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Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away
A revolutionary financial and career path to break free from corporate America's grasp, make peace with your finances, and build wealth on your own terms
When it comes to our finances, we’re told to follow the same script as our white work hard, make money, save, and invest. Yet despite putting in twice the effort, you end up making less and are routinely passed up for career opportunities. Here’s the financial freedom is within your reach, but playing by corporate America’s rules will only take you halfway there. To win, you must eventually walk away—and take up an entirely different model of wealth accumulation.
Cashing Out is your roadmap to financial freedom despite the broken system. You don’t have to sacrifice your time and mental health to maximize income. Instead, financial experts Julien and Kiersten Saunders show how to design a life that allows you to enjoy the little things now while setting yourself up for future financial security. Drawing from their journey paying off $200,000 of debt in five years, quitting their high-stress corporate jobs, and retaking control of their finances, this book will teach
• Why the mantra and glitz of “Black Excellence” is an unsustainable motivation for wealth building
• How to prioritize the right goals at each stage of your career so you can quit in 15 years or less
• How to talk about money with your loved ones without coming to blows
• Practical strategies to bring more money in without robbing you of time and energy you don’t have
It’s time to stop being a cog in the machine that leaves you under-appreciated and underpaid. Cashing Out shows you how to open the door to a new kind of prosperity.
When it comes to our finances, we’re told to follow the same script as our white work hard, make money, save, and invest. Yet despite putting in twice the effort, you end up making less and are routinely passed up for career opportunities. Here’s the financial freedom is within your reach, but playing by corporate America’s rules will only take you halfway there. To win, you must eventually walk away—and take up an entirely different model of wealth accumulation.
Cashing Out is your roadmap to financial freedom despite the broken system. You don’t have to sacrifice your time and mental health to maximize income. Instead, financial experts Julien and Kiersten Saunders show how to design a life that allows you to enjoy the little things now while setting yourself up for future financial security. Drawing from their journey paying off $200,000 of debt in five years, quitting their high-stress corporate jobs, and retaking control of their finances, this book will teach
• Why the mantra and glitz of “Black Excellence” is an unsustainable motivation for wealth building
• How to prioritize the right goals at each stage of your career so you can quit in 15 years or less
• How to talk about money with your loved ones without coming to blows
• Practical strategies to bring more money in without robbing you of time and energy you don’t have
It’s time to stop being a cog in the machine that leaves you under-appreciated and underpaid. Cashing Out shows you how to open the door to a new kind of prosperity.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2022
60 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 24, 2022
This is the literary brainchild of Julien and Kiersten Saunders, the bad-ass couple behind the blog rich & REGULAR and TV show, Money on the Table. They're all about the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early, terrible acronym but look past it). This book is not just their story, but their insights into how to succeed financially in a systemically racist economy. And I fucking loved it.
The book is, on its surface, an early retirement primer for all us regular folks, but especially for regular Black folks. Dig deeper and you get to the meat of Julien and Kiersten’s message: we should all be reclaiming our power. Power over our money, our lives, our families, our futures.
I found myself overwatering the plants in my garden while listening to the Cashing Out audiobook because it kept giving me serious “Ah-hah!” moments. And I edit financial writing for a living! This is why I keep coming back to the Saunders…es (again: professional editor here): I know I still have so much to learn from them.
If you need to refresh your mindset and assumptions around money, this is the book for you. If you’re tired of white twenty-something tech bros telling you to just “work harder,” this book is for you. If you want to see an example of a healthy (not perfect!) marriage, partnered together in all aspects of work and personal life… this is the book for you.
I think it easily replaces a lot of the tired, old, unrealistic (or just plain dishonest) books on making it good. Burn that copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad your clueless manager foisted on you and read this instead.
The book is, on its surface, an early retirement primer for all us regular folks, but especially for regular Black folks. Dig deeper and you get to the meat of Julien and Kiersten’s message: we should all be reclaiming our power. Power over our money, our lives, our families, our futures.
