Lynam Douglas - From Monk to Money Manager: A Former Monk’s Financial Guide to Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy---and Why That’s Okay

PRAISE FOR FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER

A monk, a Marine, and a money manager walk into a bar... actually, they wrote a book and they are all the same person! Doug Lynam is one of the most interesting people I know. His diverse life experiences have led to an easy-to-read book on personal finance that is unlike anything else you will read. Combining philosophy, common sense, and a writing style that allows you to get lost in stories rather than dry, recycled platitudes, From Monk to Money Manager takes you on a personal finance journey toward financial enlightenment. I wish I had this personal finance book when I was younger.

Scott Dauenhauer, CFP, MSFP, AIF

Meridian Wealth Management

Doug Lynam perfectly combines spiritual and practical advice to get your financial house in order. He explains that money is not the root of all evil and guides you through fixing your investments, making some money, and helping to save the world. Think of this as your own Investment Policy Statement with a heart. Ignore the wise words of an ex-monk turned financial adviser at your own peril.

Anthony Isola, CFP

Investment Advisor Representative,

Ritholtz Wealth Management

Doug Lynams From Monk to Money Manager contains the kind of sane talk and practical advice about money that so many of us didnt get when we were starting out as earners. But its much more than just another money management book. It also addresses a question that has plagued me all my life: How is a moral person supposed to think and feel about money when we were taught in school or church that poverty is blessed and wealth is a spiritual encumbrance?

Dougs very unique perspective as a former Benedictine monk removes the guilt and helps us understand just how important it is to be a little bit wealthy because only when our own needs are addressed can we begin to help others. If, like me, youve ever felt trapped between participating in the heartless economic rat race of modern society and the desire to live a spiritually and morally balanced life, youll find this book will give you a way to understand: yes, you can be a good person and still be a little bit wealthy. This is not a book about becoming rich. Its about learning how to help make the world a better place by understanding the role money can play in the life of a spiritually aware person.

Bill Kowalski

Bestselling author

When it comes to money, most people are in a dark monastery of their owncloistered from reality regarding money management or saving for college or retirement. In From Monk to Money Manager, Doug Lynam not only tells you what you need to do with your money, he also takes the devil out of the details and makes the subject a spiritual pursuit. Read this book and you wont need to pray for more money ever again!

John Wasik

Journalist, editor, speaker, and author, Lightning Strikes

While its generally unwise to discuss religion or money with strangers, Doug Lynam, who is an expert in both, joins the world of God and mammon for your benefit. Read, absorb, and enjoy From Monk to Money Manager, and youll enrich both your spirit and your pocketbook.

William Bernstein

Author, The Investors Manifesto

It should be no surprise that a former monk and educator would have the perfect recipe for a healthy relationship with money.

Dan Otter, PhD

Founder of 403(b)wise and author, Teach and Retire Rich

I should have never sent him to speech therapy. Now he wont stop telling people what to do.

Lois

Dougs proud mom

2019 Doug Lynam

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ISBN 978-0-7852-2388-7 (eBook)

Epub Edition February 2019 9780785223887

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Lynam, Doug, 1973- author.

Title: From monk to money manager: a former monks financial guide to becoming a little bit wealthyand why thats okay / Doug Lynam.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee: W Publishing Group, [2019] | Includes bibliographical references. |

Identifiers: LCCN 2018045505 (print) | LCCN 2018047874 (ebook) | ISBN 9780785223887 (E-book) | ISBN 9780785223870 (softcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Finance, Personal. | Wealth.

Classification: LCC HG179 (ebook) | LCC HG179 .L9565 2019 (print) | DDC 332.024dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018045505

Printed in the United States of America

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Information about External Hyperlinks in this ebook

Please note that endnotes in this ebook may contain hyperlinks to external websites as part of bibliographic citations. These hyperlinks have not been activated by the publisher, who cannot verify the accuracy of these links beyond the date of publication.

To everyone at LongView Asset Management

for taking a risk on me.

And to Ron Lieberfor showing me my

own story for the first time.

CONTENTS

If you find making financial calculations just a little too much like getting a root canal, please visit my website, douglynam.com, to use any of these calculators for free:

Retirement Planner

Retirement Planner for Two Working Spouses

Snowball Debt Elimination

401(k)

403(b) Savings

Benefit of Spending Less

College Savings

Emergency Savings

Home Rent vs. Buy

Social Security Benefit

Time Value of Money

Ive always hated talking about money. In fact, I dont like to think about my own money at all. Helping others with money is fine, but I procrastinate on paying my bills and balancing my checkbook each month. I get it done (and do it well), but sometimes I need to reward myself by pouring a stiff drink afterwardone of the few times when I drink. It settles my nerves and gives me the courage to face my own personal finances.