What do you think?
Rate this book
Simplify Your Financial Life: 104 Easy Tips for Creating the Abundant Future You Desire
Who says your financial life has to be hard? It can be simple—just make a date with your money, and you’ll be on your way!
It turns out that many of us have spent years being fed inaccurate information about how money works and about our abilities to manage it. Author Dawn Starks, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner and financial advisor, is here to change those beliefs and prove that managing our money is not as difficult as we’ve been led to believe.
When she established her financial planning firm in 1999, her goal was to streamline the financial planning process for her clients. Now she has compiled her best tips to help you. Are you eager to shed the notion that managing money is hard? Would you like to put your financial life on a better track? Then this book is for you.
Simplify Your Financial Life contains 104 lively, accessible tips that illustrate how we can change our mindsets, lay good foundations, get organized, and create easy-to-implement systems so that we can stop worrying and spend more time doing the things in life we love. Tips on budgeting, spending, getting out of debt, saving, and investing fill out this friendly volume for people at any stage of life.
In addition to her commitment to simplifying financial planning, Dawn has embraced the personal benefits of minimalism and simple living. In 2018, she launched her online business, SimpleMoney, where she writes and teaches about personal finance while sharing the benefits that simple living and minimalism can bring.
It turns out that many of us have spent years being fed inaccurate information about how money works and about our abilities to manage it. Author Dawn Starks, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner and financial advisor, is here to change those beliefs and prove that managing our money is not as difficult as we’ve been led to believe.
When she established her financial planning firm in 1999, her goal was to streamline the financial planning process for her clients. Now she has compiled her best tips to help you. Are you eager to shed the notion that managing money is hard? Would you like to put your financial life on a better track? Then this book is for you.
Simplify Your Financial Life contains 104 lively, accessible tips that illustrate how we can change our mindsets, lay good foundations, get organized, and create easy-to-implement systems so that we can stop worrying and spend more time doing the things in life we love. Tips on budgeting, spending, getting out of debt, saving, and investing fill out this friendly volume for people at any stage of life.
In addition to her commitment to simplifying financial planning, Dawn has embraced the personal benefits of minimalism and simple living. In 2018, she launched her online business, SimpleMoney, where she writes and teaches about personal finance while sharing the benefits that simple living and minimalism can bring.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
21 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 19, 2020
A simple, practical but mostly common sense book of financial tips. If you've never really thought about or tracked your finances, there may be some new info here for you. Would be good for young adults. It's well written and to the point and while I had hoped to read something more mind blowing, at least it affirmed that what I'm already doing is correct according to the author. There were a few tips that were gems.
Thank you to goodreads for granting me an ebook in their giveaways.
Thank you to goodreads for granting me an ebook in their giveaways.
March 30, 2020
This is an easy book to read with short chapters focusing on financial tips from the author. I loved reading this because I have been asking myself how I can save more and in reading this I learned that I need to track my spending as well, so I'd love to practice that first.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
April 21, 2021
This short book has solid advice. There are some chapters that particularly caught my attention that I'd like to read again. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
May 29, 2020
Variety of useful tips from small to big
Thanks to Goodreads and Dawn G. Starks for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
This book is set up like the subtitle says, with 104 different tips. I took a lot of notes and there are a lot of things I'd like to try, particularly in the organization section! Sometimes the order of the tips was a little obscure - for example, consolidate your bank account, and consolidate your credit cards, seem very similar to me but were in completely different chapters. And also, the cross-references to other tips was helpful, but sometimes all the references were to later numbers that I hadn't seen yet. Finally, the author suggests with 104 tips you could do 2 a week for a year of financial simplification - I'd suggest a more ad hoc approach as the scope of the tips varies wisely from small ( "select a financial mantra") to quite big (" move to a lower cost of living location").
But enough about my quibbles, I really did find a lot of food for thought here. I particularly enjoyed the author's encouragement of automation and streamlining - automating bill pay I've heard before, but I've never had anyone give me permission to jettison complicated filling systems for broad ones that still get the job done (Bills, Taxes, and everything else) and I love it. I also like the idea that putting in time on organization saves your future self time (or those who you leave behind).
Most of these ideas are about process and basic advice. I would say there's nothing too specialized but that's the beauty of this book, as a solid foundation of basics and simple approaches that empower you to deal with your own specifics.
