The Ten Percent Solution

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 11 FEB 2002

Allen, an entrepreneur, speaker and founder of New World Library, desires to share an important message: many individual and societal woes would be eliminated if people followed two old-fashioned traditions: saving 10% of their income until they reach financial independence and giving away 10% of their income to charitable or social organizations. He tells this message anecdotally in this small tome. Feeling depressed over his work and his financial troubles, Allen visited an elderly friend, Bernie, who took him for a walk. Bernie described how people could transform their lives by following these two simple rules. Although Allen was initially skeptical, he began to take this advice and soon found himself far more successful (financially and emotionally) than he ever expected. Allen's ideas, especially about tithing, are not new and are fairly sound financial advice but hardly guarantee a secure or wealthy future. Given the uncertain economic times and increasing concern with traditional values, Allen's message will likely appeal to many. However, this inspirational book is not prescriptive enough for those in true financial distress.