You Need To Read The Wealth Cure

The Wealth Cure: Putting Money In Its Place by Hill Harper

The Wealth Cure has got to be one of the best books I have read regarding wealth and personal finance.  It is inspiring, encouraging, and insightful.  The book is not just about money and how to save it, spend it, etc.  Instead, it’s about living a meaningful life and how money plays a part in that.

While reading the book, I jotted down some of Hill Harper’s thoughts and quotes so that I could share them with you.  I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of whether they are struggling with their finances or not.

One of the main goals of this book is to emphasize that wealth is comprised of so much more than just money, and that as a society we need to  “create a new definition of abundance” so that our way of living will change for the better.  He says we “make irrational and often destructive choices because we have given money and its pursuit too much value.”

Rather than defining wealth as merely having a high net worth monetarily, Hill defines true wealth as “having our life balanced and organized so we are free to pursue any dream or happiness.”  He also challenges his readers to figure out what their individual “Wealth Factors” are.  In other words, he wants his readers to really think about what is most important to them – what things provide them with a sense of wellbeing, etc.

Hill also reminds his readers that “You can’t be free if the cost of being you is too high.”  In other words, how do you ever except to attain financial freedom if you spend your pay check even before you receive it?  How can you afford to do the things you love if you always spend your money on things that don’t even make you happy?  Hill’s advice- “Stop spending what you don’t have on what you don’t need.”

Throughout the book, Hill also emphasizes the fact that money is simply a tool, and it’s neither good nor bad, it’s neutral.  How you treat money actually defines what money is to you.  Money is not a result as so many of us might assume.  It just enables us to do what’s important to us.  Hill goes on to emphasize that the purpose of money is NOT to spend it and that it takes courage to save money and not allow yourself to be pulled into spending.

Another interesting thought brought up in the book was that “our financial actions and our decisions about what we can and can’t afford can so easily be guided – and misguided – by fear.”  When deciding whether to practice law or pursue acting, Hill’s wise Uncle Frank told him, “If you are making any decision solely based on money, then it is the wrong decision.”  All too often we make decisions that are detrimental to our wellbeing out of fear of not having enough money to pay the bills, etc.  I think we all need to start listening to Uncle Frank.  Sure, money may be an important factor in our decision-making, but it shouldn’t be the ONLY factor.  And we shouldn’t allow our fears to trap us into staying in jobs we dislike or living lives that are less than satisfactory.

Hill provides his readers with advice on how to be successful and work towards becoming unreasonably happy.  One suggestion is to form a “Mastermind Circle”.  A Mastermind Circle is a group of individuals with a common goal or interest that acts as a support group where each member gains encouragement and inspiration, and every member contributes.  These members do not need to be your friends but they need to be people who have your best interests at heart.

Another piece of advice is to determine that you are going to be happy.  Make the conscious decision to pursue happiness in your life.  Recognize that “when you decide to be happy, you take control of your life’s direction, as opposed to waiting for the right object to fall in your path or the right job opportunity to crop up.”

Another tip is to recognize the importance of actually talking about money.  As Hill says, “If you don’t talk about money, how are you supposed to learn about it?”  Ask your parents and trusted friends how they manage their finances or find a trusted advisor and learn as much as you can.  Don’t be afraid to talk about money.

Hill also emphasizes the concept of treating your life as a business.  Are you a satisfied customer? Seek consultants to help you just as you would if you were running a business.  Consider yourself an architect that is designing and building the business from the ground up.  As your own architect, you are in control of your life’s direction.

Finally, and most importantly, Hill emphasizes that “the things we love can, and will, bring us the most joy and – believe it or not – the most wealth.”  Don’t discount the things in your life that bring you the greatest joy – chances are, the things at the top of the list will not be money.  And, many folks make a living doing the things that they love, so don’t discount the idea that your hobby could turn into a viable business someday.  Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement.

So what is Hill’s Wealth Cure?  Here’s what Hill has to say: “A true Wealth Cure for me is to seek a balanced healthy relationship with all things in my life, especially money.”  And always remember, “Money can carry anything we assign to it.  It can carry our doubts, fears, and greed.  It can also carry our love, hopes, and generosity.”

The Wealth Cure is a definite must-read!  While most finance-related books are dry and less than inspiring, this book is exactly the opposite.  You feel as if you are sitting right across from Hill and listening to him tell you his own story.  You will love it.