“This book delivers practical tools wrapped in relatable stories that make complex financial ideas simple and usable. The three-step process is clear and surprisingly transformative. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite knowing the ‘rules,’ this is the guide that will finally help you move forward with confidence.”

 

—Russell N. James III, JD, PhD, CFP®, professor, School of Financial Planning, Texas Tech University; Hall of Fame member, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; honorary fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

​

“The Strategic Money Method is a compass for rethinking how you spend, save, and plan—a clear, practical guide that empowers consumers to align money decisions with what truly matters.”

 

—Dr. Charles Chaffin, cofounder, Money and Risk Inventory; cofounder, Psychology of Financial Planning; professor, Iowa State University 

​

“Dr. Payne writes about personal finance with humor and humility. The strategies he offers are easy to read, easy to understand and, most importantly, easy to implement. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a handle on their finances, as well as those in the personal finance industry who wish to reach their clientele in meaningful and effective ways. Dr. Payne takes what might otherwise be considered complex personal finance concepts and turns them into enjoyable and relatable stories that convey useful strategies for getting a handle on money matters.

 

I plan to purchase enough copies of this book to give as gifts to my adult children, nieces, and nephews, who will no doubt gain from Dr. Payne’s straight-forward strategies embedded in relatable analogies and funny personal stories. I’ve worked my entire adult career in higher education and have come across only a handful of academicians who are able to convey complex concepts with an abundance of clarity and a healthy dose of humility. Dr. Payne has accomplished that!”

​

—Dr. Daniel McDonald, Distinguished Outreach Professor, Take Charge America Endowed Chair, University of Arizona

 

“This book is highly informative, practical, and understandable for all types of readers interested in making better financial decisions. Patrick provides a wonderful perspective of the different psychological aspects experienced within the financial planning process. I especially enjoyed the discussion and presentation about investor personality.”

 

—Victor Ricciardi, coauthor, Advanced Introduction to Behavioral Finance

 

“The Strategic Money Method offers a fresh perspective on personal finance, going beyond basic tips to explore the deeper logic behind financial decisions. Drawing from years of teaching, research, and real-life experiences, Dr. Patrick Payne provides a practical and accessible framework for making money choices that makes money decisions less overwhelming. Whether you are just starting your financial journey or looking to change your financial path, this book can help you. Dr. Payne’s empowering perspective and clear writing make the book a valuable guide for anyone seeking to make smarter and more intentional financial decisions.”

​

—John Grable, PhD, CFP®, Athletic Association Endowed FACS Professor, Department of Financial Planning, University of Georgia

 

“While it seems easier in personal finance to start with the rules, or rules of thumb, unless we start with the vision of where we want our finances to take us, we won’t likely get where we want to be. Patrick Payne helps us see the importance of first having our own unique strategy or vision, then gives us tools through his three key questions to keep us moving toward fulfilling that strategy. By following his guidance, this book will positively impact your personal finances.”

 

—Barry S. Mulholland, PhD, CFP®, ChFC®, Clinical Associate Professor, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University

 

“Patrick Payne's The Strategic Money Method has done it! Finally, a commonsense, thoughtful approach to the art and science of financial planning. As Dr. Payne writes, ‘You cannot create an effective plan until you first establish a solid strategy.’ This book ensures the reader has all the tools to establish both the plan and the strategy. A must-read for all those looking to build and maintain wealth.”

 

—Kim Daniels Walsh, JD, associate professor of practice, Personal and Family Financial Planning, University of Arizona; of counsel, Schenck, Price, Smith & King

 

“A clear-headed approach to financial decision-making. By putting vision before goals and strategy before tactics, you will learn to plan your financial life in a way that can get you where you want to go and easily adapt to life’s inevitable changes along the way.”

 

—Sarah Newcomb, PhD, author of Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead Without Leaving Your Values Behind

 

“This is a well-written, easy-to-read book that demystifies the financial decision-making process. It provides practical, understandable advice that can be applied to any reader’s individual goals and values. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all rule, readers identify their personal strategy and then create a plan to implement that strategy.”

​

—Charlene M. Kalenkoski, PhD, CFP®, dean, School of Business and Communication, Mount St. Joseph University

 

“For over a decade, I have been looking for a relevant resource to help my students go beyond financial definitions and rules of thumb for money decisions. The Strategic Money Method is just that resource, and it is certain to become a class favorite. In a very practical and relatable way, Payne describes effective approaches to financial decision-making.”

 

—Jacob A. Tenney, PhD, CFP®, associate professor, University of Charleston

 

“Presents  three realistic questions, each with in-depth explanations, to guide your thought process in financial decision-making. It clearly shows how these questions interconnect and empowers you to apply them with confidence.”

 

—Thomas Korankye, PhD, CFP®, EA, assistant professor, Personal and Family Financial Planning, University of Arizona; program director, CFP® Board  

 

“The Strategic Money Method is a refreshing take on personal finance. Instead of quick tips or rigid rules, it equips readers with a clear, practical framework for making smarter financial choices. This book helps you align money decisions with your values and long-term goals.”

 

—Chris Browning, PhD, CFP®, associate professor, Texas Tech University; national director, Financial Planning Academy  

 

“Most money books tell you what to do. This one teaches you how to think. With over a decade of experience teaching thousands of college students, Dr. Patrick Payne understands that sound financial decisions come from knowing ourselves—not just following financial rules. By combining psychological insights and practical strategies, he explores the emotional roadblocks that derail our best financial intentions and shares methods for overcoming them. Through a simple framework of self-reflective questions and actionable sections on empowered spending, intentional borrowing, and efficient investing, this book offers a personalized and holistic approach to money management that actually works!”

 

—Victoria Ligon, PhD, associate professor of practice, Personal and Family Financial Planning, University of Arizona

 

“The Strategic Money Method moves beyond numbers and generic rules that dominate financial advice. Patrick Payne helps readers rethink money at a deeper level, offering a framework that tailors decisions to personal values and long-term goals—equipping them with the confidence and practical tools to finally master their money.”

 

—Jacob Williams, PhD, CFP®, director, Planning and Research, Helmstar Wealth Management  

 

“With memorable metaphors and actionable step-by-step playbooks for spending, borrowing, and investing, The Strategic Money Method replaces guesswork with confidence in everyday financial decisions.”

 

—Blain Pearson, PhD, CFP®   Assistant professor of finance and economics, Coastal Carolina University

 

“The Strategic Money Method makes achieving long-term success with money attainable for everyone. Exploring and applying the essential truths clearly articulated by Patrick Payne will be hugely impactful, whether you are at the beginning or already started on the financial journey.”

​

—Andrew Waldum, MS, MBA, CFP®, associate professor of practice, Personal and Family Financial Planning, University of Arizona