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0 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 A SCAM IN MY OPINION Aug 26, 2009
I enjoy reading books on finance to see if they have anything new or unique to offer, particularly during this time of recession. Curtis Hill writes about how media advertising influences our thinking and how conventional Retirement Accounts are not the way to invest. His plan is for you to place your money in what he calls a Freedom Account, from which you will start withdrawing money in the second year. Quoting from page 25:
"...The size of these withdrawals should grow every year as we become more dependent on our freedom accounts and less dependent on our paychecks. As we become less dependent on our paychecks (due to our growing withdrawals from our freedom accounts), we are able to contribute a larger percentage of our paychecks each year to these accounts.
"What I am describing here is a cascade effect that makes early financial independence possible. I understand that the concept and the math involved in the above statement may seem a little fuzzy or at least unconventional to many. However, I will demonstrate in the following chapters that the concept will work with ease.
"This may seem like a shell game - i.e., it may appear that we are moving money around for no reason. In fact, there is a method to this strategy. We are progressively learning to depend on our investment income. Furthermore, we are gradually decreasing our dependence on our paychecks. Reducing dependence on our paychecks equates to financial freedom."
In the next chapter Curtis Hill presents his "Freedom Account Dynamics" Table
showing Independence Growing at 5% with 20% Start. This table is for people who have an "after-tax" income of $100,000 and can contribute 20% ($20,000) the first year. For people with such an income, they're probably educated and have better options. This is not a plan for me, nor could I open a freedom account just anywhere, only with Curtis Hill because it is his own concept applied to traditional financial structures. And what types of accounts does he suggest you include in your freedom accounts: 401(k), SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs and standard brokerage accounts. Do you see the problem here? Can you really be making withdrawals from these types of investments in the second year?
As the author said, "This may seem like a shell game...." What do you think?
[...]
On the positive side, Hill did an excellent job explaining all the investment vehicles available in a concise manner. Would I recommend this book?...no.
As a contemporary, very wise man once said, "When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you're looking at the only person you can trust with your money...so learn how to take care of it."
Kaye Trout for Kaye Trout's Book Review
 A complete money management seminar and workshop in a single volume Aug 08, 2009
There are simple paths to financial success and security. Make more money. Spend less money than you make. Get more value for the money you save or spend. These are not mutual exclusive propositions. The best of all personal financial management is to incorporate all of these guiding principles. It also helps a great deal to read common sense and practical personal finance instruction manuals like certified financial planner Curtis hill's "Poor No More: Wealth Is Within Reach". This 223-page, 'user friendly', informed and informative guide to sound money management and financial well-being begins by addressing the psychology of money management and financial behavior, then goes on to address a variety of relevant issues including goal setting (financial freedom, not retirement!), planning and budgeting, the proper uses of credit, home mortgages, investments, and more. Of special note is what "Poor No More" has to offer on the subject of coupons and rebates. If there is one suggestion for the next edition of "Poor No More" it would be the creation of an index. Highly recommended reading for anyone trying to create and carry out financial goals for themselves and their families, "Poor No More" is a complete money management seminar and workshop in a single volume.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Begin Your Journey Toward Financial Freedom Jul 09, 2009
Curtis Hill, the author of Poor No More, ends the last chapter of his book with three words: "Thanks for listening." After reading the book twice and taking notes along the way, I came to the conclusion that most readers should thank the author for writing this work of non-fiction. It is perfect for the times we are facing and written in a way that is easily understood, even by novices in the field of investing and saving. At the end of every chapter--other than the last one which is his personal wrap-up of the book--there is a section entitled "Chapter Takeway" which stresses the important thoughts and advice that he wants readers to take with them into the world as they plan their financial futures. The book is written with honesty, and although some of the ideas may require temporary lifestyle changes, the concepts address the realities of life and what must occur in order for readers to achieve success. Of course, there are no guarantees; however, the author offers guidelines and his expert advice as he was a successful businessman and manager for fifteen years before becoming a financial advisor. Mr. Curtis worked at three major brokerage firms and is a Certified Financial Planner.(tm) But don't automatically place him into the same category of other financial advisors you have worked with or heard about; if you do, you will be in for a surprise. In this book, you will quickly learn that, through his unique ideas and proven strategies, the author is truly looking out for you--his readers.
This book emphasizes how the decisions that individuals make impact their personal and financial goals. Do readers truly want to understand the difference between "wants" and "needs" in order to achieve financial freedom? Can they tune out the toxic external influences of Madison Avenue advertising executives and think for themselves? Can they "listen" to the author and--referencing the sub-title--learn that wealth is within reach?
Mr. Hill redefines the meaning of retirement which I personally responded to with enthusiasm; it has everything to do with financial freedom and serenity, rather than retiring at a particular age. In order to bring this about, readers are introduced to the concept of a "freedom account," from which individuals can draw interest the second year of their investment. The author provides several tables to illustrate the dynamics involved. I found the information fascinating--imagine being able to invest all your income and live off the money from such investments. Eventually, that is a goal that can be reached.
There is so much information contained in this powerful book that this review could go on forever. Just let me emphasize that if you have trouble with debt, wondering where all your money went, effectively budgeting so you can live well on less, keeping a good credit rating, deciding whether to rent or lease a car, knowing what type of housing you should seek, and understanding the basics of investing, then this is the book that you need to add to your library. Purchase this "must read" book for yourself and those you care about so that all can begin the journey toward financial freedom.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Great advice on how to save money! Jul 07, 2009
I was pleasantly surprised to find information in this book that was helpful to me. I am a saver by nature, and I feel like I could have written a book like this myself. Many suggestions in the book are things that I already do, but I did find things in the book that I could use to help my finances become even better. I would recommend this book to everyone, and it will be especially helpful to people who are having a hard time getting ahead in their financial life.
0 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Are all these reviews real? Jun 15, 2009
Today, I received this book in the mail for free, sent by the Author, Curtis Hill. I can't help but assume this is really a marketing tool. Mr. Hill used to work with a different firm, and he keeps sending me stuff in the mail encouraging me to try to follow him to his new firm.
I was curious what reviews I would read at Amazon, and I was amazed to see 13 five-star reviews, and not one lower rating. I can't help but be suspicious about such an unrealistic rating, even the best book or product doesn't get 13 of 13 five-star reviews. I looked at the other reviews some of these people have written, and some are very fishy (like a guy who has given 50 extremely positive book reviews in the past month -- he's never reviewed a book he didn't love!).
I also found a review of this book on a blog (easy to find with a google search), and the reviewer said it explained investment vehicles well and in a concise manner. However, she also thought the book also made some major assertions that didn't necessarily make sense. And the reviewer had a major problem because the book recommends a "freedom account," but this account is only available from the author's firm!
So yes, I have a bone to pick with the author, and I am annoyed when I feel any Amazon product has reviews stacked by what appear to be ridiculously favorable reviews. But don't take my word for it, read the other reviews and decide for yourself.
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