Results & Testimonials
Results & Testimonials
Financial Wisdom has been tested in the real world — in a state correctional institution, with men who face the exact financial challenges this program was designed for. The results speak for themselves.
In 2022, we conducted our first pilot class at the North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, Massachusetts. A small group of men enrolled in a GED program worked through The Richest Man in New Babylon with the Workbook and Leader’s Guide.
The pilot confirmed what we had believed: that people who are incarcerated connect with this material. They see themselves in Jamaal’s story. The Rules make sense to them. And the seminar format — discussion, not lecture — keeps them engaged.
Student evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. We learned from the experience, and we’ve been refining the materials ever since.
Here is a link to what they think in their own words.
“I found the book to be engaging and informative, with real-world practical advice for those faced with the difficulty of overwhelming debt and limited income opportunities. The ‘Rules,’ while very functional for rebuilding financial stability, are also effective when applied to many other life situations. Perhaps the most important part of this book, however, is the natural incorporation of soft skills and the emphasis on acceptance of diversity.”
— Anna Schubarth, FCCM, Correctional Education Professional
“The story was engaging and I rooted for Jamaal. Sometimes these stories tend to be a little too in-your-face or morally superior, but you did a good job avoiding that by keeping it strictly on Jamaal and his journey. I also thought you did a good job of portraying black people. While there were certainly stereotypical types, you painted them as human, which I appreciated.”
— Michael La Ronn, Author, YouTuber and Podcaster
“I just finished the book. The last part brought tears to my eyes. Seeing this young man change and grow, and then come full circle to help someone else was inspiring. The rules are laid out in a way as to make them timely and accessible.”
— Jeanne Felfe, Author and Editor
“As I read, I found myself comparing the rules that were taught to my own practices and can honestly say, I learned a lot and will have to put several of the rules into practice.”
— Taneisha Spall, M.Ed., Corrections School Principal
“I really like this book; both the financial advice and the story. It provides actionable, practical, and up-to-date financial lessons presented in an engaging story.”
— Jean Abbott, EdD, MBA, CPA; Associate Professor of Business Studies, Stockton University
“I enjoyed the book and found it to be an easy read. It covered the important elements of personal financial planning without overwhelming the reader with technical details.”
— Kenneth B. Shapiro, CPA/PFS, CFP; Shapiro Financial Security Group
We are actively seeking partnerships with corrections educators to run more Financial Wisdom Workshops and expand our evidence base. Every workshop generates student evaluations, facilitator feedback, and data that helps us improve the program and demonstrate its value.
If you’ve used our materials, we want to hear from you. Your feedback — from students and from educators — is essential.
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