Don't Worry, Make Money: Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life

by Richard Ph. D. Carlson

Excellent Book

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Finance, Money, Personal Development, Spirituality

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sadie]

This book was like daily meditation for me. It helped me see how much control I have over my own "luck", and it all depends on my own way of thinking and the mood I choose to be in. This book certainly does NOT give you information about how to make money (some money saving tips only), but it's more about getting you in the right state of mind to start making serious decisions for bringing abundance into your life. I just finished it, and can't wait to let all the cash flow into my life. LOL.

[Sanela K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Bez brige do zarade“, Ričarda Karlsona je četvrta knjiga iz edicije „Male stvari“ a deveta knjiga koju sam pročitala 2020. godine. Dr Karslon je u 100 savjeta obradio dosta toga što je neophodno za sve one koji se žele manje nervirati a imati više novca. Karlson je pristupačnim jezikom i primjerima objasnio zakonitosti koje svakodnevnom čovjeku mogu pomoći u postizanju tih ciljeva... Svi ćemo tokom čitanja naći nešto što već znamo i radimo, ali i nešto što trebamo promijeniti, ako želimo postići ono što stoji u naslovu. Preporučujem knjigu na čitanje i to više puta, da se podsjetimo na ono šta nam je još činiti... Ocjena... vrlodobar - četiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Helynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated Richard Carlson's logical, down-to-earth advice in his short essays collected into the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff) so I knew I would enjoy this subsequent collection called Don't Worry, Make Money: Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life . This time, Carlson's main themes are: show gratitude, realize there is enough abundance to go around, "get out of your own way," and don't say, "This isn't my nature" or "This is out of my comfort zone." Money is "circulation," he says. It needs to flow. When you are frightened, selfish, or when you hoard everything for yourself, you literally stop the cirtculation and create "clogged pipes," making it difficult to keep money flowing back in your direction. "Give back, and watch what happens! Things will start popping up out of nowhere . . . Everything you give away will return, with interest!" (9). Another favorite concept is "Pay yourself first: "If you are worried about having enough, you never will. Invest in yourself. Trust yourself. You will have enough for everything else" (17). Carlson is also a big proponent of the concept "feel the fear and do it anyway" (based on a book of that title by Susan Jeffers that he really likes). "Fear is the single, most defeating emotion in our lives" (45). Be willing to change, he states. "If you go on doing what you've always done, you'll go on getting what you've always got" (51). He advises us all to stop worrying about the flagging economy and to go ahead and keep investing in the current market because statistics show it will get good again . . . sometime. He also advocates choosing a career for which one has true passion. (Carlson once started a sane and logical personal plan--an MBA program--but he hated it and quit). "Without passion, your odds of success are minimal . . When you follow your heart, when you discover what is truly nourishing to your soul, an abundant, joyful life is just around the corner" (44). Carlson cheers those thinking of branching out into a personal business. "Chose a credible, financially solid, ethical, home-based or multi-level marketing business. You can become financially independent in as little as one hour a day. You don't have to quit your job, change careers or take on a risk. [But:] you must spend the hour a day without fear!" (45). Some other advice is "sock away two years of living expenses" (if you can), find a mentor, cheaper is not always better, delight in the success of others, resist the temptation to continually raise your standard of living, have a plan, dive in, persevere, be willing to take advice, start a car pool, don't give away your power (to doctors, financial planners, insurance salesmen, etc.,), and get rid of the notion that "opportunity only knocks once." "Nonsense!" he says. "Opportunity exists virtually everthwere you look" (123). I could go on and on because Carlson has 100 short chapters, all of them pithy, realistic, and fascinating, but I'll stop here and simply recommend this book as highly as I can.

[Shuggy L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

100 short entries offering the author's helpful tips for being a constructive person.

