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Balance: How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health, and Wealth
Stop chasing money and start redefining success
Sure, money is important. And yes, it can make you happy—but only up to a point. The truth is, science has shown that we each have a set point that links our earnings with happiness; go beyond that point, and your happiness ceases to increase with income.
In this illuminating guide to living a financially healthier, and happier, life, bestselling author and financial journalist Andrew Hallam demonstrates how you can optimize your income for maximum happiness by investing responsibly and living according to your values. You’ll find tips for using robo investors, insights for investing in socially responsible funds, and how to craft a personal budget that aligns your spending with what you hold most dear.
Drawing on behavioural science, evidence-based investing, and environmental science, he shows you how to start framing success in a way that actually brings happiness, not stress, into your life—by balancing your money, connection, health, and purpose.
Whether you’re a broke teenager, a middle-aged millionaire or someone who hopes to retire on a shoestring, we all have one thing in common: we want to enjoy our lives. That means living better and laughing more. It means caring for the environment and helping our children to succeed—while defining “success” the way we really should.
Sure, money is important. And yes, it can make you happy—but only up to a point. The truth is, science has shown that we each have a set point that links our earnings with happiness; go beyond that point, and your happiness ceases to increase with income.
In this illuminating guide to living a financially healthier, and happier, life, bestselling author and financial journalist Andrew Hallam demonstrates how you can optimize your income for maximum happiness by investing responsibly and living according to your values. You’ll find tips for using robo investors, insights for investing in socially responsible funds, and how to craft a personal budget that aligns your spending with what you hold most dear.
Drawing on behavioural science, evidence-based investing, and environmental science, he shows you how to start framing success in a way that actually brings happiness, not stress, into your life—by balancing your money, connection, health, and purpose.
Whether you’re a broke teenager, a middle-aged millionaire or someone who hopes to retire on a shoestring, we all have one thing in common: we want to enjoy our lives. That means living better and laughing more. It means caring for the environment and helping our children to succeed—while defining “success” the way we really should.
280 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2022
144 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Hallam
10 books158 followersI have a romantic idea. It isn't the red roses, candlelight dinner kind of thing (although that's a nice notion too).
Instead, I want to help people spend time with the people and passions they love. Sound corny? Bear with me for a moment.
Financial independence buys time. That's where my books and talks come in. I want to show people how to invest. The financial industry says, "Hey, let us help!" But few enter this industry to make the world a better place. Would Mother Teresa (or any of her friends) have worked for Goldman Sachs?
Instead, with few exceptions, it's an industry of vultures. So let me show you how to find the right kind of (rare) financial advisor, or invest on your own.
This will give you financial freedom. You'll be able to spend time on your loves, passions–and perhaps, even a few more candlelight dinners.
Instead, I want to help people spend time with the people and passions they love. Sound corny? Bear with me for a moment.
Financial independence buys time. That's where my books and talks come in. I want to show people how to invest. The financial industry says, "Hey, let us help!" But few enter this industry to make the world a better place. Would Mother Teresa (or any of her friends) have worked for Goldman Sachs?
Instead, with few exceptions, it's an industry of vultures. So let me show you how to find the right kind of (rare) financial advisor, or invest on your own.
This will give you financial freedom. You'll be able to spend time on your loves, passions–and perhaps, even a few more candlelight dinners.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 13, 2022
To be fully transparent I read a TON, take courses and listen to podcasts so I’m well versed in the topic of finances and how to create a happy balanced life. That being said I haven’t learned a lot from this author BUT I liked how the information was presented and with studies to back up his findings. I did learn that gratitude shouldn’t be practiced daily and should be practised weekly which I found interesting. The fact that the author is also a teacher and related to some of his classes also peaked my interest. I do also love how this type of book has truly made my life happier. The number one podcast would be happiness lab that has improved my life tremendously. The power of words !!!
January 22, 2022
This is the most helpful book I’ve ever read. That’s partly because author Andrew Hallam, a former teacher who built a million-dollar portfolio by the time he was 36, explains the factual content with the skill of a master teacher. He knows how to engage, challenge, and motivate people.
