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Burn Your Mortgage: The Simple, Powerful Path to Financial Freedom for Canadians
Sean Cooper made news headlines around the world when he paid off his mortgage at 30 on a house he bought just three years prior. In Burn Your Mortgage, Cooper’s extreme achievement is made accessible as the acclaimed personal finance expert shares the secret to his simple yet effective lifestyle changes that anyone—from new buyers to experienced homeowners—can make to pay down their mortgage sooner.
Burn Your Mortgage combines inspiring anecdotes with realistic and jargon-free financial tips and resources for achieving financial freedom no matter your financial situation. This easy-to-follow guide will help you pay off your mortgage at your own pace and show you how to live well while doing it. Tools
- Simple ways to pay down your mortgage sooner;
- Your very own mortgage-free action plan;
- Sample budgets and savings plans;
- Tools for tracking income and expenses;
- Home-buying blueprints;
- Worksheets for financial empowerment;
- Up-to-date information on bank accounts, mortgage contracts, investing, and loans—and how to choose the best options for you;
- Tips for overcoming bad money habits.
Inspiring, insightful and fun, Burn Your Mortgage will transform the way you think about money and debt on your path to independent home ownership.
Sean Cooper is an in-demand speaker, money coach, and personal finance journalist. His articles have been featured in publications such as the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Financial Post, and MoneySense.
Advance praise for Burn Your
“Sean’s personal journey to financial freedom is a brave and inspiring one, and I am delighted to see him share his learning with the world. Burn Your Mortgage offers practical, clear and useful insights to help people of all walks of life live healthier financial lives. I am convinced that Burn Your Mortgage is set to be a pivotal guidebook to achieving financial freedom.”
—Peter Aceto, President and CEO, Tangerine
“A home is the largest purchase most people make, yet there is little information to help them make smart choices. Most advice comes from banks, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, lawyers and home inspectors—not exactly objective. I’m glad to see Sean Cooper use his experience as home buyer, mortgage burner, landlord and freelance writer to guide others through the steps to take to come out ahead in the real estate game.”
—Ellen Roseman, Toronto Star columnist, University of Toronto continuing education instructor and Canadian MoneySaver contributor
“A clear and concise plan for millennials looking for a path to financial independence early in their career.”
—Don R. Campbell, bestselling author of Real Estate Investing in Canada, frequent guest on the Business News Network
“Chock-full of actionable tips based on real life experience, Sean Cooper’s Burn Your Mortgage is a valuable resource for anyone considering buying a home in Canada. In more than just another mortgage manual, Sean writes passionately about the pitfalls to avoid during the house-buying process and then, with equal passion, shows you how to achieve an important step toward financial freedom by paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible.”
—Robert R. Brown, author of Wealthing Like An Original Introduction to Personal Finance, and MoneySense columnist
“Burn Your Mortgage will push you just outside your comfort zone—which is exactly what you need to really make progress on your mortgage. Sean Cooper walks the talk. His obsession with frugal living provides a ton of great lessons on how to get ahead financially.”
—Bruce Sellery, bestselling author of Moolala, personal finance expert for Cityline and MoneySense
“Sean has written an invaluable book. He paid off his mortgage before 31, achieved financial freedom, and shares his entire journey, step by step, so you can too. A great addition to personal finance literature and a must-read if you want to build wealth.”
—Robin R. Speziale, bestselling author of Market Masters
Burn Your Mortgage combines inspiring anecdotes with realistic and jargon-free financial tips and resources for achieving financial freedom no matter your financial situation. This easy-to-follow guide will help you pay off your mortgage at your own pace and show you how to live well while doing it. Tools
- Simple ways to pay down your mortgage sooner;
- Your very own mortgage-free action plan;
- Sample budgets and savings plans;
- Tools for tracking income and expenses;
- Home-buying blueprints;
- Worksheets for financial empowerment;
- Up-to-date information on bank accounts, mortgage contracts, investing, and loans—and how to choose the best options for you;
- Tips for overcoming bad money habits.
Inspiring, insightful and fun, Burn Your Mortgage will transform the way you think about money and debt on your path to independent home ownership.
Sean Cooper is an in-demand speaker, money coach, and personal finance journalist. His articles have been featured in publications such as the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Financial Post, and MoneySense.
Advance praise for Burn Your
“Sean’s personal journey to financial freedom is a brave and inspiring one, and I am delighted to see him share his learning with the world. Burn Your Mortgage offers practical, clear and useful insights to help people of all walks of life live healthier financial lives. I am convinced that Burn Your Mortgage is set to be a pivotal guidebook to achieving financial freedom.”