Thanks to Goodreads and Dawn G. Starks for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
This book is set up like the subtitle says, with 104 different tips. I took a lot of notes and there are a lot of things I'd like to try, particularly in the organization section! Sometimes the order of the tips was a little obscure - for example, consolidate your bank account, and consolidate your credit cards, seem very similar to me but were in completely different chapters. And also, the cross-references to other tips was helpful, but sometimes all the references were to later numbers that I hadn't seen yet. Finally, the author suggests with 104 tips you could do 2 a week for a year of financial simplification - I'd suggest a more ad hoc approach as the scope of the tips varies wisely from small ( "select a financial mantra") to quite big (" move to a lower cost of living location").
But enough about my quibbles, I really did find a lot of food for thought here. I particularly enjoyed the author's encouragement of automation and streamlining - automating bill pay I've heard before, but I've never had anyone give me permission to jettison complicated filling systems for broad ones that still get the job done (Bills, Taxes, and everything else) and I love it. I also like the idea that putting in time on organization saves your future self time (or those who you leave behind).
Most of these ideas are about process and basic advice. I would say there's nothing too specialized but that's the beauty of this book, as a solid foundation of basics and simple approaches that empower you to deal with your own specifics.
March 13, 2021
In 1994 I read Elaine St. James's Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter and it changed my life. Since then I am always striving to keep things as simple as possible (except perhaps my clothes closet!), including my finances. That's why when I read the author's mention of the book as her inspiration behind downsizing her life and eventually simplifying her finances, I knew this book would speak to me.
Starks has included general procedures in an easy-to-follow format that takes you from the beginning steps of how to get your financial data organized followed by chapters on philosophy, building systems, budgeting, watching your spending and getting out of debt, simplifying saving and investing, money and kids, general tax suggestions, retirement, and "bigger moves."
While Starks doesn't get into details about money management, she does include a booklist with recommended titles with specific information, including the excellent Your Money or Your Life and a list of other titles on downsizing.
This is an excellent book for anyone who needs a little shove in getting their finances in order and while some ideas may "no brainers." (don't accrue credit card debt, don't go to the grocery store without a list), it's always good to be reminded of these kinds of practices. Starks also has helpful documents available on her website for tracking and noting important information.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance digital reading copy. (
Starks has included general procedures in an easy-to-follow format that takes you from the beginning steps of how to get your financial data organized followed by chapters on philosophy, building systems, budgeting, watching your spending and getting out of debt, simplifying saving and investing, money and kids, general tax suggestions, retirement, and "bigger moves."
While Starks doesn't get into details about money management, she does include a booklist with recommended titles with specific information, including the excellent Your Money or Your Life and a list of other titles on downsizing.
This is an excellent book for anyone who needs a little shove in getting their finances in order and while some ideas may "no brainers." (don't accrue credit card debt, don't go to the grocery store without a list), it's always good to be reminded of these kinds of practices. Starks also has helpful documents available on her website for tracking and noting important information.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance digital reading copy. (
April 28, 2020
I'm not going to lie - I'm a big fan of personal finance books. I've always been interested in learning more about managing your budgets, planning for the future and organizing your financial life in the simplest way possible.
For me, this includes carefully planning my monthly budget in my bullet journal, using my credit card carefully, and checking every time I go grocery shopping so I don't overspend - and reading financial management books.
So when I got an ARC of Simplify Your Financial Life: 104 Easy Tips for Creating the Abundant Future You Desire, by Dawn G. Starks, I didn't hesitate one second before sitting down in my comfy armchair and reading it intensely. And I'm really happy that I did so !
"Do yourself a favor and don't bury your head in the sand. Be brave and face your financial difficulties head-on."
This is a very useful book separated in clear themes and chapters, with a ton of pertinent tips for every situation you could possibly be in. It gives you the basics of financial planning, then goes into some more details on investments, retirement funds, and savings. The information is concise and to the point, and I liked the minimalist ideals to streamline your financial planning and make it as simple as possible.
I do think this is very focused on the American perspective of personal finance, as a lot of other cultures don't have the same habits towards credit cards mortgage and student loans as the US, and the American continent as a whole.
Nevertheless, for the people it's geared towards, this is an excellent book to have ! I would definitely recommend it to people who are struggling a bit with how best to manage their money, make their budget, or who aren't sure how to use their credit card in the best possible way.
For me, this includes carefully planning my monthly budget in my bullet journal, using my credit card carefully, and checking every time I go grocery shopping so I don't overspend - and reading financial management books.
So when I got an ARC of Simplify Your Financial Life: 104 Easy Tips for Creating the Abundant Future You Desire, by Dawn G. Starks, I didn't hesitate one second before sitting down in my comfy armchair and reading it intensely. And I'm really happy that I did so !
