Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom

by Brad Klontz, Adrian Brambila

Incisive guide to transform your relationship towards money and finally start building real wealth

Start Thinking 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom delivers an inspirational, tough-love, and step-by-step guide for readers to finally start building their own legacy of wealth no matter where they're starting from. Filled with proven money-making, saving, and investment strategies, this book helps readers take an honest look at their spending habits, unconscious biases about money, and self-sabotaging money behaviors in order to start living their best lives.

Heavyweight institutional finance executive Dr. Brad Klontz and self-made millionaire Adrian Brambila combine their expertise, grit, and firsthand knowledge to provide unparalleled and eye-opening perspective on topics

Your ideal path to success as either an employee, entrepreneur, or “grinder” Trauma-based psychology that leads to a counterproductive “broke mindset” The value of education in sidestepping common financial pitfalls Steps to increase and diversify income, save what you make, and grow your money in your sleep Start Thinking  21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of all ambitious individuals who are sick of tepid, uncontroversial, and ultimately ineffective financial advice, and want to cut through the noise to discover highly effective wealth-building moves that are proven to work.

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

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very good, perhaps controversial ideas, but a little inflexible and salesy.

(*inflexible example—yes, we are way too car dependent in the US, but it’s not always realistic to take a bus and/or move closer to work. I live in Phoenix AZ. I’d love to see these guys take the bus in Phoenix in July in a suit. Anyone married in a two income home in this area is unlikely to be able to live close to both partners’ workplaces. Anyone with a physical disability or an illness that is worse with heat is not riding a bike or taking the bus half the year.)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful book regarding financial mindset.

[Gossymotto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't agree with a number of things in this book, but it is still worth the read. I bought this as a gift for a family member, but wanted to read it first to know what was in it and if it was something I would endorse. I do. There's a lot worse you could do than reading this book. Where I differ is in how obsessed the authors come across, with making money. It seems out of balance to me, but maybe that's because I am older and have no desire to put so much thought or energy into becoming any more wealthy. I'm satisfied with where I'm at and the freedom it affords me. If you are young and ambitious then you will see thing differently.

One disagreement I have is about vehicles. They mention it more than once in this book, how "the guy driving the used Toyota is probably wealthier than guy in the new BMW." It's a bit cliche'. You can get a much better deal on a used BMW. Just do an Autotrader search in a large city like Vancouver, on a 2015 to 2020 Toyota 4-runner and compare the results to a 2015-2020 BMW X3. I just did this and found 37 BMWs compared to 22 4-runners. Every 4-runner was priced $2 or $3k above market value and the bimmers were all $3 to $5k below market value. This is because Toyota owners are frugal and loyal whereas most of the bmw owners in a place like Vancouver or Toronto are all about status so they constantly trade them in for the latest model. This produces a good deal of inventory for frugal people to buy a used bmw for cheap and drive it forever. On top of this there are a lot of bmw enthusiast that post all sorts of videos on how to fix or modify your pompous purchase, and from experience, they are pretty easy to work on.

[Robin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many ideas to start making healthier choices with your finances today.

I recommend reading a chapter and then implementing something even if it is writing down a new action step. Some ideas could be...
1. Deciding not to ever have more than 30% of your credit limit on a card at a time.
2. Begin working toward the goal of investing 30% even if it has to begin with 1% while paying off debt.
3.Or the well known thought to cut up your credit cards if you can't pay them off each month.

If you don't take the time to take action as you listen, this book turns into a podcast with so many great ideas that you don't end up changing anything in your life.

If you are going read or listen to this book, make it worth your time and take action. It will improve your financial picture.

"When it comes to building wealth, every second counts."

[Cristian Bacinschi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I really wanted to read this book in one day so I did that because most of the things from the book were known for me, it was definitely more like a motivation switch than anything else. Other than that the book has some really solid, good advice and most of the sections are detalied-enough for the reader to then find out more about the subject. I really like how the chapters were divided, although sometimes the information seemed confusing and some information just doesn’t apply if you live in Europe. I can say this can be like a first-step manual to understand how to at least get started in your wealth journey. Maybe on some parts the authors were too harsh, but it seemed appropriate as they wanted to show people another side of the world.

[Jay Daily Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook delivers a no-nonsense approach to money mindset and financial habits. Brad Klontz doesn’t sugarcoat; he shares blunt but practical truths about why people stay broke and what it really takes to build financial freedom. I liked that it’s straight to the point, easy to follow, and challenges the common excuses we make about money. Some parts feel repetitive if you’ve read other personal finance books, but the tough-love style makes it a great motivational listen. Perfect if you need a wake-up call to rethink how you view wealth and take action on your finances.

[Victor Azanedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start Thinking Rich is a practical guide to transforming your mindset and habits around wealth. The book breaks down financial concepts into simple, actionable steps, making it easy to start applying them right away. I especially appreciated the focus on overcoming limiting beliefs and taking purposeful action toward financial goals. It’s an inspiring read for anyone ready to take control of their financial future!

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. A lot of people I know should read this. It’s a good balance between doom and gloom but it isn’t fully “you can do anything” mantra. Like this book recognizes that the world isn’t fair and you probably won’t become a billionaire or mega millionaire. BUT with enough effort and the right attitude you can be financially secure and not poor. A must read for some people.

Also. How many times are they going to mention the one guy danced for T-Pain. Seriously?? Humble brag much?

[Rose Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Really good! Loved how straightforward the authors were—especially when they disagreed on certain financial principles. They gave each other space to each give their points of view. Nothing super mind blowing in it, but definitely motivational to be smart with your money and gain more financial literacy. I do recommend ✅

[حمده الشامسية · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start Thinking Rich is a refreshing, modern take on the connection between mindset and wealth. It challenges you to look at how your thoughts, habits, and energy shape your financial reality. What I loved most is how practical it feels—it’s not just theory, but a mindset shift you can actually live. A great read for anyone ready to rewrite their money story

[Shawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the dual perspective from the authors who come from different backgrounds. I loved the stories and examples. I found several take-aways and feel motivated to try a couple of their suggestions.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this based on a podcast I enjoy, but it didn't contain much new information for me. A few suggestions point readers to their website, which immediately tries to sell you one of their courses and looks sketchy.

[Austin Dewyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good hard truths about money. Would have been better without their sales pitches to join their online programs to learn how to make money online.

[Readlucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but kind of repetitive.
The author sold his online classes in the book, for me it’s something to frown upon.

[Carlos Ochoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely motivated me to get a better grip on my finances, a good starting point for someone who doesn’t fully understand the FIRE movement.

[Zack Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I liked the book. Two concepts addressed which are pretty timeless:
1. What is a rich and poor mindset.
2. Locus of control.