I found myself overwatering the plants in my garden while listening to the Cashing Out audiobook because it kept giving me serious “Ah-hah!” moments. And I edit financial writing for a living! This is why I keep coming back to the Saunders…es (again: professional editor here): I know I still have so much to learn from them.
If you need to refresh your mindset and assumptions around money, this is the book for you. If you’re tired of white twenty-something tech bros telling you to just “work harder,” this book is for you. If you want to see an example of a healthy (not perfect!) marriage, partnered together in all aspects of work and personal life… this is the book for you.
I think it easily replaces a lot of the tired, old, unrealistic (or just plain dishonest) books on making it good. Burn that copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad your clueless manager foisted on you and read this instead.
August 12, 2022
Good book but more of a hype up read than anything actionable. Like Rich Dad, Poor Dad but for the Black community. Cool to read about FIRE movement from a perspective other than white-hipster-moving-to-bend-in-a-van-to-rock-climb-and-plant-garden.
June 14, 2022
Pivoting the money game.
A 15 year career? Several concepts in here have my mind blown. Some books open you mind and change your life. Incredible.
A 15 year career? Several concepts in here have my mind blown. Some books open you mind and change your life. Incredible.
June 18, 2022
I could read this again and again. I hope more young people will strive to overcome generational poverty and create generational wealth.
Read
April 5, 2025Julien and Kiersten Saunders offer a transformative perspective on wealth-building in "Cashing Out", challenging long-held beliefs about success, money, and the corporate ladder. Their central thesis is simple but radical: the traditional path of working for decades in a 9-to-5 job until retirement at 65 is outdated and often detrimental, particularly for Black Americans who face systemic obstacles in corporate America. Instead, the Saunders present an alternative: reclaim control over your time and money by rethinking success, embracing financial independence, and intentionally walking away from the grind when you’re ready.
The couple’s turning point came while vacationing in South Africa. Despite the idyllic scenery, they found themselves consumed by work emails—an experience that made them question the life they were building. Though their jobs were well-paying, they weren’t leading to freedom. That realization launched a journey of paying off debt, investing wisely, creating multiple income streams, and eventually joining the top 10% in wealth for people their age. But rather than chasing a flashy lifestyle, they focused on “stealth wealth”—building net worth without needing to show it off.
A significant part of their message is directed at Black Americans, for whom the wealth gap is not only real but also rooted in systemic discrimination. The statistics are staggering: the median white family has ten times the wealth of the median Black family. Black workers face wage gaps, limited promotions, and job instability, all of which lead to fewer opportunities for building wealth through homeownership, investment, and entrepreneurship. The Saunders acknowledge these barriers but argue that they can be circumvented—not easily, but strategically.
They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they propose a mindset shift, one that starts with redefining what wealth means. It’s not about designer clothes, luxury cars, or Instagram-worthy vacations. Real wealth, in their view, is about time, security, and freedom—having control over your life rather than being trapped by a job, debt, or expectations. Their strategy isn’t rooted in deprivation, but in intentional living: cutting unnecessary expenses, investing in things that matter, and making financial decisions based on long-term impact rather than short-term gratification.
At the heart of their philosophy is the FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early—which encourages people to save aggressively and invest wisely so they can exit traditional employment early. Initially skeptical that this movement was for people like them, the Saunders ultimately found it empowering. The key was not mimicking Silicon Valley engineers but adapting the principles to their unique experiences and goals. They focused on living below their means, investing in low-cost index funds, and eliminating debt as quickly as possible.
They introduce a framework for understanding the purpose of income, built around four levels: security, flexibility, independence, and freedom. Most people never move past level two, stuck in a cycle of lifestyle inflation. But by clearly defining your financial goals, it becomes easier to allocate money toward what truly matters. The authors urge readers to stop asking, “Can I afford this?” and instead ask, “At what cost?” Every financial decision, they argue, has a ripple effect—not just in dollars, but in lost time and freedom.
The book also presents a practical 15-year plan to “cash out” from corporate life. The first five years are about eliminating debt—particularly student loans, which disproportionately burden Black graduates. Two debt repayment methods are outlined: the avalanche method, which targets high-interest debt first, and the snowball method, which builds psychological momentum by paying off the smallest balances. In either case, frugality isn’t about suffering—it’s about choosing long-term gain over short-term indulgence.
The next five years focus on building income beyond your job. Whether it’s investing in real estate, launching a side hustle, or growing an online brand, this is the phase where you create flexibility. Developing a personal brand, expanding your professional network, and learning new skills are vital here. The final phase, years ten through fifteen, is about replacing your job income with your business or investments. At this point, maximizing tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and HSAs becomes crucial. You also start diverting more energy into your side business, preparing for the day when it becomes your main source of income.
Importantly, the Saunders emphasize that your salary is not the limit of your earning potential. A traditional job can feel like a trap: fixed income, slow raises, and limited control. They encourage readers to look outside of employment for wealth-building opportunities using what they call the urgency-upside axis. Depending on your needs, you can pursue quick-win side hustles like opening new bank accounts for sign-up bonuses, or go for longer-term gains like creating digital products or mastering resale arbitrage. The key is to identify what you’re good at and what the market is willing to pay for—and then scale it.
One of the most empowering tools the Saunders advocate for is investing in low-cost index funds. They challenge the notion that financial advisors and actively managed mutual funds are the best path forward. Index funds, which simply track the overall market, tend to outperform most mutual funds over time—and they charge far lower fees. The authors made the switch themselves, putting most of their investments into broad-market funds like Vanguard’s Total Market Index Fund. They focused not on timing the market, but on consistency. Every bonus or windfall was invested, and over time, the compounding effect did its job.
The hardest milestone, they note, is saving the first $100,000. It’s where most people get stuck or lose motivation. But once you cross that threshold, your money starts working for you. They stress the importance of automating your savings and sticking to your investment plan even during market downturns. Emotional investing—selling out of fear or trying to “beat the market”—can derail long-term wealth. Simplicity, discipline, and patience are the foundation of their financial strategy.
"Cashing Out" is more than a financial advice book—it’s a call to rethink your life. Julien and Kiersten Saunders don’t just offer tips; they share a roadmap that’s deeply personal, culturally aware, and radically empowering. For Black readers especially, the book acknowledges the real, ongoing challenges created by systemic racism, but insists that with creativity, discipline, and intention, financial independence is within reach. Their story is proof.
Rather than glorifying hustle culture or luxury consumption, the Saunders redefine wealth as the ability to live life on your own terms. Whether that means retiring early, traveling the world, spending more time with family, or simply having the freedom to say no, the path is the same: get clear on what you want, be strategic with your money, and build a life that prioritizes peace over pressure. Their approach doesn’t promise instant riches, but it does promise something even more valuable—freedom.
The couple’s turning point came while vacationing in South Africa. Despite the idyllic scenery, they found themselves consumed by work emails—an experience that made them question the life they were building. Though their jobs were well-paying, they weren’t leading to freedom. That realization launched a journey of paying off debt, investing wisely, creating multiple income streams, and eventually joining the top 10% in wealth for people their age. But rather than chasing a flashy lifestyle, they focused on “stealth wealth”—building net worth without needing to show it off.
A significant part of their message is directed at Black Americans, for whom the wealth gap is not only real but also rooted in systemic discrimination. The statistics are staggering: the median white family has ten times the wealth of the median Black family. Black workers face wage gaps, limited promotions, and job instability, all of which lead to fewer opportunities for building wealth through homeownership, investment, and entrepreneurship. The Saunders acknowledge these barriers but argue that they can be circumvented—not easily, but strategically.
They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they propose a mindset shift, one that starts with redefining what wealth means. It’s not about designer clothes, luxury cars, or Instagram-worthy vacations. Real wealth, in their view, is about time, security, and freedom—having control over your life rather than being trapped by a job, debt, or expectations. Their strategy isn’t rooted in deprivation, but in intentional living: cutting unnecessary expenses, investing in things that matter, and making financial decisions based on long-term impact rather than short-term gratification.
