How Much Is Enough? Making Financial Decisions That Create Wealth and Well-being

232 Pages·2009·1.59 MB·English

by  Arun Abey

What people said about the first edition of
How Much Is Enough?
“The best book I have ever read on money, happiness, and the steps you can take to achieve your
dreams. With simple explanations, easy-to-follow suggestions, and a gentle grace, the authors
guide you along the path to greater self-understanding and enhanced well-being. It is an
outstanding book. Read it and you will live a happier life.”
—Dr. Richard L. Peterson, founder, Market Psychology Consulting, and author of Inside the
Investor’s Brain: The Power of Mind over Money
“Simply put, this is a GREAT book to read, but you’ll find it’s even a BETTER book to use. As I
read it, I found myself wishing I had written it myself.”
—Doug Lennick, CFP, CEO, Lennick Aberman Group, and coauthor of Moral Intelligence:
Enhancing Business Performance and Leadership Success
“The authors open a whole new world that ties the psyche to the state of our finances. How Much
Is Enough? is more than any guidebook found on the shelves of the self-help section. Its
outstanding quality is the depth at which it explores the tie between mental choices and the
decisions that govern our financial status … the ideas that have been introduced challenge the
way we see money and proffer a guide to maximize our wealth potential.”
—MillionaireAsia, January 2008
“Fascinating and challenging. I’ve read it from cover to cover and can’t stop thinking about it.
I’ve determined to buy it for each of my children.”
—Dr. Rosemary Howell, chairman, Strategic Action Pty. Ltd.
“Threatens to have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences for financial planning.”
—Sydney Morning Herald, November 17, 2007
“Wonderful insights into the role of money, happiness, and how to lead a meaningful life.”
—Raymond Ackerman, founder, Pick ’n Pay, and author of Hearing Grasshoppers Jump
“Conveys a central message. Work from the inside out. Financial success is only one part of a
multifaceted person. Knowing what is important to you is the first thing you need to know;
getting the resources to achieve that ultimate goal is just a supporting role. There is the need for
the earnest pursuit of a different type of capital. Happiness Capital.”
—Wealth, September 2007
“Thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting—I will be permanently better off for having read
it.”
—James O’Loughlin, author of The Real Warren Buffett
“Abey and Ford delve into the reasons why even though we’re living longer, are richer and have
more choices than ever before, many of us fail to choose things in life that make us truly happy.
This practical guide uses interesting real life case studies to illustrate its teachings … not only
will this book inspire you, it will guide you through practical strategies to enable you to live your
dream.”
—The Finder, September 2007

Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press
Austin, TX
www.greenleafbookgroup.com
First edition published 2007 by A&B Publishers Pty. Ltd. atf A&B Trust, Australia
Copyright ©2009 by Arun Abey and Andrew Ford
All rights reserved under all copyright conventions.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
permission from the publisher.
Distributed by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
For ordering information or special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Greenleaf Book
Group LLC at PO Box 97869, Austin, TX 78709, [phone].
Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Publisher’s Cataloging-In-Publication Data
(Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.) Abey, Arun.
How much is enough? : making financial decisions that create wealth and well-being / Arun
Abey & Andrew Ford. -- 2nd ed.
p. : charts ; cm.
Previous ed. published: [Sydney], Australia : A&B Publishers Pty Ltd atf A&B Trust, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
eISBN: 978-1-60832149-0
1. Finance, Personal. 2. Investments. I. Ford, Andrew (Andrew Robert James), 1968-II. Title.
HG179 .A249 2009
332.024/01 2008944175
Part of the Tree Neutral™ program, which offsets the number of trees
consumed in the production and printing of this book by taking
proactive steps, such as planting trees in direct proportion to the
number of trees used: www.treeneutral.com
Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper
09 10 11 12 13 14 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
Second Edition
Authors’ note: This book provides general information about money,
investment, and people’s attitudes toward these subjects. Every effort has
been made to ensure that the contents of the book are accurate at the
time of publication. Investment markets and the factors that drive them
are constantly changing, however. Information in the book is in no way
intended to replace or supersede independent or other professional
advice. Neither the authors nor the publisher may be held responsible
for any action or claim resulting from the use of this book or any
information contained in it. References to dollars, unless otherwise
specified, are to U.S. dollars.
The various case studies and stories of people’s lives are drawn from
real-life experiences that in some cases involve composite stories.
People’s names have been changed in these stories to protect their
privacy.
To our clients around the world,
who have given us their trust and
the privilege of sharing in their life dreams
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction Richer and Happier
1 The Bridge of Well-being
PART
Chapter 1 The Foundations
Chapter 2 The Meaning of Money
Chapter 3 The Happiness Challenge
Chapter 4 Strategies for Well-being
Chapter 5 Kids, Money, and Happiness
Chapter 6 Giving with Meaning
Further Reading for Part 1
2 Wealth Habits
PART
Chapter 7 The Investment Prize
Chapter 8 The Madness of Myopia
Chapter 9 How to Be Prudent and Take the Long View
Chapter 10 The Puzzling Properties of Property
Chapter 11 Confronting the Enemy Within
Further Reading for Part 2
Wealth and Well-being
PART 3