—Peter Aceto, President and CEO, Tangerine
“A home is the largest purchase most people make, yet there is little information to help them make smart choices. Most advice comes from banks, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, lawyers and home inspectors—not exactly objective. I’m glad to see Sean Cooper use his experience as home buyer, mortgage burner, landlord and freelance writer to guide others through the steps to take to come out ahead in the real estate game.”
—Ellen Roseman, Toronto Star columnist, University of Toronto continuing education instructor and Canadian MoneySaver contributor
“A clear and concise plan for millennials looking for a path to financial independence early in their career.”
—Don R. Campbell, bestselling author of Real Estate Investing in Canada, frequent guest on the Business News Network
“Chock-full of actionable tips based on real life experience, Sean Cooper’s Burn Your Mortgage is a valuable resource for anyone considering buying a home in Canada. In more than just another mortgage manual, Sean writes passionately about the pitfalls to avoid during the house-buying process and then, with equal passion, shows you how to achieve an important step toward financial freedom by paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible.”
—Robert R. Brown, author of Wealthing Like An Original Introduction to Personal Finance, and MoneySense columnist
“Burn Your Mortgage will push you just outside your comfort zone—which is exactly what you need to really make progress on your mortgage. Sean Cooper walks the talk. His obsession with frugal living provides a ton of great lessons on how to get ahead financially.”
—Bruce Sellery, bestselling author of Moolala, personal finance expert for Cityline and MoneySense
“Sean has written an invaluable book. He paid off his mortgage before 31, achieved financial freedom, and shares his entire journey, step by step, so you can too. A great addition to personal finance literature and a must-read if you want to build wealth.”
—Robin R. Speziale, bestselling author of Market Masters
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Sean Cooper
1 book5 followersSean Cooper is a Toronto-based personal finance journalist, money coach, speaker and author. His articles have been featured in major publications, including the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and MoneySense, and he’s appeared on Global News, CBC, CP24 and CTV News Network. A senior pension analyst at a global consulting firm, Sean is also mortgage-free, having paid off his
mortgage in just three years, by the age of 30.
Visit his website at www.SeanCooperWriter.com to read his blog, learn more about his services, and to download all worksheets from this book.
mortgage in just three years, by the age of 30.
Visit his website at www.SeanCooperWriter.com to read his blog, learn more about his services, and to download all worksheets from this book.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 18, 2021
If you're new to mortgages and thinking of buying a home, this is a great place to start. However, as someone already in the market with a mortgage, I found the useful info in this book could be condensed into a 2-3 chapters within a personal finance book about not overspending and paying yourself first - i.e. "live within your means and retire early......and burn your mortgage too!"
June 17, 2020
This book be very good for 1st time home buyers. Offers very little to the people witj mortgages.
March 24, 2018
This is a five star book for every new homeowner and every about-to-be-a-new-homeowner.
It should handed out with college diplomas, or even at high school graduation.
Is Sean more methodical than you? probably.
Is Sean more analytical than you? probably.
Is Sean a bigger risk-taker than you? probably not.
Sean is detail oriented, and you don't need to do every single thing he suggests, but you should do 80% of it (at least).
Read this book, and find your path to home ownership and freedom from debt - all debt.
***Although keep in mind that debt you hold that others make payments against, that is good debt, so yes you should buy a home, and you should never ever sell it. Instead you should engage an expert to help you retain it as an investment property and walk you through the steps of buying property #2, and 3, and...
It should handed out with college diplomas, or even at high school graduation.
Is Sean more methodical than you? probably.
Is Sean more analytical than you? probably.
Is Sean a bigger risk-taker than you? probably not.
Sean is detail oriented, and you don't need to do every single thing he suggests, but you should do 80% of it (at least).
Read this book, and find your path to home ownership and freedom from debt - all debt.
***Although keep in mind that debt you hold that others make payments against, that is good debt, so yes you should buy a home, and you should never ever sell it. Instead you should engage an expert to help you retain it as an investment property and walk you through the steps of buying property #2, and 3, and...
March 26, 2022
I wish this book had had a different title. It’s essentially a book about personal finance - the biggest change being that the author chose “paying off mortgage” as the end goal instead of “retirement”. It was thorough in terms of personal finance advise, but there was so little about mortgages in it, I was a bit disappointed.