At the heart of their philosophy is the FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early—which encourages people to save aggressively and invest wisely so they can exit traditional employment early. Initially skeptical that this movement was for people like them, the Saunders ultimately found it empowering. The key was not mimicking Silicon Valley engineers but adapting the principles to their unique experiences and goals. They focused on living below their means, investing in low-cost index funds, and eliminating debt as quickly as possible.
They introduce a framework for understanding the purpose of income, built around four levels: security, flexibility, independence, and freedom. Most people never move past level two, stuck in a cycle of lifestyle inflation. But by clearly defining your financial goals, it becomes easier to allocate money toward what truly matters. The authors urge readers to stop asking, “Can I afford this?” and instead ask, “At what cost?” Every financial decision, they argue, has a ripple effect—not just in dollars, but in lost time and freedom.
The book also presents a practical 15-year plan to “cash out” from corporate life. The first five years are about eliminating debt—particularly student loans, which disproportionately burden Black graduates. Two debt repayment methods are outlined: the avalanche method, which targets high-interest debt first, and the snowball method, which builds psychological momentum by paying off the smallest balances. In either case, frugality isn’t about suffering—it’s about choosing long-term gain over short-term indulgence.
The next five years focus on building income beyond your job. Whether it’s investing in real estate, launching a side hustle, or growing an online brand, this is the phase where you create flexibility. Developing a personal brand, expanding your professional network, and learning new skills are vital here. The final phase, years ten through fifteen, is about replacing your job income with your business or investments. At this point, maximizing tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and HSAs becomes crucial. You also start diverting more energy into your side business, preparing for the day when it becomes your main source of income.
Importantly, the Saunders emphasize that your salary is not the limit of your earning potential. A traditional job can feel like a trap: fixed income, slow raises, and limited control. They encourage readers to look outside of employment for wealth-building opportunities using what they call the urgency-upside axis. Depending on your needs, you can pursue quick-win side hustles like opening new bank accounts for sign-up bonuses, or go for longer-term gains like creating digital products or mastering resale arbitrage. The key is to identify what you’re good at and what the market is willing to pay for—and then scale it.
One of the most empowering tools the Saunders advocate for is investing in low-cost index funds. They challenge the notion that financial advisors and actively managed mutual funds are the best path forward. Index funds, which simply track the overall market, tend to outperform most mutual funds over time—and they charge far lower fees. The authors made the switch themselves, putting most of their investments into broad-market funds like Vanguard’s Total Market Index Fund. They focused not on timing the market, but on consistency. Every bonus or windfall was invested, and over time, the compounding effect did its job.
The hardest milestone, they note, is saving the first $100,000. It’s where most people get stuck or lose motivation. But once you cross that threshold, your money starts working for you. They stress the importance of automating your savings and sticking to your investment plan even during market downturns. Emotional investing—selling out of fear or trying to “beat the market”—can derail long-term wealth. Simplicity, discipline, and patience are the foundation of their financial strategy.
"Cashing Out" is more than a financial advice book—it’s a call to rethink your life. Julien and Kiersten Saunders don’t just offer tips; they share a roadmap that’s deeply personal, culturally aware, and radically empowering. For Black readers especially, the book acknowledges the real, ongoing challenges created by systemic racism, but insists that with creativity, discipline, and intention, financial independence is within reach. Their story is proof.
Rather than glorifying hustle culture or luxury consumption, the Saunders redefine wealth as the ability to live life on your own terms. Whether that means retiring early, traveling the world, spending more time with family, or simply having the freedom to say no, the path is the same: get clear on what you want, be strategic with your money, and build a life that prioritizes peace over pressure. Their approach doesn’t promise instant riches, but it does promise something even more valuable—freedom.