"Do yourself a favor and don't bury your head in the sand. Be brave and face your financial difficulties head-on."
This is a very useful book separated in clear themes and chapters, with a ton of pertinent tips for every situation you could possibly be in. It gives you the basics of financial planning, then goes into some more details on investments, retirement funds, and savings. The information is concise and to the point, and I liked the minimalist ideals to streamline your financial planning and make it as simple as possible.
I do think this is very focused on the American perspective of personal finance, as a lot of other cultures don't have the same habits towards credit cards mortgage and student loans as the US, and the American continent as a whole.
Nevertheless, for the people it's geared towards, this is an excellent book to have ! I would definitely recommend it to people who are struggling a bit with how best to manage their money, make their budget, or who aren't sure how to use their credit card in the best possible way.
October 15, 2020
I won this as part of a Goodreads giveaway. The title says it all. The book definitely provides easy steps to simplify your finances, but honestly I found it all a bit too basic. Maybe because I have dedicated a great amount of time to this concept before reading the book, I don't feel that I really learned anything new. However, when I think about the financial struggles of many friends and family members, I recognize the value this book could have for them. Nevertheless, if someone is just beginning the process, this book barely scratches the surface. One great benefit is the list of additional reading materials in the appendix, and the link to her website for additional resources. Overall, I would give this a solid four-star rating.
May 13, 2021
This book was a surprising motivator for me. My husband handles all our financial affairs (and often moans about my ignorance of them) and my only responsibility is for paying the bills. My initial intent for this book was to hand it over to him in the hopes it would make his job easier. However, I glanced through it and, to my surprise, began to realize that this could apply to ME. I'm gradually working my way through the topic points and find I'm learning that this doesn't have to be a big scary deal. He'll still take the lead on this but I will be won't be left in the dark. Thank you, Ms. Starks.
I won a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
August 31, 2021
Informative read
This book was fairy knowledgeable and helpful in financial planning. There are many small lessons that really do give great advice to help make the process easier. Most is general knowledge that should be common sense but not everyone is great at money so this is also helpful to someone with the newly found interest to learn how to manage their money better. I don't like how some information was repeated but just in different words. Regardless it was still a good read packed with helpful advice and facts to be better at money planning. I recommend this to anyone who would like to control their finances more maturely.
This book was fairy knowledgeable and helpful in financial planning. There are many small lessons that really do give great advice to help make the process easier. Most is general knowledge that should be common sense but not everyone is great at money so this is also helpful to someone with the newly found interest to learn how to manage their money better. I don't like how some information was repeated but just in different words. Regardless it was still a good read packed with helpful advice and facts to be better at money planning. I recommend this to anyone who would like to control their finances more maturely.
April 9, 2024
Most of the time I find self-books intimidating and beyond my gasp of improving. But this book was written in way that it gave encouragement to any income one might have. You don't have to rich to save but saving (no matter the amount) is always better. It's okay to save up and wait for things. A great book for newlyweds and high school and college graduates. One area one didn't write about is trade schools and military are options to succeed in work field. Especially the benefits of the military to pursue higher education and health benefits. But the main subject today is never too late to start thinking about your future with your money.
October 25, 2020
While I believe that most of the content in this book is common sense, the author does hit on a few points that I probably should have thought of before but they just slipped my mind. I would highly recommend this for readers who are young, perhaps around the age of 18 or so. As a new 'adult,' this would be a valuable resource for someone just starting out. Conversely, I am 35 and it also made me realize that I need to add a few things to my own financial routine. It's laid out in a way that is very organized and easy to understand, so I definitely give kudos for that.
May 24, 2021
First off I want to say I won this book from Goodreads.
This book is easy to read and understand. It is set up in 12 different sections. Starting with the basics of setting up a budget and ending with ways to help you decided your big financial goals. It helps with organizing your records and bills, getting rid of unsolicited credit card offers and retirement. I would recommend this book for someone just starting out on their own and those that may need a little help getting back on track.
This book is easy to read and understand. It is set up in 12 different sections. Starting with the basics of setting up a budget and ending with ways to help you decided your big financial goals. It helps with organizing your records and bills, getting rid of unsolicited credit card offers and retirement. I would recommend this book for someone just starting out on their own and those that may need a little help getting back on track.
October 24, 2020
This book is a bit of a mixed bag. Advice ranges from “duh” to “okay that’s a good idea”. The problem is the occasional bad advice. For example, advising people not to budget but to track spending instead because budgeting is unsustainable. It’s not and you should do both. The good news is that you can easily find sections you’re interested in and each section is a quick read. The bad news is that you may need to do research to see if the advice is actually any good.
