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Values Over Valuables: Daring to Live the Life Money Can't Buy
In Values over Valuables, Harmon Kong, a seasoned wealth manager with decades of experience in helping families secure their financial futures, delves into the importance of passing on meaningful values rather than just material wealth. He highlights how families can avoid conflicts and build a legacy rooted in shared values and open communication. Allowing families to grow together and strengthen their bonds through stories, guidance and actionable items for families to do.
Whether you have little or a lot, Kong provides practical guidance for all families on preparing to not only manage money responsibly but also to uphold the family’s guiding principles, in some cases helping families redefine what wealth means to them. By prioritizing core values over financial details, families can achieve wealth beyond measure and ensure their legacy has a lasting, significant impact.
In this book you will discover how
Prevent dysfunctional dynamics with improved communication and aligned values.Conduct family meetings that can be used to discuss goals, make plans, and foster unity around a shared mission.Leave a positive and intentional impact on the world.Discover a greater purpose beyond wealth accumulation.Value over Valuables equips families with the tools to have conversations that matter, align around shared values, and use their wealth as a means to support a positive, multi-generational legacy. Are you wanting more from your legacy?
Whether you have little or a lot, Kong provides practical guidance for all families on preparing to not only manage money responsibly but also to uphold the family’s guiding principles, in some cases helping families redefine what wealth means to them. By prioritizing core values over financial details, families can achieve wealth beyond measure and ensure their legacy has a lasting, significant impact.
In this book you will discover how
Prevent dysfunctional dynamics with improved communication and aligned values.Conduct family meetings that can be used to discuss goals, make plans, and foster unity around a shared mission.Leave a positive and intentional impact on the world.Discover a greater purpose beyond wealth accumulation.Value over Valuables equips families with the tools to have conversations that matter, align around shared values, and use their wealth as a means to support a positive, multi-generational legacy. Are you wanting more from your legacy?
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
18 people are currently reading
1722 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 14, 2025
“No amount of money can fix a family when the fundamentals are failing.”
“When the underpinnings of family values are secure, more money can open wondrous opportunities. It can promote freedom and unity. But without those strong values, money can breed mayhem.”
“The best thing that money can buy is the time to do something besides making money.”
“In the richness of our relationships lies our greatest wealth.”
A quick read with important reminders to keep your end goal/purpose/focus in mind both while building wealth, teaching your kids values, and deciding how much is too much to give kids. Kong shares both cautionary tales and positive examples and emphasizes the importance of family relationships and communication.
“When the underpinnings of family values are secure, more money can open wondrous opportunities. It can promote freedom and unity. But without those strong values, money can breed mayhem.”
“The best thing that money can buy is the time to do something besides making money.”
“In the richness of our relationships lies our greatest wealth.”
A quick read with important reminders to keep your end goal/purpose/focus in mind both while building wealth, teaching your kids values, and deciding how much is too much to give kids. Kong shares both cautionary tales and positive examples and emphasizes the importance of family relationships and communication.
January 10, 2025
Value Over Valuables is a thought-provoking book that emphasizes the importance of passing on values, rather than material wealth, to the next generation. Written by a friend of a friend, the author shares personal stories and practical advice to inspire readers to rethink what legacy truly means. The central message is clear: relationships and shared principles outweigh financial or material inheritance. Here are some key takeaways:
1. The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
The author recounts a poignant story about paying for his daughter’s wedding, only to realize she didn’t value his presence there. It’s a powerful reminder that pouring money into something is meaningless without the relational connection to support it.
2. Financial Boundaries with Children
Avoid giving children unrestricted access to wealth. One cautionary example involved a child burning through $250,000 in just a few months after being handed full control of a bank account at 18. Teaching financial responsibility is far more valuable than giving them free rein.
3. Lessons from my Own Upbringing
• When my was 13, mom set a boundary: “When you make your own money, you can buy whatever you want.” This instilled a deep sense of financial independence.
• Even now, I still do not know how much money my parents have—a testament to their emphasis on living within values rather than entitlement.
• After college, i earned his own money and paid for my own car, a practice that reinforced accountability and ownership.
4. Building a Strong Family Culture
• Have Regular Family Meetings: These are opportunities to align on shared values, discuss concerns, and build a sense of unity.
• Listen More, Talk Less: Active listening is a cornerstone of healthy relationships.
• Fair Doesn’t Mean Equal: Each child has unique needs, and fairness lies in addressing those differences wisely.
• Family Giving: Families that give together grow together, strengthening their bonds through shared acts of generosity.
