You Always Have Options : Guiding Principles for Managing Money

There are thousands of books dedicated to explaining complex financial terms and promising a way to get rich quick. For readers desiring this level of information or guarantee of prosperity, Guiding Principles for Managing Money is not the book for you. This book is a father's sincere words of wisdom being passed on to his children and future generations. The author sets forth this financial information in such a way that it makes the reader think critically about financial decisions and how they impact current and future quality of life. The chapters are presented as Guiding Principles which the author hopes "you can master and over time fill up your treasure chest." Guiding Principles for Managing Money is written for a wide audience. The ideas or Guiding Principles are clearly written and thought out, and the content is very enriching. When reading this book, financial concepts are concisely presented and the author challenges the reader to transfer the knowledge gained into healthy life habits. Guiding Principles for Managing Money is as much a workbook or coaching tool as it is a financial reference.Guiding Principles for Managing Money inspires the reader to remove the uncertainty about financial planning and endeavor to achieve what they once thought was impossible. To that end, the author has included motivational reminders between chapters which spell out "OPTIONS" (Opportunity, Planning, Tools, Investing, Originality, Niche, and Self-Improvement). The author realizes that the key to success relies heavily on confidence and having the necessary attitude to succeed.The most interesting Guiding Principle is Guiding Principle 6: You Must Have a Financial Plan for YOUR Life. "No matter how much money you currently make, you can reach most of your financial goals if you have a plan and stick to it. For example, it is possible to retire comfortably with a steady income starting at just $10/hour," Johnson writes. In support of this assertion, the author successfully lays out a 40-year plan which includes adjustments for inflation, taxes, and annual expenses. "The intent of showing you these numbers is just to give you a benchmark," Johnson writes. "There are many ways to reach your financial goals. Start to map out you own plan."

ôKnowledge in youth is wisdom in age.ö This English proverb aptly describes the heart of this author and the goal of Guiding Principles for Managing Money. Derek E. Johnson writes this book from lessons learned as a former student and the mindset of a successful businessman. Derek is a graduate of Morehouse College and Georgia Institute of Technology where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, respectively. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia. Derek is a Derek E. Johnson member of Phi Beta Kappa Society and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.Derek has worked in various positions ranging from engineering to software product management. While working at BellSouth and Cingular, Derek was a member of the team which managed the multi-billion dollar technology migration from TDMA to GSM and provided business analysis for BellSouth Mobility SBC Wireless entities to form Cingular Wireless. During his employment, he filed four patents with BellSouth Intellectual Property. As a product manager at Optimi Corporation, Derek oversaw the growth of his product from $1 million to $20 million in three years. Derek is the president of Unique Publishers and the owner of the You Always Have OptionsSM brand.Derek's hobbies include playing chess, reading, and helping people. He continues to explore other opportunities to share his talents and passion for empowering those around him.Guiding Principles for Managing Money is the first book in the You Always Have OptionsSM series which is designed to make people aware of their options by presenting the knowledge and skills necessary to take control over their future.