The Way to Wealth (Benjamin Franklin)

July 15, 2008

The Way to Wealth
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 is the January, 2004 selection of “The Washington Post’s” the 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.”

Author: Benjamin Franklin
Hardcover:  30 pages
Company: Applewood Books  (1986-09-01)
ISBN: 0918222885
List Price: $9.95
Amazon Price: $5.35
Used Price: $6.06

Source: www.amazon.com

Benjamin Franklin Books
Benjamin Franklin, who turns 300 this year, has received a fine birthday gift in these two volumes.
Source: www.nytimes.com

Nonfiction Chronicle
New books by Philip Dray, Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels, John Hope Franklin and Loren Schweninger, Brian Murphy and Jesse Helms.
Source: www.nytimes.com

Time Out of Mind
The misguided notion that time is money actually costs us money. And it costs us time.
Source: www.nytimes.com

Tags: 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Jefferson

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