When I first heard about this book, I thought it might be just another book by another author giving financial advice. Over the years, I’ve read several of those. This book is much more, and what sets this book apart from other books I’ve read is that Hallam backs up his advice by citing dozens of respected research studies about the relationships between money, happiness, health, and wealth. And he does it all with just the right amount of humility and humor from his personal experiences.
The result is a first-rate handbook for living well. As a retired editor, I also appreciate the very high quality of the book, especially the extensive endnotes and the index. The Kindle version on my iPad contains active hyperlinks to all the external sources he cites, and I can access them with a touch of my finger. It’s like holding an extensive reference library in my hands.
Confession time: Almost everybody makes mistakes in life from elementary school to retirement, and sometimes beyond. Reading Hallam’s litany of mistakes to avoid was like checking off a long list of mistakes I’ve made.
Reading his advice on how to make better choices strengthened my commitment to do better in retirement. One immediate thing I did after reading the book was to download an app he recommended to track daily expenses. Hopefully, it will help me stick to the annual budget I prepare each January. Fortunately, in retirement, I stumbled across some of the other advice Hallam offers throughout this book and embraced it. Looking back over 50 years, I wish I had known long ago what I know now.
About 10 years ago, I gave each of my three children a good chunk of money to help them pay off student loans and make down payments on houses. I try to avoid second-guessing what they do with the money they’ve earned since then or how they are raising my six grandchildren. My major advice is simple: DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES I MADE, and then explain if they want details.
I plan to give each one a copy of this book to help them with critical choices in life. In the long run, it will be more valuable than all the money I gave them. If you’re looking for a very valuable gift for your adult children, give them this book. It covers lessons schools don’t teach and most people never learn.
When I first heard about this book, I thought it might be just another book by another author giving financial advice. Over the years, I’ve read several of those. This book is much more, and what sets this book apart from other books I’ve read is that Hallam backs up his advice by citing dozens of respected research studies about the relationships between money, happiness, health, and wealth. And he does it all with just the right amount of humility and humor from his personal experiences.
The result is a first-rate handbook for living well. As a retired editor, I also appreciate the very high quality of the book, especially the extensive endnotes and the index. The Kindle version on my iPad contains active hyperlinks to all the external sources he cites, and I can access them with a touch of my finger. It’s like holding an extensive reference library in my hands.
Confession time: Almost everybody makes mistakes in life from elementary school to retirement, and sometimes beyond. Reading Hallam’s litany of mistakes to avoid was like checking off a long list of mistakes I’ve made.
Reading his advice on how to make better choices strengthened my commitment to do better in retirement. One immediate thing I did after reading the book was to download an app he recommended to track daily expenses. Hopefully, it will help me stick to the annual budget I prepare each January. Fortunately, in retirement, I stumbled across some of the other advice Hallam offers throughout this book and embraced it. Looking back over 50 years, I wish I had known long ago what I know now.
About 10 years ago, I gave each of my three children a good chunk of money to help them pay off student loans and make down payments on houses. I try to avoid second-guessing what they do with the money they’ve earned since then or how they are raising my six grandchildren. My major advice is simple: DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES I MADE, and then explain if they want details.
I plan to give each one a copy of this book to help them with critical choices in life. In the long run, it will be more valuable than all the money I gave them. If you’re looking for a very valuable gift for your adult children, give them this book. It covers lessons schools don’t teach and most people never learn.
May 25, 2022
Thought this book was an excellent read. Talks a lot about alternate lifestyles which can be more sustainable for the environment as well as your pocket book.
I like that the author emphasized “living simple” as the best option, so many people nowadays think success can only mean driving a luxury vehicle and having lots of square footage in your home. The author implores you to define success for yourself, not from a commercial on TV where people are having the time of their lives.
Half the book, as is the writers shtick, was about investing which is mostly what I was interested in when I got the book (thought “Balance” was referring to balancing investments rather than life lol), but the other half was about alternative lifestyles and was pretty good considering I typically don’t like those kind of books. The author made it seem very practical.
I like that the author emphasized “living simple” as the best option, so many people nowadays think success can only mean driving a luxury vehicle and having lots of square footage in your home. The author implores you to define success for yourself, not from a commercial on TV where people are having the time of their lives.
