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Open Up: Why Talking About Money Will Change Your Life
What does it mean to be 'bad' at money? Money is not a maths problem. Spending, saving, splitting the bill or asking for a pay rise - these are moments dominated by our own hang-ups, habits, anxiety and ambitions. Money features in our friendships, family life, our choice of late-night treat and who we date. And yet it's so often hidden behind shame and silence. We need to start talking about it.Funny, frank, and filled with insights, practical advice and conversations with everyone from company CEOs to debt advisors to housemates, Open Up is the book that will transform your relationship to money. It shows how talking can change your life, relationships and bank balance, and influence bigger issues like pay gaps or the living wage. This book strips away the awkwardness to help you gain knowledge, take control of your finances and finally get 'good' with money.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 23, 2021
"I'm feeling a strong 6 to a light 7 on this thing. Tran-" -Anthony Fantano.
This is not just a one-time-read book where you read it once, extrapolate information -syphon it out-and then leave it on the shelf for the rest of your life. No, instead, it is a sort of guide into millennial money problems and the destigmatization of various commonly-considered-taboo topics of conversation but mostly, the conversation concerning money and its various sub-topics, like "how much money do you make?" or "I've fallen in a sizable amount of debt and I can't get out. What do I do?". It is by talking about more issues like these that equality can be reasonably achieved, at least, according to Alex right here.
My brother described this book to me as Rich Dad Poor Dad but for people who aren't extreme capitalists and although I don't agree with that oversimplification I believe it's right to an extent, in a sense, it talks more about everyday problems for everyday people and talks more generally on money rather than that guru/starting your own business/cooperation but rather speaks in a language and topic view that anyone can get behind.
Although not the most life-altering read, I believe it serves its purpose as a guide into modern capitalist life. However, it does focus more on life in the UK more than others, which is understandable considering the author is from the UK and the target audience is the UK but It's still a pretty useful guide for any capitalist society that isn't entirely corrupt.
3.5/5 stars
This is not just a one-time-read book where you read it once, extrapolate information -syphon it out-and then leave it on the shelf for the rest of your life. No, instead, it is a sort of guide into millennial money problems and the destigmatization of various commonly-considered-taboo topics of conversation but mostly, the conversation concerning money and its various sub-topics, like "how much money do you make?" or "I've fallen in a sizable amount of debt and I can't get out. What do I do?". It is by talking about more issues like these that equality can be reasonably achieved, at least, according to Alex right here.
My brother described this book to me as Rich Dad Poor Dad but for people who aren't extreme capitalists and although I don't agree with that oversimplification I believe it's right to an extent, in a sense, it talks more about everyday problems for everyday people and talks more generally on money rather than that guru/starting your own business/cooperation but rather speaks in a language and topic view that anyone can get behind.
Although not the most life-altering read, I believe it serves its purpose as a guide into modern capitalist life. However, it does focus more on life in the UK more than others, which is understandable considering the author is from the UK and the target audience is the UK but It's still a pretty useful guide for any capitalist society that isn't entirely corrupt.
3.5/5 stars
March 14, 2019
What I like about this book is that it isn’t judgey or condescending. In fact you can really relate to the author. Highly recommended if you’re trying to get your finances on track but don’t want to feel all the shame, secrecy and anxiety associated into doing it. She’s your girl next door meets bestie meets financial advisor and she’s written something important. Something that actually makes you feel empowered and addresses the emotional stress debt can create. Well done.
January 26, 2020
Great help from the book. Really gets you thinking
August 30, 2021
I was reading this book to get quotes and info to use in my university personal statement about women in finance and female finance but this actually turned out to be exactly what I needed right now.
March 6, 2019
Very light read. Enjoyed a lot. Skipped a few chapters as they did not apply to my life but contains a lot of good insight on how to save money and how to spend them. Every chapter is different and there is truly something for everyone. All of us have different relationships with money but no matter how much you earn this books makes you understand how, deep down, we all (or almost all) have the same thoughts about money! Helped me realise that money is a tool and we should use it not fear it! Would recommend!
October 14, 2023
"Lydia acerca de lançar o primeiro número
O meu pai é um excelente homem de negócios e sempre disse: «Nunca digas o primeiro número, porque, no momento em que o fizeres, estarás a limitar-te a esse número.» Chega lá e expõe o teu caso. Apresenta os dados concretos e diz «Ganhei estes clientes» ou «Eu trouxe este valor de retorno». Sempre que fiz isso, o montante que os meus empregadores me lançaram foi superior ao número que eu ia dizer. Como diz o meu pai: «Ninguém irá olhar alguém nos olhos, concordar com todas as coisas que essa pessoa fez e depois desapontá-la.»
Eu já vi isso do outro lado. Em julho, na avaliação de meados do ano, há alguém que me diz «Sabe, sinto que estou a ir mesmo bem. Liderei alguns projetos, consegui aquele negócio importante, e espero mais cinco ou dez mil dólares», e dou comigo a pensar: «Bem, isso é interessante. Eu tinha um número para si, mas, agora que lançou esse valor e que sei que vai ficar satisfeito com isso, prefiro dar-lhe isso, porque preciso de poupar dinheiro»."
"Acerca de fazer perguntas ousadas
Quando estou a mudar de emprego e a negociar para mim mesma, pergunto-lhes sempre: «Como é que podem garantir que vou sair desta conversa com a sensação de que esta é a melhor decisão que alguma vez tomei?» É então que a negociação se torna interessante, porque falamos de assuntos além do dinheiro, e a conversa torna-se muito humana."
"Acerca de ter um plano B
Antes de um amigo ou protegido ir pedir um aumento salarial, pergunto-lhe sempre o que irá fazer se não o conseguir, qual é o seu plano B. Penso que as pessoas devem sempre saber o que irão fazer se a resposta for não - perguntem-se: «É algo que irá quebrar a confiança na relação? Vou seguir em frente? Vou dar a mim mesma seis meses para encontrar outro trabalho?» Penso que ter um plano B nos dá confiança, pois, nesse caso, podemos avançar pensando «Se o conseguir, ótimo; se não conseguir, não faz mal, porque gosto muito do que faço» ou «Se o conseguir, ótimo, e, se não o conseguir, termino aqui e vou à minha vida». "
"Martino acerca da dificuldade de negociação quando eles já sabem quanto ganhamos
Candidatei-me a um cargo de diretor executivo, e isso tinha um salário. Como descobri depois, esse salário era dos mais baixos atribuídos a diretores executivos. Negociei o melhor que pude, mas claro que eles sabiam quanto é que eu ganhava antes, e por isso puderam calcular quanto me oferecer a mais. Se não souberem o nosso salário atual, estaremos numa posição de negociação muito melhor."
O meu pai é um excelente homem de negócios e sempre disse: «Nunca digas o primeiro número, porque, no momento em que o fizeres, estarás a limitar-te a esse número.» Chega lá e expõe o teu caso. Apresenta os dados concretos e diz «Ganhei estes clientes» ou «Eu trouxe este valor de retorno». Sempre que fiz isso, o montante que os meus empregadores me lançaram foi superior ao número que eu ia dizer. Como diz o meu pai: «Ninguém irá olhar alguém nos olhos, concordar com todas as coisas que essa pessoa fez e depois desapontá-la.»
Eu já vi isso do outro lado. Em julho, na avaliação de meados do ano, há alguém que me diz «Sabe, sinto que estou a ir mesmo bem. Liderei alguns projetos, consegui aquele negócio importante, e espero mais cinco ou dez mil dólares», e dou comigo a pensar: «Bem, isso é interessante. Eu tinha um número para si, mas, agora que lançou esse valor e que sei que vai ficar satisfeito com isso, prefiro dar-lhe isso, porque preciso de poupar dinheiro»."
"Acerca de fazer perguntas ousadas
Quando estou a mudar de emprego e a negociar para mim mesma, pergunto-lhes sempre: «Como é que podem garantir que vou sair desta conversa com a sensação de que esta é a melhor decisão que alguma vez tomei?» É então que a negociação se torna interessante, porque falamos de assuntos além do dinheiro, e a conversa torna-se muito humana."
"Acerca de ter um plano B
Antes de um amigo ou protegido ir pedir um aumento salarial, pergunto-lhe sempre o que irá fazer se não o conseguir, qual é o seu plano B. Penso que as pessoas devem sempre saber o que irão fazer se a resposta for não - perguntem-se: «É algo que irá quebrar a confiança na relação? Vou seguir em frente? Vou dar a mim mesma seis meses para encontrar outro trabalho?» Penso que ter um plano B nos dá confiança, pois, nesse caso, podemos avançar pensando «Se o conseguir, ótimo; se não conseguir, não faz mal, porque gosto muito do que faço» ou «Se o conseguir, ótimo, e, se não o conseguir, termino aqui e vou à minha vida». "
"Martino acerca da dificuldade de negociação quando eles já sabem quanto ganhamos
Candidatei-me a um cargo de diretor executivo, e isso tinha um salário. Como descobri depois, esse salário era dos mais baixos atribuídos a diretores executivos. Negociei o melhor que pude, mas claro que eles sabiam quanto é que eu ganhava antes, e por isso puderam calcular quanto me oferecer a mais. Se não souberem o nosso salário atual, estaremos numa posição de negociação muito melhor."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
A very interesting read! Some chapters were more relevant than others but that will be different for everyone. Depends on what you're currently dealing with the most. Highlighted some paragraphs for the future because I'll be sure to come back to it in different life situations for sure.
Inspired me to have a more in-depth money conversation with my parents, because although we talk about money quite regularly, those questions sparked a very interesting discussion and we've all learned more about ourselves. :)
Only when reading it I've realised money actually can be the elephant in the room and it sometimes can cause unnecessary stress and that we've actually needed a book like this.
I can recommend it as quite a light read about money with some action steps but this is not a book that will leave you with a to-do list (also - not advertised as one). It will rather leave you more intrigued to start talking about money more openly and to hopefully live a life in which you have a good relationship with it.
Inspired me to have a more in-depth money conversation with my parents, because although we talk about money quite regularly, those questions sparked a very interesting discussion and we've all learned more about ourselves. :)
Only when reading it I've realised money actually can be the elephant in the room and it sometimes can cause unnecessary stress and that we've actually needed a book like this.
I can recommend it as quite a light read about money with some action steps but this is not a book that will leave you with a to-do list (also - not advertised as one). It will rather leave you more intrigued to start talking about money more openly and to hopefully live a life in which you have a good relationship with it.
December 21, 2020
a self-confessed non-expert on all things finance, alex holder’s premise of open up is more than purely practical or educational.
rather than on ‘how’, open up focusses mostly on ‘why’.
why is it a good idea to look at your finances? to deal with your finances? and why does talking about your finances and money in general make this a smoother, more efficient process?
as such, even though open up covers all the obligatory chapters on personal finance (budgeting, saving, debt, etc.), its strength lies in the fact that it goes further.
it links money - and ultimately the lack of education around money - to deeper social problems.
holder's larger underlying argument connects not talking about money to larger structural issues such as privilege, systematic poverty and mental health.
and ultimately it is this larger context that gives a rare depth to this seemingly ‘simple’ book on money and personal finances.
full review on my blog : https://idealistatheart.com/open-up-b...
rather than on ‘how’, open up focusses mostly on ‘why’.
why is it a good idea to look at your finances? to deal with your finances? and why does talking about your finances and money in general make this a smoother, more efficient process?
as such, even though open up covers all the obligatory chapters on personal finance (budgeting, saving, debt, etc.), its strength lies in the fact that it goes further.
it links money - and ultimately the lack of education around money - to deeper social problems.
holder's larger underlying argument connects not talking about money to larger structural issues such as privilege, systematic poverty and mental health.
and ultimately it is this larger context that gives a rare depth to this seemingly ‘simple’ book on money and personal finances.
full review on my blog : https://idealistatheart.com/open-up-b...
July 25, 2019
I think this is an important book for people who feel slightly queasy with talking about money, facing basic money issues head on, and want to learn how to speak about money to close friends, family and colleagues. That said, it does offer a lot of common sense advice that’s quite basic. For some, this will be something they need to hear; for others, it’s going to be a bit pointless, especially if you’re someone who has being relatively good at saving from a young age or early-ish in your professional life.
As such, this wasn’t the most useful read for me, but it was a quick one, and it includes a lot of mini interviews with various CEOs, entrepreneurs, freelancers and employers and employees, and some were interesting. I had expected more financial advice and perhaps a more in-depth approach in parts. Solid book — but make sure you know what you’re getting.
As such, this wasn’t the most useful read for me, but it was a quick one, and it includes a lot of mini interviews with various CEOs, entrepreneurs, freelancers and employers and employees, and some were interesting. I had expected more financial advice and perhaps a more in-depth approach in parts. Solid book — but make sure you know what you’re getting.
January 27, 2023
Good book. I like how it makes a heavy topic so light and easy. The book address the subject of money from a very different angle to all the other books I have read about money: the social/cultural aspect of it. I cannot say I agree with all of it, but it was still very intriguing. It would be interesting to have a similar book written, with a focus on other cultures and norms. This one was mainly British, but of course a lot of it may be considered universal.
The writer interviewed some therapists and financial wellness coaches, and she briefly tackled mental health and anxiety, and mentioned that our attitude towards money is inherited from our parents. However, I wish she dug deeper on this topic. I am yet to find a book that talks about inter-generational trauma, limiting beliefs and scarcity versus abundance mentality, and their role in driving our financial lives.
The writer interviewed some therapists and financial wellness coaches, and she briefly tackled mental health and anxiety, and mentioned that our attitude towards money is inherited from our parents. However, I wish she dug deeper on this topic. I am yet to find a book that talks about inter-generational trauma, limiting beliefs and scarcity versus abundance mentality, and their role in driving our financial lives.
