Date Published: December 9, 2025
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
With transparency and depth, this book challenges readers to move beyond surface-level budgeting and step into a more intentional, holistic approach to financial and personal growth. Whether you’re navigating marriage, career, leadership, or legacy, The Two Sides of Every Dollar helps you recognize the ways money shapes your story—and how to make that story count.
Interview
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published?
How did you come up with the idea and how did you start? I
wrote the entire book and then brought it to Lucid. They then helped me through
all the other steps of getting published, thankfully! The idea for this book
stemmed from the thought that most of the things we talk about in my profession
also relate to our personal lives. For example, we are a fiduciary by trade and
as I pondered that from my professional perspective, I asked, well, who
wouldn’t want someone looking after our best interest in our personal life.
From there the other topics just started jumping out to me. Like exchange
rates, compounding, Time Value of Money, interest, and so many more. I really
enjoy relating these topics to our quantitative and qualitative sides of life. Another
quick example being, most of our uses of money are transactional, like paying
for services and goods, taxes, debt, etc. However, a fulfilling life is far
more than transactional, it’s transformational. To be mindful of the ratio is
helpful.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
All
that was required after writing and behind the scenes. I knew it would stretch
me but there are so many facets to seeing everything through the process.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing
The two things I value most are my faith and family. I enjoy my profession as a
business owner in the financial services industry. I especially enjoy the
families, being a part of their stories and providing advice. When I’m not
working, I enjoy time with family and friends and I’m an avid golfer.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
I was writing a book for many years while
going through a divorce and I remember when this new direction hit me. In that
moment I had a difficult decision to make. I either keep the direction which is
about 75% complete or start anew. I’m glad I took a different path. I think
this book is better and brings more value.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Listening to others and thinking about what and why they think what they
do. And then, why action is or isn’t taken. I’m a big fan of EQ and I’m a big
fan of others. It pains me to hear what people think of themselves aloud and
how so many debt instruments rob all of us of our greatest potential. This is
why I love helping others and writing.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
A
few individuals that have said they support me and when it comes time to put
words into action, they don’t.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Persevering through the process, while going through the most difficult season
of my life. All while keeping the belief that what I wrote brings value to
others.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Unpublished = 0, half finished = 2’ish
Matthew Miller is the CEO and Co-Owner of Awaken Wealth Partners, an investment advisory firm, that operates as a Fiduciary, based in Houston, Texas. Before entering the financial world, Matt spent nearly 15 years in manufacturing, where he developed a strong foundation in business and leadership. When the opportunity came to apply that experience toward helping others build meaningful futures, he jumped in with purpose.
A proud native Texan and graduate of Texas A&M, Matt is a devoted father and passionate follower of Jesus. He also enjoys art, he's a loyal friend, and an avid golfer who enjoys a good challenge both on and off the course.
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