Blog Archives

Level Up!: Your Strategy Guide to the Game of Investing

Level Up!: Your Strategy Guide to the Game of Investing is an invigorating read, particularly for the passionate video game enthusiast, but equally engrossing for those intrigued by the world of investing. The exceptional and innovative content within its pages illuminates the intricate complexities of investing, offering an unmatched perspective not commonly found in most finance and investment literature. Penned by Keenan Morris and other astute contributors, the book employs an inventive writing style that seamlessly merges the fantastical world of gaming with the pragmatic realm of business investment.

The core message of this transformative book can be encapsulated by its title— a compelling invitation to ‘level up’, offering readers the chance to enrich their mindset, bolster their financial acumen, and elevate their investment strategies to professional levels. The authors masterfully weave together the artistry of gaming with the rigor of business investment through engaging and relatable analogies that infuse gravity into otherwise complex subjects.

One might initially question the link between video gaming and wealth accumulation through investments. However, the authors swiftly dispel any doubts, articulating a fascinating correlation between the two domains. From the outset, they highlight shared aspects, including rules, strategies, secret weapons, adversaries, and achievements, while further delving into the intriguing contrasts and how gaming metaphors can be instrumental in understanding investment principles. The insights provided by Morris and his co-authors extend beyond mere investment shortcuts, exposing readers to real-world wisdom not typically found in conventional classrooms.

The book is divided into two substantive parts, with the first part holding a special place in my esteem. Each chapter of Part I resonates with the spirit of a video game, with eight engaging levels spanning from the Prologue (Level 1) to The Endgame (Level 8). These ‘levels’ provide an inclusive experience for all readers, irrespective of their gaming background. Part I offers invaluable lessons on applying gaming rules to enhance financial health, strategic investment planning, and the necessity for sharpness akin to a seasoned gamer. The discourse on debt management stands out, offering insights that are beneficial for a wider audience beyond aspiring investors. Though I wished for a more extensive discussion on this topic, it nonetheless left an indelible impact. Part II continues the enlightening journey, introducing a new array of thought-provoking topics.

Morris’s book is a great read— one that distinguishes itself through its unique blend of colorful graphics, succinct point-form explanations of specific topics, and the author’s engaging narrative tone. This book excels in delivering intricate and crucial points with clarity and depth, without overwhelming readers with excessive verbosity. As such, Level Up!: Your Strategy Guide to the Game of Investing emerges as one of the most outstanding resources for any budding investor preparing to embark on their financial journey.

Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0C443MZYK

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Gender-Focused Investing Is The Future

Ruth Shaber
Author Interview
Patience Marime-Ball Author Interview

The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk focus on the financial impact of gender-focused investing and why women need to have a greater role. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Our collective and extensive experiences in the financial sector, as well as in the field of women’s health, has shown us time and again that women have a transformative impact on the world when they are financial decision-makers.

As investors, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of integrating a gender analysis in financial decision-making. Patience has spearheaded the development of multi-billion-dollar financial platforms and the structuring of large global funds centered around women. On the other hand, Ruth’s experience as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and founder of Tara Health Foundation gave her insights into the pressing need for innovative programs promoting the health and well-being of women and girls.

However, the mainstream financial sector, which could greatly benefit from more gender-focused investing, is largely not aware of the significant advantages it presents. This lack of awareness inspired us to share our insights in a more accessible and impactful way.

The XX Edge is our answer. We make a compelling data-driven case for investing with a gender and broader diversity focus. Specifically, across all asset classes, when women are central to financial decisions and apply their skills, the results are higher returns for investors leading to significant economic growth.

The book is an invitation to embrace a new paradigm of gender-focused investing where women are not just beneficiaries but also key decision-makers and agents of change. We emphasize this role of women in the economy, as it holds the potential for a more inclusive and profitable future. This isn’t just a theoretical concept but an achievable reality, one that benefits everyone.

Writing The XX Edge has given us a platform to amplify this reality and, we hope, to inspire more individuals and institutions to harness the transformative power of gender-focused investing.

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

The research process for The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk was both extensive and rewarding. Given the depth of the financial analysis we were presenting and the critical nature of the social issues we were addressing, we knew it was essential to be thorough and meticulous in our research.

We combined our decades of professional experiences with a wide range of external resources. We analyzed the latest financial data, explored studies on gender-focused investing, and took a deep dive into economic and social impact research. We also held numerous discussions with experts in the field to ensure that we had a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and potential future developments.

