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The Money Tree
- A Story About Finding the Fortune in Your Own Backyard
- Narrated by: Chris Guillebeau
- Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins
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The Money Tree
Buy Now for $35.09
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Publisher's Summary
From best-selling author of The $100 Startup and Side Hustle comes Chris Guillebeau's engaging story about the power you have to create your own financial destiny.
Like financial classics The Latte Factor and The Richest Man in Babylon, The Money Tree uses a compelling story with captivating characters to share its core insight: You are never at the mercy of fortune as long as you have an appetite for hard work and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Jake Aarons is in trouble. He's being evicted from his apartment in less than 30 days, the bill for his $50,000 in overdue student loans is almost due, and the digital marketing agency he works at just implemented a new military-style grading system that might cost him his job. To top it off, Jake's new relationship with Maya was going so well...but with everything else falling down around him, he might lose her, too.
In search of answers, Jake reluctantly attends a weekly group meeting at the invitation of a coworker. Everyone in the group is trying to create a lucrative side hustle with one key requirement: They can only spend up to $500 before earning a profit. Over the course of several weeks, Jake undertakes a series of challenges, first learning how to make $1,000 in a single weekend, and ultimately how to discover the untapped skills he needs to take control of his finances - and his life.
What the critics say
"Not only will you tear through the pages of this well-told story, but it'll light a spark in your quest to build the free and prosperous life you've always dreamed of." (Derek Sivers, author of Anything You Want)
"Chris Guillebeau has always been one of our most inspired business minds - teaching us about everything from traveling the world to building a side hustle. Now, with The Money Tree, he shows he's also a terrific storyteller. If you're hoping to make a living and make a life, this book is an essential read. (Daniel H. Pink, author of When and To Sell Is Human)
"Ever wondered why some people seem stuck, stalled, or unable to launch - while others have identified the unique gift they can share with the world? This book holds the answer." (Marie Forleo, author of Everything Is Figureoutable)
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What listeners say about The Money Tree
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Gavin boss
- 2022-07-05
Entertaining, and inspiring
Although the concepts in this book are pretty basic if you have thought about side business before, the format of this book really pulled me in and inspired me to work on a side business.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Buck
- 2022-07-02
Loud and clear
As always, Chris brings a clear positive story. I never get tired of his podcast, website and books. I didn't start anything yet, but it makes me feel like I could easily start right now!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Parisa
- 2022-04-30
Chris Guillebeau never disappoints!
I’ve read most of Chris Gillebeau’s books and I have never been disappointed. His first book, the art of non-conformity” truly changed my life and way of living. I became a digital nomad, quit my corporate job and took the leap to entrepreneurship.
The money tree was an interesting new storytelling approach he has taken to hone in many of the lessons he teaches in his side hustle and $100 startup book. I particularly liked the comparison he demonstrates between building a traditional tech start up vs his recommended way of starting small. This comparison has been on my mind for some time now and this book gave me a clearer perspective.
Thank you Chris for all your work and I hope we continue to read new work from you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brent Zaluski
- 2021-09-29
great read.
love the book. great read. very inspiring. would recommend to anyone interested in a side hustle or working for themselves.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nyajal
- 2021-01-14
A different way to teach lessons about money!
The money tree was great! I was honestly surprised about the way the writer chose To teach us lessons about money. This is not your typical money lessons book. I will be sharing this with as many people as possible. I’m also so inspired to start working on my side hustle.
Thank you!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2020-12-20
just what I needed to hear today
really enjoyed it and was what I needed to hear at this time in life
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Corey
- 2020-11-10
Pretty good book
I enjoyed the book overall, but did find that my mind would drift a bit while listening to it. It wasn't overly captivating. This story is for somebody who is looking to start something from nothing (No capital).Since I do have money to put into my business, this wasn't the perfect fit for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-09-16
great story telling with lots of life lessons.
great birds eye view on life, struggles and overcoming obstacles. i enjoyed listening to the authors voice.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- rebecca
- 2020-08-25
it's good but it isnt great
If you know a lot about side hustles and financial freedom etc, this book probably isnt for you unless you want a decent story. I liked the book and thought it did a good job of what it was meant to do, which is show people who dont know anything about making money on the side that there is ways to make money other than your 9-5. the story is good and is really the only reason I kept reading, however, I didnt learn very much as I already knew a lot of what was talked about. If you are just starting to explore the concept of making money in unique and creative ways, this book can teach a lot!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Idan Silelnikov
- 2020-05-27
Excellent for those starting out
This book was excellent. I wish I had it available to me 2-3 years ago when I began my journey out of the 9-5 lifestyle. Regardless, I found it eye opening and motivational.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Jorge A. Quinteros
- 2020-06-09
Horrible Narrator
Normally I get excited when the author narrates their own book but this was an instance where I wished that wasn’t the case. Chris Guillebeau should just stick to writing the books. Such a bad narrator. No personality. Absolutely dry and boring. Like message of the book but overall story was nothing special.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- V
- 2020-04-23
A Must Read - Beautiful Work
This book has been an absolute life changer - and really helped me connect a lot of dots with my own journey into entrepreneurship, along with how powerful it is to connect with others so we can go forward further than we thought.
