Put More Cash in Your Pocket: Turn What You Know into Dough

One thing I have been doing quite a bit of the last months or so is reading. I’ve saved over $513 from using paperbackswap.com. If you aren’t already a member I highly suggest you consider signing up. The first book I dove into this year was “Put More Cash in Your Pocket: Turn What You Know into Dough” by Loral Langemeier.


The one major eye sore that stuck out and almost ruined the book for me was the complete lack of editing. There were misspellings, words out of place, run on sentences, just about every literary blunder you can make. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying I’ve never made my fair share of mistakes, heck just the other day I used a their/there incorrectly (and didn’t notice it in time to correct it), but I’m also not publishing a book and expecting to make a few million on it either. I hope that future editions will be scrutinized a little more heavily.

For the most part though it’s a pretty good read. The average reader can get through it at a quick pace and the chapters are filled with step by step instructions on how to find, start, and get working on making some extra dough. The book itself is pretty inspiration but like many things I think most people (myself included) will find it hard to continue that motivation and stride into the weeks after reading. I could blame it on the almost seven month old who still isn’t sleeping through the night but honestly if it wasn’t him I’m sure there would be another just as time consuming commitment out there. As Zig says “Motivation is like bathing, you have to do it every day”, I’m still working on my every day.

Master Your Debt - Book Review

Last month I was sent Jordan Goodman’s new book, Master Your Debt: Slash your Monthly Payments and become Debt Free and asked me to review it for all the OnOurWay readers.

I think everyone knows by now just because someone sends me something does not mean I’ll gloss over a review, so when I say I really like something it’s the truth, and I really liked Master Your Debt.

In each chapter Goodman walks you through ways to decrease your expenses step by step. Whether you are just getting started or ready to make those final adjustments there is something for you to learn. This book is the most up to date listing of all the new policy and rule changes happening as we speak. My favorite chapters were those on the new mortgage and credit card regulations. Goodman not only shows readers how to use these programs to your advantage but also provides great resources to expand your knowledge.

In fact those extra resources are the thing that makes Master Your Debt unique. There are links and/or other contact information provided for just about every service Goodman writes on.

While Matt and I don’t need to pay off any credit card debt reading this has helped us re-focus our pay off plan for the debt we do have (mortgage and student loans). Everyone, no matter where you are your financial life, can use a little refresher now and again.

Of course the one thing that makes this book great for the reader today is the one downfall for the reader tomorrow. Goodman’s book is so up to date on current policy and programs it probably won’t be useful for most readers ten years from now. If you think you’ll want to give this book a read do it sooner rather than later. Right now you can pick it up for about $15 on amazon.com or join the three other people on the waiting list at pbs.com


Books Read in 2010: 3
Books to Read in 2010: 47

Comlicit - Book Review

Complicit – “choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable act, esp. with others; having complicity.” (dictionary.com)

The second book read in 2010 was offered to me as an advanced copy by Bloomberg press. Complicit: How Greed and Collusion Made the Credit Crisis Unstoppable, written by Mark Gilbert offers an in-depth look at the events which lead up to our current economic conditions.

The book is basically just that – an in depth look at our latest financial crisis. Gilbert provides readers with dates, places, and even names of those responsible for our current situation.

I will however provide a warning to some readers. I found the reading to be a little dry. The book is packed with facts but doesn’t leave readers a lot of time to digest the information.

If you are just getting into the world of finance reading I would not suggest this book as one of your first five.

Books Read in 2010: 2
Books to read in 2010: 48

House – Book Review

Wow – I really did not know what I was getting into when I picked up House: The Only Way Out is In by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I read the product description on Paperbackswap.com and the dust jacket when it came so I was expecting something scary and suspenseful. And really it was, but there is a big twist which takes the book to a whole different level. (a religious level).

The new direction for the book isn’t a bad one it just caught me off guard. Overall, it was a good read but know that I’m warning you to: Read at your own risk. I don’t want anyone coming back here and complaining that the book goes in a totally different direction and I didn’t warn them.

