This Life is Personal: Blueprint for Family, Money and Retirement provides tried-and-tested, practical tools and insights for budding entrepreneurs or individuals seeking success in business or pursuing true financial freedom. The author spares no detail in outlining the steps one can take or issues one may face.
Shared through the lens of an individual who has walked the journey, experienced losses, and made powerful comebacks, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to transform their financial condition or business.
Despite growing up under very difficult circumstances, he found acceptance and love in the care of his ageing and poor grandparents. Fortune favored him as he – determined to pursue a better life – succeeded in getting an education against all odds and scaled the corporate ladder to become a bank CEO. He overcame his family background to marry Elizabeth, the love of his life, and together they are intentionally and mindfully raising their three sons: Ted, Will and Mark.
He overcame abject poverty, repurposed his life, built and is living his dream. He had a successful career, is enjoying a blissful retirement and has financial freedom.
Joseph Iha’s is a genuine rags-to-riches story, and he candidly walks the reader through his greatest challenges and sorrows and invites them to not only celebrate his joys with him but imagine a reality where they too can overcome hardships and achieve victories in life – free from a victim mindset.
Learn from the youthful retired banker-turned-entrepreneur and trainer what the secrets of a successful enterprise are, how to manage yourself, how to mitigate risk and what kind of mindset to uphold along the way.
Jacqueline Odhiambo –
The book, This life is Personal was a great read. It is an inspiration to couples as it addresses how to manage relationships and finances while raising stable families. Joe’s background is a testimony that regardless of our upbringing, with determination, focus and hard work we can all excel. Kudos 👏
Nadia Achieng’ –
Such an insightful read! Couldn’t put it down once I held it.
Nadia Achieng’ –
Such an insightful read! Couldn’t put it down the moment I held it.
Agather –
This is a book that I will recomend to everyone. It is literally a book for all generations,all professions and all ages.
I am thrilled by the practical lessons shared by the author regarding money. I mean, we are used to motivational speakers telling us how easy it is to be a millionaire, but the author here gives us the most realistic blueprint I have ever read. We learn how to make money,how to save and invest,and he even shares his failures/lessons during his journey of wealth creation. It is so refreshing to read about building wealth legally!
I love how he equally values family. Indeed it doesnt matter where we all came from,we owe it to ourself and our generations to build healthy and stable families. While people are so obssessed with broken families, Joe has taught us that it is possible to beat the odds and have a steady and loving family while building wealth together.
And to the topic that scares most employed people…retirement! He has indeed given us a trick. We have no excuse but to retire happily. Gone are the days of making our children a retirement plan.
Last but not least, I enjoyed reading about his carreer path and growth. We can all be better than those who held our hands. And when we are at the apex,we should hold other peoples hands as well.
In short, the book is a gift to this generation, and it is my hope and prayer that it lands to more hands,because it has a lesson for everyone.
Thank you Joe and Liz for this masterpiece.
kaikajoyceline –
This book blew me away!! one of the best reads! I would recommend this memoir to everyone. I bought it to support the author, with whom I am thankful for the privilege of working with him at one of the banks in Tanzania. Little did I know it would completely alter my perception of life at this age, inspire me to become a better person, give me a purpose to move past heartbreak, and help me find peace in my grief. Indeed, “this life is personal.” While reading this book, I went through all kinds of emotions: tears, laughter, and smiles.
This book is not only for the retired or those who are on the edge of retiring; it is also for people like me, at my age and with my years of experience in life and career; it is for the younger generation with an interest in the corporate world or banking; it is for couples and how beautifully they can grow together, those that are building their financial freedom together as they learn how to love and support each other in strength and weakness; it is for government and members of parliament for struggles the citizen goes through seeking public services and where can they do better and lastly, it is for families and how to navigate through life together in sickness, happiness, loss, and success.
