Jen Sincero

Once again, this author offers irresponsible advice that could inspire people to take on massive amounts of debt they can never pay back. I generously gave it two stars because she does cover some topics that are often overlooked, but important to consider, when discussing money. For example, examining your mindset around making money and getting really clear on your "why," as she says. But, I do not buy any of her manifestation bullshit and suggestions to buy things you can't afford in show more order to "elevate your energy." This isn't middle school. The boy I like isn't going to become into me because I wrote his name on my notebook.

In addition to the bad advice, this book is full of stories from people, including the author, who have become rich by doing things like borrowing $85k from a friend to hire a life coach or writing down their dream salary on a piece of paper and then putting a bunch of things on credit so they'd feel motivated to make the money to pay it back. I skimmed over most of these anecdotes because they were boring and sounded made up.

There are so many great personal finance books out there, I could never recommend this one. show less

I started the book feeling a little skeptical, but hopeful as I thought it would be more practical and less "woowoo say your affirmations every day and the universe will hear you." And it did start out practical, with the author noting how she felt that woowoo stuff was not useful. But within a couple of chapters, she has taken a seminar, gotten a coach, practiced the woohoo, and now are her dreams have come true! Including now being a coach so she can share the woowoo with all of us. show more Listening to the book, I returned time and time again to the level of (white, middle class, educated) privilege it takes to tell people to just state your affirmations into the universe, and that will make them come true. Or to say that you should make money decisions based on how you want to live, and the money will come (from a "surprise inheritance"??? as well as suddenly creating the strategies you need to be successful...)....her money chapter opens up with her deciding to buy an Audi even though she can't pay for it, and tada, the money came! No thanks. I was also extremely distracted by how often she used the word "lame" to describe to bad decisions and thoughts. The book was published in 2013, so not that long ago....was she absent when her publishers talked about not using ableist language? In short, unless you are already bought into the idea that the universe is waiting to make all your dreams come true, I would give it a pass. show less

For the first half of this book. I was dubious I'd get anything out of it. Not because I didn't believe in Sincero's message--quite the opposite. I've been a self-help and personal development junkie for decades, and I'm quite familiar with the concepts she presents in these bite-sized chapters. Gratitude? Check. Positive thinking? Got it. Generosity? Sure thing.

So there I was, ho-humming my way through this book when I hit a chapter that made me sit up and take notice. Was it about some show more groundbreaking concept I'd never come across before? Nope. It was the chapter on commitment, or "The Almighty Decision," as Sincero called it. At this point in my life, I needed to be reminded of the power of truly committing to a goal. Not just trying, wishing, and hoping, but being dedicated to the pursuit of that goal with everything you've got. I took a ton of notes on that chapter. I put the book down, journaled, and created an action plan for myself. I realized why I hadn't been seeing the results I wanted and figured out ways to get back on track.

Later in the book, Sincero acknowledges that much of what she teaches is common sense, and states that "an epiphany is a visceral understanding of something you already know." Ultimately, that's where the strength of this book lies: in its ability to remind you of the Universal truths that can change your life, if only you decide to apply them. show less

While there are a few inspiring tidbits within this book, I can't get past some of the terribly irresponsible advice this author doles out. For example, the story of how she hemmed and hawed over buying a new car and ultimately bought the one she couldn't afford because she knew the Universe would provide. Or the time she didn't have a nice enough place lined up to stay at so she could write her next book, but secured some dream location after reaching out to her (well-to-do) network, citing show more this as an example of manifestation and not one of knowing the right people.

I know people who bought homes at the height of the bubble, thinking the Universe had their back, only to lose them a few years later. The average American doesn't have $1,000 to cover an emergency and people are fundraising their healthcare. If they could visualize away their money problems, I'm sure they would. I just hope they don't waste their money on this book.

Side note: this author has a book on money management. Should I read it or will I have a rage stroke? show less