Parent Like a Millionaire (Without Being One): Outsmart Big Baby, Save on Childcare, and Secure Your Family's Financial Future

by Kristy Shen, Bryce Leung

From two leaders of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, an essential guide to the finances of having and raising kids no matter the size of your budget

New parents are often stressed about their finances. Even Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung—who both retired at age 30 with over a million dollars in the bank—worried about the cost of becoming parents. Leaders of the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement, Kristy and Bryce may not be experts at parenting, but they are experts at saving.

In this book, they reveal how

Make your money work harder than you doAvoid the pressure to buy baby gear you don’t needFind your nest, optimize transportation, and hack childcareGo on unlimited family vacationsGive your child a world-class education
Each chapter in this book is filled with money-saving tips—and more money means less stress, which leads to happier families. The financial advice in this book is tailored to help you reduce your stress so that your family can thrive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Finance

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Despite growing up in poverty and, at one point, living with her family on 44 cents a day, Kristy eventually became a millionaire at the age of 31 and retired from her job to travel the world. Her story has been featured in media outlets all over the world, including the New York Times, CBC, CNBC, Women's Health Magazine Australia, Germany’s Handelsblatt, GQ Russia, and the UK Independent. She now spends time helping people with their finances and realizing their travel dreams on www.millennial-revolution.com. She is the co-author of "Quit Like a Millionaire", the book that details her journey from 44 cents to becoming a world-travelling millionaire.

Reviews

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some sound financial advice for parents in here. I learned some tips and tricks about insurance, HSA, taxes, etc. that I didn't know before, even though I've been down the Financial Independence rabbit hole at different points.

What I will say is this—the book assumes knowledge of FIRE practices, so if you haven't read on that topic, you will probably need to do additional research to fully understand all the financial recommendations. It also assumes you want to live out FIRE practices, such as living in a foreign country and renting instead of buying a home, etc. So, if you are not interested in that lifestyle or cannot do those things for whatever reason, whole chapters of the book won't apply to you.

I also didn't like the author's tone. I think she was going for relatable and BFF-ish, but there was so much ragging on parenthood and flippant/dismissive language about non-FIRE values that are completely valid for a parent to hold.

I did, however, really appreciate the conclusion of the book, which was written by her husband and talks about how FIRE can buy you time with loved ones, which is the most important resource. I wish he'd written the book in his kinder, less dramatic voice instead.

[JF · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not pleased. Read their other book "Quit like a Millionaire" instead (if you have already read their first book, you will not get much more by reading this one)

I found this book very repetitive. Clear that they have one toddler. Curious how their thoughts will change when they have another; and then again when the kids are older. Example: She offers "travel hacks" for young kids - she does not broach the subject of continuing to travel when a teenager wants to stay put

Was looking forward to the "world schooling" section, but it read like a world schooling parent trying to convince her relatives that the kids will turn out fine.

This book offers a lot of resources for CURRENT options (apps, housing resources, deals) - but will become out-date very soon.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners in the FI world/journey. For the savvier folks there’s not a ton to learn here but good review/reminders. I feel like this should’ve gifted at baby showers instead of onesies. Same cost, but immensely different value.

Love that others see how horrid “big baby” is on preying on our insecurities. As an expecting parent I’ve been amazed at how much marketing hits my inbox and screens.

Appreciate the commentary on US vs Canada. Found that eye opening.

I wish there were more content about high earners and taxes as many of the benefits/savings tools cited phase out.

Overall a solid primer and appreciate the heartfelt closing.

[Angel Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book and it was really good!
Even though I had already read their previous book, plus many more financial indepence books, I finished this book and have many notes on things I want to look further. Also, that ending! very emotional for sure, puts things in perspective.
I would recomend this book for expecting or new parents in USA or Canada, since they will benefit the most from all the information and ideas from this book. I live in Germany and some things didn't apply here (but still good to read for the other parts that did apply)

[Jquick99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a very good book to people who are just starting/learning to invest. I suggest to get the book (instead of audiobook) from the library so you can easily page forward to get to the meat + you don’t have to hear the author say things like “ten thousand dollars time two equals twenty thousand dollars” and “four thousand two hundred thirty six plus eight thousand six hundred twenty four equals…” over and over and over again.

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have them in the same room as you in the first year

Buy used clothes--throw up, soiled, drooled upon, and outgrow quickly

Don't put out forest fires, plant money trees
Plant money tree: FIRE - 25x the cost of the yearly amount = 450 for diapers per year = 11,250 to have it covered (4% withdrawal); subscription save $90 = 2,250 from your portfolio (11,250-2,250 = 9000 = 360 a year)

Emotionally manipulative - more you spend the more you care; same or better experience, but cheaper (Big Baby)

Ride the depreciation curve

Don't quit because daycare cost, calculate the difference over decades

Geographic arbitrage; world schooling

Go with public schools: the most important factor determining university attendance is if another parent has gone.

Canadian child benefit (tax credit); daycare may be claimable; never turn down free money

RESP: 2,500 a year to get $500; total of 7,200 match from the government. Max is 50k contributions.

Have a will-Willful $100 to~2,000

Primary residence with the child living in it is exempted from capital gains once sold in Canada(?)

[Robert Sutherland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid follow up to their first book, this one focuses on mitigating the expenses of having kids. They have several great ideas, several wonky ones, and a large number that may or may not hold up over time as laws and regulations change. If you are a new parent, this is worth the time.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for those who are looking to leverage their life.

[Kayla Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn’t meet my expectations - some good information, however a lot was repetitive or not applicable to my situation hence the two stars.