The research process took approximately 6 months. It was an exciting opportunity to consolidate the compelling data and insights that reinforced our message. The writing process went relatively well once we had a clear understanding of the data and could articulate the financial case for gender-focused investing.

We both cherished our partnership during this journey. We brought to the table our unique insights and experiences, and this collaboration enriched the book immeasurably.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

First, there is an irrefutable financial case for gender-focused investing. Our research shows that when women are at the table for business decisions and investments, enterprises are stronger and financial returns are higher. This is an underutilized strategy that can benefit individual investors and the global economy at large.

Second, we highlight the importance of women as economic agents. Too often, conversations about gender and finance focus solely on how women can benefit from financial resources. But women are more than just recipients; they are innovators, decision-makers, and leaders. When women apply their skills and insights across capital markets, we’ve seen firsthand that they drive significant economic growth. This means recognizing the potential of women to effect change in all areas, including economic, environmental, and social spheres.

Lastly, we wanted to present a vision for a new paradigm in investing – one where gender-focused investing is not seen as a niche strategy but is mainstream and central to financial decision-making. We envision a future where financial institutions and individual investors alike understand and capitalize on the benefits of gender-focused investing.

These ideas have the potential to transform how people think about finance and investment, and we hope that The XX Edge will inspire readers to explore these possibilities further.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The XX Edge?

If there’s one takeaway we hope readers will glean from our book, it is the understanding that gender-focused investing isn’t just a social or ethical choice, but a sound financial strategy that brings differentiated analysis to decision-making leading to higher returns and lower risk.

Readers will come to appreciate the transformative potential that lies in elevating women as key decision-makers in finance. When women apply their skills and insights across capital markets, it leads to more than just equitable representation; it catalyzes greater economic growth and fosters a more sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem.

We envision a future where gender-focused investing is mainstream, and we hope that our readers will become ambassadors of this change, understanding its potential and carrying this knowledge into their own lives and communities. Whether they are seasoned investors, financial advisors, or individuals hoping to increase the balance in their retirement accounts, we hope they recognize that investing with a gender and diversity lens is essential for our collective future.

In The XX Edge, Patience Marime-Ball and Ruth Shaber envision a new paradigm of gender-focused investing where more women are placed in decision-making roles and able to optimize their skills across all capital markets—leading to higher returns for individual investors and greater economic growth.

There’s a simple but often overlooked investment strategy to earning higher returns—include women as financial decision-makers within your organization or team. That’s The XX Edge. 

Seasoned executives and investors Patience Marime-Ball and Ruth Shaber demonstrate the new paradigm where women are at the center of investing as agents and actors—not just as beneficiaries.

If you manage investments—either your own or others’—you’ll want to understand the data and discover the financial power of The XX Edge:
Gender-inclusive teams are 21% more likely to see outperformance in profitability relative to peers 
Female CFOs deliver a 6% increase in profits and an 8% stock performance bump compared to overall performance under male predecessors
New companies with a female founder performed 63% better than those with all-male teams over an observed ten-year period 
Women-run hedge funds outperformed the average of larger hedge funds by a margin of 6% over a six-and-a-half-year period

 

You’ll discover the inherent gender differences between women and men and why these differences make women excellent financial decision makers and investment collaborators. Patience and Ruth unpack the evidence that proves this point across all asset classes.

The XX Edge shows that when women make financial decisions and apply their skills across all capital markets, it leads to higher returns for individual investors and greater economic growth—a true win-win for all.

The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk

Patience Marime-Ball and Ruth Shaber’s The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk is a powerful book that provides a comprehensive guide to investment, financial balance, and money management. The authors’ extensive experience in running an investment and non-profit organization is evident throughout the book, and they use facts, scientific data, and personal experience to break down their content into distinct chapters that are both elaborate and eye-opening.

Although the book is relevant for all audiences, the authors primarily target male investors. They focus on the financial impact of gender-focused investing. The book is an easy read, and the authors use layman’s terms to explain multifaceted financial subjects and give relatable examples for readers’ understanding. The authors make the case for how gender diverse decision-making generates the best returns possible when managing investments. Their passion for gender-focused investing and how different men and women are in financial decision-making is intriguing.

What’s remarkable about The XX Edge is that it provides a unique perspective on socio-economic development from the perspective of investors, corporations, business executives, leaders, and economists. The arguments made in the book are level-headed, and the advice given is solid. If you want to get into investment, entrepreneurship, or expand your finances, this book will be helpful to you. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from financial management to running companies.

What I love about this book is that, while the authors share ideas and facts, they also give their individual stories. For example, Ruth shares her journey in healthcare, while Patience’s journey is that of a Zimbabwean-born girl who grew up to become a powerful and knowledgeable woman in finance. The stories of the two women and their partnership are phenomenal and motivational.

In conclusion, The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk is a must-read book for anyone seeking to ascend economically and financially. The authors went above and beyond with their content, and the book is a valuable reference for anyone looking to make socio-economic changes in their sphere of influence.

Pages: 287 | ASIN : B09SGLQV8V

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Rethink Your Financial Health

Book Review

In Rethink Your Financial Health: Sharing the Manual – Four Lenses to Financial Healing & Wholeness, A. J. Uitvlugt uses absorbing stories to initiate conversations about money and finances. Everyone spends money, but not all know how to handle their finances effectively. Often, you will see people misusing or struggling to balance their earnings and spending. So how does one know how to form a healthy relationship with their finances? Do schools teach enough about finances? Do parents have conversations with their children about money? A.J. Uitvlugt is here to share with readers tips on dealing with money, whether a bit of money or huge finances and how to create a healthy financial journey for yourself and others.

Rethink Your Financial Health is an excellent read because of the stories and relatable experiences the author writes about. Each story told each expertise shared in the book, and every lesson the author gives is critical in every step. I found the distinct arrangement of this book helpful. A new chapter does not feel fresh but rather an extension of previous lessons. Every chapter starts with a quote from notable icons in history. And not just random quotes commonly used but quotes that help readers reflect on their financial habits and general approach to life. One of my favorite quotes in the book, ‘Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life’ by Donald Miller.

Readers can enjoy this book because everything is organized into easy-to-find and comprehended sections. The paragraphs are short and easy to complete, and the author highlighted the main points in bullet points for better visibility. I also enjoyed reading this book because the author had a section for exercises and the reader’s reflection apart from the main discussion. The training gives one a chance to put into practice what is taught in the book. At the same time, the reflections are a vital part of the process so that readers will have a more insightful conversation with themself and a deeper understanding of their financial situation.

One of my favorite parts of the book was when the author addresses money myths. The author writes about myths like the work pays more myth, the must-buy myth peddled when buying versus renting debates are brought up, and the invincible myth examined during discussions on insurance. The author cordially educates readers on these myths, which is an excellent idea as many people tend to fall for some.

A. J. Uitvlugt’s writing is relatable and engaging, and she uses real-life situations to convey her message. Rethink Your Financial Health: Sharing the Manual – Four Lenses to Financial Healing & Wholeness is an excellent book for financial literacy lessons and a great reference material for readers needing reminders about their relationship with money.  

Pages: 183

Building Communities of Hope – Book Trailer

Would you like to bring more hope and power into your life? Can you see yourself as an influencer and force for positive change?

Each one of us, deep down, has the spirit and fire within to make positive changes that bring joy and hope to ourselves and others. Most of us have wondered more than once: “How can I make a difference?” This book helps you answer that question!

This Expanded Version of Building Communities of Hope helps us to:

• Believe in ourselves.
• Take steps to improve our lives.
• Address challenges and break through barriers.
• Build hope that’s our own – that’s practical and works for us.
• Strengthen our personal purpose and power.
• Win friends, influence, lead, and support others.
• Be a force for positive change in our communities.

Building Communities of Hope is a guide for those of us who yearn for a change in our lives. It’s a roadmap for creating positivity and a meaningful difference in our communities and society. It’s a resource for those who need support and motivation to recover from life’s challenges.

We can face multiple difficulties in life. Things like natural disasters, accidents, health challenges, economic setbacks, addiction, inequities, climate change, and war. We often feel overwhelmed when we go through these challenges. This book teaches that there is a way through and beyond these challenges, especially when we rely on each other. Together, we have the power to do just about anything. That power is life-changing. This book is a practical guide with lots of stories and examples.

