Book Review: Changing the Conversation by Gary Klaben
Author: Gary Klaban
Publisher: Navigator Press
Published: Oct 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0982800904
Summary: "Against the backdrop of todays many political and fiscal system dysfunctions, author and financial advisor Gary Klaben declares that Americas future is still exceptionally bright. Figuring out how to unlock the needs of today's individuals and families defines the challenge of achieving a better future. Done right, the next great wave of business innovation, wealth creation and family well-being can soon be unleashed. Changing the Conversation -- taking note of today's anxieties in the workplace, in communities and in homes -- argues that a new kind of conversation is urgently needed.
People require a new and profound support system involving mutual trust, long-term relationships, interdependence, intimate knowledge and practical consolidation to reduce complexity and live simpler, happier lives. Changing the Conversation outlines the journey from dependency to mastery, from self-discovery to multigenerational financial and family realization. It is filled with insightful, even startling, conversations about what really matters and how to think, prioritize and act. But before you can start to decide the optimal structuring of assets, cash flow, taxes and estates for a family, you must first appreciate the emotional steps necessary to truly transform financial and family well-being. All of us must anticipate change, prepare to manage it, and seek to lead it whenever possible"
So when I received the opportunity to review this book at first I was hesitant. I wasn't sure I would be able to "get" into a book about finances with all the crazy things that are going on right now (for example school semester ends in 3 weeks, we got keys to our new shop, trying to get everything ready to open the Cafe & Bakery, Holidays...etc) But this book is so much more than just about finances. It is about planning and taking control of your life.
My favorite chapter is "Getting Started to Getting Started." It is about planning and setting goals. Klaben talks about a study that asked 100 high school seniors about to graduate to picture their lives in 30 years. Where did they see themselves? What job or profession were they doing? 30 years later they asked those same 100 people how life had turned out. Out of the 100 people, only 2had made or succeeded their 30 goals. What made those 2 so special? They had written down their goals. This BLEW my mind. Is writing goals down really that beneficial? I think so.
Back in October, a fellow blogger (actually it was 3 or 4 different bloggers doing it together) started the Jump Out of Your Box Giveaway. The point was to try to do something completely out of your comfort zone. Then after a month and some voting the winner would win a big prize pack. Well my husband and I had been talking about opening a cafe and bakery for the previous couple of months. But I had the feeling that it might remain talk and never actually turn into a business. So I decided to take part in the giveaway and that opening a cafe and bakery would be my goal. I started a blog for my new business and the rest is history. I wrote that I wanted to open in Jan 2011 and that looks to be very attainable right now. I truly feel that if it wasn't for me starting the blog and talking about opening the shop, we probably wouldn't be doing it now.
This book has chapter that discuss teaching children about money and finance. They have some really good ideas that I think I will start implementing with my kids. They seem to think money is endless and that every time we are at Walmart, they should be allowed to buy something.
This book is so much more than a finance book. It is for the financial and overall well being of your life and business. This is a must read for everyone!!!
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