He Said It! I Did It!

Charles W. Buffington III and Charles W. Buffington, Jr.
Orman Press, Inc. (2006)
ISBN 1891773631
Reviewed by Cherie Burbach for Reader Views (3/06)

Upon first seeing the picture of the authors of “He Said It! I Did It!” you might think these guys have come from a long line of wealthy stock. They are handsome, well-dressed, and convey the image of “having it all.” But one of the surprising things about this book is the way in which it is written. You find out very quickly this father and son author team did NOT start out with wealth, but built a comfortable life for themselves with discipline, hard work, and common sense investing. Their down-to-earth tone in approaching the reader makes them all the more credible. They speak to the average person, perhaps living paycheck to paycheck, and offer realistic advice in mastering personal finance. The burden of debt can often be spiritually exhausting. So many of us are living on the edge when it comes to our wealth, and the comforting message in this book is how to change that once and for all.

The format of “He Said It! I Did It!” starts each chapter with a lesson from the senior Buffington to his son, who then speaks to the reader for the remainder of the chapter. The tone is conversational, and the reader will immediately be drawn in as the younger Buffington speaks about his life as a young man who at first didn’t give much thought to his finances. His story is like many of ours, which makes his advice all the more pertinent in today’s society.

Throughout the book there are realistic tips and lessons underscored by Christian principles. I found this spiritual approach refreshing, and think the many readers who are average, hard working people who just can’t seem to get ahead, will too. In the end, it isn’t just about working hard – it’s about thinking ahead, living toward your goals rather than in the moment. Moreover, unlike many other books on personal finance, “He Said It! I Did It!” will leave you feeling that finally mastering your personal finances is within your grasp, within your lifetime, and you’ll be encouraged to begin now.

Make comment on weblog