Story Synopsis

This story starts on the day Jamaal Thomas, a young African-American man, is released from prison. On his return to the streets he gravitates toward the old neighborhoods he knew, and then wanders a little further. He finds himself in a different neighborhood -- a part of town he had never seen before.

Later on this, his first day of freedom, Jamaal receives an urgent wake-up call. He realizes that he is in danger of repeating the same mistakes that put him in prison. He decides that he doesn't want to go back and makes a conscious decision to look in a new direction.

He meets one person – one person who makes a difference in his life – a person who starts connecting him with other people who have valuable information to share.

In the course of the book Jamaal meets people who share “the rules” with him. For example – rule number one – “pay yourself first.” The story provides context and meaning for this rule – the vitally important task of saving money and truly taking control of your personal financial future.

There are 10 rules in all – Jamaal learns them one at a time – writes them down and begins to buy into them.

While learning the rules, Jamaal also learns a lot about some of the other things it takes to succeed in life especially when you’re a young man looking for a job with a very short resume and a prison record.

The story provides actionable information about personal financial planning, examples of how important the people you meet and your ability to “network” are and finally, a small measure of optimism – that you will be able to get through this very challenging time that you are facing.

And in the end, there’s another message – about how you as someone who has successfully navigated this difficult passage – may be able to reach out and help others.