September 23, 2020
Sean Cooper provides a great synopsis of the Canadian goal to "burn your mortgage", the concept of paying off one's mortgage as early as possible. Cooper presents the goal of burning one's mortgage as a noble goal to achieve self-sufficiency and enhance financial freedom at a time when Canadians are overwhelming becoming saddled with greater debt through easier access to credit.
This book may not age well, but that is kind of the point. It's written for people who around the 201* somethings are aiming to gain greater financial freedom and increase their net worth.
Cooper goes over the benefits in shopping one's mortgage, loans, insurance, and other life related contracts around (phone plans, internet, cable, etc.). While these aren't revolutionary concepts, he points out that many Canadians will agree to advertised rates, and wont shop their loans/mortgages around to find the best value for them. Cooper also reviews insurance options and gives some essential pointers. While the advice isn't expert, it's enough to get into a conversation and understand insurance, loans, and these basic agreements - or even how to vet a potential tenant/landlord.
This book may not age well, but that is kind of the point. It's written for people who around the 201* somethings are aiming to gain greater financial freedom and increase their net worth.
Cooper goes over the benefits in shopping one's mortgage, loans, insurance, and other life related contracts around (phone plans, internet, cable, etc.). While these aren't revolutionary concepts, he points out that many Canadians will agree to advertised rates, and wont shop their loans/mortgages around to find the best value for them. Cooper also reviews insurance options and gives some essential pointers. While the advice isn't expert, it's enough to get into a conversation and understand insurance, loans, and these basic agreements - or even how to vet a potential tenant/landlord.
November 25, 2021
If you have read books about personal finance this book is very beginner. For the first portion, I felt like I learned nothing and I consider myself frugal but Sean takes it to a new level. Some of the tips I just personally would not implement.
When I got to the second portion about mortgages I finally started to learn something I didn't know before and it was interesting. If you already have a mortgage it wouldn't be helpful or new info. So really only would recommend it for people who are looking to get into the housing market. I initially picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about house hacking - this was a mistake there was one short chapter on it and with the most basic of advice.
I wouldn't say reading the book was a total waste but it didn't give me the info I was looking for. The mortgages section saved it. Overall I would say though that it was an easy read and I liked how each chapter had a review of the key takeaways.
When I got to the second portion about mortgages I finally started to learn something I didn't know before and it was interesting. If you already have a mortgage it wouldn't be helpful or new info. So really only would recommend it for people who are looking to get into the housing market. I initially picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about house hacking - this was a mistake there was one short chapter on it and with the most basic of advice.
I wouldn't say reading the book was a total waste but it didn't give me the info I was looking for. The mortgages section saved it. Overall I would say though that it was an easy read and I liked how each chapter had a review of the key takeaways.
February 5, 2020
This book is legitimately wonderful for first time homebuyers and any Canadian that’s serious about looking for ways to “burn their mortgage” ASAP! An easy read, it was quick to get through and easily digestible.
Because I don’t want to give any spoilers, I’d like to just say that the second half (or last 3rd) was where I personally found gems that were applicable for myself. So if you begin reading and think “I already know this stuff, what a waste!” CONTINUE, or skip ahead (I’m personally too scared to miss something to ever skip ahead lol) and read a later chapter.
There’s quite a few helpful resources listed with in its pages and many tips that will help you make important decisions along the entire way; from the very onset of the thought of purchasing, all the way to after ownership and the progress towards the “burning party” of your dreams!
ENJOY!
Because I don’t want to give any spoilers, I’d like to just say that the second half (or last 3rd) was where I personally found gems that were applicable for myself. So if you begin reading and think “I already know this stuff, what a waste!” CONTINUE, or skip ahead (I’m personally too scared to miss something to ever skip ahead lol) and read a later chapter.
There’s quite a few helpful resources listed with in its pages and many tips that will help you make important decisions along the entire way; from the very onset of the thought of purchasing, all the way to after ownership and the progress towards the “burning party” of your dreams!
ENJOY!
March 19, 2018
If this were to be the first personal finance book you read, it would be as good a place to start as many. It covers all the bases thoroughly.
Having read a few recently though I am now looking for little gems of advice that maybe others have missed or a different perspective or style of writing. Robert Browns wealthing like rabbits for example had a sense of humor few of these personal finance books have.
As I said though the book covers the material well, and I found it inspirational (and a tad insane) that Sean was able to pay off a mortgage in three years.
Having read a few recently though I am now looking for little gems of advice that maybe others have missed or a different perspective or style of writing. Robert Browns wealthing like rabbits for example had a sense of humor few of these personal finance books have.
