Many people hear about accumulating wealth but have no idea where to start. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Wealth Your Way?

The idea for this book came about as a happy accident rather than by design. It simply grew out of my efforts to teach financial matters to my two children. Neither of them had much interest in spending time delving into financial topics or “boring business stuff” as they would often say. I didn’t blame them–few people get as jazzed up about personal financial planning as I do.

As the years went by, the conversations kept broadening out, first to several nieces and nephews, and then to business associates, friends, and neighbors. I started summarizing my thoughts in a monthly email, each covering a different aspect of personal finance. The distribution and forwarding of those emails, which started with just a few family members, struck a chord and quickly expanded. Shortly thereafter, several readers suggested I put my thoughts all in one place and the idea for this book was born.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

I often say the book is 34 years of research – my entire working and investing career followed by eighteen months of focused writing and editing. It is my lifetime of knowledge and learned experiences (good and bad) that shaped my views on wealth management, allowed me to achieve financial independence, and created a modicum of wisdom for me to pass along. Writing forces clarity of thought and I hope readers can learn from mine as they plan their own path to reach financial security. The book is my humble attempt to pay it forward.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Wealth Your Way?

Everyone has their own interests and passions to follow. My simple wish for readers (including my children) is that they learn how planning for money matters can enhance their personal life’s journey and maybe the lessons in the book can also help them avoid a few missteps along the way. Everyone’s journey is personal and unique. To hell with ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ or ‘beating the market.’ Take a deep breath and realize the only person you need to beat tomorrow is the person you are today.

Wealthy is not a destination; it’s a habit. Learning good money habits, including the importance of planning with purpose, will get you on the path to financial freedom. And know this, taking steps in the right direction rarely ends up in the wrong place.

What is the next book you are working on, and when is that book due out?

I don’t currently have plans for another book, but since the first one was an unplanned team effort, I will never say never. The feedback on Wealth Your Way has been tremendously positive and led me to start a free money newsletter, Wealth Your Way Insights. Lots of good ideas and questions are coming from the book’s readership so maybe a follow-up book would be a good idea.

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