how to be RICH and HAPPY: A Partial Review
September 28, 2009
Who doesn’t want to know how to be RICH and HAPPY? But first things first, what kind of idiot would post a book review before having finished the book? THIS kind. Right here. You’re looking at her (sort of).
Please don’t assume Tim Brownson’s new book how to be RICH and HAPPY (written in collaboration with John P. Strelecky) is a slow read. It isn’t. But it’s not the sort of book you skim, either.
This masterpiece is more of a student workbook, where you read a few chapters, then grab a pencil, and do your very best to come up with the right answers (for you). At least that’s what I’m doing. I am now about 3/4 of the way through, and thrilled with the results so far.
Now, keep in mind, when Tim first sent me a draft of how to be RICH and HAPPY for feedback, my initial thought was along the lines of: “Tim, Tim, Tim… being Rich is not my goal… it’s not a Noble goal… and I’m pretty much Happy already, so I really can’t see reading 200 pages of yet another superficial book of meaningless promises.”
Ordinarily, I don’t read this sort of material. To be honest, it seems like these books are a dime a dozen. But I agreed to read this one because Tim is different from most people I know… he’s a straight shooter. He tells it like it is. When Tim talks, I listen.
Besides, now that I find myself between homes, between states, between jobs and way past any degree of certainty about how we will pay our bills or create the life we want, I can honestly say I’m more than curious. I’m a sponge. I am thirsty for useful, helpful advice. So, IF you would also really like to be happy and financially secure, I’m guessing you’ll be as interested as I am.
As it turns out, Tim isn’t talking about “rich” as in fancy mansions, fast cars, and cocaine parties on Gulfstream jets… although, I guess if that’s your goal, this book will also help you get there. What he is really referring to is described in the second chapter: “…for the vast majority of Rich and Happy people, money itself is not the goal. Money is just one of the vehicles they use to pay for whatever they want, whenever they want it.”
This book teaches you how to do whatever YOU want, whenever YOU want.
If what you want is to feed every man, woman, and child on the planet, you’re gonna need money (or friends with money). No matter how noble your goals are, money is the tool that will allow you to achieve them.
Once I got past my days of MBAs and BMWs, and shifted towards spirituality, I developed a strong aversion to money… a sense that it was superficial and the root of all evil. But money itself is without meaning; it’s how you use it that matters.
I would love to be someone like Oprah, or Bill Gates, or Brangelina… not for their fame, success or material wealth, but because having those allows them to do amazing philanthropic works around the world. How great would that be?!
So the first thing this book did for me was help me find a new, healthier relationship with money, and accept the concept of being paid for something I love to do and would gladly do for free. The value I add is worth something to someone. Now I just need to define what that value is, and who that someone might be.
By Chapter 5, I found myself taking notes in my journal… doing the exercises (eliciting my values)… wishing I had a printed copy to write in! Initially I was overwhelmed that the book is 200 pages long, and I have tons to do. But now, I’m afraid I’ll get to the end too soon! I don’t want it to end… I’m learning too much!! I am soaking it in as if it was the first ray of sun after a long, cold winter.
I’m almost done with the book. I probably should have waited until I finished it to tell you about it, but I’m afraid I’ll be wrapped up in my move to Vermont starting tomorrow (the drive begins Wednesday morning!). I’m not sure when I’ll have internet up and running, so I may not post again for about a week… we’ll see.
But the book is fantastic; you can even download the first three chapters for free to decide if the time is right for YOU to be reading how to be RICH and HAPPY. In my case, the book was heaven sent. I feel like the Universe MADE Tim and John write this specifically for ME… I just happen to be willing to share it with the rest of you. 
I hope you’ll check it out.
PS: If you download those first three chapters, I’d love to hear your initial reactions.
How is your relationship with money? Do you know what you would do if you could do whatever you want, whenever you want? Are you comfortable being paid for something you love to do and would do for free anyway?
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SPECIAL UPDATE (10/9/09): As you can tell from much of the discussion in the comments, the issue of price ($97) has been a bit controversial. Tim has just issued a revision to the price of the book. It now sells for $47, but does not include the other two e-books. For those of you who may have purchased the book already, Tim will be emailing you directly to work out the difference. The only thing better than a great book, is a great book at half the price! 
