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Book cover of Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School by Cary Siegel — critical summary review on 12min

Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School

Cary Siegel

8 mins

''Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School’’ by Cary Siegel will teach you something you cannot learn in the classroom: how to manage your finances well —and get rich by setting realistic financial goals, saving money, and investing smartly. All the money principles the author reveals in this book are those he gained throughout his life and the same ones that allowed him to retire when he was only 45.

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Who it is for

Best suited for high school and university grads, parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn about the most important principles of personal money management.

Key Insights

The Power of Financial Goals

Cary Siegel emphasizes the importance of setting realistic financial goals as the foundation of effective financial management. According to Siegel, having clear, achievable targets helps guide your financial decisions and prioritize your spending and saving habits. By clearly defining what you want to achieve financially, you can create a roadmap that will keep you focused and motivated, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses and make informed decisions that align with your long-term objectives.

Saving: The Cornerstone of Wealth

In 'Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School,' Siegel highlights saving as a critical habit for building wealth. He suggests developing a disciplined approach to saving, starting with setting aside a fixed percentage of your income regularly. This practice not only helps create a safety net for unforeseen expenses but also enables you to accumulate the capital needed for future investments. Siegel argues that by prioritizing savings, individuals can gradually build the financial security and resources necessary to achieve financial independence.

Investing Wisely for Future Gains

The book underscores the significance of smart investing as a key strategy for growth and wealth accumulation. Siegel advises readers to educate themselves about different investment options and to start investing as early as possible to take advantage of compound interest. By strategically diversifying investments and understanding risk, individuals can grow their wealth over time and enhance their financial stability. Siegel's insights encourage readers to view investing not as a gamble, but as a calculated approach to securing their financial future.

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About the Author

Cary Siegel is a retired business executive. He spent most of his career leading several companies in marketing and sales. Also, he has been the lead speaker at over fifty sales meetings and marketing seminars, and was honored with over twenty awards during his career. He wrote two books: one on money management titled ‘’Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School’’ and the other one on life management titled ‘’Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School, Too?’’

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Lessons

  • Diversify your investments if you wish to get wealthier
  • Don't compete with other people's spending patterns and consumerism
  • Avoiding credit cards is a good way to avoid debt

Key Takeaways

  • Set realistic financial goals to effectively manage your finances and work towards financial independence.
  • Prioritize saving money consistently to build a strong financial foundation and prepare for future investments.
  • Invest smartly by educating yourself on investment options and strategies to grow your wealth over time.

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