Half the book, as is the writers shtick, was about investing which is mostly what I was interested in when I got the book (thought “Balance” was referring to balancing investments rather than life lol), but the other half was about alternative lifestyles and was pretty good considering I typically don’t like those kind of books. The author made it seem very practical.
January 31, 2022
This is the third Andrew Hallam book I've read. I'm deeply thankful for the work he's done for people like me that 9 years ago didn't have the slightest idea of how they might retire. With all his efforts at providing comprehensive materials, I think, fingers crossed, that I might be able to retire one day on my teacher's salary!
I found this to be a really useful reminder on how someone can leverage their money and time in ways that might bring them more fulfillment. I say reminders because I have been following Andrew's advice for investing since his first book, and also regularly read the material he posts on Facebook. In this manner, a lot didn't feel new and was more a reworking of his previous material. He also has a repetitive style and structure to his writing that works, but at times can get a bit tiresome near the end.
If you're coming across his work for the first time, I reckon this could be much more of a 4-star book.
I found this to be a really useful reminder on how someone can leverage their money and time in ways that might bring them more fulfillment. I say reminders because I have been following Andrew's advice for investing since his first book, and also regularly read the material he posts on Facebook. In this manner, a lot didn't feel new and was more a reworking of his previous material. He also has a repetitive style and structure to his writing that works, but at times can get a bit tiresome near the end.
If you're coming across his work for the first time, I reckon this could be much more of a 4-star book.
January 18, 2022
Balance is much more than just a personal finance book. In fact, out of its 11 chapters, only 3 are about investing. It’s more about how to live a fulfilling happy life by striking the right balance between health, wealth, relationships, and purpose.
The author often combines humorous anecdotes with research and behavioral science to drive his message home. The stories he included from all corners of the world add to the book's authenticity.
What I liked the most about this book is the fact that Andrew is writing from personal experience. He’s talking the talk, but he’s also walking the walk. He’s been investing for more than three decades and has truly seen it all: corrections, recessions, bear markets, recoveries, you name it!
I also particularly liked the summary section at the end of each chapter highlighting the key chapter takeaways.
In short, I would recommend this book to anyone who seeks to live an authentic and happy life by adopting a healthy financial lifestyle.
The author often combines humorous anecdotes with research and behavioral science to drive his message home. The stories he included from all corners of the world add to the book's authenticity.
What I liked the most about this book is the fact that Andrew is writing from personal experience. He’s talking the talk, but he’s also walking the walk. He’s been investing for more than three decades and has truly seen it all: corrections, recessions, bear markets, recoveries, you name it!
I also particularly liked the summary section at the end of each chapter highlighting the key chapter takeaways.
In short, I would recommend this book to anyone who seeks to live an authentic and happy life by adopting a healthy financial lifestyle.
April 13, 2025
If you’re in your 40s and hoping to retire early as an expat with a bike, maybe this book is for you.
(I liked the concept but the anecdotes were tiring and the exhortation for austerity felt excessive.)
(I liked the concept but the anecdotes were tiring and the exhortation for austerity felt excessive.)
February 7, 2024
3.5 stars
Book started out promising, defining a successful life as 4 quadrants:
• Having enough money
• Maintaining strong relationships
• Maximizing your physical and mental health
• Living with a sense of purpose
It compares this to a four-legged table, with each leg representing a quadrant: “Each quadrant depends on the other. If they don’t all play their part equally, the table collapses. If one leg is spindly or cracked, it's tough to maximize your life satisfaction, no matter how solid you might be in the other three quadrants.”
However the book fell flat for me because it focused mainly on the money part….
Nonetheless, it was an easy read and probably very insightful for those who are new to investing.
It also gets points for being the first book I had finished in a while!
Book started out promising, defining a successful life as 4 quadrants:
• Having enough money
• Maintaining strong relationships
• Maximizing your physical and mental health
• Living with a sense of purpose
It compares this to a four-legged table, with each leg representing a quadrant: “Each quadrant depends on the other. If they don’t all play their part equally, the table collapses. If one leg is spindly or cracked, it's tough to maximize your life satisfaction, no matter how solid you might be in the other three quadrants.”
However the book fell flat for me because it focused mainly on the money part….
Nonetheless, it was an easy read and probably very insightful for those who are new to investing.