February 23, 2020
I loved the first part and a couple of chapters throughout the book, but most of it was a bit of a disappointment. I didn't find the book particularly relatable, which a lot of comments on Goodreads mentioned. It's unclear who the book was written for; 21-year-olds freshly out of uni or 30-year-olds curious to get a raise and buy a house in London? It also reads like it could use another round of edits, some chapters are a bit all over the place and some really interesting arguments aren't fully developed.
The book did succeed in starting conversations about money, which is why it still deserves a couple of stars. If you're not British and/or living in an expensive city, you might want to pick another one!
The book did succeed in starting conversations about money, which is why it still deserves a couple of stars. If you're not British and/or living in an expensive city, you might want to pick another one!
May 7, 2019
It was a surprisingly fast and easy read! I thought there would be a lot of numbers and statistics, how wrong was I! It made for an interesting read because she talks about our mindset and attitudes towards money and not so much what we should do with money. She came from the psychological point of view and talked about how our view on money and finances shapes the way we interact, save, and spend money. I enjoyed it because she writes with such fun and wit that it's really difficult to just put it down.
February 17, 2020
This is a life changer. Very clever in content and style. Warmly written with clear references to no end of goal of perfection and the need to honestly address your own spending habits. It offers a nurturing and hopeful and the author sets herself up as a good example of the possibility for changing habits without being egotistical and guru-like. Brilliant. I feel like a grown up now and honestly think there is greet healing for relationships in this book.
September 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I feel like I learned a some new points. My favourite was how to negotiate your salary and why it's important to discuss salaries with colleagues in particular. Also, very much enjoyed reading other peoples experiences that were everywhere in this book. Some pages did feel like just general advice that you could read in any finance book but the new information I got from this book made it worth reading.
July 8, 2019
Really fascinating and has completely changed how I look at money and how open I am about money with people I like and know. Obviously I'm not telling a random stranger what I make, but if someone who does something similar to me has questions, I'm making more an effort to quietly discuss. Honesty in all areas mentioned will change our society for the better.
April 27, 2020
Informative, very easy to understand, yet very UK-centric for sure since she comes from the UK and interviewed the people there regarding their money habits, their backgrounds, their works, their paychecks. Although talking about money can be difficult and messy, this book is able to provide insights in a light way.
April 20, 2021
It goes beyong talking savings and investments or how to spend less money. It really gives us perspective as to what money means in different socioeconomic levels, it gives us background on why are we so obsessed with comparing ourselves to those who have more and why we are so ashamed to discuss our economy out loud.
February 3, 2022
Um excelente livro para quem se está a iniciar no tema das finanças pessoais, que convida o leitor a encarar - e refletir - sobre o dinheiro, nas várias vertentes do nosso dia-a-dia.
De uma forma simples e honesta, com a qual facilmente nos identificamos, a Autora partilha a sua própria experiência, bem como vários relatos para fomentar essa reflexão.
De uma forma simples e honesta, com a qual facilmente nos identificamos, a Autora partilha a sua própria experiência, bem como vários relatos para fomentar essa reflexão.
March 3, 2020
A good starting place for thinking and talking about money. Some skimming may be required if you have managed money responsibly in the past but there are some good nuggets in there too. This book is for people who prefer to learn through stories over bullet points.
April 15, 2020
Great read - I felt like I learnt loads, not only about money and how to manage it but it opened my eyes to how money affects every aspect of life. I gave me an insight into different parts of society I am not normally exposed to.
May 22, 2020
Great value.
such a varied read. Each chapter offers valuable insight and opinion and is littered with wit and personality making what could be a boring subject both entertaining and educational.
such a varied read. Each chapter offers valuable insight and opinion and is littered with wit and personality making what could be a boring subject both entertaining and educational.
June 21, 2020
Hiding from money is no longer an option.
Often we don't realise that our version of normal is not quite normal. We inherit all sorts of habits and quirks from the few people we share money, resources and homes with. Interesting book to read!
Often we don't realise that our version of normal is not quite normal. We inherit all sorts of habits and quirks from the few people we share money, resources and homes with. Interesting book to read!
March 30, 2019
I actually want to write a review on why everyone should read this!
August 27, 2019
Really good, made me think about the consumer spending and the ways in which i spend my own money.
October 26, 2019
This was so helpful for me. I have debt and I’ve not been honest about my financial situation to myself for a long time. Time for a change!
February 18, 2020
This is a helpful personal finance book!
April 1, 2020
I’ve read a lot of financial advise books and this one was by far the easiest to read. Extremely relatable. I took away a lot from this book too it really helped me a lot.
April 14, 2020
Really good! Thorough, honest, candid and practical.
June 26, 2020
Clever and witty. Never read a finance book with a chapter on drugs. Love this
July 1, 2020
A very important read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews