It's Not About the Money

October 15, 2007
Financial planner by day, “yogi by dawn,” Kessel offers “holistic financial advice” in this Buddhist-influenced debut promising both a better financial strategy and greater fulfillment and happiness. More money doesn’t necessarily mean more enjoyment of life and freedom from worry, Kessel argues; people are often unhappy with their financial lives because traditional ways to think about money—spend less, save more—work from the outside in rather than the inside out. Kessel highlights the benefits of focusing awareness inward, allowing for the integration of outer actions with inner understanding. He explores eight financial archetypes (including “The Pleasure Seeker” and “The Empire Builder”), helps readers determine their type and suggests ways to overcome the problems each type typically faces. Pleasure Seekers, for example, should take a weekly break from “wanting” or redefine “the things that bring them pleasure.” The rewards will be an abiding sense of financial fulfillment, a sense of security and confidence about the future and a greater ability to reach important financial goals. Readers interested in an Eastern-influenced approach will find useful advice on how to think about money, as well as insight into what makes us tick.