As they say, writing is an art. This is from a 293-page book with 12 chapters; worth not skipping a page where the art is evident. The storytelling is structured, using simple language (remember I mentioned why everyone could read this book). The author shares his narrative, embedding lessons in each chapter for readers to grasp. He communicates directly with the audience, ensuring he remains closely aligned with the book’s title as he navigates through family, money, and retirement. The author guides us through various stages, including childhood, relationships, education, career ladders, retirement, and post-retirement experiences. Throughout each stage, there are challenges and ways to steer through them. Each stage portrays individuals from whom the author wanted us to absorb good and bad lessons. I can mention a few: his father, the friends he went to school with, his wife, colleagues, and his boys. Each has a story to tell, and they were beautifully crafted. He did not leave the stories hanging; he would refer to them in the chapters for the audience to understand why they were included and how they played significant roles in his life. Lastly, he gave us the best means of dealing with money and defined his perspective on financial freedom.
Interestingly enough, the author envisaged the East African (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda) market, historical events, and the means of trade and business. He discussed the office politics between East Africans in the corporate world and our diplomatic differences. His narratives were engaging, and he answered many questions that maybe were not taught in school, including the traditions and culture of each state and what he enjoyed most in each state without being biased. He told the tale in his way.
I can go on and on talking about this book, but I will share a few takeouts:
1. Identity and personal life mission
My colleagues never answered correctly when I asked how they define themselves. Because we cannot stand alone, we frequently identify ourselves within the parameters of our workplace, Joe said as he discussed this deeply and posed a question in his book: “Who are you outside your official title or employer’s organisation?” This is a pressing question that we cannot directly respond to today. Additionally, the author is teaching us how to have our own personal life mission from the employer’s mission, an important aspect that we ignore, the reason we find ourselves glued to these office walls because what else do we have to do in life? Well, that is a topic for another day.
2. Lessons on hope and faith
Remember when I said I experienced all emotions reading this book? All was nothing until I read chapter 8, Health Struggles, which made him reflect on Harold Kushner’s book “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” My heart ached!. I read chapter 8 as I travelled back from the village where I buried my father. I couldn’t stop myself from reflecting on both his healthy and sick days when I watched him battle dystonia for years, and the only thing he wanted was to be treated like everyone else, not to pity him because his neck muscles couldn’t act straight; he danced to all birthdays until when he couldn’t. I hated Dystonia but loved him more. Despite this chapter’s difficulty, I agree with the author when he said, “People living with complicated health conditions don’t need sympathy. They need HOPE.”
He additionally showed how, as Isaiah 9:2 indicates, there is always light after darkness and how God showed up in all circumstances that nearly tore him apart. God did show up in our lives, and we are grateful to have witnessed it. His narrative reminded doctors, nurses, family members, and society that we may still show kindness and hope rather than pity. It reminded me that there are lessons in all the catastrophic events we face in life, and we are not alone in suffering; we can still smile someday. We will be okay.
3. Lessons on Money
Quoting the author as he said, “The richest among us in society are not the most educated,” this part was informative. I have a friend who I know will love reading chapters 9 and 10. He is the primary speaker when discussing money and investments, but rarely in WhatsApp group chat when other topics are on. We refer to him as the CEO on purpose, hahaha! The two chapters are worth my entire adulthood and experience combined. Funny enough, I grew up believing that bankers belong to the richest group since most are good at numbers and work where the money is, so they know more about dealing with money. This changed when I worked in a bank and had a circle of such, and I was surprised by the wahala I saw and experienced!!.
Sadly, we only use money, but we lack the skills to deal with money despite our education and experience. I once witnessed a heated discussion on Twitter on financial literacy vs. financial freedom, which I observed silently; if that same discussion were to happen today, I would only respond with quotes from this book. To understand thoroughly the two chapters that will be your money dealing and financial freedom lesson 101, don’t skip chapter 1, where he discusses a world-class lifestyle. See why I said it is worth not skipping a page?
I was intrigued by Joe’s description of money as the root of all evil; the debate between his own interpretation, the priest’s, and the Bible was the best.