Books Read in 2010: 1
Books to Read in 2010: 49

Your Money or Your Life – Book Review

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin is the last book I read in 2009. I had heard such amazing reviews of this book I knew I had to read it. Yet, I’m unsatisfied with the book as a whole. I didn’t find anything life changing about it.

The book is packed full of advice and money tips but its all stuff we’ve heard over and over. Maybe I’ve just become desensitized to finance books since I’ve read my fair share at this point, but this isn’t one I’ll have dreams over. If you’re looking to read your first finance book you should put this one on your “to read list”.

I went ahead and saved the room on our bookshelf by putting it up for swap on PBS.

Books read in 2009: 33

Bright Lights, Big Ass – Book Review

Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster is another book I read in 2009 but wanted to share the review with you anyway. Bright Light is about the day to day life of Jen Lancaster, a writer living in Chicago trying to write a book. Throughout the book Jen deals with temp jobs, the dreaded annual Dr. visit and searching the city for a new place to live.

None of these events seem overly interesting but Lancaster is able to put her own comic light on things and you’ll be laughing all the way through. If you’re looking for a good laugh I suggest this one.

Books Read in 2009: 32

The Lost Symbol - Book Review

I read Dan Brown’s new book The Lost Symbol in December so it counts for 2009 counts even if I didn’t get it posted right away.

I really don’t have a lot to say about the book that won’t give most of the plot away. It was a really good read, but very familiar in the sense almost identical to his other books in layout. Robert is thrown into a mystery against his will, meets a cute girl, goes through puzzles and old myths to solve said mystery, escapes death a lot, and of course a Brown twist. There I don’t think that should give away anything since we’ve all read it before : )

Worth the read but don’t have overly high expectations.

Books Read in 2009: 31

The Tipping Point - Book Review

I read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell during my blogging hiatus. WOW! This book is really good. I’m classifying it a fun educational book, which are hard to find.

The Tipping Point: How little things can make a big difference, divulges into the theories of how epidemics of all kinds get started from the latest shoe trends to Columbine. Malcolm explains it all at great length without losing your interest. The Tipping Point is full of past psychological experiments which give us facts and a back story – having this makes believing the research so much easier. They aren’t just numbers thrown on a page you can get a full view of the situation from each mini story.

The cases and social studies span from the 1960’s until publication in 2000 which helps keep them interesting as well. Malcolm also describes the three types of people who allow these trends to grow salesmen, mavens, and connectors. Once you learn the roles of these catalyst you’ll have a much better understanding of how the cycle works.

If you’ve ever wondered how some trends take off and others plunder you need to read this book. This book is so good even after making my commitment to reduce my book collection I won't be re posting it on paperbackswap.com

Books Read in 2009: 30
Books to Read in 2009: 20

Dave Barry Turns 50 - Book Review

Dave Barry Turns 50 is a comical look back to the first decades of the baby boomers and ends with a few pieces of advice from Barry himself.

I was in the mood for a funny read after a few stressful weeks and this book hit the spot even if I couldn't relate with everything.

Dave Barry turns 50 is a funny book but might be better suited for the actual target audience, a baby boomer.

Books Read in 2009: 29

Books to Read in 2009: 21

What the Dead Know - Book Review

During my absence I also finished “What the Dead Know” by Laura Lippman.

It is a fictional mystery about two sisters who end up missing and how the lives of those connected unfold over time. “What the Dead Know” is a great story with an amazing twist; unfortunately the authors writing style prevents readers from really immersing themselves in the story.

The narrative skips characters and time on a random basis with no real warning besides the start of a new chapter. Once you get the characters figured out and a good handle on the time jumping the story is a good read. It holds your interest and keeps you guessing all the way through – just like a murder mystery should.

Book Read in 2009: 28
Books to Read in 2009: 22

Knockout Entrepreneur - Book Review

So I was able to finish Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman last week.

