A man named Theodor, Cats in Hats and my favourite ‘money book’
There’s some great books focused on the importance of financial planning.
But weirdly my favourite book on Financial Planning (money book) wasn’t written by a financial planner. It wasn’t written by an investment expert. It wasn’t written by a business specialist.
It contains no mention of money, cashflow, budget planning, income, expenditure, assets or liabilities. It doesn’t give a 7 point plan or any clear actions to ensure success. I’m pretty sure it’s wasn’t even written with financial planning in mind!
The book in question was written in 1990 by Theodor Geisel. That may not be a name which is familiar to you. However you might know Theodor by his pen name…..
Dr Seuss.
The Book in question….
….and in actual fact this isn’t only my favourite financial planning book it’s my favourite book full stop.
It’s funny, inciteful and beautifully animated in typical Dr Seuss fashion. I first read it with Charlotte. Pretty soon I’m going to read it with Sophie. When I need a little inspiration or focus I read it on my own.
Let’s be clear. “Oh, the places you’ll go!” won’t provide a step by step guide. It won’t provide any particular insight into where you should invest. It doesn’t go into any degree of depth.
However what is does (and I think it does really well) is talk about life.
If you believe as I do that ‘money for money’s sake’ is pointless and the idea that ‘money to enable and empower the life you desire’ is far more compelling idea a book about ‘life’ can apply to your finances.
However you might still be wondering….
Why is “Oh, the places you’ll go!” such a great ‘financial planning’ book? and can a childrens book written by an author who usually writes about cats in hats, green eggs and miserable christmas stealing monsters really compete with the books written by professionals with deep technical understanding and with experience of practical application?
The answer to both questions is yes. I intend to show you why.
So with that in mind and over the next few blog entries I want to share with you some of the potentially lessons Dr Suess can teach us about our money.
Today I want to give you an overview but over the next few blog entries we’re going to be talking about:
“Brains in your head and feet in your shoes” – The art of taking financial control
“You’ll look up and down streets. Look ’em over with care” – The importance of doing your homework
“A mind-maker-upper to make up his mind” – The power of decision making
“Games you can’t win ’cause you’ll play against you” – How your behaviour affects your money
“Never mix up your right foot with your left”. – The importance of balance
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day!” – The importance (and limitations) of goals