Building Communities of Hope shares how people from many walks of life bring positive changes to their lives and those around them. Settings include Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Louisiana, California, New York, Texas, Wyoming, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, England, Central America, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. Readers shared they found practical tools from the stories about the people featured in the book. A few of the stories include:

• The “little old lady in tennis shoes” who led a movement for positive change for older adults.
• A boy who influenced others to help the homeless, which grew into a large housing nonprofit.
• A model of recovery on a motorcycle who brought health and healing to communities.
• An engine on fire who engaged her entire community to give and build resources for children.
• Someone who moved from an office in a broom closet to lead sweeping change.
• People who are living through health crises with love, faith, and hope.

Every step makes a difference.

Every single thing we do makes a difference. What we do to promote compassion and justice matters. Our work together builds over time, and creates positive change that can be unstoppable! That’s because every single act of kindness, compassion, love, shared action, advocacy, and justice has ripple effects. This my friend, is how we make lasting, positive changes in our lives and the lives of others. It’s how we influence others, lift each other up, and power up our communities!
You have the power within you!

You have a spiritual power and force deep within you. When connected to others and the energies of the universe, this power within you can create immense and positive change. You can connect with that spiritual “slipstream” and power up your life and the lives of those around you.

Let that spark in you connect with the energy all around you to light up your life. Connect with others. Support one another on the journey. Let that create a movement that powers up your life, and builds your community.

Literary Titan Gold Book Award October 2022

Literary Titan Gold Book Award

The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.

Gold Award Recipients

Life-Magic-Mastery-Awaken-Kit-Cover

Captive Attraction by Patricia Crumpler

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Literary Titan Silver Book Award October 2022

Literary Titan Silver Book Award

The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.

Silver Award Recipients

MacGregor’s Final Battle by Joe Clark

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Unleashing Their Potential

Edmund Yeung Author Interview

Winning Your Biggest Paycheck provides readers with clear guidance and actionable advice to advance their career and achieve financial freedom. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have always wanted to write a book on career advancement. After my limited success in business, I wanted to give back. I think I have a gift for simplifying complex concepts and inspiring others in plain words. I have been a lecturer, coach, and mentor. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than inspiring people and unleashing their potential in life and business.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s struggling to advance their career?

I was going to say, “read my book!”

Develop and follow a career plan that includes job skill training and getting a mentor. Fear of failure and procrastination hold people back. A sense of accomplishment builds confidence. The learning routine will condition your mind to stay focused and positive.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about entrepreneurship?

People think as entrepreneurs, they will make more money than working for someone else. And the issues they faced at work previously will diminish. However, they will become the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and most importantly, the chief revenue officer once they decide to start a business. They will face many more challenges, including making a profit and maintaining cash flow.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

Build a strong personal brand. Your personal brand is an essential element of your career success. Your paycheck will grow as you elevate your brand!

Author Links: GoodReads | Website

In Winning Your Biggest Paycheck, author, top 1% salesman, and successful entrepreneur Edmund S. Yeung unveils his revolutionary wealth-building and earnings optimization strategy that he developed over 25 years of top-level sales performance and recent successes, like finishing a fiscal year 510% over quota and earning an extra $1M sales credit. Are you dreaming big enough? Probably not… but you should be.
By deploying the common-sense, real-world strategies offered in this potentially life-changing personal success book, you will learn powerful methods that any professional or entrepreneur can use to drastically improve your win rate and sell the highest margin products to the most profitable customers. You will learn how to use strategies Yeung routinely uses to sustain winning streaks that allow him to double his quota and hit the biggest commission accelerators and bonuses available.
In this empowering personal productivity and earnings improvement book, you will learn:
How to use the power of a long-term customer advocacy and customer relations mindset to build strong relationships that will allow you to cash in your largest contracts and land the biggest clients in your career
The 10 most important qualities of a trustworthy partner or employee – vital qualities of a top-line salesperson
How to increase your services or products’ values with elite branding strategy – product positioning, value proposition, DNA, and differentiating yourself from your competition
The 3 most powerful techniques that can be used to formulate career-changing strategies – The T.C.M. process, which addresses the two biggest challenges in business and life – lack of time and money
How to persevere, stop procrastinating and how not to be late ever again—it will change your life!
Use these proven strategies and techniques to overachieve and maximize take-home income in any profession, including automobile sales, insurance, consulting, software sales and luxury item sales.
If you’ve been reading book after book or listening to podcast after podcast, and you still haven’t found that breakthrough strategy that will allow you to earn more money or win that promotion that you’ve been looking for that will break the ceiling and change your life, look no further. Winning Your Biggest Paycheck will provide you with the knowledge and expertise to make that life-changing leap to career success and substantial wealth.