Title: Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry
Author: Kelly Richmond Pope
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
Publishing Date: March 21, 2023
Who is this book for?
Anyone who has ever wondered why investors were easily duped by Elizabeth Holmes, or how any of the thousands of scams fraudsters pull off each year is successful.
Anyone who has ever wondered how to identify the scams that cost consumers and businesses trillions of collective dollars annually.
What’s inside this book?
Fascinating stories and insightful analysis on fraud, culled from Pope’s years as a forensic accounting expert.
On-target tips for recognizing fraud and protecting yourself from becoming a victim.
4 questions this book will answer for you:
How is it possible for scammers to dupe successful mega-businesses, as well as educated, bright consumers?
What really motivates whistleblowers?
Are my beliefs about fraud legitimate?
What really makes perps tick and victims gullible?
What people are saying about this book:
“Fool Me Once is insightful, educational, and highly entertaining. Based on hundreds of hours of direct personal contact with fraudsters, Kelly Richmond Pope offers a riveting take on the human side of fraud. A must-read!” — Bethany McLean
“Fool Me Once is required reading for anyone who wants to better understand perpetrators, victims, and whistleblowers and how to better prevent, detect, and investigate fraud.” — Cynthia Cooper
“Accessible, humorous, and engaging, Fool Me Once includes fascinating stories from the perspective of one of the nation’s foremost fraud research experts. I recommend this book for corporate and academic discussion or for anyone interested in understanding and preventing fraud. I do not recommend it for potential fraudsters!” — Paula A. Price
“Fool Me Once sets the bar high for how to protect yourself from scammers. It is an essential read.” — Joe Navarro
TikTok Inspo: Can you sell us on picking up a copy of this book? Give us your take on Fool Me Once in a 15-second video.
There are so many popular workplace communication platforms available today, each of them offering a range of features to support team collaboration and communication. Here are some of the most popular platforms, along with a brief overview of their key features.
Slack
Slack is a cloud-based communication platform that allows teams to communicate and collaborate in real-time. It offers a range of features including direct messaging, group channels, file sharing and integration with other tools. Slack also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, which makes it easy to stay in contact with the team while on the go.
Users love Slack’s screen share and video conferencing, claiming it’s quicker than competitors, but they don’t love the lack of customizable backgrounds or the minimal storage capacity on the platform.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that integrates with other Microsoft services, including Exchange, SharePoint and OneDrive. Teams offers real-time messaging, video and audio calls, file sharing and integration with a wide range of other tools and services.
Microsoft Teams offers benefits like advanced chat features with badges, GIFs and stickers, which always make workplace communications more fun. Also, many companies will not need to make an additional purchase to use Microsoft Teams, as it’s included in Microsoft 365, which they may already have. However, there are some disadvantages to this platform as well, such as limited capability for internal communications, challenging navigation and a complicated search interface.
Zoom
The video conferencing platform that exploded during the coronavirus pandemic is still a favorite among businesses across the world. The cloud-based platform allows teams to hold virtual meetings and webinars at no cost, with extra features and unlimited meetings available through subscription. Zoombombs are an unwelcome part of this platform, but virtual backgrounds are a favorite among users, because who doesn’t love attending a work meeting from outer space?
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)
Google Workspace is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools that includes Gmail, Google Drive and Google Meet. Workspace offers real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets and presentations, along with video and audio calling, making it a popular choice for remote teams. The live Docs and Sheets, which can be reviewed, edited and updated by any team member who’s been granted access, make teamwork easy. However, some users complain of integration issues with Google Meet.
Asana
Asana is a project management and team collaboration platform that allows teams to track their work, set and manage tasks and share files. Asana offers integration with other tools and services, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android. Users find the task calendar to be super-convenient and user-friendly, though some complain that the mobile app is too limited and that too many emails result from use of the product.
Each of these platforms has its strengths and weaknesses, so the right choice for your team will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Your Turn: Do you use one of these platforms at work? Tell us what you love about it in the comments.
Title: The Art of Bouncing Back: Find Your Flow to Thrive at Work and in Life ― Any Time You’re Off Your Game
Author: Darleen “Coach Dar” Santore
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Publishing date: Feb. 28, 2023
Who is this book for?
Anyone struggling through a rough patch with their finances or another area in life.
Anyone looking to build a stronger emotional foundation to help them survive – and thrive – when life throws them curveballs.
What’s inside this book?
Coach Dar’s proven strategies and techniques as a mental skills coach to help others with bouncing back when life gets them down.
Coach Dar’s stories of how she and her clients rebounded after financial devastation and other setbacks throughout her 25+ year career.
4 lessons you’ll learn from this book:
Any adversity you face in life can create new opportunities for growth.
Pour a strong emotional foundation now to prepare yourself for future challenges.
When you connect with your “Why-Power,” you can create your own bounce-back environment.
Every setback you encounter in life can be instantly reframed.
4 questions this book will answer for you:
How do world-class athletes suffer through defeat and come back stronger; and how can I do the same?
How can I increase my confidence, emotional intelligence, agility and resilience to build my business or career?
What’s the right way to accept feedback?
How can I identify the exact pivot I need to push myself forward?
What people are saying about this book:
“In The Art of Bouncing Back, Coach Dar shares 9 simple and practical ways to not only bounce back but thrive again. A must-have guide in everyone’s home.”— Bob Goff
“This book is an essential road map for those needing hope, tools for change, and a vision for their lives.” — J. Douglas Holladay
“Anyone who has had the privilege of learning from Coach Dar knows she offers sage counsel and guidance, and as a person she is truly one of a kind. When applying her leadership principles, our executive team was able to successfully lead a Fortune 500 Company through the uncharted waters of a global pandemic and come out on the other side stronger and more aligned than ever.” — Sheryl Palmer
“The Art of Bouncing Back is a must-read!..There is something in it for everyone.” — John H. Dalton
Your Turn: What did you think of The Art of Bouncing Back? Share your opinion in the comments.
Title: Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World
Author: Amy Porterfield
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Hay House Business
Publishing date: Feb. 21, 2023
Who is this book for?
Frustrated, overworked or under-stimulated employees who are looking for more time, flexibility, recognition, income and impact.
Employees seeking a way to leave their job and start their own business.
What’s inside this book?
A step-by-step blueprint for financial freedom through business ownership.
Three revenue-generating strategies.
Porterfield’s strategies, stories and mindset shifts as a 9-5 escapee who built an 8-figure online business on her own terms.
4 lessons you’ll learn from this book:
How to use your 10-percent edge to build a foolproof marketing plan.
How to give notice and “unboss”.
How to set your business up for success.
How to build your company website and a social media following.
4 questions this book will answer for you:
How do I build up the courage to leave my job?
How do I navigate the most common boss traps, like self-sabotage and “superwoman syndrome”?
What do I need to know before I start my own business?
How do I identify my ideal customer avatar?
What people are saying about this book:
“…Amy does a remarkable job breaking down the steps for creating a passion-filled life and business. If you’re a woman dreaming of breaking through the glass ceiling to create a life on your terms and enjoy the process along the way, this book is exactly what you need.”
— Mel Robbins
“Ready to ditch your 9–5 and follow your dreams? Then get this book now! In her signature step-by-step style, Amy delivers a practical and inspiring blueprint to becoming your own boss.”
— Marie Forleo
“Amy unveils the mindset, skill set, and grit required to quit your job and unboss with clarity. Not only will you find the courage to give your two weeks’ notice, but this book will guide you step by step through navigating entrepreneurship with a greater sense of peace, purpose, and freedom.”