It also gets points for being the first book I had finished in a while!
January 19, 2022
Everyone should read this book. It is an easy-to-read and easy to apply guide to investing wisely (and with very little time investment) and how to use whatever time and money you have to live a happier life. If everyone applied even some of the gems in here, the world would be a much better place and people would generally be happier. I plan to gift copies of this book to students as they graduate and head into the world and embark on their careers and lives.
No matter where you are on life's journey...Grab a copy, read it, then pass it on! Hopefully the Balance you can find in the pages will be infectious and people will be happier and the world will be a better place.
No matter where you are on life's journey...Grab a copy, read it, then pass it on! Hopefully the Balance you can find in the pages will be infectious and people will be happier and the world will be a better place.
July 27, 2022
Every few years, prompted by some new irrational concern that I will end up a homeless bag lady, I read a new book on personal financing. "Balance" is pretty effective in both quelling anxiety, and in providing a few hours of enjoyably upbeat lifestyle advice. Part of it is filled with case studies from behavioral economics and positive psychology to encourage you to live your best Oprah life, but not like Oprah. And part of it is filled with charts and graphs emphasizing the stark truth that index funds will always beat managed funds over a ten year period. Since you should be investing for the next few decades, and not for the next ten years, that's good to remember.
January 17, 2023
I enjoyed the first half of Balance, which discussed things like acquiring experiences rather than things, focusing on relationships, and contributing in positive ways to your family and community. I also enjoyed the first part of the personal finance discussion, but then it became quite dry and excessively detailed. For a good personal finance discussion, I would recommend "The Simple Path to Wealth".
June 24, 2022
This book is a weird mashup of what good have been somewhat useful articles but instead are drawn out and interspersed with the author’s braggy ramblings about his lifestyle. I suppose it’s meant to inspire the reader to find financial stability, but it made me feel scammed that I contributed to his lifestyle by paying money for a small handful of tips.
January 11, 2023
Another fantastic book on personal finance and simple investing. This book really makes you re-think what you spend your money on and whether or not those things bring you eternal happiness. Highly recommend!
February 16, 2022
Nothing new or revelatory, but some great reminders for exploring the intersection of money, values, and happiness.
April 21, 2022
Andrew has the unique ability of not only being able to break big and complex subjects down in small and easy to understand bits, but to also paint his words on paper in such a way that it appears as if it’s written just for you personally.
His books, unlike so many others written about these subjects, are not abstract and complex, but read as if a friend is talking with you over a good dinner, with a glass of wine and is sharing some of their experiences, while offering some personal advise.
As an expat pilot, I find that his books are frequently talked about in the cockpit during the long flights, and where his previous books have already changed the way in which I and many of my colleagues invest our money, and how and when we plan to retire, while saving us from the claws of some so called “financial advisors”, this latest book will no doubt change the very way in which live our lives.
For it does indeed teach us the importance of ”balance” and to learn to appreciate what’s truly important in life.
In these strange times, while the world is changing rapidly, it is a must read.
His books, unlike so many others written about these subjects, are not abstract and complex, but read as if a friend is talking with you over a good dinner, with a glass of wine and is sharing some of their experiences, while offering some personal advise.
As an expat pilot, I find that his books are frequently talked about in the cockpit during the long flights, and where his previous books have already changed the way in which I and many of my colleagues invest our money, and how and when we plan to retire, while saving us from the claws of some so called “financial advisors”, this latest book will no doubt change the very way in which live our lives.
For it does indeed teach us the importance of ”balance” and to learn to appreciate what’s truly important in life.
In these strange times, while the world is changing rapidly, it is a must read.
March 15, 2025
Recommended on personal finance reddit, so snagged it from the library for a quick read. The advice is good, but I already do most of these things; so it was more just reaffirming than new info. Really I’m looking for a book that will provide insight on being less… miserly, but haven’t found that quite yet.
I just generally don’t like the genre of business writing, even if the content is decent like it is in this book. Anecdotes everywhere!! I know that makes it accessible, but I’d be fine if it was just data and academic citations.
I definitely think the approach to finances and saving is a good one, so would recommend to someone looking to shift their mindset about that type of thing.
