If you've read/studied personal finances for any decent length of time, it's likely that you've run into Jane Bryant Quinn (JBQ) at least a few times. She's a well-known financial advisor who's often on TV, radio, and in print and has authored at least a couple of books, the best known being Making the Most of Your Money.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by JBQ's public relations company and asked to review her newest book, Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People. Of course, I accepted (that's why you read this blog, right, to have me preview these things and tell you what I think -- it's my duty. Plus, it's a FREE book), and I expected to hate it. Why? Because my recent experience with JBQ had not been that good. Here's the story.
A few months ago, I got and article assignment from a national magazine to write a piece on "The Best Advice I Can Give" -- one of the series that I've done here before (which was reprinted from an article I wrote three years ago). The concept was simple: ask top media personalities to name their single-best piece of advice and share it with readers.
I sent emails to David Bach (The Automatic Millionaire), Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad), Dave Ramsey (The Total Money Makeover), Suze Orman (The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke), and Jean Chatzky (Pay It Down! From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day). I only needed four replies, but I figured that I'd invite five to participate and get four. Worst case, I'd convince the magazine to make the article bigger and include all five.
I heard from people representing Bach, Kiyosaki, and Ramsey immediately. They were pleasant and easy to work with and got me the quotes and pictures I needed quickly. Orman and Chatzky didn't reply. I emailed them again. Still no reply. I tried one last time -- to a new email for each. Nothing. I really wanted a woman to be part of the group, so at this time I contacted JBQ. I hadn't read any of her stuff but knew that she had a "name" and had a new book coming out (so she'd probably want to participate to plug it).
To her credit, I heard back from JBQ herself in a day or so. Kudos to her -- she talked to a blogger directly. She agreed to be part of the project and provide me with something. Great! I loved her! However, my love was not to last.
She proceeded to delay, delay, and delay over the next few weeks -- promising to get me something, then not delivering. So I'd remind her, she'd set a new date and I'd wait again. Finally, after a few WEEKS, I got the piece, but no picture -- and she'd gone overseas. She finally got me the pic when she returned, but by then I wasn't really pleased with her. She had delayed the whole piece (while the three others had responded so quickly) and she did it with the "hey, what's it to ya?" New York attitude that someone from the Midwest (like me) doesn't really appreciate. (Know what I mean?)
So I went into reading this book, expecting to hate it -- hoping to hate it even. Then I could honestly tell the world how bad it was and say, "hey, what's it to ya?" back to JBQ. But unfortunately, life is never that easy, is it?
Before I tell you what I think of the book, let me tell you what it's about. These are my words (not JBQ's or her PR company's) based on what I got out of the book:
Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People is a collection of the best personal finance suggestions -- the ones that if you apply them and no others, you will be better off financially than 95% of the people out there. They are simple, easy-to-understand (I've often said that the best money ideas are the most basic), and easy to apply to your life. It could almost be called "Personal Finance for Dummies" -- it's about that basic. Basic, simple, good stuff.
With this said, if you're an experienced personal finance student (like me), you're not going to read a lot of new stuff here (in fact, the stuff it contains is very similar to what I write on, so if you read this blog regularly, not much will be new at all), however, there are some advantages to this book even for the more advanced, including:
1. It has all the solid, basic money tips in one place. It's a good reference book on money.
2. It's never bad to be reminded of the basics. It never hurts even the most experienced expert to review them once in awhile.
3. It's likely that you will find something that you'll learn about (or at least learn more about). For me, I liked her take on 529's (college savings plans) which I have found to be pretty confusing. In addition, while I didn't learn anything new, I did like how she summarized the basics of investing -- clear and simple. Plus, she likes index funds like I do. ;-)
For someone new to personal finances and wanting to learn the ropes, this book is a no brainer. If you had someone that knew very little or nothing about handling money (or if you are that person yourself), this book is perfect.
However, I must say, it's not the most compelling prose you'll ever read. (The words "dry as the Sahara" seem to come to mind.) Some people can make personal finances entertaining/pleasant to read, practical/easy to implement, AND effective (like Bach and often Ramsey -- though the latter can be irritating if you listen to him on audio CD), but JBQ can not. Imagine Suze Orman's often dry listing of suggestion after suggestion in her books and you'll get a feel for this one.
All that said, I liked Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People, darn it. (There go my plans to blast JBQ!) I found much more positive than negative about it, I learned something, and I will definitely be giving it to some acquaintances as gifts.
Free Money Finance Rating for Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People based on my 0 thru 10 rating system: 7 Stars.
Free Money Finance books that earn 8 stars or more (not all money related):
I gotta wonder if they knew you had an unfavorable view of them before they contacted you about the book preview.
To your credit, you actually accept the book & plug for them (I wouldnt have bothered) and although they had biase against them.. the review seemed fair.
I flipped through the first few chapters at B&N, and I know exactly what you mean by dry.
Still, there's worse PF books out there.
good read though (your post)
Posted by: Cap | January 06, 2006 at 08:14 AM
The book sounds like it is worth perusing, but may not have a whole lot of actual value. I have read richest man in babylon off your suggestion and I really liked that one, and that is the only personal finance book I have read so far. I have read a lot on the interweb, however (such as at this site).
Oh, and I'd like to win one.
Posted by: Blaine Moore (Run to Win) | January 17, 2006 at 11:28 AM
wow - I would like to win this book and add it to my financial tool box - I really liked what i read so far.
thanks for the opportunity
Posted by: Scooter | January 17, 2006 at 11:29 AM
Sounds like a worthy read. I was going to go see if my local library had it in or if they could get it for me, but I would love to just win it.
Way to be honest about your original bias to JBQ too. Also, way to admit that the book was a good read even though you had that bias. Appreciate it.
-RS
Posted by: RS | January 17, 2006 at 01:40 PM
I'd like to read this book because I enjoy reading JBQ's articles in Newsweek - and it would be good to read a collection of her information all in one place.
I'd like to be entered in the drawing!
Posted by: Heather | January 17, 2006 at 01:57 PM
I can fully sympathize with the way her runaround made you feel. Not too bright on a writer's part, but perhaps she is more of a "celebrity" than a writer.
As for your review of the book, it sounds like one worth picking up every year or so to sort of graze through. Every once in a while, we all need to doublecheck on ourselves!
(I would like to enter the drawing.)
Posted by: Arlene | January 17, 2006 at 02:16 PM
Hi: Read the review, sounds like the book would be worth the read. Would like to win the copy you are giving away.
Mail to:
Gary Wallin
26 Greenbriar Circle
Russell, PA 16345
Posted by: Gary Wallin | January 17, 2006 at 03:06 PM
This book looks like it would be very useful for me. I am just beginning my financially independent life and would like some advice for today and my future.
Posted by: Hilary | January 17, 2006 at 03:14 PM
I would love to read JBQ's new book. She is one of my favorite PF writers. I keep checking my city library for this book. Currently it is on order.
I would like to enter the drawing. Please let me know if you need my home address.
Posted by: Donald Chen | January 17, 2006 at 04:05 PM
I love honesty.Came here first before purchasing. Love to know you thoughts on T.Harv Eker and the "Secrets to a Millionaires Mind. Would love to win JBQ's book.
Posted by: Joanne White | January 17, 2006 at 04:36 PM
The info you give about the book makes me want to read the whole thing! I like simple straight to the point financial help. I would love to win the book. Thanks!
Posted by: Paul Burns | January 17, 2006 at 06:23 PM
I am just beginning to develop my foundation, based on your review, I think this would be a good start. I would love to win and read the book.
5328 Greencastle Way
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Posted by: Jose | January 17, 2006 at 09:19 PM
Usually I try to stay away from personal finance books like these because they all seem so formulaic and somewhat elementary to people like you and me (and probably most who visit this blog) who study personal finance on a regular basis. But based on your review, I'd certainly take a look at it. And I'd love to win it...please enter me in your drawing.
Posted by: Dan | January 17, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Joanne --
I hated it. At least what I could stand to read of it. I only finished the first 30 pages or so -- the part right after he had everyone chanting a mantra -- so maybe it got better.
Hope it isn't your favorite book ever. ;-)
FMF
Posted by: FMF | January 18, 2006 at 04:33 PM
I'm willing to read almost any book that might contain some nuggets that will stay with me for years. This one sounds interesting - I'd like to win one.
Posted by: Bill | January 18, 2006 at 11:48 PM
I would definitely read this one. I can never have enough information at my fingertips and would love to win this book.
Posted by: Brian | January 20, 2006 at 01:28 PM
While it doesn't sound like it will teach me much new, it certainly sounds like a good reference book to have...especially since nearly all the other financial books I've read belong to the public library! Please enter me in the contest.
Posted by: Julia | January 20, 2006 at 02:44 PM
Many of these books offer the same advice. But this book looks like it might have a few new suggestions. Thanks for reviewing it.
Oh, I'm interested in entering the contest for the second copy.
Posted by: Jeremy | January 21, 2006 at 01:22 AM
I tend to like JBQ's column in Newsweek, and based on your review and some other info I've seen around I think I'd like it even if it's not a completely eye opening experience. Sounds like she does a good, quick "reference" type book and there's always something new in books that are at least half decent ;)
I'd love to enter the drawing for the 2nd copy...thanks!
Posted by: Caitlin | January 21, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Based on your comments I would like the book because for me it would be a great starting point.
I would definately like to win it and if I do I would donate the book to my local library when I've finished it.
NOTE - if it's one of those books you have to refer to time and again then I would buy a copy to donate.
Posted by: mrfrecklesman | January 21, 2006 at 04:02 PM
I am tempted to read the book. Although dry, I am really busy, and anything basic and useful sounds good to me. And if you like it, besides the dryness, it sounds like if I don't win one, I may buy one.
Posted by: Wed | January 22, 2006 at 06:36 PM
There can always be things to learn from a PF book, if you learned something there's probably a lot more that I may. It definitely is worth a read. Yes, Please enter me in the contest. Thanks FMF.
Posted by: Futuralogic | January 22, 2006 at 08:17 PM
I'd like to win this book.
Just the title says it all. I'm too busy nowadays to plan financial strategies so a book specifically for busy people could help me out!
Posted by: nathan82 | January 24, 2006 at 02:19 AM
I appreciate the review as it saves time and money on whether I choose to buy the book or not. I would like to see more books that use profiles to make their suggestions clear. If someone could identify the most common questions/concerns and bring them to life, I would find that a more enjoyable book to read.
Please enter me into the daily drawing for this interesting book.
Posted by: david johnston | January 26, 2006 at 10:55 AM