September 3, 2022
A counterintuitive and honest exploration of career and financial realities, this married couple shares their story of climbing off the corporate ladder and into independence and influence. Their story is marked by the traumas of pursuing and achieving levels of success as black professionals. One of the more shocking aspects of their story and advice was the wisdom offered to their community about counting the cost to their mental and physical health when climbing ladders of success as minorities, and knowing when to cash out for longevity and happiness. They are major proponents of the financially independent retire early (FIRE) community, and share much of the same wisdom you can find all over the web from that crowd. I was inspired to read their book after reading an article about their advice on ways to cash out of a career after 15 years. I wanted to know what their model for that was. However, the heart of the book is really about encouraging their communities, the black community and the very diverse FIRE community, in their journeys to better living. The model was basically doing whatever it takes, whatever at any cost, to get out of debt in 5 years and then maintain the same lifestyle while stashing money in passive index funds with low fees until one meets their “cash out” goal. Not bad advice for those with the will and means to achieve it. We aren’t looking to retire anytime soon, but are gathering wisdom on best practice for saving as expats, and planning for our kid’s future and found some wisdom here to glean from. 272 pages or 6 hours of taking control of your finances and making it work for you.
August 11, 2022
Julien and Kiersten make it easy to wrap your mind around the case for FI, especially if you're from a historically marginalized population. They illustrate examples of people who took the time to think outside of the "American Dream" box to create their own vision of success.
I felt like they were talking directly to me when they discussed how easy it is to think you need more education on financial matters to make a decision. The truth is, nothing is 100% certain but as they reminded me, action matters most. I recognized through their words that action leads to the clarity sought.
A note on the writing - I absolutely loved the writing style as well! Julien and Kiersten weave the right amount of widely-known pop culture references with descriptive prose and relatable real talk. At no point do you feel judged, but I felt that they were direct and encouraging.
I feel like "Cashing Out" is a beautiful "part 1" to what would be a robust collection of books and resources. That said, you don't need extra resources to get the message and get started.
I felt like they were talking directly to me when they discussed how easy it is to think you need more education on financial matters to make a decision. The truth is, nothing is 100% certain but as they reminded me, action matters most. I recognized through their words that action leads to the clarity sought.
A note on the writing - I absolutely loved the writing style as well! Julien and Kiersten weave the right amount of widely-known pop culture references with descriptive prose and relatable real talk. At no point do you feel judged, but I felt that they were direct and encouraging.
I feel like "Cashing Out" is a beautiful "part 1" to what would be a robust collection of books and resources. That said, you don't need extra resources to get the message and get started.
October 25, 2023
4.5. I listen to this couple's podcast so I already knew I appreciate what they have to say, and I initially bought the book as a way to support them, but I really liked it! They lay it out in a way that makes sense. I'm white, but I also appreciated how they actually addressed what being Black means for finances, as well as went into detail about financial vs. fiduciary advisor. Many finance books don't dive into either. I loved they addressed FIRE leading to a better way of life not just for the individual but for the community- use your freedom to power your passions and make this a better place in which to live.
Favorite quotes:
"We firmly believe that a world with more financially independent people will lead to broader improvements in society because once money isn't the primary focus of your life, other priorities will take its place."
"When you become financially independent, you can more closely align how you spend your time and money with your values.... The act of building wealth isn't just a way for you to enjoy nice things; it allows you to leave the world in a better condition."
"Shame is a poor motivator."
"Instead of letting our home get full of 'stuff' without thinking about what we buy, why we bought it, how will use it, and how will store it, we stopped, asked questions, and became very intentional... The question wasn't about whether we could afford these items. It was about whether the purchase was worth it compared to what we knew our money could do for us in the future. Instead of looking at money as an infinite access to 'things,' look at it as the mechanism you can use to gain all four purposes [security, flexibility, independence, and freedom]."
"Instead of asking yourself 'can I afford it'? ask yourself 'at what cost'?"
"Perfection isn't the goal here; freedom is."
Favorite quotes:
"We firmly believe that a world with more financially independent people will lead to broader improvements in society because once money isn't the primary focus of your life, other priorities will take its place."