1.One step at a time.
2.Giving is its own reward.
3.Enjoy the process.
4.Live the moment - do one thing at any given moment.
5.Reflection - incorporate the power of reflection into daily life. Instincts. Own wisdom, advice, suggestions; be honest with yourself.
6.Salary.
7.No excuses.
8.Use your wisdom and insights.
9.Manage moods.
…………………………………………
10.Be open minded.
11.Experts.
12. 401(k).
13.Responsive.
14.Knowing what’s right for you.
15.Present moment energy - let go of your past.
16.Experts.
17.Spend most of the time doing what you’re best at.
18.Passion.
19.Check out something.
………………………………………..
20.Walk-away if necessary - not worrying about the outcome.
21.change … next…
22.Critical “inch”.
23.Gratitude toward others.
24.Good impression.
24.Wealth consciousness. Fear interferes with our means of creation. There is enough money to go round.
26.Inspiration - thinking, instincts, patience. … 1/22/2022…
27.Reflection for interpersonal conflicts - checking that you are not part of the problem.
28.Laugh at mistakes; sense of perspective; potential for growth; in every problem there is a solution.
29.Prepare your lunch; lunch group; combined with an investment club; discipline and mind-set for regular investing; investing instead of spending; choices to secure a worry-free life.
…………………………………
30.Ask for what you want; helping others; feeling needed and wanted is a deep and important human need; sincere…
31. Short Circuit your reaction spirals …feeling overwhelmed, defensive and stubborn…irritation, annoyance, or impatience… negative reactions aren’t in your best interest…humility … backoff…
32.Eliminate your most self-defeating belief.
33.Circumstances - winning, positive attitude (not whining, complaining or fretting).
34.Winning partnership - complimentary
35.Fearful thoughts - I might look foolish.
36.Think big - wealthy customers for real-estate listing.
37.Long-term - it takes most of the worry out of investing and business decisions.
38.Bet, Hold, Fold - timing, wisdom, new ways of thinking.
39.Accept - bureaucracy.
…………………………………………….
40.Develop relationships (before you need them). Genuine.
41.Stacking order - natural rhythm, pace, but being able to shift focus. Stay focused on one thing at a time. 1/23/2022…
42.Don’t panic - stay calm, business cycles - real estate.
43.Create from the inside out - positive energy. Thoughts of prosperity.
44.Banish your Doubt. Trust yourself.
45.Know the Secret of Silence. Deeper intelligence. Universal thought. Secret of Wisdom.
46.Living Expenses (Savings).
47.Give up your fear of (parental or other peoples’) disapproval.
48.Bargain shopping places.
49.Don’t rely on too much Data…make the calls… ask for the sale…
……………………………………………..
50.Mentor.
51.Delight in the Success of Others. Creates momentum. Inner environment of success.
52.Where is the decision likely to Lead. Be realistic. Communication. Quality of life. Expanded territory. A trip no one wanted to go on.
53. Golden rule. What goes around comes around. Be thoughtful, helpful, considerate. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Universal energy.
54.Ask for referrals.
55.Plenty of Opportunities.
56.Joint expenditures.
57.Vacation spending should be careful.
58.Home mortgage - fixed and variable rate. Choose a low variable rate. 2/7/2022.
59.Buy large deductible insurance. Fear keeps you focused on little details and unlikely events… 2/4/2022
…………………………………………………
60. Whistle while you Work.
61.Encourage creativity… have faith in people …an ideal psychological working environment…
62.Don’t give away your Power to Perceived Experts. Abundance and joy come from within you and not other people. Make decisions from a place of wisdom (not fear). Listen to your own instincts. 2/5/2022…
63.Charge what you are Worth.
64.Listen.
65.Cultivate humor; learn to smile.
66.Start a buyers Club.
67.Build up a large Trust Fund.
68.Sell the sizzle, not the Steak.
69.(Feel the fear and) Go Ahead and do it Anyway. Worry is nothing more than a “mental irritant”. Usually able to rise to the occasion. We are stronger than our fears and more competent than our worries. Once you get the hang of something the worries begin to go away.
…………………………………………….
70.Take Advice. Humility. Involve the strength and expertise of others. Contributing to the joy of another person.
71.Contribution to an Issue. Be responsible…for the parts of your life that aren’t working … possibilities… make changes in your own responses…humility and honesty.
72.Wisdom and IQ…perspective, spontaneity, creativity, social skills… non habitual manner… most money …fun …highly creative, highly motivated, have great intuition, sold gut reactions and instincts, and/or the ability to see opportunities… education is important and helpful… keep your mind as clear as possible … thinking is too frenetic, overactive, …trying too hard …backing off .. softer focus and less effort …better use of the mind…2/9/2022..
73.Salesperson. Yes, you are!
74.Busyness. More isn’t always better.
75.Purple snowflakes. Attention.
76. Stay out of Reverse. Overly concerned with something that is over.
77.Be relaxed and happy (not too uptight and serious). Not bothered, annoyed, what’s lacking, what’s wrong. Wonder and mystery of life and its many possibilities.
78.Positive burnout. Something new, exciting, and profitable is just around the corner. Wisdom. Common sense. Redirect your energy. New direction.
79.Dive in. Get started.
………………………………………………..
80.Try Something Different. Just Once. Attitude. Reactions. Expectations.
81.Help Someone Else Succeed.
82.Persevere.
83.Wisdom of Optimism. Most people want to get along with others. Incremental improvement. Common ground. Miracles.
84. Hold on Tightly. Let go Lightly. Achievement of goals and the joy of happiness.
85.Apoligize. Sincerely, Non Defensively.
86.Lighten up. Priorities in perspective.
87.Used products - opportunity cost. What could you have done with the money.
88.Cheaper is not always better. Time factor. Repairs. Also consider what you are going to do with the savings.
89.Baby steps. Focus on what you can do.
…………………………………………………
90.Life is just life. Step up to the plate. Participate… 1/30/2022 …
91.Just do it. Too much thought about how you are going to do something interferes with actually going out and doing it.
92.Standard of living - more isn’t necessarily better. Peace. Calm. Relaxation.
93.A carpool can save you money.
94.Have a plan - savings plan,
95.Don’t get lost in your plan - inner awareness.
96.Stop commiserating - as it doesn’t solve problems.
97.Work at it - tasks that we know that we have to study and learn and those we believe just come naturally - parenting. The best and most empowering ideas are simple, but they require implementation. Gain insight into your own contribution.
98.Create your own luck. Step up to the plate. Accept help. Busy.
99.Fun, lighthearted, helpful.
…………………………………………….
100.Perspective, grateful - don’t sweat the small stuff.

