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The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money

Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs

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The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money

Written by: Jill Schlesinger
Narrated by: Jill Schlesinger
Free with 30-day trial

₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for ₹1,005.00

Buy Now for ₹1,005.00

About this listen

 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 Budgeting & Money Management Money Management Personal Finance Personal Success Retirement Planning Self-Help Success House Buying Business Money Management

Critic Reviews

“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
All stars
Most relevant
I was recommended to read or listen to jill recent work. Wonderful compilation of mistakes made by smart people in USA. I think Most Indian families make the same mistake with their money or wealth. Thanks again Jody for recommending it!!!

Dump Things most people with their money!!!

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This book, though written with American society in mind, holds good for just about every family and person living anywhere in the world. If listened carefully and acted upon, this audiobook will lay the foundation for a better financial well-being. In our struggle to get the financial freedom, we make a lot of mistakes both known and unknown. At least I made a couple of them (not having an emergency fund even though I knew about the concept and the retirement aspects).

I highly recommend this book if you want to set your financial affairs in order like buying any type of insurance, venturing into the world of stock market (shared some good dos and don'ts), planning for your retirement.

I gave 4 stars for performance and story because this isn't a fictional story per se but a self help book. Overall a book worth 5 star.

Every person who wants to set right his financial position needs to listen/read this

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This is must read book for everyone on personal finance. It’s easy to follow and execute. Bonus: Jill also has podcast.

Best Personal Financial Advice

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Well narrated. The context is very American though. Good to consider for folks who are nearing or already into retirement. After you are done with Psychology of Money.

Important lessons for financial well-being

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