Becoming Money Wise

Becoming Money Wise is based on the seminars that Phil Strong has been delivering to audiences throughout NZ since 2004, when he realised that financial literacy is at the root of most family challenges, and that our young adults are growing up, earning money and yet have no idea how to get ahead of the financial treadmill they find themselves on of money in-money out and nothing left over.   While there are other great books on finance, investment and on how and why most people either don’t make it or they explore the reasons why some people are successful – Phil believes there are fundamental issues not being addressed as to how the basics need to be dealt with before moving ahead to better understanding where to put your money when you have some spare.   This book is all about taking control of your money and financial habits, getting clear of debt in order to have a great lifestyle. 

Aimed mainly at under 30 year olds, who may have student debt, are settling into careers and starting families, this book is exceptionally useful for anyone of any age who has never mastered their credit card, mortgage or ability to save and pay cash for things they want.  

Author biography: Phil Strong is passionate about educating people in the area of finances. From budgeting to investing, and speaks to vast ranges of audiences each year about this subject.  He will captivates his audience with stories, humour and information, and is a compelling presenter.  For the last 15 years he has been studying people and studying money. This combination gives him a unique position to teach from. The vast experience he brings in his own financial journey is intriguing enough, but years of experience coaching others with their finances are what provide the real meat to his message. Phil wants you to learn from the mistakes of others (including some of his own).

Phil calls himself a social entrepreneur. He and his wife Kathy start businesses with a view to growing others. The list of his business ventures, past and present, include owning a building company, a national real estate company, an on-line shop for families, a financial services company, and millions of dollars of property. All these businesses were formed with a purpose of growing the people inside them, to see them released into their own dynamic futures.

  Table of contents: Financial Priorities – to begin with success you must start on the inside; Why couples fight about money; your financial priorities; Financial Goals – Achievement if self-fulfilling; The power inside you; the top 2 inches that count; Your Plan for your money – discipline requires guidelines; the ABCD Model; How it really works; Seven most common budgeting mistakes; Build your future – Keeping it simple; where you store your money; the 8^th wonder of the world; compound interest explained; what the mortgage guys don’t tell you; How to smash your debt; Putting it all together – Your steps to success; Roll your sleeves up; Trimming your waste-line; A system for success;  Expert Forum* – Trusts, Frugality, Debt Reduction, Families and finances, Financial planning

 *5 invited high profile authors have each contributed a chapter on the relevance of these subjects in a separate section – as an introduction to these important aspects of understanding what the reader needs to learn more about as part of their financial literacy journey.

ISBN 978-0-9582826-5-9  paperback, 192 pages,  Financial/Self Help - due for release October 2008