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The money secretHow to ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’ THE MONEY SECRET The incidence of serious debt is increasing in the UK. Collateral damage is measured in terms of stress, misery, relationship breakdowns and even suicide. This book offers real hope and practical advice to those struggling with money troubles. It is written in an easy style, using the story device of a Mary Poppins-style figure who appears to help a young woman trapped in debt. The tone of the book is sympathetic throughout towards those with money problems. However, there is some blunt and, at times, hard-hitting advice. All of us, whether in trouble or not, would do well to wake up to the realities of living in a manipulative consumerist culture. Easy credit and ‘the plastic’ come in for some particularly savage treatment. The author writes for a general and not a church readership. However, I found the book provided a searching test of the principles of Christian stewardship. How many of us know exactly what we spend our money on? Did you know, for example, that spending £3.50 a day on lunch at work equates to a £1,300 chunk of your annual salary? Or do we recognise how much of today’s ‘shopping experience’ is structured to encourage us to buy on impulse? As well as addressing the principal is-sues of money management, the book contains specific advice on such things as extended warranties, hire purchase agreements, etc. Worksheets, references and lists of resources are included in helpful appendices. Debt be-fuddles and destroys hope. The problem-solving approach of this book should promote hope. Well done, Mr. Parsons! Clive Bullock, © Evangelicals Now - April 2005 |