Late December of 2013, I received the book entitled “I Wish They Taught Money in High School” for the purposes of reviewing it. Unfortunately, I had to delay reading it because my cousin went through it ahead of me and gave me negative feedback about it. I wanted to be fair but I couldn’t shake off the words of my cousin. Finally, I got through the book despite the negative “review” dangling at the back of my mind. Having read the book, I can tell where she’s coming from, but that’s not something that should prevent her from seriously considering the nuggets of wisdom shared on this book. And neither should anyone for that matter, especially if you want to learn about money and how to grow it to your advantage.

The Book

Yes, the book “I Wish They Taught Money in High School” talks about money with the aim to help readers achieve a lifestyle upgrade. It’s a two-in-one book, with author Clarina Serina-de la Paz sharing the perspective of the employed (I Wish They Taught Money in High School – So I’m not dependent on my paycheck). Meanwhile, Sharon Que talked about owning a business (I Wish They Taught Money in High School – So I can start my own business right away) on the flip side.

As one who used to be employed, I can’t help but nod in agreement on the topic that Serina-de la Paz touched on, particularly in simply making both ends meet and the desire experience the best of life that I always wanted. Travels, entertainment, the latest gadget, etc. I have to admit that I only enjoyed my paycheck at the latter part of my life as an employed. But I still wish that I learned the author’s ways in growing money to upgrade my lifestyle even at the early part of my career. 

You can quickly flip through the pages of “I Wish They Taught Money in High School – So I’m not dependent on my paycheck“ and learn about the following: 

• Money Language and slaying the jargon
• Dissecting Dreams
• The Power of the Passive
• Paying yourself first
• Money Myths
• Working Smart: As Easy as S to T
• Moneytudes
• Not-a- Secret secret
• Navigational Tools

Que touches on the topics that I can definitely relate now that I have my own business. “I Wish They Taught Money in High School – So I can start my own business right away” is about the author’s early awakening in setting up her business, her challenges and successes. The challenges I face as an entrepreneur are tough that I sometimes felt like quitting and returning back to being employed. I salute the author’s tenacity in what she has done. I know that played a big part of the success that she’s enjoying today.

The author shared the following points in her part of the book:

• Preparing for Business
• How to Start a Business with a Little or No Capital
• Multiplying your income with other Businesses
• Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions
• Upgrading Your Money Psyche
• Growing Your Money in Investment Vehicles

Plus some helpful topics:

• Steps to register your business
• Sample letter for offer to Buy

My Thoughts

The book in it’s entirety discusses their own experiences in dealing with money. Both authors, in their own way, shared nuggets of wisdom, not only in managing money but how to earn more and grow more money. I love that the ideas they shared are easy to grasp. I like the fact that they were honest up front. Authors Clarina Serina-de la Paz and Sharon Que did not came from an ordinary family. I would even say that both of them are born from rich families. The former is able to afford travel in her young age courtesy of her dad who was also mainly responsible in opening her up to the idea of investments. The latter was born into a family with businesses of their own where she spent her growing up years. 

Their background might likely be a hindrance to the readers heeding the advice on the book. I know this because that’s the first one that my cousin pointed out. Come to think of it, she’s could be right. Judging purely from what I have read, both authors might have not encountered financial difficulties like an average-paying job and the need to help support a family. But the things they shared are worth taking note of. I’m pretty sure they did not acquire their financial literacy overnight. And despite being born into a financially advantageous conditions, they made an effort in how to earn more and grow more money. And at a fraction of the time, we can learn them in their book. Some of the tips can be immediately applied, while the others placed on the “To-Do Lists” that should be pinned to your desk, cork board or anywhere prominent for a constant reminder.

The book “I Wish They Taught Money in High School” assured me that I’m on the right path as far as passive income is concerned. Tapping on my skills and talents, I can have more passive income to earn more money. This blog is actually a part of my passive income, having earned for some blogging and social media projects. It has also opened me to other freelance projects, particularly content writing, web design and social media management. I am also contemplating in setting up another business. I realized though that I really need to take a bold step in investing. Prior to venturing into business, I was already looking at investing, particularly in mutual fund and stocks but I was not ready at that time.  The book made me realize what I am missing despite already knowing them in the first place.

Whether you’re already financial savvy or not, “I Wish They Taught Money in High School” is worth reading to uncover or rediscover attitude towards money and management strategies that will help in achieving a lifestyle upgrade. As a former employee and now as an entrepreneur, I really wish that money was taught in high school and college instead of the irrelevant subjects that are of no use in the real world. Then I wouldn’t have struggled early on in my career and made the move to put up my own business earlier.