The Way to Wealth

By: Benjamin Franklin

Narrated by: Kent McKamy

The first American book on personal finance, The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin is still the best and wisest money book ever written. Originally published in 1758 as the preface to Poor Richard's Almanack, this little gem has been through innumerable printings and sold millions of copies to those in search of smart but entertaining advice about hard work, earning and saving, money and debt. As the 21st century charges along, and the current economic climate continues to send out mixed messages, Franklin's simple but wise commentary on the value of industry and frugality resonates as much for us today as it did for listeners nearly 350 years ago. Here is a sample:

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving, as well as of getting."

"If you would have your business done, go; if not, send."

"Think what you do when you run into debt; you give to another power over your liberty."

"Creditors have better memories than debtors."

Although older than the United States itself, The Way to Wealth is still very popular. It is handed out by major companies and financial institutions to friends, clients, and customers, and was the January 2004 selection of The Washington Post's Color of Money Book Club.

As Michelle Singletary, director of the club, wrote in a column about the book, "At just 30 pages, this pocket¿size book takes less than an hour to read but will give you a lifetime of financial wisdom - that is, if you're wise enough to follow the advice".

(P)2007 Gildan Media Corp

wise ideas

wise ideas of a great man. good performance of the narrator. enjoyed every moment. highly recommended

Great advice from the Wise Olde Scholar Himself

A simple bit of a story, told in plain Olde English, stuffed with good old fashioned common sense! Bears repeating and sharing, especially with the youngsters in your life! Hail Poor Richard!

FANTASTIC

It was extremely informative, describing simple, money smart techniques that have been lost in recent years. Very simple and powerful book that everybody should read.

You'd be better off just reading the book

Would you listen to The Way to Wealth again? Why?

No. It's essentially just listening to affirmations and for me, that can be painful as I then struggle with just focusing on one that touched me at that moment.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The information, when you distill it down is really good. The way the narration is presented is bothersome. Very choppy and robotic, in my opinion.

What didn’t you like about Kent McKamy’s performance?

As I said, very robotic and choppy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions one way or the other. Just disappointed in the presentation.

Any additional comments?

As my headline says, just read the book. It's short enough and broken down into manageable bites so that it's easy to ready and make part of your life.

Good quotes

Some of the quotes in this book make me reflect on my life especially
“Early to bed, Early to rise, makes a man Healthy, Wealthy, and wise”