— Patrice Washington
“If you’ve been daydreaming of starting your own business and being your own boss but have no idea where to start, this book is just the motivation you need. Entertaining and incredibly inspiring, it’s packed with actual practical advice that will set you up for major success.”
— Alli Webb
Your Turn: Have you read “Two Weeks Notice” or plan to do so? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Title: Wealth Habits: Six Ordinary Steps to Achieve Extraordinary Financial Freedom
Author: Candy Valentino
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Wiley
Publishing date: Nov. 15, 2022
Who is this book for?
Anyone lacking connections and/or an education who’s wanting to build wealth.
Seasoned entrepreneurs, young adults and everyone in between who is looking for financial guidance.
What’s inside this book?
Candy’s own story of how she opened her first store at age 19 (without the benefit of a college education) and built it into a 7-figure business before most of her friends had even completed college.
The six key habits to building wealth:
Long-term investing strategies
How to recession-proof your life
Ways to keep money out of the IRS’ hands
What to teach your children about money
How to establish financial protection and security
The secrets to keep more of the money you make (so you can invest more of it)
4 questions this book will answer for you:
Can I get ahead in life without having a formal education?
What are the key habits needed for building wealth?
Is it too late to turn my money story around?
How can I overcome obstacles to my financial freedom?
What people are saying about this book:
“I love the way Candy thinks. She shows you how to collapse time in a way the most successful people I know have done: breaking wealth down to the simplest form of the game to create success. This book should be required reading for every high school student, aspiring entrepreneur, or anyone who wants to turn the tables on their current financial situation.” – Rick Steele
“People that build wealth do things differently. Not only does Candy understand this from her own experience, but she does a masterful job of giving the reader actionable steps to immediately put them on the path to financial freedom and generational wealth. She has cracked the code, and if you’re looking to change your financial reality, this book is for you.” – Todd Davis
“Candy Valentino is the real deal! She’s overcome massive obstacles and built practical systems to help anyone achieve massive wealth. I highly recommend this book!” – Rory Vaden
“Candy Valentino is an Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur! By researching and interviewing the various stages of wealth creation from industry leaders, Candy has really done a masterful job of simplifying the complex. This book is a must read!” – Tom Hatten
Your Turn: What did you think of Wealth Habits? Share your opinion in the comments.
Q: I’m looking for tools to help me actually keep the financial resolutions I made for the New Year, but I’m confused by all the options. What are the best personal finance apps that can help me stick to my money resolutions this year?
A: These days, there’s an app for virtually anything; and personal finance is no exception. The app market is flooded with personal finance apps, but there are a select few that stand out for their excellent functionality and ease of use. Here, we’ve reviewed five of the most popular personal finance apps to help you stick to your financial resolutions.
Basic Features: The wildly popular money management app lets you track your bills, categorize and review your spending and monitor your credit health, all at no cost.
Mint excels at providing a complete financial picture in one location. You can link your credit and debit cards to the app, and Mint will read your transactions, categorize them and show you how you’re spending your money. Access your credit score and get a breakdown of how your score is determined. You can also easily create a budget within one of the most popular personal finance apps on the market.
The one significant downside to Mint is the ads, which many users find excessive, intrusive and annoying.
Cost: Budgeting tool is free. Wealth management costs 0.89% of the balance, up to $1,000,000.
Free trial: No
Basic features: Allows you to manage your assets and investments along with your everyday spending.
Personal Capital promotes itself as an overall personal finance app, but it really shines at investment management. Track your portfolio by account, asset class or individual security and identify new opportunities for diversification and risk management, all on the app.
The disadvantages of Personal Capital include the relatively high cost for wealth management and complicated budgeting features.
Basic features: Import transactions from your checking account and apply them to each budget category to get a full picture of your spending habits. Adjust budgeting categories as necessary and review detailed reports of how spending is progressing throughout the month.
You Need a Budget (YNAB) is an app built around YNAB’s famed four rules for improved overall financial health:
Give every dollar a job.
Embrace your true expenses.
Roll with the punches.
Age your money.
The app provides highly detailed budgeting tools and spending reports for the ultimate in money management. YNAB claims its users save an average of $600 in the first two months, and more than $6,000 in the first year.
The cons of YNAB include a premium subscription price and multiple features that can be confusing for new users and those who prefer a simpler interface.
Basic features: Track and pay your monthly bills with ease.
Prism takes the stress out of bills. Sync the app with thousands of billers nationwide, add your bills and Prism will automatically track them for you. You’ll get friendly reminders when a bill is nearly due and you can even use the app to schedule payments several days in advance. Never miss a bill payment again!
Prism is an excellent app for bill payment, but it’s otherwise limited in its money management functions. You won’t be able to create a budget or track expenses outside bill payments on the app.
Basic features: Blends automated investing with expansive portfolio customization’s.
M1 Finance offers more than 60 pre-built portfolios, or “pies,” for users to choose as their own investment strategy. There’s also the option of building your portfolio on your own in the app. M1 can be a fabulous tool for investors who are looking for automation that aligns with their personal preferences, risk tolerance and investment goals.
While M1 shines as a no-fee investment app, it fails at offering several key features that other competing apps boast, including tax-loss harvesting, advisors and syncing external accounts for investment purposes.
It’s a new year, and a new chance at improving your financial wellness. Use this guide to find the perfect apps to help you reach your financial goals this year.
Your Turn: Which apps are you using to help you keep your financial New Year’s resolutions? Share them with us in the comments.
Title: What to Do Next: Taking Your Best Step When Life Is Uncertain
Author: Jeff Henderson
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing date: August 23, 2022
Who is this book for?
Anyone interested in changing their career or life circumstances, but unsure of how to take that first step.
What’s inside this book?
A practical guide toward reevaluating your purpose and determining your next step in your life and in your career.
Jeff’s personal story and insights he’s learned along his own journey from marketer to church-founder and beyond.
The “Career Risk Calculator” to help you determine if you’re ready for change.
4 lessons you’ll learn from this book:
How to identify what to do, and what not to do when making decisions about change.
How to exchange fear and confusion for confidence, freedom and purpose.
How to cultivate optimal options in your life to guide you toward better decision-making.
How to prepare for changes, both planned and unplanned.
4 questions this book will answer for you:
How can I pursue more meaning in my life?
How do I know if I need a change?
Is who I am right now as important as who I am becoming?
I know I’m ready for change, so what’s my best next step?
What people are saying about this book:
“The Great Resignation has resulted in millions of people wondering what’s next for them. It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about Jeff Henderson’s book. His practical and winsome approach will have you highlighting, laughing, and enjoying the story. All the while, he’ll help you take important steps toward figuring out what’s next for you.”–Michael Hyatt
“As a fellow restless traveler who took a career leap of faith in my fifties, I found comfort in Jeff Henderson’s journey … Change is hard. But Jeff Henderson helps make it easier.”–Stephanie Stuckey
“In an era when millions of people are facing a seemingly infinite set of career options and rethinking their futures, Jeff Henderson arrives with a thoughtful, highly practical and generous book. If you’re looking for actionable strategies and wise counsel, pull up a chair and let Jeff coach you.”–Carey Nieuwhof
“Reading this book is like having a million-dollar coach in your corner helping you navigate your next move confidently.”–Sangram Vajre
“Authentic. Helpful. Freeing….What to Do Next is a must-read resource for anyone looking for clarity, empowerment, and vision for what’s ahead.” –Shelley Giglio
Your Turn: What did you think of What to Do Next? Share your opinion in the comments.
Title: Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together
Author: Erin Lowry
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: TarcherPerigee
Publishing date: May 2, 2017
Who is this book for?
Cash-strapped 20- and 30-somethings who are always stressing about money.
Anyone looking to take control of their financial health.
What’s inside this book?
A step-by-step guide to take you from broke to financial master.
Tips and tricks for tackling every kind of money situation, in addition to basics, like investing, credit card debt and budgeting.
Anecdotes from Erin’s own journey from a debt-crushed millennial to a money master who successfully negotiated a 40% raise.
4 lessons you’ll learn from this book:
How to understand your personal relationship with money.
How to manage student loan debt without falling into a panic.
How to successfully navigate social outings in which you’re the only broke one among your friends.
How to find out about your partner’s true financial health.
4 questions this book will answer for you:
Should I treat money more like a Tinder date or a marriage?
Is it possible to conquer a mountain of debt without getting a massive windfall?
How can I learn about money on millennial terms?
How can I get on the same money page as my partner?
What people are saying about this book:
“Broke Millennial takes the typical preaching and finger-wagging out of money lessons and replaces them with humor, empathy and a fun, pick-your-financial-path twist, while offering helpful and practical advice to successfully navigate all the financial questions you’ll face in the real world.”— Farnoosh Torabi
“Rich with specific advice to guide readers on the path to financial wellness. Millennials who may be overspending because of #FOMO need to read this book stat!”— Bobbi Rebell
“Thinking about money, especially when you don’t have much, can be painful. But Erin Lowry shows that you don’t need to be a mathematical genius to get on the right track. She makes it easy for people to build a financially healthy plan for life. Spend some time with this book, and your financial decisions and confidence will improve, no doubt.”— Nicholas Clements
“If you’re looking for a book to give to a recent grad, your friend who has no idea what a budget is, or just want to read a personal finance book from someone like you who’s been there…you absolutely need to grab a copy of Broke Millennial.” — Jessica Moorhouse
Your Turn: What did you think of Broke Millennial? Share your opinion in the comments.
Get ready for savings on big-ticket items this month! Retailers are looking to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed, and bargain prices are always a great way to attract shoppers. They also need to clear shelves before the holiday season blows in with its shopping frenzy. Add in the Labor Day sales that kick off the month, and it means big savings during September – but not on everything. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in September.
Buy: Mattresses and bedding
Mattress sales practically give Labor Day its awesome name, and for good reason. You can find crazy-deep discounts on mattresses this month at almost any retailer that sells them. Top off the deal with some bedding and bath supplies, which are also selling at bargain prices. Be sure to start comparison-shopping at least a week or two before Labor Day to snag the best deal. After all, if you snooze, you lose.
Skip: Halloween costumes and decor
Retailers might have you thinking Halloween is tomorrow, but you still have plenty of time to prep for Oct. 31. Though Halloween costumes and decor will hit the stores this month, it’s best to hold off on these purchases until October rolls around, as that’s the earliest you’ll start seeing scary-low discounts.
Buy: Airfare
Since the days are getting shorter, it’s time to think winter! The holidays will be here before you can blink, and if you’re looking to grab airline tickets at a great price, you may want to shop for them now. The best deals on plane tickets usually show up eight weeks before the travel date, and for Thanksgiving, that means you’ll need to buy tickets in September. Look out for deals on tickets at the end of the month to save big on your travel plans.
Skip: Autumn wear
It’s too early in the season for slashed prices on clothing. Pick up some essentials if you must, but you’re best off waiting until October or November to shop for your complete autumn wardrobe at sizzling-hot prices.
Buy: Plants
Hold onto summer a little bit longer with some vibrant greenery. All summer plants, trees and shrubs will be retailing at dirt-cheap prices this month as garden centers make room for autumn and holiday plants. This can be a terrific time to upgrade your property’s landscaping with some well-placed perennials. You can also find some fabulous deals on summer flowers, though you may not have much time left to enjoy them.
Skip: Electronics
Labor Day might bring some incredible deals on big-ticket items, but electronics aren’t among them. Instead, TVs, headphones, audio systems and more tend to see their lowest prices during Black Friday sale events. Wait just a little bit longer and you can snag a fantastic deal on an electronic item you’ve been eyeing for months.
Buy: Denim
Jeans are a hot item during back-to-school shopping. Come September, retailers will slash prices to unload their unsold inventory. Cash in on a great deal by shopping these sales for a new pair of denim jeans this month.
Buy: Beauty and skincare products
Early autumn is a great time to stock up on beauty and skincare products. As college students pack up to head back to the dorm and consumers pick up skincare routines, prices may have dropped over the summer. Look for price cuts on products like shampoo, body wash, moisturizer and all kinds of cosmetics from Labor Day and on.
It’s back to school, back to work and back to savings this month! Use this guide to know what to buy and what to skip in September.
Your Turn: Have you picked up any great bargains in September? Tell us about them in the comments.
Survey scams are almost as old as the internet. They’re so prevalent, you can hardly spend an hour online without running into an ad for a “super quick” survey promising a reward for just a few minutes of your time.
What actually happens, though, is that the scammer walks away with a free survey, or worse, your information and/or your money. The alert consumer can spot a survey scam easily, but fraudsters are unfortunately becoming more sophisticated at luring innocent victims into their schemes.
Don’t get caught! Here are eight ways to spot a survey scam:
You’re asked to pay to participate in a survey
Authentic survey companies need you – you don’t need them. There’s absolutely no reason to pay to take a survey of any kind. If you’re targeted by an ad asking you to take a survey and to pay for the privilege of doing so, don’t respond.
You’re asked to share sensitive information before you can take the survey
They’d really appreciate it if you could take this quick survey for them. They just need some information from you first, like your Social Security number, date of birth and maybe even your checking account number. If a survey company asks for anything more than basic information from you, sign out as quickly as you can.
They advertise on Craigslist and similar sites asking for your email address
“Survey companies” that advertise on sites like Craigslist asking you to share your email address are usually fronts for scam rings. They use the bogus surveys as bait so you will share your email address. Once they have this information, they’ll use it to spam you with scam emails, phishing schemes, malware or worse. Alternatively, they’ll sell your email address to another scam ring to be used for similar purposes.
They offer too much money
If a survey is offering you $100 for a 20-question survey that shouldn’t take you more than five minutes to complete, you can be sure you’re looking at a scam. No legitimate survey company is that desperate. The pay for authentic survey-taking is generally on a much more modest scale.
You’re directed to download attachments
Any time an unknown contact asks you to download attachments to your device, be super-suspicious. More often than not, these are scams and the attachments are loaded with malware. Don’t respond to the offer, and if it was made via email, be sure to report the email address as spam.
They advertise aggressively
If the same solicitation for survey participation keeps popping up across your screen, you may be looking at a scam. Scammers tend to flood their targets with ads in the hopes that one of them will actually work. Similarly, if the survey offer is full of unbelievable testimonials of past
participants, you’re likely looking at a scam. Legitimate survey companies don’t need to try so desperately hard to get people to take their surveys.
They give you an hour to pre-qualify for the survey
Often, a survey company will want you to answer a few pre-qualifying questions to see if you fit their desired demographic. Scammers exploit the prequalification by having the target answer dozens of questions and then informing them they’ve run out of time and cannot participate in the actual survey. This is false, of course, and the questions the scammer just answered actually were the survey questions, only now they won’t be getting paid for it. Check to see if a survey has a time limit on the prequalification before you start answering questions.
They require an outrageous minimum before payment
Most legitimate survey companies require the survey taker to complete a minimum number of surveys before the first payment. However, scammers require their targets to take an unrealistic number of surveys before they receive their first paycheck. Often, the victim will just quit before they qualify for a payment and the scammers now have these completed surveys without paying anything for them.
Survey-taking can be a great way to earn some pocket money, but survey scams are rampant. Follow these tips to stay safe!
Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a survey scam? Share your experience in the comments.
