Money Strategies for Tough Times, by Matt Bell

Money Strategies for Tough Times, is written by Matt Bell, an author and speaker who also serves as director of Willow Creek Associations Good $ense financial ministry. Having experienced times of financial distress in his own life, his passion for leading others to discover freedom in personal finance stems from the lessons he learned along the way, and of the joy that being debt-free has brought to his life, family and ministry.

I found the concepts he presents to be sound and realistic. He gives brief overviews of financial struggles he has helped with through his ministry, and used them to springboard topics of financial interest and concern - whether it be student loans, emergency reserve, credit card debt, medical debt, bankruptcy, etc. He challenges the reader to view their personal responsibility for the incurring financial trouble, gives points and encouragement to overcoming, and then recommendations to protect against repeating the painful journey.

However, this book wouldn’t be on the top of my list of personal-finance recommendations. During this time of economic downturn and turmoil, it seems that everyone who can spell is writing a book on finances, and even though what they say may be true – there are, in my opinion, better resources already available.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”