Intrigued by Living with my Money? Of course, I am. And Shuman had me at Investment Funding since that has been my stronghold on American Dollars for nearly 40 years. But he went deeper and discussed when it became popular.
That little thing called Sustainable Investments came along about ten years ago, when the world had tripped over itself, and from that point on selling local investments became hardcore reality – Michael Shuman hits on this in his book, by discussing local investment options with retirement accounts. He caught me off balance a bit when he disclosed that he’d been married to a talented family law professor whom he divorced in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis. Pardon me, but what a weasel!
Okay, back to the review – because the content of the book offers a plethora of real value to anyone who invests locally.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Where-Life-Self-Directed-ebook/dp/B082MS3QQY
The in-depth case studies and in view of “local” (overused word warning here) investment opportunities expand the real knowledge gained in these pages. If self-reliance ever becomes an issue, I’d like a copy of this book on my bookshelf (not just in my kindle). I can definitely see how the reiteration of the financial mainstream could use a reboot applying these principles, and localizing the markets to build strength within given areas. Again, put your money where you live may be redundant, but the concept has value.
Between the self-directed retirement funds, 401K’s, and platitudes from various historic movies, I shimmied back and forth from laughter to seriously taking notes, until I actually printed out the full 241 pages, so I could write my notes inside the pages of the book. Applying these principles and ideas will be a definite part of my investment theory going forward. About midway through the 2nd or 3rd chapter, I realized I have several of Michael’s books on my bookshelf. Such as Going Local (1998) and Local Dollars, Local Sense (2012) and both of them are dog-eared and marked up, because I’ve added a selection of colored sticky tabs, sticky notes, and in one of the books a whole slew of folded pages, where I added more information.
MORE ON MICHAEL SHUMAN: https://michaelhshuman.com/
I’m still a bit surprised I hadn’t delved deeper into the books and become better acquainted with the author.
His strategies for self-investment are sound. They’re rock solid. And I recommend anyone who is interested in becoming financially stable and remaining financially stable – regardless of the world financial stage – follow his directives. Every one of his books offers better and greater value in the local financial markets. The recommendations for investing in local churches, charities, businesses on your own Main Street, and even government projects offer almost anyone who has money to invest a great platform for their investment dollars. With a sense of fair trade, his efforts to grow a balanced investment portfolio in local markets compel success. These ideas are valuable because they are close to home, close to the hearth, and woven through the strength of our local communities. His explanations give solid footing to any options you might choose to apply, as well. I believe Shuman’s views would benefit a lot of people, particularly those who want to grow their own net value and build on local financial resources. These are decidedly sustainable investments presented within the context of a great read.
The only way you could possibly get nothing out of Shuman’s books is if you have no interest at all in financial success, self-sustaining financial growth, or business on the local level.
These books are easy to read, captivating, and I would recommend any or all of Shuman’s books.
4.5 Stars but only because he fills a lot of space with charts and spreadsheets when the words and case studies are most likely enough of the techno-logical thinking for most readers.
Jan Verhoeff