I just generally don’t like the genre of business writing, even if the content is decent like it is in this book. Anecdotes everywhere!! I know that makes it accessible, but I’d be fine if it was just data and academic citations.
I definitely think the approach to finances and saving is a good one, so would recommend to someone looking to shift their mindset about that type of thing.
March 11, 2024
Hmmm. Nothing I don’t know already. I found his book millionaire teacher more useful.
February 15, 2022
It is a good book but there are no many new things that he didn't mention in the previous books, if I wouldn't have read any Andrew Hallam books I would rate "Balance" with 5 ⭐
August 19, 2024
At some points, the numbers and graphs become overwhelming and make the book drag a little. It does have a lot of great information and helped me have a better understanding of investing.
March 8, 2023
The book is full of though provoking information that makes you look inwardly at your own spending habits. I had to pull this book out recently when speaking to my husband about how my investment strategies differ from his and I told him that multiple research sources say that women make better investment decisions than men.
February 20, 2023
this book was mentioned a few times when I read "ETF investing for Malaysians/Singaporeans" by Dr. HK Goh.
The first few parts of it were talking about the psychological sides, but then it started getting more technical (excited giggles). A lot of useful sites to help us to be our own financial planner. However, most of the sources are targeted to US/UK/Canadian/EU readers. It wrapped up with the non-technical-more-psychological stuff as well.
Long story short, good read - the idea of opportunity cost really makes me think twice if not thrice upon spending, or signing up for long term commitments.
I read this on my kindle, and didn't expect the last 35% to be all references! haha :)
The first few parts of it were talking about the psychological sides, but then it started getting more technical (excited giggles). A lot of useful sites to help us to be our own financial planner. However, most of the sources are targeted to US/UK/Canadian/EU readers. It wrapped up with the non-technical-more-psychological stuff as well.
Long story short, good read - the idea of opportunity cost really makes me think twice if not thrice upon spending, or signing up for long term commitments.
I read this on my kindle, and didn't expect the last 35% to be all references! haha :)
May 20, 2023
Did not jive with Hallam's outlook on life or humour.
Considering most personal finance books boil down to the same advice (invest in ETFs, buy things you like without compromising your retirement, don't waste money on status symbols), the author's personality and writing style become significantly more important towards my enjoyment of a book as I've gotten farther along in my personal finance journey.
If the unnecessary fatphobia wasn't enough ("I wouldn't hire a 500-pound personal trainer who lives on beer and donuts. You likely wouldn't either. The same premise applies to financial advisors."), him talking about Americans who moved to "lower cost of living" countries as examples of people who were making smart financial decisions was irksome. He mentioned probably 3-5 instances of people he'd met or trends he'd heard about of people from white-majority developed countries moving to non-white developing countries, and there was about 2 sentences MAX that acknowledged gentrification/the influx of richer individuals raising housing costs for locals. For someone who claims to be so well-travelled, you'd think he'd be more aware of how people are impacted when expats from richer countries move to their country, but he seemed unwilling to get into it.
If you were already a fan of Hallam's work, then you would likely enjoy Balance. If you are new to personal finance, this goes over many of the basics and explains some concepts (like the 4% rule) in further detail than I've ever heard anywhere else. My introduction to him was his interviews in a couple of financial podcasts I listen to, but honestly this book has soured my perception of him, and even though I was interested because of his interviews, I'm now unlikely to pick up Millionaire Teacher (his previous book).
Considering most personal finance books boil down to the same advice (invest in ETFs, buy things you like without compromising your retirement, don't waste money on status symbols), the author's personality and writing style become significantly more important towards my enjoyment of a book as I've gotten farther along in my personal finance journey.
If the unnecessary fatphobia wasn't enough ("I wouldn't hire a 500-pound personal trainer who lives on beer and donuts. You likely wouldn't either. The same premise applies to financial advisors."), him talking about Americans who moved to "lower cost of living" countries as examples of people who were making smart financial decisions was irksome. He mentioned probably 3-5 instances of people he'd met or trends he'd heard about of people from white-majority developed countries moving to non-white developing countries, and there was about 2 sentences MAX that acknowledged gentrification/the influx of richer individuals raising housing costs for locals. For someone who claims to be so well-travelled, you'd think he'd be more aware of how people are impacted when expats from richer countries move to their country, but he seemed unwilling to get into it.
