Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want

by Anne Lester

From Anne Lester—former head of retirement solutions for JPMorgan Asset Management and award-winning investor—a wildly simple, step-by-step blueprint that anyone can use to understand retirement savings and investing for the future you deserve. Start living Your Best Financial Life!

Saving for the future can seem anywhere from daunting to downright impossible—especially for Millennials and Gen Zers, who’ve had to contend with economic setbacks, recessions, and layoffs since graduating college. But everyone—yes, even YOU—can find a way to save for your future, and Your Best Financial Life can show you exactly how.

Here, you’ll find actionable steps to demystify the retirement tools at your disposal, an easy-to-use roadmap to ensure you’ve saved enough by retirement age, and help identifying and eliminating wasteful spending in favor of stashing your money where it really counts. You’ll learn how to turn $100 into $1,000 and leverage every single cent you earn to your advantage.

Drawing on decades of investment experience and the latest research, you will:

- Better understand your spending habits and learn where you can improve them
- Discover strategies for paying off student loans or other debts, all while saving for the most expensive parts of life—a wedding, a family, and emergencies (and don’t worry, you’ll have enough left over to have a social life, too!)
- Learn to make 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement tools work for you and the goals you’ve set for yourself
- Get no-nonsense info on why you suck at saving (and why it isn’t your fault), how to save for a rainy day and retirement (yes, it’s possible to do both!), and diversifying your investments so your future is secure no matter what life throws at you. You’ll have everything you need to lay the groundwork for Your Best Financial Life!

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Finance, Money

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible introduction to the world of finance - without being dry, boring, or unreadable! Anne does a tremendous job of summarizing alot of information and identifying tools/ best practices to help you achieve your financial goals - both in the present and future! She’s used examples to help illustrate her points and help the material become more easily understood. I really enjoyed her breakdown of the various types of saving/spending personalities and her tips as to how to go about achieving the financial future/ independence you’re hoping for.

All that said, this book discusses US investing vehicles only - not Canadian investment options - and so although there is still a lot to take away (paying yourself first, setting up automatic contributions to your retirement plan, reviewing your plan annually, having an emergency fund, and how to pay down debt effectively, etc), the content may create confusion for Canadians who are looking to this book to help them understand registered plans and Canadian investment options. With my background in finance, I was able to understand the content and not get lost in the details but I think it would have been nice to highlight the fact that the specific details presented (401(k) info, IRA info, etc) are for our US friends or include information about Canadian registered plans - or even just a statement advising Canadian savers to refer to the resources on the Canadian Government website (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/fin...) or engage with a financial advisor at their financial institution.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it - with the preface that the specific investment options are geared for US citizens. Otherwise it’s one of the best personal finance books I’ve read to date.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacob G · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I approach the age of 30 I am starting to look at my saving and spending habits a lot more critically. A few years ago my fiancé really kicked my butt about our finances and we got serious about our budgeting. We did a lot of research and started getting our finances on track.

I picked up this book to continue my personal finance education and I am so glad I did! This book really accessible to someone just starting out in their personal finance journey with a heavy emphasis on retirement. Though I would say retirement is the main focus of this book the author spends adequate time in the beginning more general personal finance topics such as spending habits and budgeting.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is serious about their personal financial planning at any age. The tools within it can help anyone from 18-85. A great graduation gift as well!

[Ashley Lareau · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a financial advisor, I like to read a variety of books on financial topics as resources to recommend to my clients. While this book felt disorganized at times, the content is spot on and helpful for people getting their financial foundation in place and saving and investing for their future. I always say make decisions today that will help your future self!

Definitely for people who do not have any (or very little) financial or stock market knowledge.

[Katie Bromm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t read a ton of personal finance books so not trying to say this is the greatest of all time, but this felt like such a great introduction as someone who is 6 months in to their first full time job post-grad! Some stuff I knew, but regardless it never felt boring. I think this is great for the gals (and guys too) in their 20s-early 30s. Wherever you are on your retirement / debt / savings journey, this book is for you!

[Erica H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on finance basics, investing, and planning for retirement. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about these topics. Very easy to read and not too long, but packed with good info!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to the book.

[AJC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and approachable

I enjoyed this book and wish it had been available when I was in my 20s! I read it so I can advise my kids who are teenagers. I liked all the “hacks” and felt the tone was clear and concise while also being reassuring. What a resource for a new graduate or an early professional!

[victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you anne lester you are saving my money

[Carrie Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

The financial advice given in this book was good, so I hate to give it a low rating. But as I read, it just kept losing points with me. My big complaints are the writing style, the criticism of other financial experts that I respect, and important issues that the book hardly addressed at all.

The writing style: I got the feeling that Lester was trying to sound cool for the young people reading the book. This book is clearly addressed to young adults, not middle-aged or older people, even though that's not clear from the cover. I thought there was excessive slang and profanity. Maybe some people appreciate this, but it wasn't for me.

Lester criticized financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Mr. Money Mustache, labeling their recommendations as unrealistic and requiring people to eat rice and beans and live in a garbage can. She somewhat attacked the entire early retirement movement (she called its followers "Fireflies") because she doesn't believe that it works. In my opinion, if someone tries to follow the strategy of aggressive saving but finds that it doesn't work for them, there's no harm done. They can just scale back their savings to a more moderate level. And some people do succeed at saving aggressively and retiring early. Why discourage that?

