Books
Portraits of Childfree Wealth : Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®
Have you ever wondered what people without children do with all their free time and money? Do you assume that they must have a lot of both? The truth is more complex than that! Childfree people come from as many different backgrounds and life circumstances as people with children do. Some are partnered, and some are not. Some are well-educated, some aren’t. Some are independently wealthy, and some are just scraping by. Dr. Zigmont’s “Portraits of Childfree Wealth” is a collection of 26 vignettes based on interviews with Childfree people. He adds his own significant insights, as both a fellow Childfree professional and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. This book is an eye-opening look at the lives of people in the United States who deliberately chose not to become parents, and if you’re in the same boat, you’ll find a lot to relate to here. If you have children, you’ll learn how the other half lives. And if you’re a finance professional, you’ll see how money still plays a role for people who don’t have to worry about leaving assets to their children.
In Portraits of Childfree Wealth, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, interviews 26 individuals and couples to understand their lives. Each portrait provides a different perspective on Childfree Wealth from a diverse population across the US. There are stories from people who are barely making ends meet and others who have achieved FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) or FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early). Being Childfree does not automatically make people rich, as we still suffer from income disparities. The difference is that if a Childfree person is barely making ends meet now, they would have drowned if they had a child.
Some key findings:
• The reasons for being Childfree are as varied as the people themselves.
• There are very few or no regrets from people being Childfree.
• Being Childfree does not automatically make you rich.
• There is a relationship between growing up in poverty and poor and being Childfree.
• Childfree Financial Independence is simple: 1. Get out of debt 2. Max out retirement plans.
About the Author, Jay Zigmont, Ph.D., CFP® Dr. Jay, and his wife are Childfree and live in Water Valley, MS. He has a Ph.D. in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Childfree Wealth Specialist. He is the founder of Live, Learn, Plan, and Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm specializing in helping Childfree Individuals. He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Business Insider, Woman’s World, Investors Business Daily, and many other publications. Visit Childfree Wealth at https://childfreewealth.com.
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The Cosmic Journey: Astrology Beyond the Self by Stefano Stracuzzi
‘The Cosmic Journey’ is meant to be an inspiring presentation of astrological thought. The text focuses on the collective and individual influences of outer planetary cycles. An in-depth analysis of their archetypal and cyclical features explains how these usher us beyond the physical realm, into the metaphysical continuum. The book addresses both experienced astrologers and passionate spiritual individuals who want to explore the cosmic dynamics and understand the relevant symbolism.
The text is a ‘voyage’ into the deepest mysteries of collective astrology. The idea is that it should not be a cookbook, but an inspiring text which unravels the mysteries of outer planetary cycles from various perspectives. Cases of famous people who were born with a close connection to such archetypes are shown. Subsequently, the collective aspects of outer planetary synods in history are explored as well. The final part of the book deals with the spiritual and humanistic side of astrology.
The reader’s attention is brought to the fascinating difference between the constructive and destructive aspects of specific archetypal forces.
Stefano Stracuzzi attended the Faculty of Astrological Studies of London. Strongly motivated by psychological astrology, Stefano’s approach also includes regular use of planetary cycles in mundane analysis. In 2020 he launched his website globalevolutionastrology.com, where he regularly publishes articles about economic, political, and ideological trends.
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Ron & Jazz Adventure One, The World Beside : Hudkins Publishing
When Ron loses control of his truck avoiding a deer in the roadway, he ends up going over an embankment. He wakes up dazed to find himself and his dog, Jazz, leaning against his truck adjacent to the banks of the Animas River.
Their lucky escape is almost miraculous but what follows is the strangest thing Ron has ever experienced. He suddenly realizes after waking he can understand his dog Jazz, and what every other animal and plant is saying. Every living thing is talking! And many are not really satisfied with humans.
As Ron tries to understand why the plants and animals are so mistrustful of humans, he and Jazz embark on amazing adventures as they try to find a way for humans, animals, and the environment to coexist in harmony.
Ron and Jazz: The World Beside, is a heartwarming story that carries a fantastic message of forgiveness and harmony that young children will love to learn about. With interesting characters and a great storyline, it is sure to become a firm favorite for children ages 6-8 and likely, older ones as well.
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The Fourth Age Shadow Wars: Assassins by David Pauly
The Land of Nostraterra is recovering from the effects of the Great War and the peace between the races of Men, Dwarves, and Elves is uneasy. Inspired by The Lord of the Rings, and Frank Herbert’s Dune, the story blends a complex politically oriented thriller based plot into a medieval fantasy world.
The geo-political events of the past 2 decades, are embodied in the story. Each race has a large moderate faction who wants to cooperate with the other races, but also present are smaller radical factions who are bent on taking what they want from the other races, no matter what the cost. When the Crown Prince of Men is suddenly attacked in a series of brazen ambushes, his father King Creon, and his First Minister will stop at nothing to uncover who is behind the plot.
Clues from the ambushes point to the other races as well as Men, and unlikely alliances are formed as Men, Dwarves, and Elves search within and without of their lands. Assassins is first in the series of The Fourth Age Shadow Wars, and is fast paced novel, filled with magic, action and adventure and will not disappoint!
