The Happiness Experiment by Carl Barney - Book Review

 

Title: The Happiness Experiment; A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness

Author: Carl B. Barney

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: July 8, 2025

Length: 383 pages

Making a Happiness Plan and Living It Out
Mr. Barney decided to give some of his friends and associates "pre-quests" or Happiness Grants. This was money that he would have left to these people in his will, but he decided to give them the money while he was still living.

The main requirement for receiving this money was to create a happiness plan. This was a detailed plan on how the money would be spent in the next 5 years. The money was to be used to create happiness for the receivers, not to be given away.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this book and was very impressed with the process that the author used to determine who would receive the grants and the planning that was required before the money was awarded. 

It is true that a large sum of unexpected cash can definitely change your life for the better, but careful planning is a must. I have read horror stories about how lottery winners have received huge sums of money and it ruined their relationships and their life. Mr. Barney required the recipients of his grants to work with a life coach and financial planner to make sure the money would be used in ways that were aligned with the recipient's values and long term goals.

The author enjoyed watching the recipients of his generosity achieve happiness through travel, home improvements, entertainment and shared experiences with friends and family.

This experiment had a happy ending and the book provides detailed information about how anyone can achieve similar results.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy of this book to read and review.

Wealth Redefined - A Review

Wealth Redefined: Charting the Way to Personal and Financial Freedom

Authors: Bob Reby and Greg Ruais

Publisher: River Grove Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2017

Pages: 183



About the Author
After graduating from James Madison University with a BA in Finance in 1985, Robert J. Reby decided to pursue his passion for personal finance by founding Reby Advisors. After more than three decades in business, his vision and the firm’s mission remain the same: to inspire people to achieve financial peace of mind.

Wealth is More Than Money

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Have you made goals for your investment strategies?

What are your hopes and dreams for retirement?

Drawing on over twenty years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner, author Bob Reby explores the idea that wealth means different things to different people. Your health, relationships, and family are all components of wealth, and your financial plan should be in line with those values.

My Thoughts

I think this is the first book on the subject of financial planning that I have ever reviewed on this blog. I wish I had read this book AND TAKEN ACTION on managing my finances many years ago. However, it is never too late to educate myself on financial matters that will provide freedom and peace of mind in future days.

A financial plan is unique to each individual. It is based on that person's goals for the future. A large portion of this book is dedicated to retirement planning. How can you live the lifestyle that you want without running out of money?

Mr. Reby is a financial planner and highly recommends the use of a professional adviser to keep you on track with your financial goals.  He believes that "wealth redefined means that we should strive to achieve the right balance in our lives that also takes into consideration whether we're spending our time and our money on the right things."

Mr. Reby explains exactly how to go about choosing the best financial planner for your situation. He offers information about the right kind of insurance and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

The author believes the most critical financial risk facing investors today is behavioral risk. That means people who make unwise investment decisions based on FEAR and GREED.  There is an entire chapter dedicated on how to avoid investment mistakes that will shipwreck your future.

As a novice investor, I found this book very helpful. The information is presented in an understandable manner and many examples and case studies are provided. This book has encouraged me to read and study and learn more on this important topic. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all questions and remarks.

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Book Review: Everyone Can Be A Millionaire by Steve Swanson

Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How To Create Wealth Over Time...Free Copyrighted Retirement Planning Calculator included with every book purchased!

Author: Steve Swanson

Publisher: eBook Publishers Company

Date: December 26, 2012

Guest Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas


About the Author
Swanson was born in 1958. For 30 years he has been working in the banking business and currently is employed as a Bank President. He has been studying personal finance for all of his adult life and was a finalist in Money Magazine's one and only Personal Finance Manager of the year contest in 1994.
In 2012, Mr. Swanson formed eBook Publishers Company.

Financial Planning For Beginners
In this easy-to-understand book, Steve Swanson gives you the steps you need to become a millionaire over a long period of time. These techniques are designed to help you retire comfortably.

Mr. Swanson has personally used these techniques with his wife for the last 30 years. He gives personal examples and unbiased thoughts and also encourages the reader to do his own research.

This book is written with easy-to-read vocabulary for those new to financial planning. The author touches on: budgeting, debt reduction, emergency funds, reserves, 401(k), stocks, the withdrawal stage, and more. There is also the added bonus of a Retirement Calculator and a Budget Worksheet included for your use.

My Thoughts
I thought this 50-page book was a great introduction to financial planning. I have little knowledge in this area and had no problems following it. I definitely would like to try these techniques. I also like that Mr. Swanson relates on a personal level.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an easy-to-understand overview of financial planning. This book is a good place to start.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5
 

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

 

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