Your New Money Story

July 15, 2019
Krueger, an executive mentor coach and psychotherapist, seeks to help readers alter the way they think and relate to money in this practical, challenging book. Krueger states that everyone has a personal narrative about themselves and the world, one of which they are largely unaware and which guides all of their decisions, including financial ones. Krueger shows how to recognize one’s money narrative through a system developed in his practice, ROADMAP (recognize authorship of one’s money story, own the story, assess it, decide what to change, map those changes, author new experiences, program a new identity). He puts forth a list of common money fallacies and offers corrective actions to redirect thinking and behaviors, encouraging evaluation and management of existing beliefs. Krueger also stresses the importance of framing, focus, and clarification to the process, and identifies principles to keep in mind while making changes, such as “small changes lead to big changes.” He concludes with an abundance of valuable advice, such as on “14 ways to outsmart your brain to spend less.” Readers will find much here of value, but success will require fortitude, persistence, and time.

Narrator Edward Bauer sounds like a friendly college instructor who wants to spare you the anguish you've had trying to get your financial life in order. He has a wonderful phrasing palette, smooth and natural sounding, and what stands out is how he finesses the author's desire to help: He's assertive enough with the direct advice and many lists offered by the psychiatrist/business-coach, but he keeps enough distance from his listeners to convey respect for their autonomy. They can take this advice or leave it. This vocal attitude is important with a lesson like this, which is psychologically invasive with its pointed assumption that all financial mismanagement begins with limiting psychological beliefs. This is effective audio advice on how to overcome those beliefs with brighter expectations, concrete strategies, and discipline. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine