Direct Pointing to Real Wealth: Thomas J. Elpel's Field Guide to Money

I discovered Field Guide to Money about ten years ago and was so struck by the power of it that I evangelized everywhere I went about the simple truth that he was able to so eloquently convey within it's pages. That truth is this: Money is a token to represent calories, and we live in a system designed so inefficiently that we waste as many dollars as we create, and so we effectively burn our calories without getting any work from them. In closing the loop on waste in our lives we can effectively give ourselves a pay raise, have more free time and reduce our carbon footprints. I was so effected by that book that I restructured my life in many ways and now, even in this recession my wife and I are able to live well and put money away. This is an amazing book and the one of the best investments I have ever made.

Certainly this is not the best written book. Also, it's not the most original one. But from my point of view, it's absolutely fantastic. So many ideas, theories and practices combined in one view and put into logical order. It is quite easy to understand where the writer is going when you have some background with these theories. It clearly motivates the readers to access their own lives and situation. I regret that I haven't found this book before, otherwise my life would be different now for sure. This is definitely THE book that will have a huge impact on my life for years. Must Buy!

This is the third book of Tom's that I have read. There is no way to say enough to describe how this book has affected me. It comfimed, for me ways that I veiwed money and my personal views of finances. It also gave me the inspiration and insight to approach finances from a different level. I bought the book on a gut feeling (I wasn't interested in it, that I knew of) and I am really glad I did. Starting in November a class will be taught at our Nature School using this classic "Field Guide". Bravo Tom, great information, Thank you! And to those wondering to read it or not...definately, get this book and cherish it!

Thomas Elpel's book covers a broad span of topics, from do-it-yourself skills around the house and garden to international economic theory and practice, but its core message is that many people seem to plan their lives backwards. They go out to make money without first thinking about how to spend it to make themselves secure and happy, or how their work might hurt the environment and other people. Elpel proposes that we first decide what we want in life, including material wants, then work toward those things as goals, making money when we need it but not as our primary objective. Not everyone will want to move to the country and raise their own food, but every reader of this book will find food for thought and kernels of insight into the way our lives, the economy, and the world function. A lot of people who frequently get themselves into financial trouble would benefit from this book but, unfortunately, they're probably the ones least likely to read it.