Although we are now well into the New Year, I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2008! Since my last email back in December, I have had a lot of exciting news that I wanted to share and update you on relating to my new book and nationwide Financial Literacy Initiative. As you may be aware, I released The Secrets of Money: A Guide for Everyone on Practical Financial Literacy just over a month ago, and I am pleased to report that the project is growing rapidly.
For me, this project is more than being about a book -- it is a passionate initiative and an effort to further a nationwide movement. With daily media coverage on the Foreclosure, Credit and Mortgage Crisis, the Stock Market Meltdown and the looming Recession -- now more than ever, it is important for ALL consumers to be financially educated. About 3 years ago, after selling my telecom company, I began working on this important project. After being completely amazed at the lack of basic financial literacy of most otherwise well-educated adults, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in society for current and future generations. My goal is to better educate ALL consumers, and not just the business or financial savvy, on the topic of Practical Financial Literacy, and to bring a new awareness to the Financial Literacy Epidemic sweeping the nation. Here are some interesting and staggering statistics:
- Savings rates dipped to a negative percentage of income in 2005, something that has not happened since the Great Depression. (Source: U.S. Commerce Department, 2006)
- In 2002, more people declared bankruptcy than graduated from college, filed for divorce or were diagnosed with cancer. (Source: CARE Program & Harvard Law Report)
- The Social Security system, which many people rely on for retirement, will be bankrupt by 2042. (Source: SocialSecurity.gov)
- Americans' #1 fear is running out of money during retirement. (Source: USA Today)
If you have not already had the opportunity to do so, I highly recommend you pickup a copy of the new book for yourself or for someone else who may benefit from it. I would be happy to personally autograph or inscribe it if you buy it through our website (please request this at checkout).
Financial Literacy Quiz
In order for people to test their own knowledge of Personal Finance, I have setup a special website at www.FinancialLiteracyQuiz.com. There are 50 multiple choice questions on a variety of topics. Give it a try and share it with your friends -- a score of 75% or better is considered "passing." Sadly, the national average is currently only 58%. If you do not "pass," the quiz results will point out areas that you should get some additional education on. Obviously, the new book covers all of these topics in a concise and easy to read format.
Media Coverage
We are fortunate to be receiving a significant amount of positive media attention regarding the nationwide Financial Literacy Project and book release. The Northern Colorado Business Report (NCBR) recently published an impressive feature article which does a great job of summarizing this initiative and the Denver Business Journal (DBJ) also printed a terrific spotlight article. Additionally, I have done a variety of nationwide radio interviews, including with Fox News Radio (Dr. Ray Watson), CNN Radio (JD Messinger), The Bonnie Graham Show, Underground Shopper (Sue Goldstein), and The Rude Awakening Show (David "Bulldog" Rothner). Please click on the links above or visit the Events page of my website for more information.
Book & Speaking Tour
In early January, I began traveling the country for my Nationwide Book & Speaking Tour, and I am continuing to add more dates and cities for the rest of the year. In just the past few weeks, I have made appearances in Denver, Houston, Phoenix/Scottsdale and Las Vegas. In the coming weeks, I will be in Miami, Key West, Las Vegas (again!), San Antonio, New York City and Los Angeles. Please check the website Events page to see if I will be coming soon to your area! If you are part of an association, professional organization, corporation or school (high school or college) and would like to have me come speak at one of your events, please contact me.
Reviews & Testimonials
The book itself has been getting a lot of positive support, attention and "buzz." It garnered very complimentary reviews from both Armchair Interviews and Kirkus Book Review. I even received a nice letter of support from Senator Wayne Allard relating to my nationwide Financial Literacy Initiative. The highlight of my day is reading all of the emails and letters I receive from people telling me how this book provided new insight and changed their lives. Please visit the Testimonials page of my website to see a sample of these, and I would also welcome the opportunity to get your feedback on the book as well.
Bookstores & Distribution
Although most of the books are sold in conjunction with the speaking tour and public appearances, as well as in large quantities to associations, corporations and schools, traditional retail and book store distribution is still very important, as it makes the title easily available to individual consumers across the US. We have had great success with Amazon, but I am pleased to report that the book is now stocked at all Tattered Cover Bookstores (one of largest independent bookstores in the US). We are also still in talks with Barnes & Noble and hope to be able to announce that they are stocking the book soon. I know many of you have unsuccessfully attempted to buy copies from their various stores across the country, and I thank you for your support, patience and emails. If you are interested in a quantity discount on the purchase of 100+ books for use as customer or employee premiums, or for educational purposes, please contact me.
Challenge to Schools
We would never think of letting students graduate high school or college without being proficient in the areas of math, English and science, but that is exactly what we do when it comes to their understanding of basic Financial Literacy. Would you believe that currently only 7 states require the completion of a Personal Finance class in order to graduate? In order to help more states and schools teach basic Financial Literacy, I have issued a unique "Challenge to Schools" wherein I will provide free books and the class curriculum, under certain conditions. I have been working closely with school administrators and law makers across the country and am pleased to report that this is really gaining traction and attention.
Summary & Closing
Thank you so very much for all of your supportive comments and emails. Obviously, I think this is a very important project (is it too much to ask to change the world?), and that the book is well written and should be a "must read" for EVERY consumer (whether they are 18 or 80, or anywhere in between), but it makes me feel especially good when I hear how my efforts have changed a person's life. After spending more than 3 years and countless hours researching, writing and editing, it is nice to see this project enter the next phase with a tangible resource being delivered. Please visit my website and BLOG for frequent updates. I cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support.
Warmest Regards,
Braun Mincher, Author/Speaker
The Secrets of Money: A Guide for Everyone on Practical Financial Literacy
Available at www.BraunMincher.com and from other booksellers nationwide.
