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Rating: 
Summary: An excellent first step to the experience
Review: As a recent sudden money recipient, I found the book to be a very good initial exposure to the flood of feelings and responsibilities associated with my windfall. While I won't deny that extensive research remains to be done on the subject, the book is written clearly and simply enough to help even the most unfamiliar reader as to the path that lies ahead. Readers are likely to find that a great deal of the book does not apply directly to them, but they should be examined anyway....along with the specific sections pertaining to their unique situation.I would have liked to see more information regarding tax implications, and clearer instructions as to finding a CFP specializing in this area. All in all, however, the advice was invaluable, if only to reinforce what I already suspected and to explain why I felt as I did during the process. My two bits: do not underestimate the value of the DFZ (decision-free zone) as a first step! From firsthand experience, I'd recommend that the chapters on winning the lottery be excerpted and made required reading for all winners before they're allowed to cash that check!
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Summary: A great book to be read before Sudden Money
Review: I am a fee-only Certified Financial Planner that has heard Susan Bradley and read her book. Susan's book provides a good introductory overview of the issue that seems to be quite useful for those receiving smaller inheritances (<$3-4 million). So many people receive inheritances of $500K to $1 million and think they are rich. Susan's book helps them put things in perspective. Unfortunately many come to me after they have the money and have already started making the mistakes she discusses. She does not have an axe to grind nor pushes any particular method of settlement--as each situation determines the method. I like her approach of (1) don't do anything initially- Decision Free Zone(2) understand the emotions--a huge item(3) get some professional advice (3) lay out a plan (4)move deliberately. Consequently, I recommend or give a copy of her book to those getting or have just gotten an inheritance or a large sudden influx of money. Great book from a nice person.
Rating:
Summary: A great book to be read before Sudden Money
Review: I am a fee-only Certified Financial Planner that has heard Susan Bradley and read her book. Susan's book provides a good introductory overview of the issue that seems to be quite useful for those receiving smaller inheritances (<$3-4 million). So many people receive inheritances of $500K to $1 million and think they are rich. Susan's book helps them put things in perspective. Unfortunately many come to me after they have the money and have already started making the mistakes she discusses. She does not have an axe to grind nor pushes any particular method of settlement--as each situation determines the method. I like her approach of (1) don't do anything initially- Decision Free Zone(2) understand the emotions--a huge item(3) get some professional advice (3) lay out a plan (4)move deliberately. Consequently, I recommend or give a copy of her book to those getting or have just gotten an inheritance or a large sudden influx of money. Great book from a nice person.
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Summary: Learning about the Decision Free Zone gave me Freedom!
Review: I found Susan's book the day I had been a guest on ABC-TV's Deborah Duncan Show. To my surprise the Borders Books that I was to do a booksigning at had ordered this Susan's book instead of my own. There I was with 20 of Susan Bradley, CFP's book on Sudden Money instead of my own book: "How to be Irresistible to the Opposite Sex!" The store manager was mortified! But I thought it was serendipitous! I had to buy it! I am awesome at helping people find an irresistible soulmate, but money? I am now emotionally and mentally ready for a large advance for a future book without fear. Additionally... whenever I am feeling overwhelmed in any area of my life I declare a DFZ or Decision FREE Zone. My office staff, family and I find using this concept very freeing and productive. Thankyou to my fellow Susan Bradley! I wish there had been more books about money and Money Camps out there when I was growing up. I want my own daughter to attend your Money Camp this summer. PS I've read 6 books about money in the last 5 months and I truly belive that even people who aren't expecting sudden money should read this book, it gives one a more savvy perspective about wealth.
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Summary: Best to read it BEFORE you need it
Review: I suspect there are quite a few people who will read Sudden Money only after they have received a windfall, whereas the practical guidance it offers is highly useful for anyone who might someday need it. Although I began the book because I was academically interested in the psychological transformations sudden money brings, I found that simply reading it began to create transformations in the way I personally think about my own long term goals and how sudden money could influence how I can achieve them. The chapter on Giving and Sharing is useful even for people who never receive a windfall, because it teaches the value for anyone to have a plan for giving and to begin giving from wherever one is rather than postponing it for some future abundance. This book will help many people break through the unspoken injunction not to speak of family money matters. The writing style, direct and simple, matches the subject well, and may inspire you to be more direct and simple in raising money issues with the people nearest you.
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Summary: This is a grade school level book for a PHD topic
Review: The topic of Sudden Money is not one that has been studied the way that it should be. The best book ever written on the subject was Amy Domini's "The Challanges of Wealth" which was written in 1989. It did what what Sudden Money should. It really talks about what is important in any sudden money situation, the ability to control your emotions, know who to listen to avoid well meaning advice from family and "friends". I am President of a company who assist injury victims with their finances and have 19 years of study on the Sudden Money topic. I was hoping Sudden Money would be something to give to staff and clients but it is not even close. There are two easy to read books that everyone from the secretary to the President of our organizations must read before they join us, A Piece of the Action by Joseph Nocera and the Millionaire Next Door by Tom Stanley. Nocera gives a history of personal finance and Stanley gives perspective as to why some people are wealthy and others are not. Read those and don't waste your money on Sudden Money. The Sudden Money book does a good job of promoting what Bradley is selling, her seminars. There is not nearly enough detail of the emotional side of dealing with a settlement which is a LOT more important than picking the right products or advisor. When it comes to picking the right products, Bradley shows she does not even know about even some basic techniques. In the whopping eight pages she devotes to insurance settlements ($200 billion a year is paid out in these settlements so it affects more people than discussing lottery winners) she does not even mention structured settlements, the most popular financial tool used on cases of $1,000,000 or more! It is a tax free spreadthrift concept that only injured people can receive. $5 billion a year goes into structured settlements and after 19 years experience and writing numerous academic articles on insurance settlements, I can say with certainity is the best way for injured people to avoid a lot of problems. Bradley apparently has never heard of the idea. Maybe someone should go to one of her seminars and tell her about what is REALLY going on in the financial planning world. Bradley is media savvy and a great self promoter. I hope her book is not too successful as the last thiing a person with Sudden Money needs is poor advice. Don McNay...
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