Jason Miller's book, Financial Sorcery puts us on the path to financial sustainability through the cunning use of sorcery, strategic thinking, and careful planning. Thumbing through the text, the reader may find the book a bit dry, and I have to admit, reading the sections on IRA's and stock market investing made my eyes glaze over, so I can sympathize. However, don't mistake the book as another yawn-inducing text on financial planning with some witchcraft stirred in. The deeper you go into the book, the more unconventional it is.
The main unconventional idea that impressed me most was use of 'set points.' These set points show us how we are affected by our economic status and how to move beyond it. The original concept of set points comes out of the 1980’s diet industry. The theory was that the human metabolism was like a thermostat and that you can change your metabolism through set points.
It's a genius way to analyze the cause of our financial setbacks and provide us with clarity to move forward. The first step teaches us how to let go of everything prevents us from moving ftoward our goals.The next step shows us how to move our set point through role study, reading biographies of wealthy people and through mentorships. The final set point shows us how to do a reset through success. As Miller says, “the more success you accumulate, the better the reset.”
The book also discusses magic and ritual, glyphs and strategies and real world advice on financial planning, stocks, retirement funds, finding work in a waning job market, promotions and more. I’m really impressed with the practical no nonsense way he conveys information. There’s no sales pitch, no, ‘I can show you how to make a million dollars a day if you draw this glyph in the dirt.’ There’s nothing in here but practical logical guidance that will put you on the path to a better life.
~reviewed by Patricia Snodgrass
Author: Jason Miller
Red Wheel/ Weiser, 2026
pp. 215, $19.95
Editor's note: This is a revised edition of the book published in 2012. It contains a new introduction, an all-new chapter, and updates throughout.