4. Work-Life Balance
As I read this book, I remembered Joe with a serious face at the 7:30 credit review meetings yet relaxed on Motivation Fridays. During Motivation Fridays, he would be friendly and make occasional jokes. He showed us the finest approach to interacting in all situations. It was not surprising to read about him bonding with his friends; I took lessons on friendship from his book.
I was amazed at his relationship with Liz and asked myself, Where is it that our generation keeps failing? As you read, you will be schooled on relationships, then imagine your own world (may we not discuss it, Amen!!). We keep lying to ourselves that work-life balance is a myth; Joe proved us wrong. He did 12 years of long-distance as he progressed with his career but had daily catch-up sessions with his lovely wife and kids. How did he do it? You may have to read the schedule from the book or keep silently engaging in long-distance relationships within the regions of Dar es Salaam. I loved their relationship so much; bless them.
This book is a masterpiece I cannot adequately review in a single review, as it would result in a lengthy review that may be tiring to read. I believe the book contains takeaways that are accessible to all generations. Joe didn’t ignore the employees interested in generating additional revenue while still employed; he has a chapter dedicated to demonstrating that it is doable. For those in leadership or who aim to be leaders someday, there are the best ways to be one, and I can attest to this: Joe was a good leader. He showed us how to do it practically, and all the skills are now available for us to read and practice.
I would like to leave you with a quote from the book:
“We must be lifelong leaders. Knowing that you are a fool would humble you to say “I don’t know” and become teachable”
Until later, enjoy reading, and all the best.
Joyceline Kaika –
This book blew me away!! one of the best reads! I would recommend this memoir to everyone. I bought it to support the author, with whom I am thankful for the privilege of working with him at one of the banks in Tanzania. Little did I know it would completely alter my perception of life at this age, inspire me to become a better person, give me a purpose to move past heartbreak, and help me find peace in my grief. Indeed, “this life is personal.” While reading this book, I went through all kinds of emotions: tears, laughter, and smiles.
This book is not only for the retired or those who are on the edge of retiring; it is also for people like me, at my age and with my years of experience in life and career; it is for the younger generation with an interest in the corporate world or banking; it is for couples and how beautifully they can grow together, those that are building their financial freedom together as they learn how to love and support each other in strength and weakness; it is for government and members of parliament for struggles the citizen goes through seeking public services and where can they do better and lastly, it is for families and how to navigate through life together in sickness, happiness, loss, and success.
As they say, writing is an art. This is from a 293-page book with 12 chapters; worth not skipping a page where the art is evident. The storytelling is structured, using simple language (remember I mentioned why everyone could read this book). The author shares his narrative, embedding lessons in each chapter for readers to grasp. He communicates directly with the audience, ensuring he remains closely aligned with the book’s title as he navigates through family, money, and retirement. The author guides us through various stages, including childhood, relationships, education, career ladders, retirement, and post-retirement experiences. Throughout each stage, there are challenges and ways to steer through them. Each stage portrays individuals from whom the author wanted us to absorb good and bad lessons. I can mention a few: his father, the friends he went to school with, his wife, colleagues, and his boys. Each has a story to tell, and they were beautifully crafted. He did not leave the stories hanging; he would refer to them in the chapters for the audience to understand why they were included and how they played significant roles in his life. Lastly, he gave us the best means of dealing with money and defined his perspective on financial freedom.
Interestingly enough, the author envisaged the East African (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda) market, historical events, and the means of trade and business. He discussed the office politics between East Africans in the corporate world and our diplomatic differences. His narratives were engaging, and he answered many questions that maybe were not taught in school, including the traditions and culture of each state and what he enjoyed most in each state without being biased. He told the tale in his way.
I can go on and on talking about this book, but I will share a few takeouts:
1. Identity and personal life mission
My colleagues never answered correctly when I asked how they define themselves. Because we cannot stand alone, we frequently identify ourselves within the parameters of our workplace, Joe said as he discussed this deeply and posed a question in his book: “Who are you outside your official title or employer’s organisation?” This is a pressing question that we cannot directly respond to today. Additionally, the author is teaching us how to have our own personal life mission from the employer’s mission, an important aspect that we ignore, the reason we find ourselves glued to these office walls because what else do we have to do in life? Well, that is a topic for another day.