"When you become financially independent, you can more closely align how you spend your time and money with your values.... The act of building wealth isn't just a way for you to enjoy nice things; it allows you to leave the world in a better condition."
"Shame is a poor motivator."
"Instead of letting our home get full of 'stuff' without thinking about what we buy, why we bought it, how will use it, and how will store it, we stopped, asked questions, and became very intentional... The question wasn't about whether we could afford these items. It was about whether the purchase was worth it compared to what we knew our money could do for us in the future. Instead of looking at money as an infinite access to 'things,' look at it as the mechanism you can use to gain all four purposes [security, flexibility, independence, and freedom]."
"Instead of asking yourself 'can I afford it'? ask yourself 'at what cost'?"
"Perfection isn't the goal here; freedom is."
April 6, 2023
This is a great intro to the world of FIRE (Financial independence, retire early). Meet Julien and Kiersten Saunders who are two young Americans who set their financial house in order to strengthen their relationship, provide for their kids, and leave the corporate rat race forever.
The audiobook is narrated by the authors. I loved listening to their stories in their voices. They were fantastic narrators and very passionate about what they had to say. The pair has worked very hard to overcome some financial differences to work together for long term success.
One of my favorite concepts in the book is the 15 year career. Basically, work hard, save hard, walk out when you're ready. That's not to say live in a cardboard box, don't buy anything that isn't bare necessity. But to say do I need this now? Do I need it at all? Save now to spend later. I really liked their approach to having money conversations and sharing insights. They're great at taking the blame out of them.
If you are looking for an easy way to invest, save for the future, and not work for someone else until you're either too old or too broken to enjoy life, this book is for you. Enjoy it.
The audiobook is narrated by the authors. I loved listening to their stories in their voices. They were fantastic narrators and very passionate about what they had to say. The pair has worked very hard to overcome some financial differences to work together for long term success.
One of my favorite concepts in the book is the 15 year career. Basically, work hard, save hard, walk out when you're ready. That's not to say live in a cardboard box, don't buy anything that isn't bare necessity. But to say do I need this now? Do I need it at all? Save now to spend later. I really liked their approach to having money conversations and sharing insights. They're great at taking the blame out of them.
If you are looking for an easy way to invest, save for the future, and not work for someone else until you're either too old or too broken to enjoy life, this book is for you. Enjoy it.
December 11, 2023
I read this book because of a list from the library for financial literacy. While I thought it was a good book and gave me good advice to think on which was a little different but followed normal advice at times it kind of sounded like an infomercial on the FIRE community. Instead of a informative book it occasionally felt more persuasive. On the other hand I thought that it was really nice to read a book that is meant to be for minority communities and specifically the Black (and brown) community. While I am neither of those identities I still found this book helpful and was glad to see some diversity in the financial literacy market which often lacks people of color. I think it is a good book to read but maybe not follow exactly with every step unless you feel that is something that will fit your lifestyle. I defiantly think that some of their advice is good to follow and just try as the authors state at the end of the book, it is always a good idea to try it and there is nothing that would go wrong with just trying.
September 12, 2022
This was a good read! Another book about money, but this one takes a seat at the table with the regular people. My take away is if you're willing to make a lifestyle change and change your mentality around money you can put yourself in position to be free at the end of your journey sooner than the world has groomed you to believe. Now free may mean different things to different people, but my definition of free is free of money problems. I may still have several problems, but money wouldn't be one of them. And financial freedom can make most problems less problematic. The FIRE movement is real and the authors of this book give great details about FIRE (Financial Independent Retire Early). Also I think this book is for anyone looking to rely on themselves more vice relying on the corporate world, but the authors did a great job speaking directly to the African American community about money!
August 13, 2022
The finance book all Black professionals and entrepreneurs should read
Finally, a book that explains what financial freedom is, and simplifies how to realistically attain it.
Kiersten and Julien do an amazing job breaking down the impact of the relationship our communities historically have had with money and the pressure Black professionals feel today when it comes to our career and social success. They share great cultural and data insights that help us shift our mindset and behaviours to achieve financial independence.