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I agree so much with the idea that money is an extremely useful tool. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to be using it for yourself or to help others, without it little gets done.
Thanks Lisis!
Gordie Rogers´s last blog ..Saturday Spew and Shout Out: September 26th 2009.
I’m so glad you found something that will allow you to form a better relationship with money! This is all teaching that I need to hear, too, so I’ll be sure to check this book out. Like you, I’d love to have a ton of money so that I could become a major philanthropist. I’d love to travel the world, helping people who need help the most. Digging wells, building homes, bringing modern medicine to remote villages and tribes. And (as you pointed out) that requires a lot of money.
Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. I owe you one!
Hi, guys! I really cannot emphasize enough how much of a skeptic I was when I first heard the title of the book. But I should have known better because of who Tim is… he’s a Life Coach… he helps people become who they want to become. The book is self-help/ motivation/ life coaching/ personal development all rolled into the somewhat measurable goal of being financially able to do what you want. All I can say is, it blew me away.
After reading the Intro, Table of Contents, and the first few chapters, I knew this book was something I needed to read at this moment. So, take advantage of the free download of those first few chapters so you can gauge for yourselves if this is a lesson you are ready for now. I think it’s fantastic that they’ve set this up with a “test drive” built in.
Lisis: Thanks for this. I will download the first 3 chapters and see what I find. Good luck with your move. I’m sure God has great things in store for you!
Heya Lisis! Haven’t checked in in a bit. Conversion to new technology (iPhones) goofed us up a bit. Now we can talk, email, text, etc without a hitch….kinda novel!
I already know I (we?) will be reading this book. We’ve been trying to get a grasp on our purpose, and have much figured out, but lacking some direction. Now the issue is at our doorstep with even greater emphasis for our little business has no “home”, no office. Some “friends” were providing us with space, but economics, and petty BS, gave them the motivation they needed to boot us from our offices. We joke, because it all fit it the back of our truck – our mobile office.
So we need to find some direction, and a new home for our businesses. We’re once again dealing with a challenge, but not an obstacle. Like you, our adventure continues. And it’s just that, and nothing more. We’ll weather it and enjoy the ride as best we can. If this book can help provide some much needing direction, then we need a copy!
You’re family is in our thoughts as you move to new environs.
@ Nanci: Thank you! I would definitely recommend the test run because I feel certain you will know by then if this is the right book for you. I was pretty much hooked by the first chapter. Keep in mind, the “workbook” part of it starts in Chapter 5, complete with blank spaces for you to fill in your answers as you do your soul searching. It’s the soul searching part that makes this book so effective, in my mind. I think most people really don’t know what they would do if they could do whatever they want, whenever they want. Right?
@ TF: Hey, Mike! Great to see you here again. I know what you mean about not being able to check in. I feel so out of touch with my online community these days since I’m kinda caught up in “real life” stuff like packing and moving! But even if we don’t touch base every day… we’re still here for each other.
I love your attitude about your new situation. It’s the old Chinese word for “challenge” is the same as “opportunity”. The best thing we can do is view it all as part of a great adventure. If you haven’t seen David’s post today, at Raptitude, I’d highly recommend it. I only wish I could have written that. It serves as great inspiration for this phase in our lives. You and Aimee will do just fine in your transition, I just know it!!
Hi Lisis.
You certainly have a valid point there about how money is required even if your goal is to feed a lot of people in some area. That is a good counter-point for those that start to question someone’s motives when their actual focus is on the effects they can bring with the income.
On an unrelated note, this might be the first time I have seen a partial review, but I think there would be many more book reviews online if writers would post a review after having read half a book or so. There’s value in our summary, whether we read the first half of a book, or the second half, or the whole book. I sometimes read four chapters in various sections of a book and take points away from them.
@ Armen: You know what? You are so right! I often get down on myself because I start a book but don’t finish it (even though I mean to). But the fact is, even if I read only one paragraph, but gleaned some valuable lesson from it, then it was well worth it.
Just before I started packing I picked up the Celestine Vision. I had it in my book case for ages, but never read it. Because I’ve been so busy, I have only had time for the first few chapters, but even those were EXACTLY what I needed to read at this moment to get me through a different “hump”… a more emotional/ spiritual issue. I kept telling myself to write a post about it when I finish the book… but why wait, right?
