Unwelcome Change, Or a Chance

I've spent the past two decades trying to get people to be better money managers so that they could handle the times when the economy sags. But many don't change because it means hard work and getting rid of the behaviors that get them stuck in one financial mess after another. For example, many stay in jobs they hate because they're too broke to move on.

"People use all kinds of excuses for not making a change, and most people list fear and lack of money as their biggest obstacles," the Blanchards write. "But it is lack of information that usually turns out to be the culprit. Ignorance isn't bliss, it's scary."

One of the Blanchards' mantras is that knowledge always trumps fear.

You want to live a rich life? Then change what you don't like about the one you're living. Stop being complacent and go get what you want. That's the point of this book.

Get your money straight. Get another job if every time you sit down at your desk, you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Use your layoff or pending pink slip to start that business you always wanted to own.

As the Blanchards write, "You can respond to life's events as they occur, or you can take charge and create your own circumstances."

To become a member of the Color of Money Book Club, all you have to do is read the recommended book. I invite you to join me online to chat about this month's selection, especially if you've got a dream deferred. Join me at noon July 3 at http://www.washingtonpost.com for a live discussion with Robert and Melinda Blanchard.

In addition, every month I randomly select readers to receive a book, donated by the publisher. For a chance to win a copy of "Changing Your Course," send an e-mail to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name and a mailing address.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.