If, like many, you've often promised yourself that you were going to take some weight off and keep it off and/or you've vowed that you were going to keep better track of your hard-earned dollars, authors Vivien Schapera and Drew Logan have a solution for you. This is not a solution you'll find hyped on television as a quick-fix or miracle cure for your weight and money woes, and maybe that fact alone should make you take notice. None of us came to our present situations overnight, and none of us are going to find our way to a solution overnight either.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GAIN MONEY seemed like an unlikely pairing to me until I read Schapera's and Logan's table of behaviors that are common to the both weight gain and money loss. In a factual and logical approach, the two clearly show the reader how the behaviors are intertwined in some, if not most, of their roots. In Chapter 1 they tell us: “Weight loss and money gain are not the same thing, but they are related...Does that mean that fat people lose money? No, not exactly, but in that moment we could see the bridge linking these two issues. As further confirmation, we flashed on what every woman knows—when she's anxious, food helps. And shopping does too.”

That doesn't mean this book is only from a female perspective or for the female reader, it simply reveals one of the many insights into human behavior that the authors possess and utilize to help the reader help him/herself. There is no new diet plan involved, or any financial secrets employed, but rather the book is to be used as an adjunct to healthy eating, physical activity, and sound financial planning. Aptly put, the title tells it all: this book is a blueprint—it tells you how to go about changing your thinking and your behaviors to create long lasting and positive change.

Written in an informative and easily understandable manner, the book's format is open and flowing, and lends itself well to the subject matter. There is room for “Action Notes” at the end of the chapters, helping the reader to organize and plan and do. A comprehensive list of resources is provided at the end of the book, giving the reader almost unlimited options. Even when the going gets a little rough on a personal level for the reader, the authors stay matter-of-fact and firm, providing just the right amount of “umph” for the reader to keep moving forward.

Vivien Schapera has a Master's degree in psychology, has been an Energy Healer for over two decades, and has been a teacher and instructor for teachers of the Alexander Technique in addition to being a wife and mother. Her earlier books were Everyday Magic and How to Establish and Maintain a Strong Client Base. Her wisdom sometimes transcends the written words, leaving the reader feeling calm and confident page after page.

Drew Logan has a Bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Sciences and has recently retired from a career in banking. He spends his time freelancing as a teacher and personal financial consultant as well as volunteering for non-profit organizations. Thankfully, from this reviewer's point of view, Mr. Logan talks on a level any reader can comprehend, but never does so in a patronizing manner. His ideas are clear and crisp and best of all, realistic and doable.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GAIN MONEY is more than about those two subjects; it is also about gaining control over oneself, and there can be few greater gifts. This book, and your effort, will take you there.