---
title: Novelist James Patterson's Worst Financial Mistake
description: Best-selling author James Patterson recounts the worst money mistake he ever made.
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published: '2016-07-15T15:25:59.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-17T02:48:33.000Z'
section: Personal Finance
tags:
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word_count: 105
canonical: https://money.com/james-patterson-novelist-money-worst-mistake/
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![BookExpo America 2015](https://img.money.com/2016/07/gettyimages-479168858.jpg)
*NEW YORK, NY - MAY 29: Author James Patterson speaks on stage during the children's book and author breakfast at BookExpo America held at the Javits Center on May 29, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Brent N. Clarke/FilmMagic)*

Everyone is prone to making mistakes with his or her money, and best-selling author James Patterson is no exception to the rule. (Patterson recently launched a line of [low-cost books called "BookShots,"](https://money.com/james-patterson-books-expensive-bookshots/) each of which runs fewer than 150 pages and costs less than $5.)

Money mistakes can be in the areas of investing, spending. They can involve trusting the wrong people, not understanding human nature, not understanding your own behavior around money, or having unrealistic expectations.

Patterson's self-described mistake, which he also terms a learning experience, has to do with lending money. He lent money to an acquaintance early on, and learned a valuable lesson.

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