Author to share message about personal finance

BLOOMINGTON — Sheryl Garrett preaches the gospel of personal finance. But it’s up to her listeners — or readers — to follow her advice and watch their own wallets. Garrett, a certified financial planner and founder of the Garrett Planning Network, an international network of fee-only financial advisers, will be in the Twin Cities next week for a variety of speaking engagements.

She’ll share the message — and sign copies — of her newest book, “Personal Finance Workbook for Dummies.” “This is a very roll-up-your-sleeves, dive-in-head-first (book),” said Garrett, who lives in Kansas. “It’s not complicated.” She hopes to instill a sense of motivation in the Central Illinois residents she’ll reach when she makes her second trip to Bloomington-Normal.

“They really do have a whole lot more control, influence and impact on the outcome, and they are able to do this,” Garrett said. She was last in town in 2004 when she promoted her book, “Just Give Me the Answers: Expert Advisors Address Your Most Pressing Financial Questions.” Garrett’s new book complements Eric Tyson’s “Personal Finance for Dummies,” of which she was the technical editor.

Once she got past the “Dummies” word in the title of the series, she really enjoyed Tyson’s book. Many people have a make-believe attitude that they know enough about money; however, while they’re not dummies, most people do not have all the knowledge, Garrett said. “Admitting that is the first step to recovery, and improving,” Garrett said with a laugh. Now, she’s proud of her own reference book with its many checklists and worksheets, something for everybody.