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Amber Stone Agent Zero : Amina Warsuma
Two abused orphan teenage girls escape their war-torn country by the skin of their teeth. The young refugees with nowhere to go get inducted into a terrorist cult.
Their suffering is a thing of the past, and they enjoy all the benefits of their newfound wealth. Until they discover they are haunted by the NWO’s Agent Zero.
The chase is on, and their lives will be forever changed.
Free on KU
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Flavour with Benefits : Cathy Connally & Charley Best
“Ingenious, delightfully presented recipes that give a healthy take on French cuisine…The book’s sumptuous color photos of food and French towns and landscapes are a visual feast, and the prose is equally evocative.” Kirkus Reviews
This whimsical circuitous road trip through the French countryside features breathtaking photos of France, touching stories of intrepid women who built the formidable food and beverage industries, accompanied by exceptional food styling and ingenious takes on iconic French favorite recipes. Experience new takes on plant-based recipes which will tempt you to cook or bake these exciting options.
If you cannot escape right now, this book will transport you to France and inspire you to book your next trip. A beautiful gift for those who love to travel and cook…even vicariously.
A finalist in the Foreword 2021 Indies Book Awards and has placed #1 Bestseller in Travel Photography, French Cooking, Gourmet Cooking and Solo Travel.
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Welcome to Charm : Tonya Penrose
A few unexplainable facts have left botanist Abby Drake dazed and confused: why she can’t account for three lost hours, why a road detour she was traveling changed into a closed loop around a mountain town called Charm, why she can’t find the place on her map and a route home, and why way too handsome, Mayor Nash Walker has appeared offering an introduction to Charm’s uncommon ways.
Nash’s words hold Abby captive on a park bench. She’s stuck in Charm. Needing to discover why and agreeing to complete a series of lessons taught by sage, Gita Greenleaf helps chart Abby’s course. Humorous encounters follow Abby. She tries to adapt to living in an enchanted village, where money isn’t needed, but accepting the impossible is required.
Over the next couple of weeks, Abby comes to recognize the unique beauty of living a charmed life. Unable to resist her growing attraction to Nash, she questions her desire to return home, assuming the portal opens.
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Kin : Carolyn Nones Vazquez
Grace listens to a story told to her by her Grandmother. Her Grandmother shares her wisdom. Grace learns the leasons of nature and of the heart. The greatest lesson of all is that we are all “Kin”.
Grandmother talks about basic traits that are appreciated and important. She focuses on our common humanity.
Most of all, Grace’s Grandmother teaches Grace that goodness and love heal. Developing ourselves to see all people and living creatures as “Kin” will heal our societies.
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Daddy’s Girl : K.C. Crowne
She desperately needs a fiancé. So I’ll pretend.
How can I object to the gorgeous virgin who walks into my strip club?
She thinks this is an escort service – and that I’m for hire.
Damn is she in the wrong place.
We’re nothing alike.
Delilah is a family girl. Pure. Gentle.
I’m an arrogant prick and I take what I want.
Right now, I want her.
She arouses parts of me I’ve had locked away for years.
So, I’ll play the role of a loving fiancé.
Caress and kiss her in all the right ways.
And when we’re alone…
I’ll claim that sweet innocence.
Make her mine.
Feel her body tremble and beg for more.
I don’t want it to end. And that was the last thing I expected.
After all of this history, she’ll have more than just memories.
I have a special gift in store for Delilah.
Fall in love with this deliciously sinful, kindle melting hot, and forbidden temptation. No cheating or cliffhanger – DUH!!
All books in this series stand alone and do not have to be read in order.
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40-Days: Meditations on Leadership : Simon Cockshutt
Jesus’s 33 years on earth have had so much impact on humanity that he’s still remembered and revered two thousand years after his death, making him one of the most impactful leaders in history.
Therefore, leaders in today’s world have a lot to learn from him. Simon Cockshutt’s 40-Days looks into Jesus’s time on earth and the valuable lessons about leadership that can be learned from him.
The book also employs other biblical scriptures and personal examples to build the 40 topics it contains. The first lesson, which emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm and hope in starting a project, is picked from Jesus’s 40 days on the mountain. Additionally, Simon Cockshutt encourages leaders to pray, give, serve, meditate, and ask for God’s guidance. His book also warns to watch out for traits like anger, pride, spiritual jealousy, and more.
Like looking at the Bible with a new set of eyes, 40-Days showed me some profound thoughts regarding various scriptures. Simon Cockshutt supplies readers with elaborate and fully loaded content—a combination of lessons from the author’s personal experiences, questions to reflect on, instructions to help practice the ideas, and several references from the Bible.
One of the many important things I picked up from the book is that great wisdom, patience, and discernment (among other things) are important in resolving conflicts. Simon Cockshutt’s direct and concise ideas about leadership are like seeds planted to effect an all-around positive change.
I recommend 40-Days to leaders and parents, spouses, dreamers, employees, believers, and readers who seek spiritual growth as the book encourages developing humane values and reminds readers of the need to be close to God in addition to discussing good leadership qualities.
[Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers’ Favorite]
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