Wealthfulness

An Interview with Author Lance Alston

 

Lance Alston is the author of a his newly released book Wealthfulness. The book explains simple steps for Financial Health and Happiness. It educates on understanding markets, making better financial decisions, choosing happiness and acting on your financial goals.

 

“While most financial planners bury their clients in graphs, numbers and fin-tech gibberish, Lance Alston has provided readers with an easily understood map of what a Buddhist might call ‘Right Money’. It couldn’t come at a better time.” Scott Burns, Nationally Syndicated Financial Columnist

 

DYM: Tell us about yourself.

 

Lance: I’ve been a financial planner for the last 20 years.  I grew up in Plano and went to college at UT Austin. After that, I moved to the East Coast for more than a decade.  I moved back to Texas to start my family.

DYM: When did you recognize that you were interested in finances as a whole?

 

Lance: I have been interested in finance and economics for as long as I can remember.  It only seemed natural that I get my undergraduate degree in International Business and my Masters in Economics.

 

DYM: How long did it take you to write your book Wealthfulness?  

 

Lance: I worked for about 3 years on my original draft of the book.  Eventually, I submitted it to a publisher and I was assigned an editor for the project.  My editor quickly helped me realize I needed to take the book in a different direction which ended up adding another 2-3 years!

 

My original book had almost no mention of happiness, which plays a major role in this book.  I have learned that sometimes it takes a while for a book to lead the writer where they need to go.  

 

DYM: I found your book to be one of the most interesting reads when it comes to finances. You note quite a few statistics which I love, do you consider yourself a “statistic lover”?  

 

Lance: I do like statistics; that’s how I think about the world and it’s a way of communicating ideas I relate to.  However, that’s not how many people think about their world. Many people I’ve met throughout my career were intimidated by numbers.  I tried to write this book for someone who doesn’t have much interest in statistics, or math in general.

 

Where possible, I tried to weave individual stories into the narrative; personal stories the reader could relate to.  We remember important concepts better when they’re accompanied by stories.

 

DYM: Who is this book for and why should they read it?  

 

Lance: I wrote this book for someone who knows they need to think about financial planning issues but is intimidated by the topic and the idea of working with numbers.  I believe everyone should spend some time thinking about their financial situation and their future financial goals. Unfortunately, many people don’t take on that task because they’re fearful.   

 

I wanted my book to be approachable and readable for those people.  

 

DYM: Will you be touring to promote this book? 

 

Lance: Currently, I’m scheduled for local book signings.  At some point the promotion schedule may extend beyond the Dallas area, but there’s nothing in the works right now.  I’ve always loved books and bookstores, so spending a few hours on the weekend in a bookstore is really a treat for me.  

 

DYM: Have you written any other books?  

 

Lance: I co-wrote a book about investing in 2005.  It was a lot more technical and only focused on the “how” part of investing.  My current book is much more focused on the “why” part of investing, and ultimately the most important question, will it improve my quality of life and happiness?

 

DYM: Anything else you would like to share that you have not already?   

 

Lance: Everyone should take time to think about their financial future; it’s really nothing more than awareness.  We should strive to slow down long enough to understand our current situation and our purpose. Would our spouse, children and future self be okay with the financial path we’re on?  That’s how I think of Wealthfulness.

 

DYM: Thank you for taking the time to explain your new book to our readers. It’s an important topic we all need to learn more about.

 

BIO:

Lance Alston is the Founder and President of New Dimensions Wealth Management, LLC and the author of Wealthfulness: Simple Steps to Financial Health and Happiness (Brown Books Publishing Group: www.wealthfulness.com).  He holds a master’s in economics from George Mason University and a bachelor’s from The University of Texas at Austin. As the co-host of a personal finance podcast (2005-2008) he interviewed a wide range of guests from the fields of economics, finance and public policy:  best-selling authors; members of the Cabinet, OMB, Federal Reserve and Congress; and a handful of Nobel Laureates in Economics. Alston has personally helped more than 500 families create a customized financial plan for their future during his 19-year career. Those experiences have taught him a few important lessons – uncomplicated solutions are usually best, investing costs are very important, and money isn’t everything. In his free time he enjoys traveling with his two daughters, Claire and Olivia.