The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me for Women

by Richard Paul Evans

Evans explains that money should not be the preoccupation of our lives, but instead our focus should be on the principles that free us to concentrate on God, family, and relationships-- life's true riches.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Money, Personal Growth, Self Help, Audiobook, Business

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[WhizKid · Rating 5 out of 5]

1."I decide to be wealthy."
2. Take Responsibility for Your Money
-Know how much money you have. What’s your net worth?
-Know where your money comes from. Track every tip, bonus, and interest payment. Record the small amounts that normally slip through your fingers, like checks you get for your birthday, dividends from your index funds, and money you get from rewards credit cards.
-Know where your money is going. Your car, for example, doesn’t just cost the sticker price; it also costs insurance, repairs and registration fees.
3. Keep a Portion of Everything You Earn
4. Win in the Margins
- Have extra/side income
-Invest
5. Give Back

+Seven Golden words when buying: "Is that the best you can do?"
+Never dismiss your need for someone else's wants

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I are in the process of getting out of debt through the Dave Ramsey plan. I thought this book was helpful. There were some things that crossed over what Dave Ramsey's book talks about, but there were other things that did not. I think the most helpful portion of the book was the different ideas to save money in different areas. For example, he gave a bulleted list on what to do to save on utility bills and grocery shopping.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was a preface for joining an organization where you would get additional help and resources towards your goals. It had good examples and gave me some ideas or other things to consider to increase my wealth.

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found all the advice in this to be solid, though there was nothing new in it for me.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book that I'd like to recommend to everyone. If you're not a woman, you can read the same 5 lessons in The 5 Lessons a Millionaire taught me about Life and Wealth.

This book is a quick read and that's a big plus since I've slogged through quite a few finance type books (and some I didn't finish). Richard outlines the steps to financial freedom in easy to understand terms with plenty of interesting examples.

He writes in such a way that I felt like I was listening to a motivational speaker (which he is) while reading. I felt so encouraged about the things that my husband and I are trying to do right with our finances and supported on those things that we can improve on.


My nitpicks: I would’ve liked to see more new information in this book, instead of mostly a repeat of the first book, The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me about Life and Wealth, (which I also own) but this is a minor nitpick since repetition is the greatest teacher.

My Favorites: My favorite lesson is Winning in the Margins, where Richard teaches you how to look for new ways to increase your income by thinking outside of the box and looking for opportunities instead of getting stuck in a rut. I love the stories he shares in the book of people who applied Winning in the Margins to add to their wealth.

*Richard encourages his readers to share the 5 Lessons with someone else within 48 hours of reading the book. Okay, I'm a few hours late, but I hope this review will encourage you to pick up the 5 Lessons and revolutionize your financial life!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a few decent, common-sense ideas in here, but its accompanied by a lot of nonsensical crap. I mentally tapped out at the "invest your nest egg in precious metals" advice. Metals are for extra "fun money", not your 401(k). He hits a little bit on investing, but there's no substance beyond "invest your money". I don't understand why this book is so highly rated, honestly.

[Celia Weekes · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was an easy listen but pretty condescending to women. But the last bit about join my club for $10 and $9.95 a month? Seriously? Isn’t this the very thing he was trying to warn against? He lost all credibility with that ploy. He should stick to what he does best, fiction. Leave financial advice to the experts.

[Shaeley Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tailored specifically for women, this book shares the lessons Evans learned from his millionaire mentor. One unique idea from this book is building a nest egg with silver coins or other bullion that can be tangibly seen as it grows.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very, very basic book with absolutely nothing new in it at all. He's not one of my favorite fiction authors and he's definitely not one of my favorite personal finance authors either.

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

A quick listen to, but this book's lessons is common knowledge and can be found in hundreds of other books and resources. There was absolutely nothing new in this book.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
Setting: Modern Life
Genre: Self-help; Financial

In The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me for Women, Richard Paul Evans offers a refreshingly relatable and encouraging guide to personal finance, tailored specifically for women who are ready to take control of their financial futures. Drawing from the same five principles that changed his own life, Evans combines clear, actionable advice with touching anecdotes and motivational insights.

What makes this book stand out is its simplicity and accessibility. Evans doesn’t overwhelm readers with jargon or complicated investment strategies—instead, he presents practical, timeless lessons that anyone can implement, regardless of income or background. He encourages readers to view money not as a goal in itself, but as a tool to achieve greater freedom, purpose, and connection with the things that truly matter: faith, family, and relationships.

The tone is warm and empowering, and Evans does a commendable job of addressing the unique challenges and strengths women bring to managing money. His coaching voice is both personal and inspiring, like a trusted mentor cheering you on from the sidelines.

The only reason for the missing fifth star is that some readers looking for in-depth financial tactics may find the content a bit light or overly simplified. Also, I didn’t agree with a few of his financial suggestions. However, as a motivational starting point for financial empowerment, it excels.