If you were already a fan of Hallam's work, then you would likely enjoy Balance. If you are new to personal finance, this goes over many of the basics and explains some concepts (like the 4% rule) in further detail than I've ever heard anywhere else. My introduction to him was his interviews in a couple of financial podcasts I listen to, but honestly this book has soured my perception of him, and even though I was interested because of his interviews, I'm now unlikely to pick up Millionaire Teacher (his previous book).
February 3, 2022
I've been a huge fan of Andrew Hallam when I first read his book "The Millionaire Teacher" about a decade ago. I was super excited to hear when "The Balance" was released! I pre-ordered it and have been reading it through Amazon Kindle.
What I enjoyed most about Andrew's book is that as much as you'd think that having money would mean more happiness; his extensive research and interviews shows that having a fulfilling life can be accomplished by having meaningful relationships with friends and family along with enjoying experiences. Society pressures us to keep up with the Joneses and impress each other with big houses and luxury cars. However, that can be a detriment to our lives and happiness. Andrew provides us with comical stories about his travels in his camper van and shares his experiences meeting various travellers who live different lifestyles and how they find balance in their lives.
Erase all your notions of how you believe millionaires live. You'll find plenty of interesting studies that shed light on the ultra rich and how you can live a wealthy life of your own (both financially, spiritually, emotionally). I highly recommend Andrew's book as it is both educational and entertaining!
What I enjoyed most about Andrew's book is that as much as you'd think that having money would mean more happiness; his extensive research and interviews shows that having a fulfilling life can be accomplished by having meaningful relationships with friends and family along with enjoying experiences. Society pressures us to keep up with the Joneses and impress each other with big houses and luxury cars. However, that can be a detriment to our lives and happiness. Andrew provides us with comical stories about his travels in his camper van and shares his experiences meeting various travellers who live different lifestyles and how they find balance in their lives.
Erase all your notions of how you believe millionaires live. You'll find plenty of interesting studies that shed light on the ultra rich and how you can live a wealthy life of your own (both financially, spiritually, emotionally). I highly recommend Andrew's book as it is both educational and entertaining!
January 14, 2023
“Millionaire Teacher” by Hallam is one of my favourite Canadian personal finance books, so I was eager to read his newest book. In contrast to Millionaire Teacher, which focused on the research behind passive investing and common misconceptions of wealth management, Balance takes a far more holistic approach.
Hallam explores the research on happiness and views success not just as a matter of how much money one has, but how strong one’s personal relationships are, how much of a sense of purpose one has, and maximizing one’s physical and emotional health. He then expands on how money relates to and can optimize fulfillment of all these other domains of success.
While I didn’t agree with everything Hallam argues (some of the research on SRIs is contradictory to research I’ve seen posted on Benjamin Felix’s YouTube page), it certainly was a worthwhile read and has reinforced my recent decision to live a more balanced lifestyle.
Hallam explores the research on happiness and views success not just as a matter of how much money one has, but how strong one’s personal relationships are, how much of a sense of purpose one has, and maximizing one’s physical and emotional health. He then expands on how money relates to and can optimize fulfillment of all these other domains of success.
While I didn’t agree with everything Hallam argues (some of the research on SRIs is contradictory to research I’ve seen posted on Benjamin Felix’s YouTube page), it certainly was a worthwhile read and has reinforced my recent decision to live a more balanced lifestyle.
August 16, 2022
This is definitely a more advanced personal finance book. It has a lot of percentages, calculations, and charts that you can analyze if you want to understand the trends and history, especially about the stock market (US and international) and bond market. In addition to finance and increasing your wealth, the author also expresses the importance of finding balance in your life in terms of happiness, health and physical fitness, and finding your purpose.
I didn't really like the subtle brags the author made about his life, and the "happiness" of people that live out of their car or move to a different country for a low cost of living. However, he also makes the point that retirement is like a fingerprint, no two are the same.... so, I guess to each their own.
I didn't really like the subtle brags the author made about his life, and the "happiness" of people that live out of their car or move to a different country for a low cost of living. However, he also makes the point that retirement is like a fingerprint, no two are the same.... so, I guess to each their own.
