Making Money Made Simple In Ninth Printing
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday December 2, 1987
THE enormous demand for financial advice is vividly demonstrated by the runaway success of Making Money Made Simple by the Brisbane-based investment advisor and finance commentator Noel Whittaker.
Launched just eight months ago, the book is about to go into its ninth printing.
Its underlying strength stems mainly from Whittaker's highly readable style and often homespun, uncomplicated advice.
But it is the book's overall tone and feeling, rather than the specific advice, which gives it its real appeal.
The nearest equivalent outside the world of finance authors would probably be Dale Carnegie. Like Carnegie, whose work focuses on strategies for success in life, Whittaker has a few, fairly simple ideas which he repeats in various guises, each time injecting them with a strong sense of personal commitment.
One is the need to plan for the future. Another is the importance of saving and making financial sacrifices. Yet a third, related message is the need to avoid all but the most limited amount of consumer debt.
The most disappointing, and annoying, aspect of the book is that many important details - such as tax scales, negative gearing rules and interest rates - are often out of date. Anyone using the book should keep this firmly in mind.
However, having said this, the book remains an extremely readable and generally helpful guide to personal finance. At $14.95, it is a must for anyone with an interest in managing money.
© 1987 Sydney Morning Herald