Overall, this book is a valuable and uplifting read—ideal for women at any stage of life who are seeking to build wealth with purpose and confidence. #thefivelessonsamillionairetaughtmeforwomen #booked_this_weekend

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to test out Richard Paul Evans' suggestion to ask when negotiating prices, "Is that the best you can do?" According to him, people will often go down in price if you will just ask this question. He has other good tips as well; some of them are no brainers, but it's good to be reminded. He warns against "shopping therapy". I know that I do this when I have a bad day. I want to spend money on myself, usually by buying a treat. I would save a lot of money if I wouldn't do this.

[Linda Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was exactly like the other book he wrote. This one just added “for women” to the title. There was nothing new and both books were common sense. I think this was just a money maker for the author. I really like RPE books but he should stick to fiction. His nonfiction books are terrible. I only gave this two stars because I like his other books. Would not recommend his nonfiction.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is great information in this book on how to be in a good spot financially, but it was all stuff I have heard before. There wasn't anything really new. Some of the information was a bit outdated as well such as the interest rates but those are bound to change anyway.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost 1 1/2 stars with the second to last track of the audio. Really?!?!

[Londi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some very insightful advice that ties in with Dave Ramsey's Advice. I am now adapting it to my plan.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good refresher on finances.

[ML Couch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Concepts

Quick read. Solid logic. Much of this has been heard before but Evans lays it out is easy to understand, basic steps.

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing

I would recommend this book to anyone! It is full of good financial advice. The advice and guidance is not overwhelming but practical and easy to understand.

[MK]

everyone should read this

[Cydni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, makes you think about your choices.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was mostly a retelling of information I have found in other books.

It was good reminder to motivate me to do those things that I know I should be doing.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty condescending without much substance. Should have been an article, not a book.

[lani glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some helpful tips!!

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had good information and gave you a lot to think about.

[A. Teez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Paul Evans is a wise man. His advice regarding money is sound, simple and well deserved of a following. Thoughts about money shape our lives, and Evans shares money strategies to get out of debt, live a freer feeling life, and take comfort in setting up the future. It is a quick and no nonsense read.

I listened to the audio. If you are wrestling with finances, I recommend reading it in print to highlight, take notes, or tab what is pertinent to a freer life for you.

I gave this book 5 stars because of its simplicity, wisdom and valuable mission.

A.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago before the financial crisis took us to this state, Mr Evans wrote the first Five Lessons that was written generically. This year with folks futures looking dubiously, especially women, he comes back again with a new version written especially for women. Again, he talks about the Five Lessons taught to him by a millionaire years ago in his church, and he took them to heart and started his own fortune. Women can learn some timely lessons on how to start a nest egg, how to preserve that egg, and ways to start it. Winning in the Margins talk about the banking law of compound interest and how it can work for you as well as against you. The very last law, Give back talks mostly on tithing back to your church that most of us were taught religiously in our churhes. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to all folks like me, who have NO job at present, but still hope no matter what. especially to all women who feel that no matter what, we'll still earn less than men. perhaps with current President Obama's recent legislation regarding equality pay will open the door for more legislation. In the meantime, READ THIS BOOK!!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on simple principles of action and responsibility, this book is a quick, but inspiring read. The concepts are down-to-earth: know where your money comes from and where it's going, do your research and ask questions before making purchases, have a positive and active attitude about your finances, etc. I was often reflecting, "Yeah, that's true - I knew that." ...but it outlines the most important aspects of a simple financial strategy in a realistic and non-intimidating way. I appreciate that I finished the book feeling encouraged, rather than overwhelmed, and that there were small but specific steps I could begin doing immediately.

This is a wonderful and valuable book for people in any financial situation, and I think it is interesting enough to also be a good read for teen-age or college-age individuals as well.

[Marisa Eikenberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in gaining wealth (as opposed to getting out of debt) this is a good book to have on your "read" shelf.

Although this book is tailored to women, I think a lot of the financial advice in it goes both ways but the examples that Richard gives to illustrate his point are said with women in mind. Much of this info are things that I have heard before in other finance books but the examples that he provides along with him help drive those points home.

The only downside to this book is that the financial numbers in it (particularly savings account interest projections) are clearly outdated. He gives an example of why to put money in a savings account with compound interest of 10% whereas now, you're lucky to find a savings account that'll give you even 1%. Definitely something to keep in mind while reading this, but I don't think that's any reason to ignore it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

These lessons are very similar to ones I've read of before in other money management books, but this is more simply put -- a sort of personal finances in a nutshell book. Some of the lessons have several morsels or small courses, so at some points of the book, I lost track of the 5 core lessons in the middle. However, there is not the usual minutiae that most books of this sort are full of.

Hope they take hold in my brain help make me very good at managing our finances. Or else my retirement plan will be basically come down to a stolen shopping cart, a tattered sleeping bag and a cardboard sign.With possible bankruptcy staring is in the face, it may seem to little too late, but i'm remaining carm... and a little hopeful.