[Shani Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book by chance at a Little Free Library and was excited to read it, as I had previously loved Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. This book, for me, was quite reminiscent of his earlier work and made me miss his spirit very much. He just exudes so much calm, “zen,” simplicity and optimism; a true spiritual practitioner. Don’t Worry, Make Money is mostly a book on how to hold the correct mindset and attitude of creating abundance and achieving dreams. He focuses a lot on one’s state of mind to be in an optimal place (thinking big, dreaming big, broadening your visions for success), while often stressing the point of not worrying (getting rid of fearful thoughts so you can have the courage to succeed). According to him, worrying often gets in the way of success, like a blockage. And in order to be in the flow of abundance, one must remove those blockages. He’s really good at putting me in the mindset of a winner and coming up with bigger hopes for myself. I like some of his practical advice, like asking successful people for help; finding out the road they took to get to where they are. Or his take on insurance, which I had never thought of in those terms before. Other lessons I enjoyed were number 63 and 93. Per his style, his examples make his theories come to life, which allow the lessons to be easily digestible. In this little book, I feel like Carlson is sharing all the wisdom he’s gained over the years and he’s offering them sincerely. I really enjoyed soaking in his advice and feel like it’s improved my life. Would recommend!

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I had it for a long time and hadn't read it. it kept showing up as I have been cleaning and reorganizing my house. I figured it's time to read it. This book is truly as much Spiritual as it is about making money. I've thought more about how to live my life in a better way than I have thought about making money. Funny how living right will make you a happier person and bring more abundance to your life.

[Colleen Wainwright · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stretched a little thin, many entries flat-out obsolete, but hey: there's something to be said for a devotional (daily reader) format. Picked this up at the library book sale, kept it on hand in the can, and everything came out okay in the end. HA.

[Della Tingle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok...Richard Carlson is a good guy, or so he seems to be. However, there are many things in this little guide book that simply are not applicable to me. For example, #29 is TAKE YOUR LUNCH and describes taking lunch to work and eating it at “...a nearby park, lake, hilltop, or some other interesting setting...” I have to laugh at this because I am a teacher. I assure you, Monday thru Friday, I may not even get to eat much less get to go somewhere to do so. I am in the lunchroom with my kids. I don’t get a break all day. So, I have to laugh at #29!

Other suggestions are more meaningful to me. For example, #43 is CREATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT and describes choosing our thoughts to shape our circumstances. Positive energy and positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes and success. I like this. It is easy to think negative thoughts which only bring us down!

And I really love #49 and think all educators should read it: DON’T RELY ON TOO MUCH DATA. Educators spend hours and hours collecting and going over data. However, “...data gathering...will do little in a positive sense to affect the bottom line.” “...data can fill our heads with worrisome, fearful thoughts that keep us between where we are and where we want to be.” “See if what you are doing is really going to help you out, makes things better...” I imagine all educators have very specific instances in mind where data was mandatorily collected without serving a purpose other than to be able to say it had be collected.

Other interesting ideas: #56 LOOK FOR EXPENDITURES THAT MIGHT BE MADE COOPERATIVELY INSTEAD INDIVIDUALLY (like buying a neighborhood trailer instead of everyone buying and storing and maintaining their own)

#61 really struck a nerve with me because I have also seen this occur in education: ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY IN OTHERS AND HAVE FAITH IN THEM. “What happens to someone when she is insecure, resentful, or frightened? Very simply, she loses most of her motivation to please you as well as most of her other positive work-related qualities.” “Wouldn’t you increase your odds of securing a dedicated, hard-working assistant if you treated him with enormous, genuine respect? Wouldn’t your assistant be more likely to work hard and keep your best interests in mind if you were to treat him with kindness, reminding him frequently how much you appreciate him, pointing out to him when he did something right?” For me, I could substitute assistant with teacher. For you, it may be different. I have seen many teachers absolutely squashed by administrators only focusing on what is wrong opposed to what is right.

My husband is self employed. I really like #63 for him: CHARGE WHAT YOU ARE WORTH!!!! “...because of fear and worry, many people underprice their services and/or products.” “...charge what you are truly worth.”

#64 LISTEN, REALLY LISTEN

#69 GO AHEAD AND DO IT “We’re stronger than our fears and more competent than our worries.”

#85 BE WILLING TO APOLOGIZE Carlson tells a story “to remind you of how forgiving people can be when you admit you’re wrong.”

Honestly, writing this review taught me that I got way more out of this book than I thought I did as I was reading it. I suppose self-help books simply are not my favorite genre.

[Wesley George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains advice from Richard Carlson, a self help author and a motivational speaker. He advised his readers to have a balanced work life. He tells us to avoid worry. He explains how giving money and time will benefit oneself and those they help. He urges his readers to continually learn and improve.
My general worry free attitude has helped me succeed at school and work. I have been able to balance work, school, and leisure and I feel happy for doing so. I have saved up for what I really want. I can improve by being able to take responsibility for all of my mistakes.
I liked the information in the book. I found the suggestions helpful in all aspects of life. I like how it explains why giving back is good for everyone. I enjoyed reading it because it is clear and straight to the point. Although the advice is seemingly obvious, It put into perspective how the simple things can lead to success.
I would recommend the book to everyone. People from all walks of life can learn from this book. I would especially recommend it to people who find their lives stressful.

[Lauren Lemberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book served as a daily meditation for me, illuminating the extent of my control over the finer aspects of life for success and happiness. It underscores the power of one's mindset in shaping outcomes, guiding towards making significant decisions, seizing control, and fostering abundance. With its uplifting narrative, it prompts reflection on the importance of small actions that culminate in an abundant, fun and overall fulfilling life. Brimming with encouragement and optimism, it offers abundant food for thought in a succinct yet impactful manner. Ideal for young professionals embarking on their careers, it's a quick yet enriching read.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. It is not in depth financial or economic advice, but some of the examples are useful. It does give you some things to think about, but most examples are vastly general stories sprinkled with optimistic flare. It’s a happy book and definitely a good place to start for someone looking to start the endeavor toward better finances.

[Ian McGaffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, while not earth shattering, provides a great perspective on how to enjoy yourself and still become financially secure. It's more of a mindset, and it builds nicely off his other book "don't sweat the small stuff". Definitely something that more people should read in my opinion.

[Siarl · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Spiritual and Practical ways to create abundance and more fun in your life” is the subtitle of this book. That caught my attention. A very good book filled with very good advice, though it would have been improved with more advice on adding fun to one’s life (not simply reminders to have fun).

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book full of encouraging thoughts. It was a easy read. It doesn't explore any concepts in depth.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of info packed into a little book.

[Romain Armitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great ideas and tips!!

[Brian Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really only about 15% about money, but moreso about being positive in everyday situations and your well being. It is a shorter read, but one of the better books I've read in a long time.

[Owen Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offers some practical advice but will not turn you into a millionaire

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love personal finance and will read just about anything on the topic. So, when I came across Carlson’s book, Don't Worry, Make Money: Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life, after reading Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s All Small Stuff, I thought to myself “Yes! This is it! Show me some ways to make money that aren’t overly complicated and won’t take a lot of my time.”

