When I found out that I could take the opportunity to review one of the newest finance/entrepreneurship/money management books in the market, I immediately signed up to receive a free copy of the book. (Only because I like stuff about finance.)The title sums up the entire premise of the book, and it can easily catch anyone's attention (which isn't a surprise considering that one of the authors works for an advertising agency, so I'll go ahead and assume the main title was her idea.)
In a nutshell, the book is perfect for those people who are starting out in the world of business. Sure, the anecdotes and personal stories contained in the book can appear too complicated for the average Filipino (as in average, lower middle class Filipino), but the book means well, and the authors were nice enough to take important lessons from business-minded people like Warren Buffett and Robert Kiyosaki, and convert them into more digestible pieces of information.
It's two books in one!
What I Like About I Wish They Taught Money in High School: 1. The book provides readers with a clear picture of how they can generate profit. Finance terms are defined, examples of income growing are shown, even a proposal letter for purchasing real estate is included! 2. There are tips on how to generate passive income. I first heard of "passive income" from Robert Kiyosaki when I got to read a few chapters from his book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". It's basically about investments, and I strongly feel that Filipinos need to know more about this concept (especially those from the younger generation.) 3. The tone of the book is encouraging. It's helpful, much like that Guidance Counselor back in High School who doesn't force you to do anything but just lightly advises you on things that you must do. 4. Book includes tips on how to reach goals. Some people may not need the tips, but there are others who are struggling, so there's that. What I Dislike About I Wish They Taught Money in High School: 1. I can't help feeling that the book isn't all that relatable. I'm just middle class, that's probably why. I'm not a Gosingtian or a Co, a Sy or a Tolentino. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, and it would be better to read inspirational anecdotes from someone who was able to go against all odds, instead of being born into some kind of wealth. 2. The book costs a bit, which is weird, because the target audience may need to save a good fraction of their salary just to be able to read up on a book about managing their wealth (which is kind of ironic, admit it!) Overall, the book is a pretty nice read--just about 120 pages long--so anyone can finish it in probably 1-2 hours. The big question is, do I recommend it? I'm honestly on the fence here, but I do think that the book has a lot to provide a finance newbie, ergo, the book is worth a read. I Wish They Taught Money in High School is currently available at Fully Booked branches in Alabang, BGC, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Katipunan and Gateway, and Merriam Bookstores in Binondo and Pasay Road. The book will soon be available at National Bookstore and Powerbooks. Or click here to order the book online. Price: Php500 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
