A Review of The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman

I admit, this is an oldie - published in 1997. It's so old that the author makes references to "pocket books", "coin phones", and even says things like "If you don't have a computer, then.."

Despite it's ancient booklore, I still belive I learned a few things about how to better manage my money. Plus, the author not only talks about the practical side of money management, but also the subjective, emotional side to it.

Let's be honest, most people have some sense of feeling come up within them when money is talked about, whether if it's with your parents, relatives, or spouse. For me, my heart starts beating a little faster whenever money enters the conversation. I don't have an answer as to why, it just does. It's a fear that I'm learning to overcome.

I appreciate that this book gives us a tour of the emotional side of money, and even how to properly manage those feelings by realizing a few things.

1) The cycle of money. Money is up, but it also goes down. Sometimes you'll have more, and sometimes you'll have less. Just like the seasons cycle throughout the year, so may your money. The author does a good job of describing this cycle through entertaining anecdotes of her upbringing.

2) The inner voice. This one required my being to open up a little. She speaks of an "inner voice" within that is likened to a "instinctual response" when making decisions about money. Again, I didn't completely take this to heart, but a part of me realized that she isn't wrong.

3) What wealth really means to you. The authors constant mention of use cases does a good job developing this idea. Every one is different, and has different goals. Orman's extensive look into her client base drives home the point that wealth looks different for everyone.

Why did I focus particularly on these three points? Although this book does a good job talking about the practical points of money management, it really isn't any different from any other "Financial Freedom" book. The aforementioned points composed the last few steps of the nine, but there are the steps that make this book unique.

Rating:

Interesting: 3/5
Informational: 4/5
Recommend to others?: 3/5

Total: 3.3/5