Lisis, thanks a lot for the kind words, I really appreciate it and I’m glad your enjoying the book.
I know it’s long but we actually stripped out 25,000 words out that we thought were just filler! We wanted to offer a book where every page was useful, unlike most self-development books I seem to read these days.
The book isn’t officially launched until 5th October and at that time it’ll also come with a free copy of Johns book ‘Life Safari’ and my book ‘Don’t Ask Stupid Questions’
If anybody has any questions about the book I’d be delighted to answer them.
I hope the move goes well, exciting times, huh?
Hey, Tim!
I don’t know if “exciting” is quite the word I’m thinking of as I’m wrapping glasses with newspaper and taping up boxes, but… the bigger picture definitely promises some excitement.
Thanks for adding the note about “Life Safari” and “Don’t Ask Stupid Questions”… I forgot to even mention that awesome bonus.
Thank you so much for writing this book *for me* and being willing to share it with others.
We never really want the money! We want the freedom money gives us! Its about doing what ever we want, with who we want, when we want, any thing we want on any part of the plant at any time of day. This is what money gives us! Great post! Another book to read is Think and Grow rich! A classic within itself.
jonathan figaro´s last blog ..Not Following Your Dreams Is Killing You
Lisis, this is a wonderful post. I would be critical of the book based on the title too. I can completely relate to your relationship with money. Donald and I discuss this frequently, in terms of what it’s worth doing now so we have money later to do what we really want to do. It seems so backwards, yet you’re right; in order to do the good things we want to do, we need money. I will download those chapters and get back to you on my thoughts.
I’m going to have to think about what I would do if I could do whatever I want, whenever I want? And I would be comfortable being paid for something I love to do IF it doesn’t detract from what I’m trying to do. If it’s a hardship for someone to pay, then the mission is more important. Thank you so much for sharing this and for getting me thinking!
Daphne´s last blog ..More Inspiration
@ Jonathan: I’m so glad you reminded me of that book. I’ve seen it a million times but always dismissed it with that same logic I almost used on Tim’s book. Now that I’ve redefined my understanding of “Rich”, perhaps I’ll go back and read that one too! I have a whole new project now.
@ Daphne: I totally agree with you about the hardship thing… I’d want to help those who really can’t pay. I guess the trick is having enough clients who CAN pay to offset the pro bono work, huh?
I kinda wish Tim had included 5 chapters for free, so you could start on the workbook part of it. That’s when it really got interesting for me. The thing about this book is, it’s not exactly cheap, by book standards. It’s really affordable by Life Coaching standards, but… still. I know it will be tough for some readers to get it (like those in my current situation!).
Tim had an interesting answer to the question of the price of this book in his comments section:
http://howtoberichandhappy.com/site/2009/09/how-to-be-rich-and-happy-an-introduction/#comments
Maybe that will help some people decide if it is worth the investment. It all depends on where you are in life right now, I guess. I am at a crucial juncture.
Anyway, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the beginning part.
Hi Lisis,
I second Armen, I think you had a great idea to give us a preview of the book prior to your completing it. I’m always somewhere in the middle of a dozen books so, because of that, it takes me a fairly long time to complete any of them.
Also, I think I might have a love-hate relationship with money. I’m like you, and feel that I tend to turn my back to anything that involves making money. Once I threw my BBY back to the corporate world (and other associated remnants) I’ve felt I could live out of a tent and be perfectly happy.
This book intrigues me and I am looking forward to checking it out! Thank you, Lisis.
Lori´s last blog ..Guest Post By A Nimble Man – Josh Hanagarne
Hi Lisis
You are wonderful to even come near a computer now your move is so close.
Money for me has been a riddle and I am getting to learn it is energy that needs to flow.
And sometimes like the tide it flows out and sometimes it flows in and who told us we can harness the rythm of the flow?
However like everything else in life we want to control it and judge it.
I think you are a good persuader, I am going to read the first three chapters.
And everything is a fair exchange, if Tim’s book is good why not pay him well.
Best wishes with the move, go for it and lots of love, Wilma
wilma ham´s last blog ..Regrets, mindclutter and weakness in completion.
Hi Lisis,
What a great review. Like you mentioned, it would be great to be like Oprah, Bill Gates or anyone else who has tons of money with which they can help others. I saw Ellen giving away something one day on her show and thought to myself, “how cool would that be?”
