I like Ms. Chatzky’s financial books and commentary because a) she’s learned through personal experience and effort, b) she speaks sensibly, c) she renders thoughts related to a comprehensive and balanced approach to financial living, and d) I believe in what she says. In her book The Ten Commandments of Financial Happiness Jean analyzes the results of a unique survey in which she questioned 1,500 Americans about their financial attitudes and behaviors. The list of her commandments:
1. Get organized
2. Pay bills as they come in rather than letting them accumulate
3. Keep tabs on your cash
4. Save at least 5 percent of your income
5. Protect your family and your income
6. Minimize credit-card debt
7. Do unto others and budget volunteerism and charitable contributions
8. Spend sensibly
9. Start working toward your goals
10. Communicate
The key to success isn’t identifying these 10, it’s being focused and disciplined enough to live them. And I believe that if you want to do well with all of these, start with #10 first. Get your spouse, your partner, your financial advisor on board first and then commandments 1-9 get a lot easier to follow successfully.
