You have probably heard of The Simple Dollar, a personal finance web site from Trent Hamm. This is one of the most popular personal finance sites in the world. (When you think of premier PF sites, you think of Get Rich Slowly and The Simple Dollar.) Hamm's most recent book was sent to me free by FT Press, and I am happy to review it.The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams offers an inside look at how devastating debt can be, and how it can be overcome -- from a man who lived the pain of debt, and the relief of beating it. This book follows the steps of getting out of debt, and includes a good bit of philosophical reflection on such issues as experiences, happiness and the randomness of life. One of my favorite bits of the book focused on how you can maximize luck.
Hamm points out that things are more random than you might believe, and that luck does play a role in finances. But the things you do can help you be prepared to take advantage of what comes in your way and get the most out of luck. The book also addresses frugal living and the importance of saving. The Simple Dollar also looks at what you can do for your own career, addressing compensation, and how you can actually design your own life. (Of course, life design and opportunity is difficult if you are limited by debt.)
In all, The Simple Dollar is an inspiring story, based on the efforts of a real person to turn his life -- especially his finances -- around. It provides action based suggestions and philosophies that you can apply in your own life to improve your own financial situation.