2. Lessons on hope and faith
Remember when I said I experienced all emotions reading this book? All was nothing until I read chapter 8, Health Struggles, which made him reflect on Harold Kushner’s book “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” My heart ached!. I read chapter 8 as I travelled back from the village where I buried my father. I couldn’t stop myself from reflecting on both his healthy and sick days when I watched him battle dystonia for years, and the only thing he wanted was to be treated like everyone else, not to pity him because his neck muscles couldn’t act straight; he danced to all birthdays until when he couldn’t. I hated Dystonia but loved him more. Despite this chapter’s difficulty, I agree with the author when he said, “People living with complicated health conditions don’t need sympathy. They need HOPE.”
He additionally showed how, as Isaiah 9:2 indicates, there is always light after darkness and how God showed up in all circumstances that nearly tore him apart. God did show up in our lives, and we are grateful to have witnessed it. His narrative reminded doctors, nurses, family members, and society that we may still show kindness and hope rather than pity. It reminded me that there are lessons in all the catastrophic events we face in life, and we are not alone in suffering; we can still smile someday. We will be okay.
3. Lessons on Money
Quoting the author as he said, “The richest among us in society are not the most educated,” this part was informative. I have a friend who I know will love reading chapters 9 and 10. He is the primary speaker when discussing money and investments, but rarely in WhatsApp group chat when other topics are on. We refer to him as the CEO on purpose, hahaha! The two chapters are worth my entire adulthood and experience combined. Funny enough, I grew up believing that bankers belong to the richest group since most are good at numbers and work where the money is, so they know more about dealing with money. This changed when I worked in a bank and had a circle of such, and I was surprised by the wahala I saw and experienced!!.
Sadly, we only use money, but we lack the skills to deal with money despite our education and experience. I once witnessed a heated discussion on Twitter on financial literacy vs. financial freedom, which I observed silently; if that same discussion were to happen today, I would only respond with quotes from this book. To understand thoroughly the two chapters that will be your money dealing and financial freedom lesson 101, don’t skip chapter 1, where he discusses a world-class lifestyle. See why I said it is worth not skipping a page?
I was intrigued by Joe’s description of money as the root of all evil; the debate between his own interpretation, the priest’s, and the Bible was the best.
4. Work-Life Balance
As I read this book, I remembered Joe with a serious face at the 7:30 credit review meetings yet relaxed on Motivation Fridays. During Motivation Fridays, he would be friendly and make occasional jokes. He showed us the finest approach to interacting in all situations. It was not surprising to read about him bonding with his friends; I took lessons on friendship from his book.
I was amazed at his relationship with Liz and asked myself, Where is it that our generation keeps failing? As you read, you will be schooled on relationships, then imagine your own world (may we not discuss it, Amen!!). We keep lying to ourselves that work-life balance is a myth; Joe proved us wrong. He did 12 years of long-distance as he progressed with his career but had daily catch-up sessions with his lovely wife and kids. How did he do it? You may have to read the schedule from the book or keep silently engaging in long-distance relationships within the regions of Dar es Salaam. I loved their relationship so much; bless them.
This book is a masterpiece I cannot adequately review in a single review, as it would result in a lengthy review that may be tiring to read. I believe the book contains takeaways that are accessible to all generations. Joe didn’t ignore the employees interested in generating additional revenue while still employed; he has a chapter dedicated to demonstrating that it is doable. For those in leadership or who aim to be leaders someday, there are the best ways to be one, and I can attest to this: Joe was a good leader. He showed us how to do it practically, and all the skills are now available for us to read and practice.
I would like to leave you with a quote from the book:
“We must be lifelong leaders. Knowing that you are a fool would humble you to say “I don’t know” and become teachable”
Until later, enjoy reading, and all the best.