Never Date a Broke Dude: The Financial Freedom Playbook

by Pattie Ehsaei

The definitive playbook for navigating love and money to secure your financial freedom forever—from licensed attorney, finance expert, and TikTok powerhouse Pattie Ehsaei

Never Date a Broke Dude opens with the definition of a broke someone, regardless of gender or wealth, who is unable or unwilling to match their partner in ambition, commitment, work ethic, or drive. 

In her real-world, big-sister tone, Pattie Ehsaei spills the tea on everything—from the secrets of trapped trophy wives and her dating missteps to ayahuasca-induced revelations and even murder-suicide, while transforming each jaw-dropping story into simple, actionable life advice. This four-part playbook moves from The Basics through Money, Work, and Power (or, Self-Worth), offering a five account system to pay off debt, fix credit, and start investing with just $100; career advice on how to dress well (and fund your wardrobe), work with confidence, choose the right retirement account, and negotiate raises; and rules to navigate finances across relationships—like who pays the bill, how to avoid financial abuse, what can and can’t be in a pre-nup, options for children’s savings accounts, and more. Above all, choosing a partner is the biggest financial decision we ever make, and it’s time we stop running in blind. Never Date a Broke Dude is a juicy, seamless, game-changing read—a manual designed for it’s How to Date Men When You Hate Men, but make sure your money stays yours.

Genres: Audiobook

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 I made a goal to read a nonfiction book a month. This one is pretty good and a fast informative read with some great tips. Occasionally there would be a piece of like Dave Ramsey type advice but overall good read

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Pattie at a recent event, and was so moved by her talk. This book felt like a continuation of the conversation we started in SF....Honest, strong, and moving. Practically speaking, the resources in this book are helpful and essential for any woman in this era. And Pattie shares these resources and learnings through vivid storytelling. Highly recommend.

[Stacy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited to read books that offer advice to improve my finances. From the first chapter, I knew I was in for a different experience. Pattie’s transparent story sets the stage for a journey of accountability and self-reflection.

I was offered a master class in overhauling my financial life not only through actionable steps but also a level of introspection I’ve never experienced. The book triggered the memory of a derogatory statement I heard from age 7 to 17 that women, even successful ones, were nothing without a man.

I’ve scribbled notes on the financial advice, but Pattie has challenged me to examine the whys of my actions and my beliefs about my “place” in relationships.

I highly recommend this book for women and men.

Thank you to Pattie Ehsaei and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

[Jay Daily Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Never Date a Broke Dude: The Financial Freedom Playbook by Pattie Ehsaei

This book is part financial guide, part autobiography, and part cautionary tale drawn from women’s real-life experiences. Pattie Ehsaei makes strong points about financial independence, especially the importance of learning about money before marriage and considering separate accounts—even if partners also share a joint account for household bills. At times, her perspective leans heavily on the idea that men controlling finances = bad and women controlling finances = good, often drawing from her childhood and dating experiences. While that bias is noticeable, she does attempt to balance it by stressing that money itself should be ungendered and that every individual should understand and have access to their own finances, whether shared or separate.

One part that really stood out to me was how she challenged my own thinking about finances in marriage. Personally, I’ve always felt that if I’m marrying someone, I’d want to combine our finances—but her examples of women who didn’t think about money until after marriage (and paid the price for it) made me pause and reflect.

Overall, it’s not just a finance book—it’s also about mindset, self-protection, and learning from the hard lessons of others. Even if you don’t agree with every angle, it sparks valuable conversations about money, relationships, and independence.

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pattie Ehsaei and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

I have been a follower of Pattie's on TikTok for years so I was thrilled when she announced she was writing a book. Even more thrilled when I was approved for the ARC. Pattie has already encouraged me along my financial journey but to see her advice and knowledge laid out for me to read was incredible. I highly recommend everyone, not just women, follow her advice. "Broke dude" is more than just about finances. It's a mindset. I really like being able to go back and reread parts that were not only meaningful to me but are the advice I need. The beginning of this book Pattie tells her story. I already cried before we ever got into financial plans. This has completely changed my financial situation and mindset going forward in relationships. I will be buying this as a physical copy not only for myself but for all the women in my life because I feel this book is that important!

[Elita Lahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really interesting, good book to read.

I would give it to any teenager really, turning 18 especially.

You need to know how to protect yourself financially and in general it's a financial guide before entering any relationship.

No one teaches you these things, if you are lucky, your parents will, but many don't, forget about school or even any financial book. This is life - how to handle your finances in the relationship?

I would say that the book had the potential to explore these topics a little bit more extensively, nevertheless, really enjoyed it and wish I had read it when I was a teenager myself. Read it yourself, give it to your daugthers <3

[Chloe Slome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I have never gone through a nonfiction or self help book so fast. The writing was so easily readable and engaging, I felt very empowered and confident while taking in the advice. As women we have expectations and stigmas that put us in a bubble and hinder us, but with confidence we can make decisions that will make us successful and break norms that would have typically hindered us and brought us down. Definitely a book I will want to reread in the future when working for more guidance.

[Megan Ruskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great tips!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received this book in exchange for an honest review. this book has great advice for women in their twenties.