- December 4, 2025
When David Holland started writing his new book in February 2022, he envisioned one to help people with their finances as they planned for retirement.
Having worked with different clients for almost the last 30 years, the Holland Financial CEO wanted to put in writing some of the learning lessons he and his team have seen through past experiences. As he continued writing, he realized he had enough content for three different books, each with a specific theme.
The first book in his PlanStronger book series, "Smart Over Heart," has now been published.
"The book is not about how to invest; it's not about how to build a financial plan," Holland said. "It's really about how to be smart over your heart. It's how to make good choices in the areas of money that deal with people and relationships.
The book addresses topics like emotional decision making, money relationships, financial scams, debt and how to plan for the next generation.
Holland said his goal was to write a book for everyone, not just those with significant savings.
Why is it the first in the series of books? Holland said it's because he has found over the years that most financial difficulty experienced by clients was caused by "their heart taking precedence over their smarts." The book contains real-life stories, and some stories inspired by real people, to help others avoid financial mistakes others have made.
"I've never ever seen a client benefit from an emotional decision, but I've seen them be hurt by one," Holland said. "That's that's what I'm trying to help them with."
In the last three years, Holland would take every Friday to work on his book. He'd hole himself up in his home office and spend hours writing.
Holland said he considers himself an author, rather than a professional writer. There are people that can write better than him, and he surrounded himself with editors to help him along the way, including his wife Toni and Holland Financial Creative Director Christina Kohl-Merklin.
"It was very difficult, but the end result is worth it because I think it will help a lot of people," Holland said.
To learn more about Holland's book, visit smartoverheart.com.
