Get Your Head Out Of The Sand
By Lisa Dudson
Only $29.95
Reviewed by Gina Stewart on behalf of the Good Returns Bookstore.
Don’t bury you head in the sand when it comes to your financial affairs. This guide will show you how to reduce your
debt and provide you with the skills to become your own money manager.
This book is an introductory guide to managing finances for the everyday Kiwi. It is written by a successful and
recognised financial planner, adept to dealing with New Zealanders and helping them learn constructive behaviours
towards their finances. I perceived it to be beneficial for the financially ignorant or ‘in denial’ kiwi who perhaps
wouldn’t normally choose to read finance books, and would as the author says, prefer to “bury their head in the sand”.
The book is very approachable right from the brightly coloured cover featuring an informal font and amusing picture of
an ostrich and this follows through to the structure and the content. It is supportive and encouraging from start to
end. Clear and uncomplicated language contributes to the encouraging and almost lighthearted tone of the book. It is
easily read and flows logically and progressively.
Structured as a workbook style guide, it incorporates useful exercises to follow the major points and advice. These
exercises throughout the book are commonly in the form of worksheets that encourage further thought on the topics. This
technique reinforces the information, actually applying it to the reader, and can be a reference point to return to
making it easier to stay on track.
The layout is very manageable. The chapters are not too long and major points are backed up with interesting examples.
Every chapter is broken down and summarised at the end, which clarifies the main points being made.
Dudson utilises inspiring quotes through the book that are relevant to each chapter, and she refers to stories from her
own clients and from well known people (Henry Ford, Walt Disney etc.) She discusses cases that she has dealt with in her
own career, comparing and contrasting the habits and situations of different clients and highlighting the negative and
positive outcomes of different approaches. She includes examples of famous business role models from recent history,
comparing the method of their achievements to what anyone can achieve on a smaller scale. This also reinforces the
advice while providing inspiration along the way.
The book starts out by coaching the reader into the right mindset and developing the right attitude. This very
motivational part of the book is all about creating the self-belief, confidence and positive approach that is necessary
to succeed. I think it is important as it can be applied to all aspects of life, not just finances alone. The reader has
to critique themselves and their approach to their finances, acknowledging bad habits and considering a different
outlook and approach.
From here the book applies the attitude and skills to the reader’s life. It continues to coach the reader with practical
advice and skills that cover the main issues relevant to most kiwis such as mortgages, investments and retirement funds.
There is a focus on setting and approaching realistic and achievable goals.
Dudson explains that she thinks a lot of budgeting fails to work for the common person because the traditional budget
can be too stringent and punishing which has a discouraging effect. She suggests that if we are realistic in our
approach and cut ourselves a little bit of slack we are more likely to succeed in the long run, and she offers examples
to work from.
With the conversational tone of the book and the use of practical exercises to individually tailor the advice, it almost
creates a sense of really being in a series of sessions with a financial planner.
Get your Head Out of the Sand would not be very relevant to anyone with an above average knowledge or experience in
personal finances. I think this book is highly beneficial to those with little experience or knowledge, who know that
they should be confronting their financial future but are in the habit of putting it off. Suitable for a large range of
ages and demographics, it will start the youngest reader on the right foot and offer the advice and techniques to turn
around destructive money habits of the oldest reader.
It confronts and attempts to resolve the growing issue surrounding a lack of proper finance education in our society and
the resulting debt faced by New Zealanders. I think Lisa Dudson has set out to provide some education on the necessary
basics to anyone willing to seek it, and she has successfully achieved it through this book.
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