May 3, 2020
What I love about this book is it truly simplifies finances. Starks gives concise, easy to follow tips. I implemented several of them while reading the books, things I'd been curious about or considered but hadn't gotten around to and something I'd never even thought about (removed myself from recieving catalogs!). Happy to have won this from a Goodreads Giveaway - thank you!
June 3, 2020
*Goodreads Giveaway Win*
A quick, practical read. I've begun implementing some of Starks's advice already and look forward to getting a better handle of my financial life due to what I've learned from reading this book. If you're looking for a place to start without feeling overwhelmed I definitely recommend giving this a read.
A quick, practical read. I've begun implementing some of Starks's advice already and look forward to getting a better handle of my financial life due to what I've learned from reading this book. If you're looking for a place to start without feeling overwhelmed I definitely recommend giving this a read.
July 28, 2020
For those just starting out on a financial independence journey, this book would be a nice basic starter text. It doesn’t go into a lot of detail, but it does give a lot of steps such as learn to distinguish needs from wants and have a weekly family financial meeting to stay on top of things. If you have already accomplished the basics from other sources, this would be a good refresher.
July 21, 2023
Simple financial advice for practical ways to handle your money. The book is quick read with good suggestions about paying attention to where you spend your money and ways to save. A must read for teens and young adults. Thanks to Goodreads and Dawn G. Starks for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
June 23, 2020
Easy to Follow
The author imparts small tips that help the reader redefine the concept of money, its purpose, and how to use these tips to ease one's difficulty in financial planning.
Each tip is bite sized but the author provides a full banquet filling the reader with the confidence to take control of his/her financial future
The author imparts small tips that help the reader redefine the concept of money, its purpose, and how to use these tips to ease one's difficulty in financial planning.
Each tip is bite sized but the author provides a full banquet filling the reader with the confidence to take control of his/her financial future
July 19, 2020
Full of practical tips and guidance. Provided a new perspective on some areas including retirement. Also provided new ways to save, and new ideas to explore. Appreciated the organizational tools & advice.
July 27, 2020
Practical, quick, easy to follow. Probably meant for a younger audience as I've already been doing most of these, but I got a few new tips out of it (and it's nice to confirm I've been doing things right!).
Recommend to young adults.
Recommend to young adults.
July 27, 2020
A quick and easy read, I really appreciate how the author kept each tip brief and to the point without over inundating you with financial words. ETA: Apparently I won this as a goodreads giveaway, didn't realize that, but obviously this review is mine.
September 20, 2020
[I received a Kindle copy via Goodreads giveaway!]
Lots of great little tidbits of advice - definitely going to start implementing some of these to close some gaps I have regarding budget and savings.
Lots of great little tidbits of advice - definitely going to start implementing some of these to close some gaps I have regarding budget and savings.
April 3, 2021
As an older reader most of the tips in this book are known to me. I picked up a few new tidbits, but this book feels like it is geared more toward younger adults and those who have little experience with budgeting, saving and investing.
Nicely written, easy to understand.
Nicely written, easy to understand.
May 31, 2021
Bite sized nuggets of wisdom
I really enjoyed the layout of this book. Each section had bite sized nugget chapters that lead you closer to financial organization. I read through it and highlighted it, not I plan to go through it with my husband and implement it!
I really enjoyed the layout of this book. Each section had bite sized nugget chapters that lead you closer to financial organization. I read through it and highlighted it, not I plan to go through it with my husband and implement it!
October 19, 2021
A great read for folks who think money management is scary or don't have a lot of knowledge about personal finance. I consider myself savvy in this area but I definitely will incorporate a few of the tips in the book. I am grateful to have received a free e-copy via Goodreads giveaways.
April 30, 2020
This book is a series of two page articles on money advice. Reads like a lot of blog posts more than a financial planner. It does have useful advice in there, A lot of it is pretty basic.
May 3, 2020
Easy to understand. Helpful. Insightful. I highly recommend
May 19, 2020
This meticulously written content promises a life against bankruptcy and a wall against failure. It closed a door on debit and liability - Hadi Atallah, author of 'Rosemary Bluebell.'
May 23, 2020
This is a very intersting book with lots of good hints. I especially appreciated Chapters 27 and 28 as well as the links and list at the end of the book.
May 31, 2020
Great Book
This book was simple and easy to follow. It definitely lived up to it’s title. I can’t wait to try some of the strategies.
This book was simple and easy to follow. It definitely lived up to it’s title. I can’t wait to try some of the strategies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews