Financially Forward: How to Use Today's Digital Tools to Earn More, Save Better, and Spend Smarter

by Alexa Von Tobel

Chief digital officer at Northwestern Mutual, founder/CEO of LearnVest, and New York Times bestelling author shows how to use the simple tools of the digital age to get more out of our money.We live in a new financial world. Our wallets--like every other aspect of our lives--have gone fully digital. From mobile pay to on-demand everything to cryptocurrencies, technology is rewriting the rules for how we earn, save, spend and invest. Technology has made virtually every aspect of our lives cheaper and more convenient. Shouldn't it do the same when it comes to managing our finances?Von Tobel says that it can. In this straightforward and jargon-free guide, she shows us how to use the simple tools found on any smartphone to put more money back into our wallets. Readers will new trends that are impacting our finances - and how to optimize themHow to navigate the world of mobile pay, and cash in by going cash-freeHow to save time and money by putting your savings--and spending--on autopilot Best practices for keeping your identity and financial accounts ultra-secureHow to talk to digital natives - ie your kids - about financial planning What the Bitcoin hype is all about and how to prepare for the future of digital moneyPreparing ourselves for the financial future gives us the security and freedom to live our richest lives. It's time to move Financially Forward...or get left behind.

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

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2019

About the author

Alexa von Tobel is the founder and CEO of LearnVest.com, a personal finance website, and the founder and Managing Partner of Inspired Capital.

Reviews

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up because it looked like it covered interesting topics, was by someone I had heard of, was short, and was showcased at our local Barnes and Noble. This promised to analyze the current crop of fintech tools. Since I use some of these tools, and I’m always looking for better, this was promising. After reading this, I was a bit underwhelmed. This book meanders all over the place within personal finance. There are basic definitions, some intro to planning, trends in personal finance, pointers on raising financially aware children, and the future of blockchain. Having read quite a few personal finance books, I found that this wasn’t really written for me. I did get something out of it though – the author includes a list of apps and services that are currently available. Some I heard of, some I use. The author also tags the large number of these services where she is an investor. Given she has spread her investments around this arena, you might think this book was written to help “advertise” these services, and there is a feel that this is part of the purpose of the book, given the focus on some of the lesser known highlighted apps. I often don’t appreciate books that are written as advertisements, but given the topic this is interesting and has some value, if only to increase awareness. Probably a better question is whether this book provides value to readers that are new to personal finance and planning. The author covers some of the basics, with advice aimed at the uninitiated, so it probably isn’t a bad book to read early in your learning. So for newbies, not a bad read. For more experienced readers, more of a skim or a skip.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of financial books over the years and I can’t say this one is any different than the others. I’m only giving it 2 stars because I expected to be learning about future technologies and how our financial lives would change. This book is mostly about basic financial planning (emergency savings, open a FSA/IRA) with a blurb about technology at the end.

If you use Postmates, Uber, online banking or any budgeting software, I don’t think this book is worth the time. If you’re not an adopter, perhaps it would be useful.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners or folks learning how to use tech to help with finances

[Kacper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most of this is just basic stuff.

[Morgan Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

First id like to point out that the photo accompanying this title is not correct. (Unless there are multiple prints or some other variable that i am unaware of)
Anyways, i thought this was a very good overall introduction to how to save smarter with all the apps and technology that is rapidly becoming available. It does not dive deep and the author is very upfront about her plan possibly not being your plan. It also gives an overall look at where money may be headed in the future. Its great for a beginner who doesn't know what a bitcoin is.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars. I liked this book, and thought it was very informative about the role of FinTech in our lives. There was a lot of repetitive stuff that I already knew about finance, which was why I rated it only 3.5 stars. I’m still a bit skeptical about automating ALL of my finances, even though I’m probably already automating a huge chunk and tech plays a huge part in my financial life. This book was definitely interesting and gave me a lot to think about.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Money is changing every second of every day. How we handle money will be very different in the next 10 years than it is now. Think about how differently we handle money from 10 years ago. Venmo, Bitcoin, digital wallets are many of the new ways that we handle our money in not just the last 10 years, but the last couple of years. Things are changing and this book gives us a simple breakdown of what is here now and how to use it as well as what may be in our future.

[Magan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great reminder of all of the things I know I should know about money, yet never take the time to truly implement. Yes, I should be saving for retirement. Yes, I should pay myself first and only allocate a small percentage of my income for "fun" expenses. Do I implement these rules 100%? No. Alexa Von Tobel definitely has me motivated to crunch some numbers and think about consolidating my accounts across the board.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm somewhat of a technophobe, so I picked this book up to gain knowledge of best practices when it comes to taking advantage of technology in my personal finances. I immediately took steps to simplify my finances, review my security measures, and took notes on things to review in the future. The book isn't super long nor difficult to read. I think it's well worth the time to make sure you are taking advantage of the changes that have come along in this digital age.

[Robin Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be helpful in explaining the various technologies available in order to better organize our financial lives. It was written in a way that was easy to read and motivating to make changes using technology. There is a great glossary of apps at the end of the book. I also really enjoyed the last section on blockchain and the discussion of future disruptors to the market like Bitcoin.

[Alexandra Kiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Basic

Thought this would be a little more advanced. Was bored by how little information was new to me, even though I am relatively new to personal finance. It would be good for someone who is picking out an introductory book to personal finance.

I did like the list of companies and apps at the end. There are few I haven’t heard of before. I will check some of those out.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

200 pages of basic stuff that child be condensed into an handful of 3x5 cards. Chapter 11 "Decoding Bitcoin" was very light -- a missed opportunity, as was phone Fintech discussion. Example: without NFC phone payments are not available. NFC is not available on basic and mid-level phones. It was nice to see my old boss mentioned.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her precepts are good; but Dave Ramsey beats her to the punch. I’d recommend his books and podcasts over Von Tobel’s.

[Robert Patterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Regurgitated summaries of financial advice with some added concepts on fintech, block coin, and other digital technologies that might have some value to individuals.

[Ab · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too hype about the gig economy as a source of secondary income, without realizing the impact it has on folks who depend on it for their full incomes but aren't supported by benefits

[Martin Alvarado Cortés · Rating 2 out of 5]

None of the advice was earth shattering. This book would have been better had the author focus on the last 3 chapters about the future of money and our wallets.

[Joanne Mallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great read for starter wanting to learn how to save, invest, retirement. For more financially advanced understand may not find this book helpful.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic and simplified. Tries to focus on financial tech but misses the mark.

[Steven C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best personal finance books I’ve ever read. The suggestions are logical, the resources are terrific, and it’s easy to understand.

[Rabah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic concepts and not so relevant for non Americans.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to understand and an interesting look at how to use tech to optimize your money.

[M U- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic but would recommend for those looking to understand current financial technologies. Beginners guide.

[Max Patiiuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to play it safe, have a comfortable 9-5 job, stable income and a middle class life, this book is for you. If you want something more, don't read this book

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Kathy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good explanation of crypto and blockchain in the last chapters for someone who knew nothing.

[Wendy D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great for those in the basic stages of entering the digital financial world. I read this about 10 years too late for it to wow me or change anything I do already.

[Whitney Brooke]

Very well throughout the book. Even teens who are just getting there does wet on how to manage their own money.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

A complete waste of time!

[Gillian Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wake up call!!

[Krystal Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly thought this book was helpful. The book wasn't boring and easy to understand.