Carlson's audience appears to be middle aged women, recent divorcees, individuals who have never handled finances before and now find themselves thrown into the deep end of the financial abyss, as the central theme of the book was to not worry bout money, to relax and not let finances stress you out. And though I'm familiar with Carlson's style, the book wasn't as I expected, because contrary to the title, there was little in the way of information on how to actually make money.
Found in the self-help section, Don't Worry, Make Money: Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life is set up in a similar fashion to Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s All Small Stuff. Each section is a short one to two page read. Taking one tip a day, you could easily turn this work into a daily meditation. The book was easily readable and understandable. There were no complicated techniques for making money or mathematical formulas you had to calculate to ensure you are on track. No, this book is about breathing and not stressing about your money.

And if this book had been titled that, "Don't Worry about Money," I would have given it five stars. It was the "...Make Money" part that was completely lacking in this book. With 100 tips, maybe five related to ways you could stop worrying and start making money (by automating your savings, for example). As it is, if you just want some inspiration that revolves around life not being about money, then this is the book for you.

['Special' Ed Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's worth the effort and a quick read if definitely written by a breed of white boy peculiar to Northern California that has no idea what the word 'need' means. Still and all plenty of good advice for the taking in this one should the reader care to take it.

[Bryan Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY:
This book is a lot like Richard Carlson’s earlier work, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and made me miss his calming, "zen" spirit. Carlson's messages and tone just exude simplicity and optimism.

Carlson's target audience appears to be yoga moms, recent divorcees, and individuals who have never handled finances before and now find themselves in the emotional throes of the financial abyss. The central theme of the book was to relax and not let finances stress you out.

Most of the 100 suggestions in Don’t Worry, Make Money revolve around how to foster an abundance mindset to achieve one's financial dreams. According to Carlson, worrying often gets in the way of success, like a blockage. And in order to be in the flow of abundance, one must remove those blockages. I especially appreciated the following lessons:

• Charge what you're worth (#63).
• Take advice. Humility. Involve the strength and expertise of others (#73).
• Help someone else succeed (#81).

Review:
I read this when I was stressed about making money. The tone was very calming, and some of the ideas were new and VERY helpful. In this little book, I feel like Carlson is sharing all the wisdom he’s gained over the years and he’s offering them sincerely. I really enjoyed soaking in his advice and feel like it’s improved my life.

The chapters were only 1-3 pages long, so it was easy to read in 5-minute increments. Great bathroom read.

[D.M. Dutcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

90% banal platitudes, maybe 10% decent ideas or less. The book's in a devotional format, which means you get about a page on the various idea of the chapter, and none of them are expanded enough to be anything more than inspirational. Many assume the person is making decent money anyways, and some ideas are bizarre or flat out wrong. There isn't really any spiritual content in the book, as most of what passes for it is concepts cribbed from other, common ideas (pay yourself first being one of them, use the golden rule, etc.) I don't think this book will do anything but lighten your wallet; it would have been better if it had taken a handful of the ideas and expanded on them at length. As it is now, it fails even as a motivational success devotional.

[Richard Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book for £2.00 at a 2nd hand book store after reading Richard Carlson's famous book "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" - what a bargain!

Dr Carlson's basic philosophy is the more you give, the more you get back - and this book offers 100 short essays (chapters) which are easy to read and digest, but give you plenty to think about.

With essays on reducing stress, saving money, making money and a ton of practical advice - I find this book both thought-provoking and inspirational.

Highly recommended!

[Ali Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a fun easy book to read that you can pick up when you are feeling low. It is an inspirational read that has many easy to read and short pieces about making money. Most of the book the author gives ideas on how to be creative, how to think positively and how to make small changes that affect you in a great way. A fun book that is great for those who like easy reads and want to be uplifted and inspired on how to bring in more money.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it a section a day, and there are 100 sections. Each one was a message that I needed to hear. My son read parts when he last visited and liked it so much I sent it to him from Amazon for $.01!! I was heartbroken to hear that the author had died, and at a young age. My consolation is that if he could write such inspiring books he must have lived a good life.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the ideas in this book were right on the money, but you could tell that it was written before the recession hit and some of the ideas were flat out wrong. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is looking for help with their finances - there weren't any specifics about money - more like if you think it, it will happen, which I don't totally agree with.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book. It is very readable with 100 "spiritual and practical ways to create abundance and more fun in your life." It had some good, solid advice that I hope to incorporate into my life.

[Deb Zich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I have not added this book already, when it has had such a huge impact in my life! I guess I consider the ideals within almost biblical and most of the books I have listed are novels.
It's not really about making money, but about being content with what you have in life :)

[Lindy Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would read this book over and over again as inspiration and motivation to keep going. Weather it's creating my home business, working on finances or just on life experiences in general, this is of great help.

[Sherrill Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its not a sin to work for welth. Its in the bible. I just like to read about it from time to time.