I had more ha ha moments than I can count reading this book. And it has been such a great financial conversation starter with friends and family.
Every black professional and entrepreneur should buy this book and buy more as gifts for friends and family.
Finally, a book that explains what financial freedom is, and simplifies how to realistically attain it.
Kiersten and Julien do an amazing job breaking down the impact of the relationship our communities historically have had with money and the pressure Black professionals feel today when it comes to our career and social success. They share great cultural and data insights that help us shift our mindset and behaviours to achieve financial independence.
I had more ha ha moments than I can count reading this book. And it has been such a great financial conversation starter with friends and family.
Every black professional and entrepreneur should buy this book and buy more as gifts for friends and family.
September 1, 2022
This is a great book for an intro to the FIRE movement. I think the perspective is sorely lacking as well in a movement that is predominantly white. While I didn't learn much I didn't already know (as someone who's been in this space for years now), I did find the idea of a 15 year career a bit novel. While the idea is somewhat implied in the FIRE movement, I thought the way Julien and Kiersten laid it out was new and refreshing.
This isn't meaningful feedback, but the book is a bit shorter than I expected perhaps because there's a large section for well cited sources and a section for practical tips which comes after the acknowledgements. The upside is that it's a very accessible read to all people who may be interested in this topic. I would certainly recommend this to anyone looking to shape up their financial life.
This isn't meaningful feedback, but the book is a bit shorter than I expected perhaps because there's a large section for well cited sources and a section for practical tips which comes after the acknowledgements. The upside is that it's a very accessible read to all people who may be interested in this topic. I would certainly recommend this to anyone looking to shape up their financial life.
May 23, 2023
Wow! I’m reading a lot of personal finance books these days. This one was my favorite of the year!
I think Julien and Kiersten are some of the most intelligent and eloquent communicators within the FIRE movement and I’m really happy to have found them. They always make time to connect the big-picture dots — considering the social, environmental, interpersonal, racial, and historical perspectives that color our lives.
I appreciate that they don’t recommend thin heuristics for personal finance.
PS – the 15 year career framework, the people want more!! I would read an entire book based on this philosophy, and wanted way more than just a chapter dedicated to this topic, as I am intrigued, and I’m making it a personal goal to follow this.
I think Julien and Kiersten are some of the most intelligent and eloquent communicators within the FIRE movement and I’m really happy to have found them. They always make time to connect the big-picture dots — considering the social, environmental, interpersonal, racial, and historical perspectives that color our lives.
I appreciate that they don’t recommend thin heuristics for personal finance.
PS – the 15 year career framework, the people want more!! I would read an entire book based on this philosophy, and wanted way more than just a chapter dedicated to this topic, as I am intrigued, and I’m making it a personal goal to follow this.
April 5, 2025
I want to learn the FIRE method and how to make it work for me, this book teaches the systemic barriers that make wealth-building more challenging for Black Americans – including the stark reality that they earn, on average, $1 million less over a lifetime than their white counterparts. But financial independence is still possible with the right approach. Instead of relying solely on traditional corporate advancement, the Saunders advocate for building multiple income streams and embracing stealth wealth – a mindset that prioritizes financial security over outward displays of success. By leveraging strategic side hustles and investing in low-cost index funds, you can create lasting wealth despite systemic challenges.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
This is clearly-written, warm, relatable book with good information on budgeting, financial independence, and career/lifestyle choices. It's refreshing that it comes from a different perspective than many of the voices in the FIRE community, and the focus on the special challenges for the black community in this process, given structural racism, is informative for all. If anything, this focus means they have an even-sharper eye for the lies of corporate America that seek to suck people in with false promises of promotion and "family." The key is to get in, get what you need, and get out, so that you have the space to orient your life around what is important to you.
September 30, 2022
Cashing Out was an accessible and honest account of the journey to financial independence. I love that Julien and Kiersten offer advice and examples both from their personal journies and their work helping others reach their wealth goals. This book is insightful for professionals of all ages (ex: I think the 15-year career concept can be utilized whether you learn about it in the beginning of your career or towards the end) and they also offered a racial analysis that is often so void from FIRE/wealth reads.