That’s what they say when we find our passion – that we would do it for free. Ironically blogging has become that way for me. Don’t you just love it?
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Blogging Etiquette – Write The Wrongs
I just finished reading the beginning chapters and I am a bit disappointed that there wasn’t any real substance for me to try out. I understand Tim not wanting to give away the “real” stuff for free though. I’m interested, yet the price is definitely a deterrent. Is it only available online? Will bookstores or libraries have it? I feel like I’m at a good and open place for something new. I cannot, however, justify that kind of expense for something I don’t have more information about right now. I’ll have to put this one on hold… I was excited!
Daphne´s last blog ..More Inspiration
Hey, Daphne!
Thank you so much for your feedback. Hopefully, when Tim checks in later he can address your questions directly.
My feeling was that I was “interested” with the first few chapters, but “hooked” by the fifth… when I started doing the workbook parts. Maybe he’ll consider adding a few more chapters to the download(?). Like you said, it would make it easier to know what you are getting for the money. I do believe he has a 100% Money Back Guarantee, but I’ll let him clarify that as well.
Everyone else: thanks for all your comments. I would love to hear your opinions of those first few chapters, or other thoughts about the book. I will check in here once or twice more today, then I’ll be offline until the weekend, driving and getting installed in my new home!
I’ll look forward to Tim’s feedback. Thanks so much for providing an opportunity to interface with him! Good luck with the move – I’m sending happy, calming thoughts.
Daphne´s last blog ..More Inspiration
@ Daphne – A-ha! The old cost versus price issue, thanks for bringing it up
A few years ago there’s no way I’d have agreed to sell a book at $97, but that was a self-limiting belief that I have dumped and now I have no issue.
Leaving aside it is long by e-book standards, that is has taken us 2 years to compile, 3 of us are involved in the project and it has cost me at least $10k in time and resources, the only question really worth asking is, is there $97 worth of value?
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind there is. That is about 45 minutes of my time and I couldn’t possibly hope to deliver so much value in 45 minutes to a client.
It is easy to compare it to any other book and say “Yeh but that only costs this, or that” but what’s the point in that?
It is the value it adds to you that is the really important thing and everything else is academic.
That’s why we offer a money back guarantee, we KNOW it works and we are sure if anybody applies the principles to their life they wont be looking back thinking ‘What a waste of $97 that was”
If we’re wrong, and they do, no problem, because we will simply refund them.
This book has got all the best stuff I do with clients in it and then a whole heap of stuff contributed by John that helps make it even more valuable.
I have a meeting with John this afternoon, and I’m going to see what he suggests about making the download more comprehensive. I have mixed feelings because the next chapter gets into the change work and I don’t wont people starting that with only half the picture.
Tim Brownson´s last blog ..Get Off Your Ass And Dance!
Sounds interesting and your in depth review was good too – I will be downloading the three chapters today and can’ wait to dig in…
James Terry´s last blog ..Decorative Wall Art Fashion Hangings
yep, me too
I will be checking out the first 3 chapters
looking forward to the tease
Hi Lisis. Good post. Most seekers after “authentic happiness” seem to think there’s something inherently wrong with money. Not so. Here’s my spin on it. Money is a byproduct of making real dreams come true. If you make your own authentic heartfelt dreams real, you’ll get….as the gurus say….”an abundance” of it. But there’s a catch here of course. You have to know what your very own dreams are first. Sometimes those dreams go by the name of “passions”. Joseph Campbell called them “the Bliss”. If you learn how to let the Bliss back into your life, you can follow it and…..like the book says…..get RICH and HAPPY. On the other hand, you can just go get money. That’ll make you RICH….period. Thanks again Lisis for your insights and review. John Duffield
John Duffield´s last blog ..Heartshots For the Law of Attraction
Lisis,
I saw Brad Pitt being interviewed on Oprah a while back and she asked him what he wished he could do that famous people can’t do. Do you know what he said?
I’d let my kids go out and play with all the neighbors. I’d have a huge barbeque and invite all the neighbors. That simple, something we take for granted.
He had a sad note in his voice when he said it.
So I no longer want to be a household name. However if I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted I would go to Africa on a Safari and then stay and build schools and other mission stuff. Just a personal preverance.
Have a safe trip. When we moved to AZ from MI my husband drove the U-haul pulling his car on a trailer. My daughter age 33 rode with me in my VW Bug. When we got to St Louis she called her dad on her cell and begged him to stop so she could see the arch (gateway to the west). Of course he gave in and he couldn’t find a place to park so he drove in circles for 45 minutes around town so Niki and I could take the ride in the arch. We still laugh about it today. With kids some things never change.
Enjoy the ride!
i agree – money is good. Money represents the service you’ve given to others. I view it this way at least.
Best,
Yavor
Yavor´s last blog ..Mark McManus Interview, The Muscle Hacker Shares His Wisdom On Building Muscle And Carving Out A Six Pack
Goenke, who started the Vipassana Meditation organization, which offers a free ten-day residential retreat, in many places across the world, said he was so glad that he was born wealthy. He already knew that wealth wouldn’t bring happiness; if he had not been so wealthy he might have misspent his life looking for money.
Great review, I’ll check out the book.
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..Floating…
Hi Lisis, I am currently rich in small screaming boys so I have to be brief but just wanted to tell you I totally agree with your review of Tim’s book, it’s really changed my beliefs about money and gave me the push to focus on what I really want.
Hi Rim and John,
Your book has opened a wide range of discussions about values, costs and benefits.
I’m very happy about this, because thinking about this, exchanging thoughts about this comes to het core of your contents.
Indeed, the costs of this E-book is less (in The Netherlands) than the costs of a weekend driving you car. So everyone can compare what is the value of learning to focus in actions, consistent with your own values. Learning to kick away the stuff that traditions or social conventions put on your shoulders. It brings fresh air like a mountain tracking weekend.
May be I found a minor error. Our unconscious mind works quickly and sometimes gets input from sensors you are unaware from,indeed, as you illustrate. But the hard disk drive is – as far as I know – not a high speed processor!
Cheers,
Roel
I want to be successful financially so I can quit my job and dedicate my life to helping others in recovery. With that said, I still get to do that, which gives my life meaning, but it would be nice to be financially independent as to see where I could make the most difference in the life’s of others. But I also realize I get to wake up each day and be of service however I can be no matter what I’m doing for a living.
I often think about the Mexican Fisherman story. Which reminds me that I don’t necessarily need fame and fortune to do the things I really want to do. It’s funny, I spent most of my life trying to acquire material things and now I’m trying to get rid of all of it!
Jared´s last blog ..100 Secrets on Finding Happiness
@ Tim – Thank you so much for your response to my concerns! I had actually missed the money back guarantee part… I also completely respect your value added perspective. I must admit, I was a little embarrassed to have forgotten all of the hard work that goes into creating any book, especially for one like this. Thank you for giving me more information. I have a birthday coming up and I think this would be a great thing to put on the list.
Daphne´s last blog ..Perseverence and Survival
I’m a bookworm and I will trust you on this book. Actually, I’ve just finished reading the excellent book “Millionaire’s Mind.” But I keep my cup empty on this one.
Love this Lisis! We are so on the same page. I often think how terrifying it would be to win the lottery. It would be sooo much responsibility and what about the jealousy of others or becoming unsympathetic to others suffering, and how removing the need to support oneself might effect one’s character. Such an interesting topic. I would love to check this book out. I’ll let you know what I think of the 3 chapters after I read them. Looking forward to meeting you and hope your move is going well!
I agree with Gordie and Armen that money is just a tool that enables you to do what you want to do. The ultimate goal is doing what makes you happy — without hurting other people of course.
I just downloaded the first 3 sections. Thanks for sharing Lisis.
What a great ebook review. You made me very eager to have a copy of that ebook.
The sample was well worth reading and I’m sure the e-book is great. However the price is too high for an e-book. There are best-sellers selling for $9 in book shops, and those cost paper to print. It’s not the price value of the book that bother me as much as if Tim and John are rich and happy then there would be nothing stopping them from distributing the e-book for free. That’s just my opinion.
Sounds like I should read this, will get back and let you know my thoughts.
Sounds like an interesting book. A lot of people think rich = happy but there are a lot of people who can testify that that is not always the case. It’s about maintaining the balance, making sure you keep your friends and family close if you have more money than they do, doing the right things with your money and so on. I’m going to try and get a copy of this and see what it’s like.