But First, Save 10: The One Simple Money Move That Will Change Your Life

by Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez

Graduates experience a common, soaring Freedom. Yet, we are funneled into an economic system designed to rob our freedom, little by little, leaving many living paycheck to paycheck. Major financial mistakes no longer have to be a rite of passage for adulthood. But First, Save 10 casts aside self-judgment budgeting, demystifies common financial jargon, and teaches a simple approach designed to yield abundance and joy. Plan retirement on your own terms and buck that unfulfilling job or start your dream business—this system is your ticket to a life of true freedom, however you define it. With a pay yourself first cash management system combined with automation, you'll accomplish what prior generations have collectively failed to 1. Save (enough) and invest to retire; 2. Create, fund, and retain an emergency fund; 3. Save for future expenses that bring joy, security, and freedom; 4. Pay down debt aggressively and use debt sparingly and responsibly; 5. Design a life with low fixed overhead; and 6. Enjoy spending the rest. Finally, we have a sustainable routine, adaptable for any income at any life point—a system that offers the power to design our futures and define our destinies.

Genres: Finance, Self Help, Nonfiction

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2020

Reviews

[Melissa Bandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone starting out. The author presents complicated financial concepts in a highly readable and entertaining way and proposes a money management system that isn’t too complicated or burdensome. The book is geared toward young women, but really people of any age and gender can benefit.

[Maddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez makes a great argument for the need to save 10 and gives some positive examples of why women should feel empowered to take control of their finances. However, she frequently cites bloggers with no educational background in business or finance. They just happen to have a finance blog. More concerning is her failure to address both her own privilege and the privilege of the example used throughout the entire book. The example of Olivia is established on page 1 and concludes on page 226. Keep in mind that the author lives and works in Arkansas and many of her readers are from there. Back to Olivia, she is established as a recent college grad with a new job making $45,000. The median income in AR is just over half that at $25,0758. While a college grad could be expected to earn more, many of my peers in AR graduate and keep their part time jobs (even pre-pandemic) because they couldn't find anything else despite internship experience and good grades. Olivia also went to a liberal arts college, like the author. Our example also lives with her parents after college which isn't always an option even if it certainly would make a significant help with savings. SPOILERS: By the end Olivia is getting married and will make $95,000 in house hold income with her partner. Plus her parents will pay for the wedding. For so many of the pursued audience of college women this is not realistic and does not reflect the average college women's experience by a long shot.

Do take the advice from the title to save 10 and her suggestion to take advantage of automation. Maybe explore the author's overly complicated financial plan or maybe seek advice from the finance professors at your campus.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn't obvious before I got into the text that this book was intended for 18-30 somethings. That might be on me, though. There were references to what should be done if you're an older reader that were helpful and, honestly, kind of a bummer, but absolutely true and not presented as a source of shame if the reader is behind.

The book is geared to a privileged audience and the author addresses that. It's something to mindful of if you just want to learn about personal finances and fear that could be compromised by the weight of that (acknowledged) bias.

That said, I would recommend this book to anyone, especially the young'uns. It's one of the least cheesy call to action texts I've ever read. Super-approachable, hands-on, and engaging.

I learned an awesome fact about HSAs and significantly increased my retirement contributions because of this book. I initially marked this book as 4 stars but given that I expect a tangible quality of life improvement for years to come, I bumped it up to 5. Heck, I even mentioned creating a finance club with a friend of mine (like a book club).

[Maree Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, all women should read it. Very easy to understand practical steps in how to prepare for retirement and those other financial things that come up.

[Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could’ve had this book in my hands the day I graduated high school. In a simple, relatable way Sarah Catherine explains not only how to save 10% but why young women MUST. In addition, she lays out a cash flow management system that feels urgent yet realistic to implement in your life. It doesn’t require cutting out daily coffee, avocado toast, or your monthly manicure it only requires planning and prioritizing life’s pleasures while setting aside enough to allow your future self those same indulgences. The book is easy to read, action oriented & will change the lives of the young women who read it. We need more personal finance books like this one - made for young women & focused on achieving financial freedom through long-term action not shaming & deprivation.

[Caro Velez lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is a MUST! And while it explores the reality of USA (I don’t live there) it is universally applicable to any country with a capitalist system. Even if it’s aimed at young women, I will make it a mandatory read for my students. I was talking so much about it (and implementing it in real time) that my husband is picking it up now that I finished reading it.
There’s another reviewer saying that this book was written from privilege. And while I can’t contradict her on that, I do think that it can by applied to all no matter the income. The true privilege is being able to have access to these reads.

[Lillian Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindsight Indeed

Oh how I wish, wish, wish someone would have shared the nuggets of knowledge in this book with me many moons ago. I am far from 20ish but still found value from the information shared and system laid out. Thank you for helping bring financial freedom to more women.

[Ashleigh Knopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good book for beginners in personal finance, and I am actually excited to see if her system works for me, even though a lot of info, especially at the beginning, was quite basic. I also hated some of the “you go girl” lingo / vibe, but worth a quick read if that doesn’t bother you and you’re looking for a new way to get on top of your finances

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my book club. The author really breaks it down in a language that's easy to understand. The most important thing I walked away with was to contribute at least 10% to your retirement fund.

[Lindsey Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All young adults (not just women) should read this! It’s easy to read, not boring (which I was expecting as a finance book) and gives great advice of small things you can do now that add up big for your financial future.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best and most relatable personal finance books I have read. I recommend for young women 18-30ish in particular, if they apply the principles, it could change their life.

[Jasmin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I’ve read this book years ago. It has some really good advices for people in their 20s or anyone starting their career. I’ll have some good advice to pass on to my kids. Thank you.

[Serena Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

this should be a mandatory read for all young adult women

[Amber Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone starting out on their savings journey, no matter what age. The book is engaging, fun, and informative.