
This book gave me financial confidence during my divorce. It taught me to think differently about taking care of my finances. I recommend this for any one who has not been financially independent in the past because you never know when you're going to have to be self reliant. It could be a divorce or a death that changes everything. This was empowering.
May 7, 2019
It's hard to rate a book based on what it is, rather than based on what you need/got out of it. Some parts of this book were so basic, they had to explain fractions or percents, which felt unnecessary to me, but the point was to meet all women where they are--even if that means someone doesn't have a strong background in math or has a fear of it.
There were parts of this book that felt stereotypical and demeaning, like assuming all women have a shopping addiction and 50 pairs of shoes, but there were other chapters that acknowledged the deep-seated emotions around money, control, and power. I found myself nodding along quite often in agreement.
I initially thought this book would be about starting/kicking butt at your own business, but it turned out to be a good basic (sometimes too basic, as I mentioned) personal finance book with, surprisingly, quite a lot of nuance built in. I initially wrinkled up my nose at the first "assignment": find a "money group" of women to discuss finances with and meet regularly. BUT, it did nudge me towards broaching the topic with one of my best friends.
I appreciated the recurring sections, especially the "Say it and Sound Smart" parts that helped rehearse a conversation around money and sometimes reframe how you talk about it even to yourself. For example (this one is not in the book, just making it up, but it's similar), saying "It's smart to save for the future, even $20 at a time" is more empowering than "I can't afford to X because I have to save." The other sections, such as "Map to a Million" showed the value of compounding interest and the snowball effect of small, monthly actions. These would be good to browse as a summary.
In short, I didn't get what I was looking for out of it, and many parts of it aren't for everyone, but there were some gems hidden inside.
There were parts of this book that felt stereotypical and demeaning, like assuming all women have a shopping addiction and 50 pairs of shoes, but there were other chapters that acknowledged the deep-seated emotions around money, control, and power. I found myself nodding along quite often in agreement.
I initially thought this book would be about starting/kicking butt at your own business, but it turned out to be a good basic (sometimes too basic, as I mentioned) personal finance book with, surprisingly, quite a lot of nuance built in. I initially wrinkled up my nose at the first "assignment": find a "money group" of women to discuss finances with and meet regularly. BUT, it did nudge me towards broaching the topic with one of my best friends.
I appreciated the recurring sections, especially the "Say it and Sound Smart" parts that helped rehearse a conversation around money and sometimes reframe how you talk about it even to yourself. For example (this one is not in the book, just making it up, but it's similar), saying "It's smart to save for the future, even $20 at a time" is more empowering than "I can't afford to X because I have to save." The other sections, such as "Map to a Million" showed the value of compounding interest and the snowball effect of small, monthly actions. These would be good to browse as a summary.
In short, I didn't get what I was looking for out of it, and many parts of it aren't for everyone, but there were some gems hidden inside.
Read
June 12, 2024DNF at chapter 2 (audiobook)
Ok at first it was annoying that the author assumed you have a mortgage, kids, and are working for someone else. Then there were some helpful tips in the first chapter
… and then in chapter two “what’s with women and math?” Made me want to vomit.
I was listening to the audio book still giving it a chance and then just…NO. I understand this was meant to be a book specifically for women but I found the beginning of it sexist and outdated
Ok at first it was annoying that the author assumed you have a mortgage, kids, and are working for someone else. Then there were some helpful tips in the first chapter
… and then in chapter two “what’s with women and math?” Made me want to vomit.
I was listening to the audio book still giving it a chance and then just…NO. I understand this was meant to be a book specifically for women but I found the beginning of it sexist and outdated
November 19, 2018
This is a great book if you're lost with money completely and need hand holding - not only with money, but with life admin. Didn't really enjoy how it was written, especially with many paper-based antiquated organisational ideas, but I'm sure some will love it! Not recommended for those already putting good personal finance practices in place.
April 2, 2018
Seems more like general life advice than personal finance. Also since I am not married and I don't have children, much of the content wasn't that useful to me. I do enjoy her podcast. So I was a little disappointed.
August 9, 2018
Good basics for a first timer getting started with money management.
March 21, 2011
I've always loved a good personal finance book, being in the industry I am a bit more knowledgeable that the normal reader. In this case I am not in love with her writing style, she seems to be a bit negative and I may even consider her a man-hater. I feel like she is talking down to the reader. Maybe if I didn't know anything about savings and investment I wouldn't feel this way. But I like some of the advice she offers so far.
After finishing I can say that her writing style stayed consistently annoying throughout the book, but she does have some good points. This book was definitely geared toward a different audience and I do think that women who have never taken financial control of their lives will see this book as a fabulous guide to financial control and freedom. Some of her budgeting tools and calculations were helpful. I am always looking for a new slant on what I have been doing for years. She takes a very scary topic for some and makes it easily readable and empowering.
After finishing I can say that her writing style stayed consistently annoying throughout the book, but she does have some good points. This book was definitely geared toward a different audience and I do think that women who have never taken financial control of their lives will see this book as a fabulous guide to financial control and freedom. Some of her budgeting tools and calculations were helpful. I am always looking for a new slant on what I have been doing for years. She takes a very scary topic for some and makes it easily readable and empowering.
January 25, 2011
Jean Chatzky wrote a financial book for women to get it right and quit making excuses. However, her generalizations and assumptions about women use of money doesn't apply to all of us such as shopping sprees (can't control our spending on unnecessary things such as shoes, clothing, etc.). She uses some examples on how to save at 5% of your income at $35K or higher, but what about those who are still making low $30K's and she estimates at $35K at 5-50%, when we don't take home necessarily $35K salary (net income varies from gross income). Therefore, who can save 50% of their salary income when we take home a net income of a lesser amount, unless their husband is making more than their wife to be able to save up to that amount. Not all women are married either, however, I will try to start saving at least 5-10% of my net income since I tithe 10% but unable to save because I've allowed my bills to escalate beyond belief...ready to make change.
Read
July 15, 2010Jean Chatzky, editor-at-large for ‘Money Magazine’ and financial editor for NBC’s Today Show, has a new book, Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever. The premise of Make Money not Excuses is simple – there are four basic things you need to do:
1. You need to make a decent living.
2. You need to spend less than you make.
3. You need to invest the money you don’t spend.
4. You need to protect yourself and this financial world you’ve built.
These four tenets are so easy to understand that you probably don’t need to read the entire book but do. Chatzky is also a money coach and her steps to financial independence may be just what you need to get on track for a healthy financial future.
From ICPL Staff Picks Blog
1. You need to make a decent living.
2. You need to spend less than you make.
3. You need to invest the money you don’t spend.
4. You need to protect yourself and this financial world you’ve built.
These four tenets are so easy to understand that you probably don’t need to read the entire book but do. Chatzky is also a money coach and her steps to financial independence may be just what you need to get on track for a healthy financial future.
From ICPL Staff Picks Blog
August 22, 2007
Now that I am finally receiving a decent paycheck, I really appreciated some of the advice Chatzky gave on saving and investing. She does a good job of covering the bases for single women as well as married and/or with children, and gives several possible scenarios. However, I disliked that she stresses saving for retirement over just about everything -- including education. On more than one occassion she suggests that parents should be willing to change school districts (or put their children in public schools instead of private) in order to save more for retirement. While I agree that this maneuver could certainly save some bucks, I do not think a child's education should be sacrificed for it.
October 3, 2011
This is an easy beginner book on managing finances and the myriad of reasons that women don't manage their money. If you feel your spending is out control or you are concerned about having something set aside in the future this is the book to read. Chatzky's book isn't groundbreaking but it is practical; in fact many of the things mentioned are lessons learned by average people who are currently riding out The Great Recession. It is choked full of advice: consolidate credit cards, eat at home, and downsize your home just to name a few. Sage advice in this horrible financial times. The Map to a Million is fun to read, sends out tiny tendrils of hope. In order for me to be a 30 year millionairess I just need to "find $675 a month to invest, tax deferred, at 8 percent" then I am set!
June 5, 2016
I highly recommend this book. Excellent advice on how to get started on the road to financial security. There's a whole chapter on why it's NOT TOO LATE to save for your retirement, even if you're in your 50's. It's a very easy read and she's got some great tips. Plus, she's realistic. Talks about how you don't have to be the "best" at everything..investing, etc. Sometimes it's ok to be "good enough" and do what you can to save, etc. I'm going to work on Suzy Orman's book for women next and compare them. I really want to get my finances in line and get what I want in life, and this book was a real shot in the arm. (& a nice pat on the back!).
April 2, 2008
I have saving intentions but find it difficult to make it work with the family. This is a great book for motivation and to discover small ways to pinch those pennies. There are good logical examples of how to cut some unnecessary spending that I could share that weren't "off the deep end". This is a good read for many different financial situations, the only criteria is some sort of income, whether large or small. I'd recommend it.
November 14, 2007
This book went from being way too basic (how to have a garage sale to make money) to unrealistic for the average person (investing $2000 a month). She had a lot of math and glossed over some things that needed deeper explanations.
It wasn't a total loss, I did get a couple of tips, but it was much less informative than Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey tend to be.
It wasn't a total loss, I did get a couple of tips, but it was much less informative than Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey tend to be.
June 27, 2008
I've seen Jean several times on the Today Show, Oprah and Larry King Live. She was on Larry King again last night with Dave Ramsey and I just loved her no-nonsense, common sense approach to finances. I loved the "Stop Making Excuses" part of the books' title too. Feel I'm in that funk with my business and hope this helps. Really like it so far. More to come...
April 15, 2010
I didn't really read it - I found the book to be tedious and it was too "female-centric" to hold my attention. I applaud Jean for figuring out personal finance and am glad she can help empower other women with her knowledge.
If I'd really paid attention to the title I would not have picked it up: this book is for women who fear money management and avoid trying to figure it out.
If I'd really paid attention to the title I would not have picked it up: this book is for women who fear money management and avoid trying to figure it out.
July 3, 2011
Jean has some very workable ideas for tackling debt and saving/investing for retirement. This book is motivational and a challenge for women to take charge and get more involved in their own financial destinies.
I like the practical nature of this book and the many suggestions on how to find savings by making simple changes.
I like the practical nature of this book and the many suggestions on how to find savings by making simple changes.
July 21, 2013
I wish I had read Jean Chatzky's financial independence books when I was 20. Her advice in this book is especially tailored toward women, and addresses problems with saving and spending, and how to negotiate raises at work, talk about finances with your spouse and family -- all the stuff I hadn't learned in school but wish I had known!
April 2, 2014
Nothing that I did not already know but it was a good reminder of the stuff I should keep doing.
This book is mostly for those who need to know what to do from step 1. Jean gives pretty good information on how to get started with saving for retirement, investing, etc...and she gives some good tips on how to get into the habit of saving.
This book is mostly for those who need to know what to do from step 1. Jean gives pretty good information on how to get started with saving for retirement, investing, etc...and she gives some good tips on how to get into the habit of saving.
October 7, 2016
This book had some good things, but wasn't super helpful. I make near the poverty level income wise, and luckily have no debts. I was looking for help on investing and what not. Not really on how to not spend money or save. I think it's good for beginner beginners, but not for those who are a bit better with money.
February 22, 2008
Excellent book for learning how to manage your money at any age and with as little or much as you have in your account! The "map to millions" plans in the book make it easy to see what you can do with your money!
March 19, 2008
Well, if this one doesn't get you off your butt to start saving money ... then the one by Larry Winget will. Seriously, it's a great start. Real live things you can DO, even if you're starting from negative scratch. It worked for me.
October 1, 2008
This contained all the tips/recommendations/information that are usually in her books, as well as a list of excuses that women typically have. For someone who really is struggling to take control of their finances, this would be a good read.
December 4, 2011
This is a good starter book for anyone interested in personal finance. It does seem as if this book is geared more for married women and women with children. Some of the information is out-of-date such as 3-4% interest for savings or money market accounts--I wish!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews