Today I'm reviewing The Maui Millionaires: Discover the Secrets Behind the World's Most Exclusive Wealth Retreat and Become Financially Free
Anyway, the background for this book is that there's an annual event in Maui where people pay $30,000 (it's by-invitation only, so you can't guarantee yourself a spot just by forking over the money) to attend the Maui Mastermind -- which the book bills as "the most exclusive wealth retreat in the world."
In a nutshell, the book reminds me of Tony Robbins does personal finance. It's full of "think yourself rich" sort of advice that long on idealism but short on specifics, details, and practical application. Don't get me wrong, there is a bit of "do this" and "do that," but not much. Now I agree with the idea that your mind has a big impact on how your finances turn out, but this has to be coupled with practical application of solid financial principles, not pie-in-the-sky thoughts on "believing" and "not limiting your money thoughts."
Surely advocates of this book will accuse me of the wealth-limiting negativism that impacts many people. I prefer to think of it as critical thinking. Does this advice really seem to make sense? Has much of it been useful to me as I've developed my (good) net worth? Is it reasonable based on all I know about creating wealth? If I answer these questions, I can't really give the book a positive review.
In case you're interested in a bit more about the book, here's what the book bills as "a simple six-step plan to become a Maui millionaire." Judge for yourself if this is good advice or not:
- Step One: Upgrade Your Wealth Operating System
- Step Two: Uncover Your Big Dreams and Make Them Real
- Step Three: Form a Trial Mastermind Group for a 90-Day Test Run
- Step Four: Master the Concept of Level Three Wealth
- Step Five: Commit to Maui Giving
- Step Six: Connect with the Maui Wealth-Building Community
Look these over and decide for yourself how much valuable information is here.
My rating for The Maui Millionaires: Discover the Secrets Behind the World's Most Exclusive Wealth Retreat and Become Financially Free
I'm not averse to the concept of spending some money to make more, but I believe most people who can drop 33k on a vacation have more money than they know what to do with and probably arrive in private jets, helicopters and yachts. There is nothing wrong with that, but a lot of people don't become wealthy because they run around with a crowd who can outspend them without even feeling it. The requirement to buy the next round of drinks, support a charity auction (for fine art, no less) or pay the door fee for exclusive events can be a drain.
Many of life's qualifying situations require a modicum of wealth to participate but a 33k vacation in Maui sets off my BS meter. Methinks the only riches made in this situation is through the booking agents and the resort.
Posted by: Duane Gran | December 14, 2006 at 09:13 AM