Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever Audiobook

" 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. "

" 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! "

" 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. "

" Didn't read all of the book closely, but the review of investing was good. Had some really good reminders about the saving/investing of money. "

" 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! "

" A lot of things I already knew, but it was good at motivating me and giving an action list. I was uncomfortable how it used the b-word. A little unnecessary. I was reading the book on the plane and some 9 year old boys kept staring at the book until I realized they were looking at the b-word on it. "

" 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. "

" Great book for women and anyone who wants to get a handle on their finances! Not as applicable for college kids living off loans, but all of the info will come in handy after I graduate. Thanks, Jean! "

" 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. "

" This was great book with tons of suggestions that really work. "

" I read quite a few personal finance books, and only keep the best ones for my own library. This isn't the very best I've read, but it's definitely up there. Would definitely recommend. "

" 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! "

" VERY basic book. Only for the complete beginner who has never dealt with her finances. Her assumptions, e.g. 4% interest on a savings account feels terribly dated as well. "

" if oudn this to be a great reality check on why chicks spend money unnecessarily and how we can stop. i just finished this and already have used a bunch of her tips. "

" wake up take charge and overcome your financial fears forever "

" Liked it a lot - loads of helpful advice (geared towards women). Bought my best friend a copy - now if she would only read it............ : ) "

" rated it "

" This book is simple and easy to understand. Through my years in my career, I couldn't save a cent. But now I know how... "

" Practical advice, no fluff reading. I highly recommend this book! "

" Practical advice, no fluff reading. I highly recommend this book! "

" Liked it a lot - loads of helpful advice (geared towards women). Bought my best friend a copy - now if she would only read it............ : ) "

" wake up take charge and overcome your financial fears forever "

" I read quite a few personal finance books, and only keep the best ones for my own library. This isn't the very best I've read, but it's definitely up there. Would definitely recommend. "

" 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. "

" This book is simple and easy to understand. Through my years in my career, I couldn't save a cent. But now I know how... "

" if oudn this to be a great reality check on why chicks spend money unnecessarily and how we can stop. i just finished this and already have used a bunch of her tips. "

" Didn't read all of the book closely, but the review of investing was good. Had some really good reminders about the saving/investing of money. "