5. Reflective Questions to Guide Conversations
The book provides leading questions to spark meaningful dialogue, including:
• “What makes us cry?”
• “Isn’t it absurd that…?”
• “What will happen to our wives and kids if we unexpectedly die tomorrow?”
My Thoughts
This book resonated deeply with me, especially its emphasis on the intentional transfer of values over valuables. It challenged me to evaluate how I am shaping the next generation—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. The stories and lessons are practical and relatable, making it a valuable resource for any parent or leader striving to leave a meaningful legacy.
In the end, Value Over Valuables is a reminder that our greatest inheritance to our children isn’t what we leave for them, but what we leave in them.
January 14, 2025
“Values Over Valuables is a thought-provoking and deeply practical guide to rethinking the role of wealth in our lives. Harmon Kong masterfully reminds us that values matter more than valuables, and people matter more than profits. His insights, such as the importance of teaching children to have ‘something to live for’ before giving them financial support, resonated deeply with me.
Kong’s personal stories, like working as a teenager to buy and repair his own car, reminded me of my own journey and the life lessons that shaped me. His reflections on the diminishing returns of wealth and the power of generosity are a wake-up call for anyone chasing financial success without considering its purpose.
I found myself asking profound questions like, ‘If money were no object, what would I do with my life?’ — a question Kong poses brilliantly. The book’s blend of practical advice on budgeting and saving, combined with its heart for fostering meaningful family relationships, makes it a must-read for anyone navigating wealth and legacy.
If you’re looking for wisdom on how to balance financial success with lasting significance, Values Over Valuables will inspire and challenge you. And as Kong so powerfully asks, ‘Have you ever met an unhappy, generous person?’ This book is an invitation to live with joy, purpose, and generosity.”
Highly recommended.
November 25, 2024
There is some great advice in here and i really appreciate the moral and ethical perspectives on money, work life balance and charity work. However the consistent Christianity being shoved into it was pretty annoying. If you want your book to be religious then in the description clearly state that. I kept hoping it would end but actually began to increase.
You should want to help others because they need help and you can provide it. This book for the most part definitely stated this sentiment but then said “also do it bc God said so.” If you need a religion to make you be a good person, then youre not inherently a good person. Do good things bc they are good.
I do appreciate how gender inequality was expressed and the topic was approached wonderfully! However the consistent “mom and dad” “wife and husband” is making me concerned that this author wasnt being unintentionally heteronormative but in fact was being intentionally heteronormative. Would it kill them to be occasionally more gender neutral when approaching familial roles? Because lets be realistic, more and more families are growing to be more queer. Ignoring queer families existing is rubbing me entirely the wrong way.
You should want to help others because they need help and you can provide it. This book for the most part definitely stated this sentiment but then said “also do it bc God said so.” If you need a religion to make you be a good person, then youre not inherently a good person. Do good things bc they are good.
I do appreciate how gender inequality was expressed and the topic was approached wonderfully! However the consistent “mom and dad” “wife and husband” is making me concerned that this author wasnt being unintentionally heteronormative but in fact was being intentionally heteronormative. Would it kill them to be occasionally more gender neutral when approaching familial roles? Because lets be realistic, more and more families are growing to be more queer. Ignoring queer families existing is rubbing me entirely the wrong way.
December 12, 2024
When thinking about what to pass on to future generations, people often focus on economic values, wishing to build a better future for their children where they can have more material things to make their lives easier than those of their parents. But what about cultivating personal traits and flourishing values? I believe that personality values are more important than economic ones. Developing personality traits will have a bigger impact.
Harmon Kong is a wealthy individual who has discovered the importance of personality traits and values. What captured my attention the most was his focus on families, encouraging them to build and strengthen their family values base structure. Doing so requires hard work, especially in the key areas he emphasizes, such as communication skills, not just to avoid conflict, but more importantly, to thrive during conflict through open communication.
By reading this book, I had the chance to rethink the impact I want to leave on future generations and to recognize the importance of values. While economic values are important, when family values are strong, they can be even more powerful.
Harmon Kong is a wealthy individual who has discovered the importance of personality traits and values. What captured my attention the most was his focus on families, encouraging them to build and strengthen their family values base structure. Doing so requires hard work, especially in the key areas he emphasizes, such as communication skills, not just to avoid conflict, but more importantly, to thrive during conflict through open communication.
By reading this book, I had the chance to rethink the impact I want to leave on future generations and to recognize the importance of values. While economic values are important, when family values are strong, they can be even more powerful.
December 14, 2024
Amazing book
This book came to me at a time when I needed it the most and didn't realize it. If you are someone who works with your family or have a family business, this book is a must in your life.