My biggest issue with the book was everything that was left out. While Lester gave excellent advice about US tax-advantaged retirement plans and investing options, she pretty much seemed to assume that all young adults had spare money sitting around that they were wasting that could be redirected into savings. I think a lot of people would disagree. Her advice was to take after-tax income, subtract essential expenses, and save 40% of the rest. What if after subtracting essential expenses, someone has no income left over? This wasn't addressed in a meaningful way. There could have been a chapter about what expenses count as "essential," how to evaluate what you're paying for essential expenses and reduce them, and practical spending tips. (But maybe that would have been too much like advising people to eat rice and beans.)

This book is perfect for the 20-something adult with a high-paying job who needs help setting financial goals and prefers a slangy, conversational writing style. That's a pretty narrow category. Everyone else can probably find a better book.

[Kara Marziali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed when I realized that this book is geared specifically for someone who just graduated college or is in their early 20s. It is not relatable to all ages, and there wasn't much for me as a middle-aged woman. I'll admit that I had some morbid reflection and regret when reading, and wanted to put down the book after the first few chapters. However, Anne is humorous and intelligent in her writing without being dull or droll. Heavens knows that finance can be one of the most tedious topics to read about! So if you're young enough to have the wisdom and self awareness to be smart about your money, definitely read this book! If you're older like me and worried if you've saved enough for retirement, pick another book.

[D.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman in my 20s, this book resonated with me. Anne's narrative is engaging and accessible, making it an easy yet effective read. Even though I consider myself more or less financially savvy, I learned a few new things and confirmed my fragmented knowledge on some topics.

It’s a great read for anyone who feels anxious about their financial future (hint: that’s many of us). Not only does Anne share her personal experiences, but she also shares the findings of her research surveying young people about their financial habits and stories. A worthwhile read!

[Madison Rife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was probably one of the best and most helpful financial books I have read. The author took great care to connect with the reader in every chapter. It was interesting and it provided a lot of wisdom and information that all of us can use when making big decisions regarding finance. It aldo managed to keep each aspect of life included that must be considered while making those financial decisions. For these reasons, I would recommend this novel to anyone from teenagers to those close to retirement.

[Amanda R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this book! I spent my late
20s-30s focused so heavily on wedding, baby, house & career & really needed this boost of solid info to plan more intentionally for the far off future now. I’m definitely an old millennial who feels like I’ll maybe never retire though, lol. The cynicism runs deep but this book is excellent. I dedicated a new notebook to taking notes from it for financial to-dos to keep up with now and into the future! Highly recommend to everyone, any age.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and an easy read for all levels of financial literacy, yet informative and thorough enough to give good direction. Anne is also an entertaining writer, which makes it an engaging read, unlike many books in this genre. This is definitely worth a read, especially for those new to finances as it is not overwhelming or overly technical.

[Rebekah Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this will be my new go-to recommendation for professionals looking for financial planning advice. Unlike other financial planning books, which talk down to you or assume you're never going to max out all their employer-match and tax-advantaged recommendations, this one allows for that scenario.
Still, it has some wacky points. What kind of fund makes you keep 30% in cash? for example.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it provided good finance tips. I appreciated the information about layoffs which is something that is always a possibility, but it is good to have an idea on what to do. Overall, I think it is a good book for individuals that are starting to learn about finance and retirement.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this to everyone in their 20s and 30s! Your 60s and retirement may seem a looong way off -- which is exactly why you need to be saving for it now. Time is on your side. Money you invest now has decades to grow and grow and grow.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think those just starting on their journey might enjoy some of the tips in this book. It is a reflection of an older author looking back and trying to help future people from falling into the same traps. Saving now will benefit your future. It will be hard but you will be proud of yourself.

[Andrew Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing wrong with this book, but also nothing particularly exciting. it had some details that may not be in every personal finance book, but overall not much new. someone new to personal finance may benefit

[Jezzeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Save for a rainy day by having 3 to 6 months of expenses. Take advantage of tax-advantaged savings such as 401(k) and IRAs. Assess your budget to balance retirement and debt. Pay off high interest debt first.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this a lot and I also feel like I Cannot Do More Saving Than I Am Rn all things considered, I feel like I’ll need to reread this in a year o7 but still good things to start thinking about

[Clara · Rating 2 out of 5]

not very geared to Canadians - but great for US residents

[Heather Sturm · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Canadian, I skipped through a lot of this book. It's probably great for Americans though.

[Peter B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for all looking to build wealth in their early careers!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read! Thank you to my friend who recommended it :~)

[Bennett Lange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple but clearly informative. Trying to plan for getting thrown out of the nest.

[Erin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, easy, enjoyable read about finances and retirement saving. It felt like I was talking with a friend, not a boring business guy in a suit.

[Corinne Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminder to kindly forgive yourself for past money mistakes and plan for the future.

[Matthew Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great starter for financial success. definitely helped me assess my habits and savings

[Aparna Popade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I accidently picked this book to read. I could not resist to read the book completely. The author gave really good insights about the finance management.