March 21, 2023
I like that the book was specifically focused on FIRE (financially independent, retire early) and acknowledges that the barriers, opportunities, and realities of money are different for Black people. The fifteen year career was a great framework that I look forward to implementing, and the stories were helpful and well written. I do wish there were more in depth examples/tools around how they did their real estate investing and how they structure their digital businesses, but I know their blog is a wealth of resources for that.
May 24, 2023
This book fulfilled the need- I wanted a new money viewpoint. This definitely helped.
I took a look at my habits and planned how to curb my spending.
What I didn't expect was the view of diversifying investment portfolios and increasing income streams. I always hear about side hustles, but this was next level.
There was a big race/culture factor I couldn't identify with, but that is the only part.
I really liked their point on handling finances socially- how to be frugal and be friends.
I took a look at my habits and planned how to curb my spending.
What I didn't expect was the view of diversifying investment portfolios and increasing income streams. I always hear about side hustles, but this was next level.
There was a big race/culture factor I couldn't identify with, but that is the only part.
I really liked their point on handling finances socially- how to be frugal and be friends.
January 24, 2023
Must Read for Freedom Seekers
This book is a must read for anyone looking to escape from the limiting confines created by Corporate America, consumerism, and FOMO culture. If you're looking to live life on your terms and break free from a system driven by fear and internalized feelings of insufficientness then this is a Must Read!
This book is a must read for anyone looking to escape from the limiting confines created by Corporate America, consumerism, and FOMO culture. If you're looking to live life on your terms and break free from a system driven by fear and internalized feelings of insufficientness then this is a Must Read!
April 9, 2023
3.5 stars: Parts of the book felt apathetic when it came to the hurdles in building financial flexibility, and there were some cringy comparisons between budgeting and dieting. And I must say I laughed out loud at the end, when the authors were touting the wonders of buying tech stocks, given the six months we’ve just lived through.
May 3, 2023
Great personal finance book, introducing among other things a formal plan for a 15 year career, if possible with your situation.
Years 1-5: pay off debt and start investing
Years 6-10: build new income streams separate from your W-2 job
Years 11-15: plan for your exit, meaning invest heavily in passive index funds and think about what you want to do with your time, your life
Years 1-5: pay off debt and start investing
Years 6-10: build new income streams separate from your W-2 job
Years 11-15: plan for your exit, meaning invest heavily in passive index funds and think about what you want to do with your time, your life
March 14, 2024
Wish I had read this in my 20s… It’s advice for creating a plan to get out of the rat race…hinting that you can’t obtain the financial freedom you want while working for someone else. Main take away for me: Invest, Invest, Invest .. I can never work as hard as my money can work for me when it’s properly invested.
August 29, 2022
This book lays out how achievable financial independence is through simple rules, rituals, and reminders on how to get there, no matter your starting point. Bonus points for the approaches shared being guilt free and inclusive of life’s nuances.
November 12, 2022
This is a book providing practical tips for entrepreneurs who do not fit the traditional demographics of white male. It has some practical advice and experience of authors who established their own venture. It lacks details, but it is a good guidebook for budding entrepreneurs.
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November 24, 2022I liked the second half of this more than the first. The first person plural tense was a little distracting for me, but it’s a solid story around reframing the way you think about your career and income more generally.
April 11, 2023
Some tangible ideas on how to start paying off debt and building for you future. These ideas are not new but the Saunders make it relatable. I did appreciate the chapter on realizing how their singular focus on building wealth had created rifts in their relationship with family and friends.
June 23, 2022
This was a very refreshing and educational perspective on FIRE as a Black professional.
July 4, 2022
I read this book in a weekend! It is a great read and inspirational.
July 6, 2022
Loved your story. While I am not sure I can buy into the 15 year career, I love the idea and the way you all explain it. The principles can only improve quality of life.
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