From the beginning, the book stresses the importance of passing on meaningful values rather than settling for just inheriting material goods. The author redefines the concept of wealth and family legacy, teaches us how to strengthen family ties, avoid conflicts and build a lasting legacy based on shared and communicative principles.
What I liked most is that this book offers different strategies for families of all economic levels, of all classes and cultures. With this guide, I was able to learn about responsible financial planning and purpose beyond wealth.
I highly recommend this book, I am the fourth person in my family who has read it and we have all been delighted, more importantly, we learned and reflected thanks to this book.
This book came to me at a time when I needed it the most and didn't realize it. If you are someone who works with your family or have a family business, this book is a must in your life.
From the beginning, the book stresses the importance of passing on meaningful values rather than settling for just inheriting material goods. The author redefines the concept of wealth and family legacy, teaches us how to strengthen family ties, avoid conflicts and build a lasting legacy based on shared and communicative principles.
What I liked most is that this book offers different strategies for families of all economic levels, of all classes and cultures. With this guide, I was able to learn about responsible financial planning and purpose beyond wealth.
I highly recommend this book, I am the fourth person in my family who has read it and we have all been delighted, more importantly, we learned and reflected thanks to this book.
December 8, 2024
It’s undeniable that it’s difficult to get along in the world sometimes without creature comforts and wealth. As such, it’s important to try and accumulate those things if you are going to be happy and comfortable. However, the search for wealth should not consume you and stop you from having a strong foundation of values of which you can be proud.
That is the lesson the author of this book attempts to teach. He talks about how, in the pursuit of wealth, it is vital not to lose your soul. You should prioritize family and the relationships that help you to grow as a person. That is a lesson that some people badly need. Those who take the foundational principles in this book to heart should be able to not only become better off financially, but also to discover deeper purpose and to change the world for the better.
That is the lesson the author of this book attempts to teach. He talks about how, in the pursuit of wealth, it is vital not to lose your soul. You should prioritize family and the relationships that help you to grow as a person. That is a lesson that some people badly need. Those who take the foundational principles in this book to heart should be able to not only become better off financially, but also to discover deeper purpose and to change the world for the better.
December 14, 2024
A great, teaching guide
“Values over valuables” is the best option to read if you have a family and want to to transmit a positive and teaching message to yours. It’s about the legacy that you’ll leave to them for the future, which is connected to money but most importantly with values. Harmon Kong has penned a detailed explanation of how to secure the family’s finances, how to build strong bonds with every member of the family and how to uphold a set of principles for the family. He gives tools to maintain deep and importante conversations with the family.
It’s a complete, useful and very interesting read that will lead families into a positive change for their lives in the present and the future. I liked the way the author explains the reasons for doing that with his family and the benefits of it. I highly recommend it.
“Values over valuables” is the best option to read if you have a family and want to to transmit a positive and teaching message to yours. It’s about the legacy that you’ll leave to them for the future, which is connected to money but most importantly with values. Harmon Kong has penned a detailed explanation of how to secure the family’s finances, how to build strong bonds with every member of the family and how to uphold a set of principles for the family. He gives tools to maintain deep and importante conversations with the family.
It’s a complete, useful and very interesting read that will lead families into a positive change for their lives in the present and the future. I liked the way the author explains the reasons for doing that with his family and the benefits of it. I highly recommend it.
December 26, 2024
This book had some good advice and suggestions and prompts the reader to really think about the purpose of wealth and how they would want to use their wealth. However, it does have a strong Christian leaning and makes assumptions and judgements about values and the values that an individual or family "should" have. There is a strong emphasis on "traditional families" and "traditional family values" which might exclude some individuals as well as a strong emphasis on charitable giving. It also, at times, feels like an advertisement for the author's business.
Overall, while there are some things that detracted from my enjoyment of the book, there were a number of reminders and suggestions that have helped me to reflect on and consider the role of wealth and considerations for wealth management in relation to my family.
Overall, while there are some things that detracted from my enjoyment of the book, there were a number of reminders and suggestions that have helped me to reflect on and consider the role of wealth and considerations for wealth management in relation to my family.
April 29, 2025
The first thing we get is a label of a book: Values Over Valuables. The first time a started reading this book, I couldn’t understand what is “valuables” is.
Getting all the way through this book gives a us a good collection of pages that we can think about the book. I would like to have an opportunity to about what the name of the book. And the book has a lot of ways to putting words in a difference sometimes in this book.
For example, chapter 1 is “Doing Well by Doing Good.”
