The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton has accomplished a "publishing
impossible" by selling over 2 million copies in North America. More than ten
years after it was first published it still appears regularly on bestseller lists. The
reason for its sustained popularity? It provides financial education in an entertaining
and understandable format.
The Wealthy Barber's impact on North Americans has been nothing
short of amazing. Maclean's magazine reports "...30 years from now Chilton
could be best remembered not as a bestselling author, but as the man who inspired
thousands to save their way to prosperity." Your Money adds "Chilton has
probably motivated more people to take actual control of their personal-financial lives
than any other speaker or writer has in this decade."
The Wealthy Barber is not full of new techniques, complex
strategies, nor get-rich-quick-or-even-semi-quick schemes. Instead it focuses on the
financial planning basics that, over time, have proven to be effective. It's primarily
common sense-common sense that, unfortunately, in our society is not common knowledge.
By using a "novel" format and strong doses of humour, Chilton has taken the
intimidation and boredom out of the financial-education experience.
Much of The Wealthy Barber's success is certainly owed to its
author's unique presentation skills. An economics graduate and former winner of the
H.L.Gassard Award for the highest mark in the country on the Canadian Securities Course,
Dave Chilton definitely does not fit the stereotype of a dry financial expert. The Chicago
Sun-Times said it most succinctly when they stated "Chilton is charming,
unpretentious and funny."
This is truly a great Canadian success story. From a family project,
self-published in the basement of Dave Chilton's house, The Wealthy Barber has gone
on to become an internationally recognized brand name, helping millions of people on its
way.
Paperback, 208 pages