The book is billed as a publication where “Foreman shares his success secrets with aspiring and current entrepreneurs” (amazon.com) Foreman walks you through what he believes are the core values to being successful for example; Know Your Foe, Listen to Your Corner, Keep Answering the Bell, and Make it Good.

In each chapter he discusses the definition of each value and gives examples from his real life. I’ll be honest I didn’t not enjoy this book. Reading it felt like a huge chore I needed to check off and it took me weeks to finish it. I love motivational books, my favorite kind is one that leaves you pumped and ready to make changes in your life – unfortunately this book doesn’t. After the first chapter it becomes one big advertisement for Foreman.

Now I know he has done amazing things with great success but it felt like every page was a big Foreman commercial. For example did you know George was, in , thought about being involved in, beef manufacturing, restaurant chains and green cleaning products? Yeah either did I but after reading about it so much I’ll never forget it that’s for sure.

The underlying advice is pretty good, but you have to wade through everything else to get to it.

Books Read in 2009: 27
Books to Read in 2009: 23

An Ideal Husband - Oscar Wilde

I actually read An Ideal Husband, a play by Oscar Wilde last month but am just now getting around to reviewing it.

This play contains politics, love, and black mail what more could you want? Turmoil revolves around the main character’s ability to handle a threat to reveal a dark secret from his past and possibly jeopardize his marriage. You’ll read how each person responds to this information and some great interactions with one another. The deep story line discusses human morals, remorse and the question of if a loved one can accept faults.

I really enjoyed this play. It was a quick read with a story that still works today, a truly timeless piece. If you are looking for a fun steady tale that will make you smile this is the play to pick up.


Books Read in 2009: 26
Books to Read in 2009: 24

A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange is a tale from Anthony Burgess about an adolescent boy, Alex. Alex is, “Our humble Narrator” who takes us on a journey through his youth in London (set in a future time period).

We read as Alex goes through what I’ll call an extreme rebellious period – his reformation and subsequent life choices. Sometimes when I read what others call “an American classic” I’m left wondering why exactly the book was given that honor, but I can see why A Clockwork Orange was. It’s a gruesome but cautionary tale of violence and government repression (in some sorts). Alex is originally allowed the choice of good or evil before others try to take it away, which makes the question of this novel. Is it better to have the choice of good or evil, even if people may pick evil?

The storyline and character actions often go to the extreme but I think there is a great point to be found within these pages that is still functional today.

One caution: Burgess uses many of his own slang words through the novel – I found a great online site and spent most of the first six/seven chapters translating from their dictionary.

Books Read in 2009: 25
Books to Read in 2009: 25

What's He Really Thinking? - Book Review

I haven’t been reading much at all lately which always makes me feel a little out of place. On the way home from Vegas I did finish ”What’s He Really Thinking?” By Paula Rinehart thanks to the Thomas Nelson book reviewing program. (and yes I promise I have a review of Vegas in the works).

I signed up to read ”What’s He Really Thinking?” because I enjoyed “The X and Y of Buy” so much I thought I could gain even more valuable insight with this read.

The book is written by a woman for a woman’s perspective but honestly I think even men could learn about the women in their lives by reading this book as well. While there is something to be learned in ”What’s He Really Thinking?” I just didn’t connect with it like I thought I would.

If you or a loved one is going through a hard time this might be the book for you, I can definitely see how it could help a couple get through a rough patch as well.

I’ll be listing my copy on PBS for a quick credit where there are three people wishing for it right now.

Books Read in 2009: 24
Books to Read in 2009: 26

The X and Y of Buy - Book Review

You’ve got to get out and read The X and Y of Buy written by Elizabeth Pace. This book textbook is written unlike any other. In fact if I would have had more books like this in college I may have opened them.

The X and Y of Buy is billed as a way to “sell more and market better by knowing how the sexes shop” and it delivers.

Pace has a great writing style, there were many times while reading that I actually laughed out loud. The X and Y of buy is jammed packed with facts and pertinent stories.