Chapter three is “The Price of Everything and Value of Nothing.” “If you had one day to live, what would you do and say to those who care most about.” )
And in chapter 5, “Each of us is uniquely designed to contribute in him or her down way to a better word.”
If you want to read “Values over Valuables” get some people you to read this book.
Getting all the way through this book gives a us a good collection of pages that we can think about the book. I would like to have an opportunity to about what the name of the book. And the book has a lot of ways to putting words in a difference sometimes in this book.
For example, chapter 1 is “Doing Well by Doing Good.”
Chapter three is “The Price of Everything and Value of Nothing.” “If you had one day to live, what would you do and say to those who care most about.” )
And in chapter 5, “Each of us is uniquely designed to contribute in him or her down way to a better word.”
If you want to read “Values over Valuables” get some people you to read this book.
December 11, 2024
As a person suffering a life crisis, Values Over Valuables by Harmon Kong profoundly reshaped how I see life, family, and wealth. The book is a guide not just for financial planning but for seeing success and legacy with a new perspective. The author, focuses and states that “money matters immensely, but you matter more.” This phrase resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who’s been chasing financial goals.
The book shows as a guide practical ways to align wealth with core values through open family discussions, make financial planning with purpose, and look out for unity. What I liked the most is that the book is full of relatable anecdotes, and exercises to help readers apply its lessons to their own lives.
The book shows as a guide practical ways to align wealth with core values through open family discussions, make financial planning with purpose, and look out for unity. What I liked the most is that the book is full of relatable anecdotes, and exercises to help readers apply its lessons to their own lives.
December 13, 2024
Very useful
Wow, I loved this book. Without a doubt, it is one of those books that has caught my attention recently. I strongly believe that everyone should read it. It is very sad to see how more and more families fight each other for money, when there are much more important things than this. The title is very accurate and throughout the book, it is amazing the way the author explains it. Family and personal values should prevail over material wealth, thus creating an environment of harmony and love not only among families but among society in general. I also love the author's proposal about the importance of good communication within the family to avoid conflicts and promote the joint pursuit of objectives and goals. Simply, a great book!
Wow, I loved this book. Without a doubt, it is one of those books that has caught my attention recently. I strongly believe that everyone should read it. It is very sad to see how more and more families fight each other for money, when there are much more important things than this. The title is very accurate and throughout the book, it is amazing the way the author explains it. Family and personal values should prevail over material wealth, thus creating an environment of harmony and love not only among families but among society in general. I also love the author's proposal about the importance of good communication within the family to avoid conflicts and promote the joint pursuit of objectives and goals. Simply, a great book!
December 15, 2024
A great book!
Values Over Valuables by Harmon Kong is a book that delves into the importance of passing on meaningful values rather than just material wealth to the families. The family legacy is something very important for many families but many times, they lose sight of what is really important.
I think it is very honest and realistic because the author talks from his experiences as a seasoned wealth manager helping families secure their financial futures. It offers a practical guide that can help families to face uncomfortable conversations and avoid unnecessary fights.
I honestly liked it and I recommend it for those who want to improve their family dynamics and create a truly meaningful legacy.
Values Over Valuables by Harmon Kong is a book that delves into the importance of passing on meaningful values rather than just material wealth to the families. The family legacy is something very important for many families but many times, they lose sight of what is really important.
I think it is very honest and realistic because the author talks from his experiences as a seasoned wealth manager helping families secure their financial futures. It offers a practical guide that can help families to face uncomfortable conversations and avoid unnecessary fights.
I honestly liked it and I recommend it for those who want to improve their family dynamics and create a truly meaningful legacy.
December 16, 2024
The book has really useful advice
Values Over Valuables is an inspiring reflection on how to live with purpose beyond material success. The author emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human relationships, love, and loyalty over financial goals. Through practical tools and personal stories, the author offers a guide to structuring financial life without compromising core values.
The book has really useful advice, such as regular family financial meetings, and addresses how to transmit wealth responsibly between generations, avoiding consumerism. I think it is essential reading for those seeking to build an intentional existence, balancing purpose, generosity, and family well-being.
Values Over Valuables is an inspiring reflection on how to live with purpose beyond material success. The author emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human relationships, love, and loyalty over financial goals. Through practical tools and personal stories, the author offers a guide to structuring financial life without compromising core values.
The book has really useful advice, such as regular family financial meetings, and addresses how to transmit wealth responsibly between generations, avoiding consumerism. I think it is essential reading for those seeking to build an intentional existence, balancing purpose, generosity, and family well-being.
December 13, 2024
Family and wealth
The book seems to me to be a perfect method of grounding people in terms of the values we should have on that road to success. It shows us that there is no need to sacrifice your most intrinsic beliefs and family ties to achieve a true legacy.
It teaches us the importance of sincerity, of having difficult conversations even with our family members, as money and assets should always be on the table in the most transparent way.
It really got me involved and made me want to share it with my whole family, in fact they are all reading it right now. Anyone with a family should read this book.
The book seems to me to be a perfect method of grounding people in terms of the values we should have on that road to success. It shows us that there is no need to sacrifice your most intrinsic beliefs and family ties to achieve a true legacy.
It teaches us the importance of sincerity, of having difficult conversations even with our family members, as money and assets should always be on the table in the most transparent way.
It really got me involved and made me want to share it with my whole family, in fact they are all reading it right now. Anyone with a family should read this book.
December 14, 2024
This excellent book teaches you what is truly important in life. Which is family and the experience you all share. I love how this book gives value to the middle class; that’s how I see it on my part. Having expensive stuff and money is great, but not when you sacrifice the time you share with the people you love. We need to show value to our loved ones before the time is up. Financial freedom is not having an excess of funds but rather a combination of peace of mind, security, and a purpose in life, which we all should understand. Let’s sell the dream of contentment and happiness on the side of our families.
December 15, 2024
Interesting financial book.
This is an excellent book for those who want to align their values of the family with their finances. In ''Values Over Valuables'', you will learn that managing your finances does not have to be a headache. Simplifying the finances is the key to managing the family finances and here you will find how to do it. I enjoyed the chapter about redefining financial freedom because it opened my mind, as well as how the author emphasized the importance of the relational aspects of wealth management. This read is more than just money, it is about what matters more in life, but it also gives you a good financial strategy to live quietly with your family.
This is an excellent book for those who want to align their values of the family with their finances. In ''Values Over Valuables'', you will learn that managing your finances does not have to be a headache. Simplifying the finances is the key to managing the family finances and here you will find how to do it. I enjoyed the chapter about redefining financial freedom because it opened my mind, as well as how the author emphasized the importance of the relational aspects of wealth management. This read is more than just money, it is about what matters more in life, but it also gives you a good financial strategy to live quietly with your family.
December 16, 2024
100% necessary book, since I am a faithful believer that if we do not work on wealth as a family and we all go towards the same goal, we will not achieve something stable and significant. In this book, you will not only learn tips to generate and consolidate the wealth you have been working on, but also, the importance of having consolidated family values that go beyond material wealth. It is a book that will really make you open your mind and start making those necessary changes so that your whole family redefines the term wealth and everyone starts working together to have a peaceful future and also contribute to society.
January 20, 2025
This book is for everyone regardless of how much or not so much money you have/make. While I do not have a family yet this book opened my eyes to the legacy that I would like to pass on to them in the future. This book has taught me that it does not matter how much money I leave for myself but the values that I teach them along the way.
Kong, also touched on the importance of women being more involved when it comes to learning about finances. This was just the motivation that I needed to educate myself on my income and expenses. My goal for the end of the year is to find a charity that I can donate to financially or volunteer my time.
Kong, also touched on the importance of women being more involved when it comes to learning about finances. This was just the motivation that I needed to educate myself on my income and expenses. My goal for the end of the year is to find a charity that I can donate to financially or volunteer my time.
January 20, 2025
Values Over Valuables is different from other wealth management media. It less about how to make more money, and more about how to embrace your values and use your wealth for good. While there aren’t a lot of specific guidelines (because each family’s situation is different!) there is a lot of age old wisdom that is lacking in the modern wealth advisement industry.
It is a quick read and a good reminder of what is actually important in your life and your family’s lives.
It is a quick read and a good reminder of what is actually important in your life and your family’s lives.
December 9, 2024
wealth and discipline
Building wealth and breaking cycles of poverty is one thing we casually take for granted. Harmon Kong dig deeply on the issue of building a legimate wealth while holding family principles.
Building wealth and breaking cycles of poverty is one thing we casually take for granted. Harmon Kong dig deeply on the issue of building a legimate wealth while holding family principles.
March 14, 2025
🖊 Well-written book with thoughtful points and intelligent format. I enjoyed reading this book, which I will keep for future reference. ♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author.😀
જ⁀🍇 Kindle.
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જ⁀🍇 Kindle.
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June 4, 2025
LOVED this book - such insightful intentional thoughts and wisdom. Our family (adult children and hubby) is reading the book together now and starting our family meetings. Wish this book would have been around when they were younger - but as Harmon says, it is never too late.
December 16, 2024
💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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