The characters and their motives are well defined - and the main character Jake is the perfect any man audience surrogate, that really helps you understand the hidden meanings of the lessons in building a successful business - even if you have never attempted. I have been into passive income for a long time, and could see many plot points coming, but it was just such a relief and validated of where I am now that I could see it.
If you are into being self reliant, and building a legacy - this book is for you. Starting a business whether new, “trying again”, or transitioning- this book is for you. Looking for meaning in what you bring to the world - read this!!
I cannot express how grateful I am that Chris wrote this book - the characters are so relatable, and it is truly something I wish I had at 19 so I could have side-stepped a lot of backtracking haha!
I will be recommending this book to all of my friends, and make it a staple in any mastermind I’m part of - the insights are that good. It’s clear the Chris really gets what it takes to live a fulfilled life, and his wonderfully relatable characters represent many paths - I almost felt like I was in the story myself!
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paula Dofat
- 2020-07-30
Grateful for this work of written art!
In light of the times we are living in and living through now, this book is a beckon of hope, humanity, and direction. It is a combination of blueprint for success, seeing beyond self for the good of community, and helping yourself to help others all while remaining humble. This is not just something to say but I truly will be forever changed by the principles in this book.
I also thought it was brilliant to weave in a story! It was so fabulous; I finished it in two days and have started to apply what I have learned. So stay tuned for an update.
Also, I actually cried about Clarence,,,don't want to give it away. LOL Anyway, kudos to Chris Guillebeau for an amazing and much needed book!
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- April Terrell
- 2020-07-26
Needed This
What’s really cool about this book is that it’s self helpery but in story form. The wave of the future! Anyone can tout, “You can do more than you think you can”, but can they develop a whole story, with lessons and characters? Chris did.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- B
- 2020-07-25
Great teaching wrapped in a realistic, fun story
I loved this story. Chris Guillebeau has created rich, lovable characters who taught me so much. Fom the main character, Jake, and his colleagues to the generous, far-sighted teacher Clarence and all his Ethiopian connections.
An easy read. Once I started, it was very hard to put it down.
Maybe Chris Guillebeau will be so kind as to create a sequel....
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Naija Princess
- 2020-05-21
Fun listen, challenging the old normal
I learned of this book through a Dave Ramsey podcast. After many years of wishing to start a business again, this book has given me the steps to take to accomplish that goal. A goal without a plan is simply a wish. Now I have a plan.
The story is well written and half way through you forget that it's a financial book as the characters draw you in. Relatable, even if a hit exaggerated, to get the points across.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2020-05-19
Totally recommend it !!!
This is the perfect book for anyone feeling stuck, powerless, or looking for a change in how they are living their life and managing their finances. There is so much value in those words and the storytelling is great ! A book that reminds us that we are in control.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joel
- 2021-03-16
A good reminder on what "business" is
As someone who as worked for a variety of small and large businesses, it was good to read this book. I appreciated this book more for what it is not: its not a financial book. It has nothing about budgeting. There is no brilliant investment strategy. There is no millionaire pot of gold at the end. It's not about flipping houses or building a megacorp. Its not the eMyth or the EOS framework.
There is nothing wrong with building scalable business and being a better investor, but Chris has done something special in this book. We don't talk enough about the value of helping others and paying it forward during the business process. Business is supposed to be about profits. Chris makes it about profits. But it's about more than that - its about living profitably and making the world a better place.
The book is not going to make me rich, but it has made my life richer, and I am grateful for Chris living by his own creed. I also hope he has better future experiences with vegan restaurants - somewhere he has been wronged. Buzzing out
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Denis
- 2021-01-17
Another great listening from Chris
100$ Startup was the first book I’ve read and it changed my, one of those “aha” moments.
This book is another level: great storytelling, listened it as a whole through one evening. Though, I’m not in US and some of the references are not applicable (no student loans and no such a problem here in Russia) I already started to think how can I grow my money tree with my knowledge and how this knowledge can help other people around the globe :)
Opportunities come from different directions, so it’s important not to lose the moment. Thank you, Chris!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Kristofer Jarl
- 2020-11-18
Not his best work (or at least not performance)
I've read most, if not all, of Chris' books, and I've enjoyed them all. This one was not a favourite of mine.
The story is decent, and the characters are (mostly) relatable. But where it really goes down the drain is the narration.
Chris' style of narration is great... for his other books. This is more of an edutainment kind of book, written as a fictional story, with characters going through (somewhat contrived) trials and tribulations. They experience difficult emotional events, and the story deserves to be told in a way that reflects that.
But alas, no. It's read in the exact same style as all his other books, with Chris' staccato lecturing style narration. I'm sorry, it doesn't work. He should have found a different narrator for this one.
If you want to see where this style of narration works, go listen to any other book from the same author.
1 person found this helpful