The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money

Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs

By: Jill Schlesinger

Narrated by: Jill Schlesinger

You’re smart. So don’t be dumb about money. Pinpoint your biggest money blind spots and take control of your finances with these tools from CBS News Business Analyst and host of the nationally syndicated radio show Jill on Money, Jill Schlesinger.

“A must-read...This straightforward and pleasingly opinionated book may persuade more of us to think about financial planning.” (Financial Times)

Hey you...you saw the title. You get the deal. You’re smart. You’ve made a few dollars. You’ve done what the financial books and websites tell you to do. So why isn’t it working? Maybe emotions and expectations are getting in the way of good sense - or you’re paying attention to the wrong people. If you’ve started counting your lattes, for god’s sake, just stop. Listen to this book instead.

After decades of working as a Wall Street trader, investment adviser, and money expert for CBS News, Jill Schlesinger reveals 13 costly mistakes you may be making right now with your money. Drawing on personal stories and a hefty dose of humor, Schlesinger argues that even the brightest people can behave like financial dumb-asses because of emotional blind spots.

So if you’ve saved for college for your kids before saving for retirement, or you’ve avoided drafting a will, this is the book for you. By following Schlesinger’s rules about retirement, college financing, insurance, real estate, and more, you can save money and avoid countless sleepless nights. It could be the smartest investment you make all year.

Praise for The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money

“Common sense is not always common, especially when it comes to managing your money. Consider Jill Schlesinger’s book your guide to all the things you should know about money but were never taught. After reading it, you’ll be smarter, wiser, and maybe even wealthier.” (Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle and The $100 Startup)

“A must-read, whether you’re digging yourself out of a financial hole or stacking up savings for the future, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money is a personal finance gold mine loaded with smart financial nuggets delivered in Schlesinger’s straight-talking, judgment-free style.” (Beth Kobliner, author of Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not) and Get a Financial Life)

©2019 Jill Schlesinger (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Jill Schlesinger is one of the smartest voices in personal finance and money management I know. Ignore her words of wisdom at your financial peril.” (Helaine Olen, blogger for The Washington Post and author of Pound Foolish)

“The vast majority of people, including highly sophisticated investors, will recognize one if not several of the thirteen ‘dumb things’ Jill Schlesinger brilliantly discusses in this engaging and important book. I know I did. Drawing on a highly accomplished career- not just as an astute observer of personal finance but also as a planner and options trader - she arms readers with knowledge and tools to help correct existing financial planning mistakes, as well as avoid potentially costly ones in the future.” (Mohamed A. El-Erian, chief economic adviser, Allianz, and author of The New York Times best sellers When Markets Collide and The Only Game in Town)

“We don’t talk nearly enough about money, which is odd given its central place in most of our lives. And it’s shockingly easy for even smart, accomplished people to get tripped up by bad habits or just plain lack of knowledge about money management. Jill Schlesinger has written an eye-opening, practical, and funny book about how we screw up and how we can get it right. I needed this book ten years ago! I’m glad I have it now.” (Alison Green, author of Ask a Manager)

Amazing, Please do you good and listen!

I highly recommend this book. It was a pity I appeared in some chapters, but of those I am now out of it, I recognize the wisdom in all what is explain. Thank you to the author for working on this book that can save millions of lives, not just money… impact is huge.
I do not live in the US so there might not all apply to me but overall the book gave me lots of tips and huge advise on how I can plan better for my future. Grateful of choosing it.

Actually Useful

A lot of people who write about money make it a mindset thing and act as if they are your life coach. This author actually shares legal tactics and real world advice which is factual and useful for investing. She also shares common pitfalls and the kind of documents needed for specific situations. One of the most useful financial books I have purchase to date.

Excellent information

The book is a little wordy, but the information is excellent. I disagree with Jill regarding real estate as an investment, as long as its not bare land. Never invest in bare land! Outside of that, trusting a commissioned financial planner, not passive investing, trying to time the market and the lack of a will are my dumb things. I'm glad I read the book, I'm financially wiser for it.

Money advise that makes sense

Get it.

Seriously, this is not a magic trick get rich plan for managing your money. It’s just sensible, level headed real talk about what to do with your money. Definitely recommend.

Good Book!

This book had lots of great tips, and I feel safer moving forward with my financial goals after reading it. Thanks for all the great tips!

Wow great book

The performance is great and the books it’s self is great. It gave me kick in my ass to get up and doo something and made me review some of the things in my life.

Surprisingly insightful

As someone who has read their fair share of personal finance books, and generally expects them to be full of similar advice in many areas, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth that Jill goes into some of the lesser discussed topics. In particular, her section talking about the physiology behind multi-generational financial trauma is something you will find in few other personal finance treatises. Overall an excellent complementary book on personal finance.

great read!

great, relatable, practical advice. Jill's real world story telling illustrate the info well. enjoyed my first audible book

A must listen to everyone

This as been a very interesting and informative journey with Aunt Jill!
Made me think a lot about my decisions and have a lot of call to actions going forward

Practical real life advice

Practical real life advice. Down to earth. I really recommend this book, professionals make mistakes like these described all the time.