As I said though the book covers the material well, and I found it inspirational (and a tad insane) that Sean was able to pay off a mortgage in three years.
January 17, 2019
This book provides an excellent approach to tackling one of the biggest debts we incur- the Mortgage. Sean gives great advice from applying for a mortgage, through to paying it in full as quickly as possible.
I first heard of Sean in the media, as he cleared his mortgage in three years. When I discovered he’d written a book to help others achieve a similar goal, I had to buy it.
I have picked up so many great tips from this book, and regularly refer back to it, when I need a reminder, or some inspiration if I need to keep making prepayments.
Buy this and enjoy financial freedom.
I first heard of Sean in the media, as he cleared his mortgage in three years. When I discovered he’d written a book to help others achieve a similar goal, I had to buy it.
I have picked up so many great tips from this book, and regularly refer back to it, when I need a reminder, or some inspiration if I need to keep making prepayments.
Buy this and enjoy financial freedom.
February 16, 2019
Bravo to the Author for writing this book.
It's about financial sacrifice, diligence and freedom (in that order I think).
As a Mortgage Agent myself, I understand the finer intricacies of the products, rate terms, and prepayment privileges within the mortgage itself ... but this book elaborates on the how and why.
The tips about other money saving realities is sage advice and again, the diligence something like this takes is huge. But guess what, it's also quite doable.
A great read for anyone who owns a home, is considering buying a home or anyone who holds bad debt.
It's about financial sacrifice, diligence and freedom (in that order I think).
As a Mortgage Agent myself, I understand the finer intricacies of the products, rate terms, and prepayment privileges within the mortgage itself ... but this book elaborates on the how and why.
The tips about other money saving realities is sage advice and again, the diligence something like this takes is huge. But guess what, it's also quite doable.
A great read for anyone who owns a home, is considering buying a home or anyone who holds bad debt.
March 16, 2025
Honestly, this book should have been called, how to buy a house in Canada. It legit had like 5 pages about tips to help pay off your mortgage. It was from a place of privilege sometimes; as it suggest to just get your down payment from your parents and that you have time to work 2-3 jobs.
This book was a quick read; as I read it in a couple of hours.
I don't know if I would recommend this book.
This book was a quick read; as I read it in a couple of hours.
I don't know if I would recommend this book.
June 3, 2017
Very interesting - of much better use to those just starting out and are looking at the market than those of us that are in the later years of our mortgages. It is definitely a book I will be buying for both of my teens when they reach that point in their lives though. Excellent ideas - some that are outside most peoples comfort zones, but Sean shows that persistence really does pay off.
August 7, 2019
Great book on personal finance in general a definite good read or gift for someone who is buying a house. The chapter on phones and phone plans got me to rethink my and my wife's phone plan and I have been on a pay per use for almost 6 months now. It's hard to find books on personal finance from a Canadian perspective so this book is a must if you're Canadian!
November 3, 2019
This is a very useful book. Sean Cooper disseminates his journey to financial freedom, which he (and likely his readers) interpret as being debt-free with 100% ownership of a house.
Sean is pragmatic, he doesn't bore his readers with theoritcal details, but rather explains the process of how one can one day burn their mortgage!
Sean is pragmatic, he doesn't bore his readers with theoritcal details, but rather explains the process of how one can one day burn their mortgage!
February 8, 2020
Some good information for first time home buyers, but current homeowners should already know most of the things discussed here. Still, it was a quick read, and most people will probably find something they can pull from this book. Kudos to the author for having the discipline to do what he did; in a nutshell, that's really what this is about!
April 7, 2019
This is a great book with so many money-saving tips. It's really inspiring to see that if you have a financial goal, devise a plan and stick to it, you really can achieve anything. Lots of good stats too. Highly recommended book!
August 31, 2018
Expected more but it is definitely worth a read for first time home buyers
January 12, 2019
Enjoyed more than I thought I would.
December 9, 2021
Some useful advice but a very dry read.
August 10, 2022
Didn’t find anything useful in the book
June 16, 2020
It is a good book for beginner in finance
December 27, 2018
Top notch personal finance book and a must read for every Canadian who owns a house or is thinking about buying one. Sean Cooper covers every aspect of home buying to help make sure you do it right. His central focus is on providing the self destruct feature that every mortgage should have come with. The book is a fun and easy read while providing highly useful information. Everyone should have a solid library of well-worn personal finance books and this one definitely deserves a spot on that shelf.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews