This book was well written with a lot of interesting facts about millionaire women in the world. I learned a lot about the mind set of many of these women and some of the practices that made them millionaire's. They think differently than many people and these thoughts and habits helped to create their wealth. Some of the facts were surprising because they didn't fit with the stereotype of millionaire women that the media puts out to the public. These women don't drive the most expensive new car or live in the most expensive house they could be living frugally next door to you and you not even know it.
The simple fact that it is nonfiction read for leisure rather than as per assignment by a professor or for work - related to writing a book summary on a paying contract sets this experience apart - from a psychological perspective.
In reality, I have had a couple of finance courses and have handled money. Even so, I found this book to be educational without it having that 'text book feeling'.
It was enjoyable reading, not heavy but not fluffy.
Millionaire Women Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. left me amused by the thought that the typical millionaire woman next door he describes would be unlikely to read his book - or at least buy it. He covers his bases and describes attributes of myriad types of millionaire women, which is nice because it leaves hope open for anyone. Yet, there's an undercurrent to what he says that feels a little off-putting. Perhaps it's because there are moments when he talks in absolutes that feel like over-generalizations. The theme of the book seems to be the same for any millionaire next door; live below one's means, don't worry about impressing others, and be persistent. The writing is often dry and academic, but that's to be expected as it is a book reporting on research. I searched the pages for inspiration but ended the book without having an major revelations. Overall, I'd say it's an interesting look at accumulating wealth and avoiding the pitfalls of consumerism.
There's a lot in this book that I enjoyed, being a working (outside the home) woman. A lot to help you overcome the personal mind-game battles that hold you back from your dreams and goals. (And when I say "you," I mean me.)
A must read for anyone interested in accumulating wealth and/or personal finance. The author provides a wealth of information based on recent studies and interviews. A real eye opening page turner. Don't be intimidated by the academic approach this books takes to prove its' point.
This book is the opposite of "I will teach you to be rich". The book does not talk about how to become a millionaire, but showcases life and lifestyle of the various millionaire women.
Thomas J. Stanley, Ph. D., author of many analytical books on the lifestyles and habits of the wealthy in America, including The Millionaire Next Door and The Millionaire Mind, has now provided this most superb insight into the Millionaire Women Next Door. It provides a voyeuristic view into what makes the female millionaire psyche: her family of origin, education, failures, and performance compared to her male peers, complete with charts and graphs and indices. Of his hundreds of in-depth surveys and extensive IRS data, he found striking patterns among those women who became millionaires, who as a group are frugal wives and mothers, generous to those in need, debt-free, self-motivated, investors not only in their own businesses but also in the stock market and in commercial real estate, with a high degree of perseverance in the face of criticism and trials. This compilation inspires not only wise financial planning, but also the qualities of integrity and even faith needed to become Millionaire Women Next Door.
This book is derivative and boring. The Millionaire Next Door was fascinating - read that instead. I'd quit reading this one except it counts for my library summer reading program. (Yep, I'm a dork!)
The end of the book had some case studies that were interesting.
Well, I read this to get a better outlook on my future and it did not do that much really. It is not a terrible book but it was not as insightful as I had anticipated. It is story after story of how a millionaire woman has made her fortune by hand. Most are thrifty and all have a do or die trying attitude. This I had already figured was a mindset needed before I read the book and that theme is pounded over and over and over again. The book was very redundant. The stories were interesting enough. No hidden secrets. :) If you want to get into the mind of rich women then this gives you that glimpse. Otherwise, leave it on the shelf.