Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko - The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy Books

Many millionaires have a secret: you would never suspect they're rich. But there's more to it than that... This little secret is actually the primary reason they're so wealthy. No kidding. No, they're not hiding anything from you, nor do they desire to. They simply know something most people don't. Or perhaps I should say they know how to make better use of their resources than most people.

This is a review of a truly remarkable book that defines for the rest of us (non-Texans), that famous Texan expression: "Big hat, no cattle." It has absolutely nothing to do with Texas, headwear, or bovine misfortunes. What am I talking about? Simple: People who are wealthy have wealth, but they don't flaunt it. Whereas people who wish they had wealth spend all their money trying to look like they have wealth -and this is actually what holds them back from ever becoming wealthy. This enlightening book is about how and why the rich become rich, and their secret (or not so) tricks for doing so.

I don't want to spoil the book for you, so I won't go into too much detail, but essentially, this book consists of the (compiled and thoroughly analyzed) results and conclusions of many years of research into the wealthy themselves, and the very nature of wealth itself in America. ?Hard data on who has all the money, where they got it, why they got it, and (most importantly) how they keep it and teach their kids to keep theirs. Through the use of convincing arguments, factual data, numerous statistical charts, and many a short story, this book presents the results of the single most comprehensive, feasible, and factually accurate study of the wealthy in America to date.

Do not expect it to read like a novel or story. While certainly enlightening, and easy enough for just about anyone to read, it is almost like reading a 300+ page essay or thesis. In other words, it can be a bit dry at times, but the authors are very articulate at expressing the results of their research in a straightforward, easy-to-absorb and convincing fashion.

If you don't understand something, re-read it as many times as necessary and you'll eventually get it. Trust me, it IS worth the extra effort of re-reading confusing or vague bits as you progress form cover to cover. The reason for this is simple: the real message in this book cannot be found on any one page. It is the impressions, insights, and hopefully newfound resolve and motivation this book bequests unto you upon completion that comprise the real reason this book was written. In other words, this book is more than the sum of its parts.

It does tend to drone on at times, examining the supporting data for a stated conclusion completely and comprehensively; one might say the authors examined their data to death, which they did. Of course, they did it all for the reader's benefit, and benefit you most certainly will if you read this remarkable tome -and finish it (stick with it, it's well worth it).

Partly thanks to this book, as well as others (Your Money Or Your Life, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and others) my family and I are in the midst of embarking on a new life. Personally, I am changing careers, going back to school, and changing the way I think about life, love, and money. Does money have a spot on the Periodic Table of Elements? Well, it should. It's that important to society. This book defines where it comes from, who has it, where and how they got it, how they keep it, and most importantly, how to teach your children to be responsible enough to create and keep enough wealth to life a full, happy life.

I suppose that is primarily what I got out of this book: how to live comfortably and happily, taking responsibility for my actions, teaching my children how to do the same, and giving them the tools to do so. Fully 50% or more of the book is devoted to how most people unintentionally brainwash their kids. The authors lecture extensively on subjects such as: "economic outpatient care" (giving your kids money, "help", and gifts of significant value), teaching your kids to be responsible, accountable and frugal, what things you do and say that can affect your children's relationship with (their and your) money, career choices, estate formation and execution, etc.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the in-depth analysis of what factors affect your chances of becoming wealthy. Your ancestry, where you live, what you do for a living, what your parents did for a living, how you share your wealth with your family, what your neighbors do for a living, what you drive, what you spend on professional services, what kind of education you acquired, your attitude and experiences with financial risk, what kinds of stocks you buy, etc. In fact, it's a little bit too much information sometimes, but I assure you, it's worth trying to assimilate it all.

All in all, this was a fantastic, if somewhat dry read. It should be required reading for everyone who ever opens a checking account. It ranks up there with other financial favorites of mine such as, "Your Money or Your Life", "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", and "The Wealthy Barber".

This book is inspirational, informative, and enlightening. However, for many readers, it will be, most of all, a decidedly humbling read. If you drive an imported luxury or sports car, then you will squirm when they tell you (literally) what your car costs per pound (I'm not kidding about this). That's the whole point: you are supposed to squirm. You are supposed to feel like you're LEARNING something. Rest assured that this book will teach you plenty, and most definitely open your eyes about a great many things. I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone. A very satisfying and inspiring read. I have already bought two copies for other people I know?

Why are you still reading this? Go out and learn something! ?Read a book! :-)