I honestly enjoyed reading this book and learned so much, it’s written with a corporate sales person in mind but the techniques can be used in so many ways. I’m already thinking of ways to use the ideas with people at work and am highly contemplating giving the book to my Realtor. I can see it boosting sales in any field or in my case if you’re not in it for the sales, the ability to connect with those you work with on a new level.

How Could you do That?! - the abdication of character courage and conscience - Book Review

This weekend I finished Dr.Laura Schlessinger’s book “How Could you do That?! - the abdication of character courage and conscience”

The book is a collection of stories from the callers on her radio show and a discussion of how we as humans make less than desirable choices in life. The book is only 269 pages so it should have been a quick read but I found reading it to be slightly tedious. I just couldn’t get into, like I said the book is full of examples but lacks any flow to the stories. The only connection being we all make dumb choices in life.

Dr.Laura used the book to express a strong opinion on childcare and relationships in general. She often uses the pages to convey her stance on two parent families and having one parent at home. I have to agree with her, I’m sure the best solution is having at least one parent at home rather than two full time working adults. Yet, there are times I felt like she was saying if your children are raised with two working parents or in a single parent home they will turn out to be hooligans. I am the product of a divorced, single parent working mother home and I think I turned out ok. I finished high school, went to college, and didn’t have any children at a young age, as Dr.Laura would have you believe happens to everyone from this predicament.
There are a few parts of the book that made me stop and really think about the situations and how they applied to my life so it wasn’t a total loss.

The book has a two star rating on Amazon.com so I’m guessing other readers feel the same way I do.


Books Read in 2009: 22
Books to Read: 28

The Hangover - Movie Review

It was a great weekend and we decided to end it by watching The Hangover Sunday afternoon.

Although it’s not my typical type of movie I saw a preview for it a when it first came out and knew I wanted to see it sooner or later, and I’m glad we did. The movie was hilarious. Totally that dumb humor you need when you don’t really want to think about why you’re laughing.

The movie will also provide you with lots of one liners to use the next day at work, as I did all day Monday. (Just make sure you use appropriate ones)

Oh an you can all be in my wolf pack… it’s a big wolf pack.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Movie Review

Matt and I saw Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on Friday and I must admit it was better than I thought it would be.

A little long maybe – about two hours in and I’d had enough robots for the day. I find it hard to keep all the Decepticons separate, they all look the same to me.

They really over use the theme song as well. The first hour I was enjoying it, but once again two hours later and I couldn’t take it anymore.

Really though, besides those two gripes it was a good movie, much funnier than the first as well. Of course I wouldn’t take any small children before seeing it yourself first.

Are you there vodka, it’s me Chelsea - Book Review

Are you there vodka, it’s me Chelsea-
Ok this book is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long while. I love Chelsea’s style of writing and what stories she chooses to share with us the reader.

The book is a collection of tales from the life of Chelsea Handler. Everything from boyfriends to family travels. Honestly if it were possible I think Chels and I could be good friends. My life often takes dramatic turns – usually for the worse – I’ve learned it's best to just go with the flow when it does, something she seems to be amazingly capable of.

While the book was good I saw there were people waiting for it on so I went a head and listed it for a quick credit. Granted it was a hilarious book but no War and Peace.

Books Read in 2009: 21
Books to read in 2009: 29

The Time Travelers Wife – Book review

Just finished the Time Traveler’s Wife - actually it was last week but I'm behind on book reviews so go with me on this one. I was disappointed honestly. It’s not the worse book I’ve ready by far but it’s not on my top 100 list either.

The book chronicles the lives of Clare and her CDP husband Henry. The main problem I had while reading it is Audrey Niffenegger never changes her writing style even when switching between characters. The sequence of events is kind of choppy as well; although it could be much worse with all the time jumping I suppose.

Basically the book is just boring. You read about their lives, nothing altruistic or over overly exciting; well except the time travel stuff, which isn’t as exhilarating as you’d expect time travel to be. The Time Traveler’s Wife is more of a twisted love story over anything sci-fi.

My copy has already been listed and swapped with hopefully the next reader enjoys it more than I did.

Books Read: 21
Books To Read: 29