Crazy about Money

Many of us are crazy about money. We spend too much of it and save too little. We hoard it and we sink into debt over it. We lavish it and are stingy with it. We lie about it and fight over it. We think about it all the time and we avoid thinking about it at all. What makes us act this way? We like to believe that our choices and actions are guided by rationality and common sense. But in fact, reason and common sense often have little to do with our money behavior. Even trained financial professionals can be crazy about money. Rather, our decisions are governed by our emotions and money beliefs. If these emotions and beliefs are balanced and clear, we will act wisely with our money. If they are confused, we will make poor decisions, creating financial havoc and deep unhappiness. Crazy About Money helps you identify the unconscious emotions and beliefs that typically develop in childhood and drive your money decisions as an adult. It also shows you how to change misguided attitudes that lead so many people into money trouble. Crazy About Money uses real and composite cases drawn from author Maggie Baker's 30 years of clinical psychology practice. You'll learn about Mary, who has a basement full of useless Internet purchases she made to get even with her seemingly indifferent husband. And about Harry, an 89-year-old multi-millionaire bachelor who nearly decided to move into a state-assisted living facility for fear he would run out of money. You will also meet others who, perhaps just like you, over-spend, under-save, and make poor investment decisions. In-depth discussions explain how many people, once they understand their motivations, are able to break short-sighted or destructive money attitudes and patterns of behavior. Exercises at the end of each chapter will help you examine your own feelings and actions and point the way toward smarter choices with money, whether in saving, investing, spending, giving, or sharing. In today's economic climate, it's crucial to understand how you make money decisions and how you can improve them. Emotional clarity about money and financial literacy are necessary 21st-century survival skills. Praise for Crazy About Money from other money experts: ..". Funny, humane, and to the point, this will be the most fun you've had while learning why we act as we do. It is a bible for anyone who teaches or counsels people about their money." Kent Engelke, Managing Partner and Chief Strategist, Capitol Securities Management ..". Read this book - and insist that your financial advisors read it as well " G. Scott Budge, Ph.D., Psychologist/Managing Director, RayLign Advisory, LLC "Crazy About Money takes a uniquely direct approach to how and why so many of us struggle with money. Dr. Baker draws on her extensive professional experience and her personal journey with her own finances to teach us that a healthy relationship with money is both freeing and attainable... this book a great read for anyone looking to understand his/her own attitudes and spending habits." Leslie Gordon Mayer, Ph.D. President &CEO, Mayer Leadership Group; Fellow, Wharton School of Business ..". A priceless contribution to the field of money psychology, this book is a must-read for individuals and couples facing money conflicts or money avoidance. Mental health professionals, money coaches and financial professionals will also find it a great resource for themselves and their clients." Olivia Mellan, psychotherapist, money coach, speaker, and author of Money Harmony and The Client Connection (with Sherry Christie)(moneyharmony.com) Maggie Baker's Crazy About Money is unique in describing how we form and act on money scripts at various stages of life, from childhood through retirement... she has created a readable, useful book that can help you build a healthier relationship with money. Rick Kahler, M.S., CFP (R) Kahler Financial Group and Board Member, Financial Therapy Association