January 15, 2023
A Good Overview on Modern Personal Finance Principles
I was introduced to this book from the Rational Reminder Podcast which is a Personal Finance podcast that is Canadian-centric, as is this book. But the principles within are broadly applicable.
If you consumed a lot of content on Personal Finance and have heard of FIRE, there is no groundbreaking information here for you. If not this will provide a good overview. But even if you are, there are a lot of reminders here for you too. I did find the read provided a good refresher on many autopilot decisions I have been making. It also prompted me to re-examine and make some minor course corrections on a few life habits.
Overall a good overview of Personal Finance.
I was introduced to this book from the Rational Reminder Podcast which is a Personal Finance podcast that is Canadian-centric, as is this book. But the principles within are broadly applicable.
If you consumed a lot of content on Personal Finance and have heard of FIRE, there is no groundbreaking information here for you. If not this will provide a good overview. But even if you are, there are a lot of reminders here for you too. I did find the read provided a good refresher on many autopilot decisions I have been making. It also prompted me to re-examine and make some minor course corrections on a few life habits.
Overall a good overview of Personal Finance.
April 21, 2022
A person who does this and boasts about it in his book, has nothing to teach me:
“My dad was on a packed public bus that I stopped with my car. I flashed a bogus credential and paraded him off the bus while claiming to be saving everyone from a dangerous escaped patient from a mental health hospital.)”
DNF.
“My dad was on a packed public bus that I stopped with my car. I flashed a bogus credential and paraded him off the bus while claiming to be saving everyone from a dangerous escaped patient from a mental health hospital.)”
DNF.
October 3, 2022
Very good summary of much of the literature already contained in finance world.
GREAT reminders regarding intentional living, people on their deathbed never regret not having enough or not working enough.
Balance: emotional/physical health + relationships + finances + living with a sense of purpose.
GREAT reminders regarding intentional living, people on their deathbed never regret not having enough or not working enough.
Balance: emotional/physical health + relationships + finances + living with a sense of purpose.
July 30, 2022
Just like most of people probably, I wish I learned these things in my 20s haha
April 28, 2025
Most of Balance is Great
I loved many parts of of this book. The last chapter threw me off a bit. The theme that we should spend on what we care about was great.
I loved many parts of of this book. The last chapter threw me off a bit. The theme that we should spend on what we care about was great.
May 28, 2022
I first discovered Andrew Hallam nearly a decade ago, when I’d naturally or accidentally got to the point of having spare money available to invest. I’d done some self-learning, sat down with some cold-call investment advisors, dabbled with stock picking and was concluding that there was no really reliably way forward.
I don’t recall how I encountered Millionaire Expat but it instantly demystified the question of making money work for yourself, and changed my approach to investment forever.
In his latest book, Balance, many ideas will be familiar from earlier books but Andrew takes a more holistic approach to money and happiness, building on experiences in his own life. He talks about relationships, spending habits, responsible investment and even creative retirement options like Mexico and Costa Rica. I found it an excellent and worthwhile read, for those familiar and unfamiliar with his work.
If there are areas I’m looking forward to see more of in future books, he might deepen the section on ESG and also on financially critical specter of retiring overseas (eg medical insurance, pension transferral and related tax issues). The ESG section was welcome but didn’t reflect the storm of criticism it has rightly come up for - institutions and advisors have again failed individuals, and there is again a place for Hallam’s some common sense advice to
demystify it.
I don’t recall how I encountered Millionaire Expat but it instantly demystified the question of making money work for yourself, and changed my approach to investment forever.
In his latest book, Balance, many ideas will be familiar from earlier books but Andrew takes a more holistic approach to money and happiness, building on experiences in his own life. He talks about relationships, spending habits, responsible investment and even creative retirement options like Mexico and Costa Rica. I found it an excellent and worthwhile read, for those familiar and unfamiliar with his work.
If there are areas I’m looking forward to see more of in future books, he might deepen the section on ESG and also on financially critical specter of retiring overseas (eg medical insurance, pension transferral and related tax issues). The ESG section was welcome but didn’t reflect the storm of criticism it has rightly come up for - institutions and advisors have again failed individuals, and there is again a place for Hallam’s some common sense advice to
demystify it.
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