Skip to content
Scan a barcode
Scan
Hardcover Sudden Money: Managing a Financial Windfall Book

ISBN: 0471380865

ISBN13: 9780471380863

Sudden Money: Managing a Financial Windfall

Select Format

Select Condition ThriftBooks Help Icon

Recommended

Format: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good*

*Best Available: (ex-library)

$8.89
Save $38.11!
List Price $47.00
Almost Gone, Only 2 Left!

Book Overview

From inheritances and divorce and insurance settlements to retirement payouts and the most recent phenomenon of stock options, the largest transfer of wealth in the history of America is now taking place. For some, this welcome event is relatively stress-free. But for those who are inexperienced in dealing with large sums of money, a windfall can be an overwhelming, even losing, situation. What is the difference between those who build on their financial gains and those who end up worse off than before? In this much-needed, one-of-a-kind book, top financial planner Susan Bradley gets to the heart of the matter by examining the emotional complexity of the windfall experience and how to manage it-and your newfound money-successfully.

Whatever the sum involved, the impact of one's emotional state on the way money is handled--or mishandled--cannot be underestimated. In addition to the legal intricacies of receiving sudden money, the element of surprise that catches people unprepared also often leaves them there. Here, at last, is a type of "owner's manual" to sudden money that demystifies the process for recipients and their financial planners. Based on her work with countless clients, many of whose stories appear in this book, Bradley has developed a step-by-step program for moving safely through the three phases of building a solid financial foundation:

Preparation and Planning Investing Monitoring, Giving, and Sharing

Giving individual attention to each possible windfall event, Bradley addresses their distinct tax consequences, insurance and estate planning considerations, as well as the crucial emotional component. She also shares advice on how to put together the proper team of advisors, including an attorney and a therapist. When correctly handled, an unexpected windfall can provide expected benefits that will continue far beyond the lifetime of the initial recipient---and turn sudden money into lasting wealth.

Turn Sudden Money into Lasting Wealth

Maximize your wealth and minimize your stress and confusion with this unique, indispensable guide to handling a sudden financial windfall. Written by nationally recognized financial planner Susan Bradley, Sudden Money provides a complete program for successfully managing newfound wealth. Discover ways to:

Stay calm and not make decisions based on your emotions Seek experienced, professional advice Avoid pressure from others Create and execute the best financial plan for you

Most important, Sudden Money provides you with easy-to-implement, proven ways to ensure that your financial gains are more than fleeting good fortune.

"A 'must read' for financial advisors and for clients who have received financial windfalls. Susan Bradley has detailed--in an easy-to-apply way--a new financial planning discipline that is sure to become a vital part of discussions about the burgeoning wealth in this country."
--Ronni Burns, Wall Street consultant

"This book is essential for anyone who receives a financial windfall. It's an easy read and packed with useful advice."
--Don Phillips, CEO, Morningstar

"Reading this book is like having a trusted friend explain what to expect, what to do, and what not to do at a happy time that can also be overwhelming and stressful. This book has been extraordinarily helpful to me."
--Marci Shimoff, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul

"Women in particular are often ill prepared to manage a financial windfall. Without careful planning, it could turn into a pitfall. Susan Bradley's book is a sensible guide on how to handle instant wealth."
--Jennifer Openshaw, CEO, WFN.com, Financial Network for Women

Customer Reviews

5 ratings

Excellent!

Sudden Money is very helpful and easy to read. Everyone should read this book!

An excellent first step to the experience

As a recent sudden money recipient, I found the book to be a very good initial exposure to the flood of feelings and responsibilities associated with my windfall. While I won't deny that extensive research remains to be done on the subject, the book is written clearly and simply enough to help even the most unfamiliar reader as to the path that lies ahead. Readers are likely to find that a great deal of the book does not apply directly to them, but they should be examined anyway....along with the specific sections pertaining to their unique situation.I would have liked to see more information regarding tax implications, and clearer instructions as to finding a CFP specializing in this area. All in all, however, the advice was invaluable, if only to reinforce what I already suspected and to explain why I felt as I did during the process. My two bits: do not underestimate the value of the DFZ (decision-free zone) as a first step!From firsthand experience, I'd recommend that the chapters on winning the lottery be excerpted and made required reading for all winners before they're allowed to cash that check!

Best to read it BEFORE you need it

I suspect there are quite a few people who will read Sudden Money only after they have received a windfall, whereas the practical guidance it offers is highly useful for anyone who might someday need it. Although I began the book because I was academically interested in the psychological transformations sudden money brings, I found that simply reading it began to create transformations in the way I personally think about my own long term goals and how sudden money could influence how I can achieve them. The chapter on Giving and Sharing is useful even for people who never receive a windfall, because it teaches the value for anyone to have a plan for giving and to begin giving from wherever one is rather than postponing it for some future abundance.This book will help many people break through the unspoken injunction not to speak of family money matters. The writing style, direct and simple, matches the subject well, and may inspire you to be more direct and simple in raising money issues with the people nearest you.

Learning about the Decision Free Zone gave me Freedom!

I found Susan's book the day I had been a guest on ABC-TV's Deborah Duncan Show. To my surprise the Borders Books that I was to do a booksigning at had ordered this Susan's book instead of my own. There I was with 20 of Susan Bradley, CFP's book on Sudden Money instead of my own book: "How to be Irresistible to the Opposite Sex!" The store manager was mortified! But I thought it was serendipitous! I had to buy it!I am awesome at helping people find an irresistible soulmate, but money? I am now emotionally and mentally ready for a large advance for a future book without fear. Additionally... whenever I am feeling overwhelmed in any area of my life I declare a DFZ or Decision FREE Zone. My office staff, family and I find using this concept very freeing and productive. Thankyou to my fellow Susan Bradley! I wish there had been more books about money and Money Camps out there when I was growing up. I want my own daughter to attend your Money Camp this summer. PS I've read 6 books about money in the last 5 months and I truly belive that even people who aren't expecting sudden money should read this book, it gives one a more savvy perspective about wealth.

Sound advice from a financial pro

It's easy to joke about suddenly having an abundance of money but this book is helpful for anyone who has to manage an unexpected influx of money--it's not just lottery winnings but a substantial salary increase or a divorce settlement. The author explains why you have take some time to adjust to having this wealth and walks through the various strategies that make the most sense for your circumstances. This book should be read by accountants, attorneys as well as individuals doing their own financial planning.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
GoDaddy Verified and Secured