An Author Wednesday interview with Dr. David Berry

“Dr. David Berry has provided excellent advice for all those interested in practical economics and sound money. It’s certainly worth reading.” -Congressman Ron Paul

Cha-Ching Wisdom is an easy-to-read primer on 123 pearls of personal financial advice presented as universal truths and explained by amusing events based in personal experience.  Cha-Ching Wisdom delivers sound, concrete truisms on everything from buying insurance to making money to developing the mindset necessary to achieve lasting fulfillment. Psychology, philosophy and hard facts are all represented.  Each truth is fleshed out with a brief explanation, often including anecdotes or fresh takes on timeless wisdom.

Q. Thanks for the interview David! Can we begin by having you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been working in and writing about this topic?

A. Hello and thank you for your invitation.  My inspiration for Cha-Ching Wisdom came from my father, an economist and Ph.D. with an endowed professorship at Texas Tech in Lubbock.  Through my upbringing and personal experience, including the relative poverty of medical school while parenting two new babies, I bring a touch of personal humor to concise pearls of wisdom without 300 pages of droll text.  The book itself sat on my computer in “near-complete” form for over 4 years.  My renewed inspiration in early 2010 came from my intolerance for the then current events in our nation’s economy, and for proposed health care reform.  Once I put my mind to it, and within 10 months, Cha-Ching Wisdom was born.

Q. What’s your new book about? Why did you write it? What main message will readers take away from it?

A. Cha-Ching Wisdom is a compilation of 123 practical bits of wisdom regarding money, finances and living.  It is simple to read and can be digested all-at-once or in small bits of time.  The simple advice is fashioned after the I-Ching, an ancient Chinese proverb format with a brief explanation and real-world examples and anecdotes.  I have read many personal finance books and usually only find 2 – 3 pearls of useful wisdom in 300 pages of text.  If I want to read a novel with complex characters and multiple story lines, I’ll read a novel.  If I want tangible, useful tools, I would read Cha-Ching Wisdom.

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

A. As a medical doctor, I have no business reading and studying the intricacies of economics and finance.  But, as an entrepreneur, small business owner, inventor, and father of four, I have made it my passion for the last 8 years to pull myself from $800,000 in debt to a multi-million dollar personal net worth.

Q. What were some of the greatest discoveries, lessons, or findings you came across while doing research and writing this book?

A. I have found myself straying from my own advice from my own book.  Throughout the writing process and since its publication, I have strived to take my own advice and keep intact some level of integrity.  I have had many reminders from friends and family.  The whole process was completely new to me.  I opened myself up to a new and undiscovered process.  I was the rookie.  I was completely out of my league, but you can continue to learn and develop, and should, regardless of your life’s previous accomplishments.  I decided that I do not rest on my laurels very well.

Q. What do you feel sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

A. My advice is easy, tangible and applicable.  It is topical, reasonable and can be read from cover to cover or in 5 minute bits.  There is no way to lose your place.  I have had reviews and praise coming from college students to presidents of banks, to Chief Investment Officers of major financial institutions, to lawyers to restaurant executives to oil company presidents.  This little book of secrets applies to you personally, yet also has a deeper application to national and world economics.  It is as simple or as complex as you would like to receive the little pearls.

Q. What are 5 things everyone should know in your area of expertise?

A. Try on a new idea or attempt a new skill every year.

Don’t take life too seriously.

Be the best in your community at something.

Provide exceptional customer service.

Remember that you were not born to experience mediocrity in your relationships, your finances, your career or your life.

Q. What does your typical day look like?

A. I have two daughters at home with me currently, with two in college.  I get the kids to school, then head to the office.  I am a full-time Ob/Gyn who specializes in complicated and high-risk pregnancies.  I run my own office of 10 employees and actively see 30 – 40 patients per day.  I will consult with inpatients at any of 7 local hospitals or perform some surgeries over lunch and, if no new consultations come in during the day, will make it home by 6 – 7 PM to help with homework or read/write, or play until bedtime.

Q. If someone were a complete noobie when it comes to the topic of your book, what are some steps they could take to dive in and get more educated in this area. (Besides reading your book of course!)

A. Read Cha-Ching Wisdom.  It is for the student, the newly married, the newly bankrupt, the uninspired working in a job that they hate, the burned-out employee, or the professional seeking more joy in their life.

Q. If you could write 1 Golden Rule to take away from your book, what would it be and why?

A. As Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss.”  We all become lulled into complacency in our daily lives, our relationships and in our jobs.  If such a thing is happening, remember to dream and be courageous to take the first steps necessary to find your bliss.

Q. What other resources in addition to your book would you recommend to people to learn more about this area?

A.  My  book, Cha-Ching Wisdom, is very much inspired by my teachers and authors that have inspired me.  I give credit to Neale Donald Walsch, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, and Eckhart Tolle for many life lessons and personal philosophy.  Suze Orman, Robert Kyosaki and Clark Howard are all excellent sources of financial advice.  Dr. Ron Paul and the Austrian School of Economics really have the macro-economic picture and political philosophy down in the national and international arena.  And, all of my gratitude will never suffice to my family, friends and to God for His miraculous gifts.

Q. What are some of your current projects you’ve been working on in this field?

A. I have done interviews and book signings.  My next book will actually be on the Myths of Pregnancy, more appropriate to my formal training, yet in the same tone as Cha-Ching Wisdom, simple, direct and shameless.  Future topics for Cha-Ching Wisdom may individually address truths for earning, spending, planning, and living

Q. Thank you for the interview Dr. Berry! Would you like to share where we can find you on the web and how we can buy your book?

A. All major book sellers will have Cha-Ching Wisdom including www.amazon.com,  www.bn.com or directly from my website at www.chachingwisdom.com.  Additionally, a semi-monthly blog update is on my website that will keep you abreast of recent national and international trends and news, including tangible pieces of advice on what to do with your investments now.

About the Author:

Dr. David L. Berry is a successful businessman, father, inventor, entrepreneur, and a physician and specialist in complicated pregnancies.  His unique life experience—he is a fourth generation medical doctor on his mother’s side and grew up with a Ph.D. economist father—has given him an insightful way of thinking outside the box, both personally and professionally.  Dr. Berry lives and maintains an active medical practice in Austin, Texas and is a proud father of four daughters.  He may be contacted via email at chachingwisdom@gmail.com