Money for Nothing: One Man's Journey Through the Dark Side of Lottery Millions

I bought this book for the title and because I thought the subject was interesting. But I was surprised by the author sincerity and style. The book buys you more and more on each page. It is hard to put it down and I felt totally at ease with this book. It was like I was being convinced by the author to buy something from him. The author style is amazing. First it gains your trust, then it tells you a funny and informative story. It is hard for me to read books from beginning to end. Most books could have be written as an article, but not this one. The same way the author needed time to close his deals for "The Firm" he took his time to cook you and get you. Praise for the author! Very good story well written. The author sincerity is impressive. It is not that kind of salesman or book author that you know he is only there for your money. I am bought. When is the next one coming?

After recently finishing, here is my take in random thoughts. Why 5 stars? Seems kinda lame to put anything but all or none. Like I say below, you are probably going to read this anyway. In no particular order: 1. You are not going to be able to resist buying this if you're already interested in the subject. It follows Ben Mezrich's stuff, but a little less edgy. 2. This was a slimy business, and some salespeople are right for it. Ed ultimely wasn't, but mainly because of his guilt. Without a conscience, he could have been better (sold more) than "Ben," his own mentor. 3. Comes off as honest. (Also funny, for the most part.) Google lump-sum agency and see how their FAQ's read exactly like Ed Ugel's descriptions. 4. Add this one to the list of 'must reads' for anyone in serious sales work. There are things to learn here, especially about the unique and sometimes weird psychology of a salesman. 5. Isn't it amazing that MILLIONS play the lottery and not more than 42 players (give or take) know what the jackpot actually is, how it is paid, exactly, or what any of the numbers add up to be? 6. Then, amazingly (or not) they basically didn't know what the cost of lumping out was - Ed claims that many actually get advice from good advisors - but what difference does it make? If you need the dough, you are going to go through with it anyway. Amazing. 7. Ed should either have deleted the disclaimer in the beginning about how he "changed everything" or had a lawyer go over his DNC's and manuscript. No, actually, by his own admission, Ed claims that he is kind of soft. Bag all of that, Mr. Ugel, man up and write, forget all the boohoo. Okay to admit your feelings, but c'mon. Do you think a movie director has problems with changing the facts a little in the script? Even Ron Howard admits it's only about making a good movie. 8. Along the same line, you needed more hard numbers here. You write a book, you need to spill some beans, irritate some people, you "never ever burn bridges?" You should've burned a few for the sake of the book. You owed less to your "Firm" and co-workers than you did to the clients you apologize to (ad nauseum) in the book. And if you're even thinking about getting back into this business, bleachhhhh, you dog.

Money For Nothing, by Edward Ugel is deceiving. It's so entertaining, so laugh-out-loud funny that you don't realize you're getting serious insights into human nature. It made me think of the tried and true therapy trick: if money weren't an issue, what would you do? If you've always been worried about financial security you have a tendency to think that enough money would solve a multitude of problems. But as Ugel's book so artfully show us, that is hardly the case. There are clearly many more problems than solutions for the hapless lottery winners...and the business people who serve them. Movies and television have done us all such a disservice, that it is refreshing to see the happy high roller myth debunked. What makes this memoir work for me is Ugel's self deprecating humor and the way it masks his very real regrets.In the same way that the best crime dramas show detectives lamenting their similarities to the criminals they pursue, Money For Nothing reveals how even the most glamorous jobs are still work, not hobbies. And in this case work erodes even the most successful and jaded salesman's moral fiber. Ugel is brutally honest about himself and his shortcomings. It's a courageous first book and I look forward to his next...is there one?

I read mostly non-fiction and this book was EXACTLY what I want out of non-fiction read. I couldn't put it down! It gave me insight into the gambling world without too much jargon that a non-gambler (like myself) wouldn't understand. You begin to understand the nation-wide addiction and, at the same time, you are amazed that people give themselves to such pathetic cycles of winning and losing (and more losing). You get to feel the ups and downs of a young guy striving to make his way - but you can see how he too suffers a slight thrill from the addiction of rolling the dice. A definite must-read...excellent!

I loved the look inside this bazaar world of lotto winners. The writing style is alive and funny. A good, quick read with plenty of detailed laughs and information into the mind of corporate America and the minds of those who strike it rich.