The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money - by Jill Schlesinger (Paperback)

About the Book

"Do you have a 'friend' who is super smart, has a great career, holds a graduate degree, has even saved a chunk of money for retirement, but who keeps making the same dumb mistakes when it comes to money? Is this 'friend' you? After decades working as a Wall Street trader, investment adviser, and money expert for CBS, Jill Schlesinger reveals thirteen costly mistakes you're probably making right now with your money without even knowing it. Drawing on heartfelt personal stories (yes, money experts screw up, too), Schlesinger argues that it's not lack of smarts that causes even the brightest, most accomplished people among us to behave like financial dumb-asses, but simple emotional blind spots. By breaking bad habits and following Jill's pragmatic and accessible rules for managing your finances, you can save tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention avoid countless sleepless nights. Practical, no-nonsense, and often counterintuitive, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money tells you what you really need to hear about retirement, college financing, insurance, real estate, and more. It might just be the smartest investment you make all year."

Book Synopsis

You're smart. So don't be dumb about money. Pinpoint your biggest money blind spots and take control of your finances with these tools from CBS News Business Analyst and host of the nationally syndicated radio show Jill on Money, Jill Schlesinger.

"A must-read . . . This straightforward and pleasingly opinionated book may persuade more of us to think about financial planning."--Financial Times

Hey you . . . you saw the title. You get the deal. You're smart. You've made a few dollars. You've done what the financial books and websites tell you to do. So why isn't it working? Maybe emotions and expectations are getting in the way of good sense--or you're paying attention to the wrong people. If you've started counting your lattes, for god's sake, just stop. Read this book instead.

After decades of working as a Wall Street trader, investment adviser, and money expert for CBS News, Jill Schlesinger reveals thirteen costly mistakes you may be making right now with your money. Drawing on personal stories and a hefty dose of humor, Schlesinger argues that even the brightest people can behave like financial dumb-asses because of emotional blind spots.

So if you've saved for college for your kids before saving for retirement, or you've avoided drafting a will, this is the book for you. By following Schlesinger's rules about retirement, college financing, insurance, real estate, and more, you can save money and avoid countless sleepless nights. It could be the smartest investment you make all year.

Praise for The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money

"Common sense is not always common, especially when it comes to managing your money. Consider Jill Schlesinger's book your guide to all the things you should know about money but were never taught. After reading it, you'll be smarter, wiser, and maybe even wealthier."--Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle and The $100 Startup

"A must-read, whether you're digging yourself out of a financial hole or stacking up savings for the future, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money is a personal finance gold mine loaded with smart financial nuggets delivered in Schlesinger's straight-talking, judgment-free style."--Beth Kobliner, author of Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not) and Get a Financial Life

Review Quotes

"Common sense is not always common, especially when it comes to managing your money. Consider Jill Schlesinger's book your guide to all the things you should know about money but were never taught. After reading it, you'll be smarter, wiser, and maybe even wealthier."--Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle and The $100 Startup

"A must-read, whether you're digging yourself out of a financial hole or stacking up savings for the future, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money is a personal finance gold mine loaded with smart financial nuggets delivered in Schlesinger's straight-talking, judgment-free style. The book helps you live the life you want, while laughing all the way to the bank--since she's not only wise but also hilarious!"--Beth Kobliner, author of Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not) and Get a Financial Life

"The vast majority of people, including highly sophisticated investors, will recognize one if not several of the thirteen 'dumb things' Jill Schlesinger brilliantly discusses in this engaging and important book. I know I did. Drawing on a highly accomplished career--not just as an astute observer of personal finance but also as a planner and options trader--she arms readers with knowledge and tools to help correct existing financial planning mistakes, as well as avoid potentially costly ones in the future."--Mohamed A. El-Erian, chief economic adviser, Allianz, and author of the New York Times bestsellers When Markets Collide and The Only Game in Town

"Jill Schlesinger is one of the smartest voices in personal finance and money management I know. Ignore her words of wisdom at your financial peril."--Helaine Olen, blogger for The Washington Post and author of Pound Foolish

"We don't talk nearly enough about money, which is odd given its central place in most of our lives. And it's shockingly easy for even smart, accomplished people to get tripped up by bad habits or just plain lack of knowledge about money management. Jill Schlesinger has written an eye-opening, practical, and funny book about how we screw up and how we can get it right. I needed this book ten years ago! I'm glad I have it now."
--Alison Green, author of Ask a Manager

"The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money is a powerful, easy-to-read guide full of commonsense advice."--Booklist

About The Author

Jill Schlesinger is an Emmy-nominated and Gracie Award-winning Business Analyst for CBS News, a weekly guest on NPR's Here and Now, and a Certified Financial Planner(TM). She writes a weekly syndicated column, Jill on Money, and serves as the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Jill on Money.