"S O" refers to Sherry and Olivia-Olivia Mellan and Sherry Christie-the new doyennes of savvy saving and fiscal fortification. Based on our society's continued gender-bias earning ability (or lack thereof), women need all the positive coaching we can get. "Money Shy to Money Sure" (MSTMS) provides innovative direction, interjecting quotations from dynamic women who are also solid financially; many quoted here with refreshingly direct remarks.

One of my favorite myths: "It's selfish to put myself first. I'm suppose to take care of everybody else." When I recently read U.S. women lose a quarter of a million dollars in potential income in their working lives, I balked. $250,000 is a lot of money to loose due to disparate wage earning. I immediately got a copy of MSTMS to learn how to finesse my current retirement plans.

Myth #2: "I don't have enough money to do anything with." Oh, really?! Then you need to read "How to find money you didn't think you had." I know, I know...you already know these inclusions blindfolded. Herein lies the point-"finding money" does not have to look like attempting to break open the piñata at your niece's backyard birthday party!

To honor the preceding decades of prosperity: "If I take charge of my money, I'll antagonize others and might end up alone." National statistics still show women outliving men (by 7-10 years) ergo our need to save 12% (female) versus 8% (male). Financial planners' still indicate only approximately 7% of the general American public is financially prepared for retirement. "...Antagonize others..."? "...Might end up alone..."? Hel-lo!

"Money Shy to Money Sure" is a delightful road map to financial well-being. Get going. Get the book. Happy trails. DBW

Women have tended to sell themselves short when it comes to making or deserving to have money. Money Shy to Money Sure dispels the myths about women, money, financial savvy and power, then goes on to provide a sane and reasonable blueprint for women at all stages in their financial education.

Women's investment groups, financial counselors, and women of all ages will profit from this comprehensive, practical guide to women and the money issue.

It's pretty hard to take care of yourself as a woman in the world today, especially if you don't even know what taking care of yourself means. Christie and Mellan start out by teaching us what being independant really means, and give us a smooth and warmly-written guide to getting things done. I'm getting a copy for all of my friends, even those who have already taken their first steps towards financial freedom.

I find Mellan's categorization of people as "money monks"; hoarders, avoiders, etc. to be somewhat simplistic. At different times, I have fit into several of these categories (and still do). I don't like advice from an author who seems intent on making me fit her theory.

There is commonsense advice in here on money and relationships but I was so irritated at the author's tone, which struck me as somewhat patronizing, that I didn't benefit from any of it.

This is a very helpful and insightful book for financial advisors! Understanding a client's money personality is essential to rendering helpful and practical advice and counsel.
So is understanding the money dynamics of marriag and couple relationships. I have found this book to be of tremendous help in my financial planning practice. HIGHLY recommended!

Robert A. Caldwell, CPA

Psychotherapist Olivia Mellan has seen the relationship problems that money conflicts can cause. As she puts it, "money is never just money." Her experience with couples who clash over finances is laid out in this helpful book, where you'll learn how to identify your own money "style." Since that may differ from your mate's, Mellan offers advice on how to resolve communication problems about handling money, and set financial goals that'll work for both of you.

I am a compulsive book buyer. When I stop buying books I replace the books with some other obsession. I have bought most of the books that amazon offers on compulsive buying(trying to help myself through my compulsiveness).I have learned something in each one that I have read. This book "Overcoming Overspending" is the worst book on compulsive spending that I have read so far. I actually skipped the entire middle of the book(I did read the chapter headings and skimmed through). In the beginning of the book I had hope that the book was going to be real good but it started talking about doing these ridiculous exercises. I felt that these were things that were a total waste of time and absolutely were not helpful at all. I would like to know if anyone out there that has read this book actually followed the program. I have just started another book called "Consuming Passions" and already in the first few pages of the book I have learned more than I learned in the whole "Overcoming Overspending" book. I hope this helps someone, because now I have a book that I feel was a total waste of my time reading it and the money I spent on it. ...

I find the book valuable in helping me to understand the differences in how my wife and I view financial matters. After reading the book I became more acutely aware of our differnces and how that puts stress on our relationship. The book has many other useful suggestions and exercises.