Also I do believe in Myer Bridge personality types that people are hard to change from one type of personality into another.

But why do I have to ignore advice from PF experts if this is applicable to me?

The thing is to find correct things for correct people. I never heard Robert Kiyosaki or someone say a pianist MUST be come an investor.

While I have learned valuable things from some books and authors, their advice is not the panacea that they often revered as. While the advice in their books may be useful – sometimes very such so or even life-changing to some depending on their particular situation and the point they are at in their lives – it’s very hyped and there’s heavy marketing to make you buy more and more of their stuff. They’re only applying their own advice, right? How to get rich! At one point, there’s a point of “diminishing returns” with respect to how much money you pay to learn the “financial secrets that will guarantee you unimaginable wealth!”

Cheers, nice site!
Julie

The problem is that we are being sold so many things at any given time. “Debt is good, debt is a tool, plastic is faster than cash, etc.” Most of this stuff is a lie, but we hear it so often that we act as if it is true. So many people are living on a knife edge financially because they believe this stuff.
Going against that current is hard work.

The value in listening to the common sense approach of many of the financial gurus is that you get to hear that living on less than what you make still works. You can become wealthy by living frugally, watching every penny and saving as much as you can, starting as early as you can.

They can help to keep you motivated and encouraged to stick with a plan that runs counter to every marketing pitch you hear or see.

Most people who reach out for financial planning books can and do benefit hugely from the “general” financial advice that is offered. Where else can you learn about the particulars of 401k investing, IRAs, emergency funds, financing education, and budgeting? Sure, online or at PF blogs, but that’s not where most people go unless they’re ALREADY financially literate.

Dont’ bash the simplistic, general personal finance books. They boosted me to where I am, and they help countless normal people start to make plans and goals–and reach them.

There is a reason why these “experts” can make a good living giving basic advice. Some people really are benefiting from the advice. Sure some of the books are sold to people intending to give them away, but not all of them.

Sometimes people (myself included) have to hear a message a couple hundred times before acting on it.

We all have our own styles and attract a different type of reader.

But you have to start learning some were and Bach, Orman and the like can be a good place to start.

I don’t see it as any different than weight loss. For example, some people can do it on their own, while others need more help (ex: personal trainer). Similarly, for those that seek help, they will excel with one who also matches their psychological needs or personality. Look at the show the Biggest Loser – You have Bob the shoulder to cry on…and Jillian the one to tell you to quit being a baby. They both deliver the same essential product…but in very different ways.

Although I personally wouldn’t pay for the advice their peddling, I can understand why someone else might.

The bottom line is that you need to remember that all of the “experts” you see or hear are selling something. They are selling books, audio tapes, online courses, workshops, seminars, etc. They shill their advice in order to hopefully generate more sales.

There is nothing wrong with this, it is a business just like any other. But you have to consider that they are tailoring their message to the masses so that they can appeal to the widest audience that can then capitalize on more sales.

So I think your assessment is right on. You should generally ignore the experts. Sure, they may have some reasonable advice to dish out, but it won’t work magic in your own situation. You have to dig deeper and really apply what you’ve learned, or actually seek individual help in order to really make a difference.