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My Money Journey: How 30 people found financial freedom - and you can too
Getting to financial independence can seem like an impossible journey. What path should you take? How do you get started? What about bumps in the road?
The good news is there are proven routes to freedom and wealth―and they're nearer and simpler than you think.
To help you make your own way to true and lasting financial independence, acclaimed personal finance writer Jonathan Clements has brought together the inspiring financial life stories of 30 people, all told in their own words.
Learn from the triumphs and disasters, the challenges and reflections of a wide range of real men and women just like you―and the surprising but repeatable ways they achieved financial freedom.
From a chemical plant worker to an Army lawyer, a unitarian minister to a high-school teacher, a software engineer to a retired mutual fund manager―all have timeless wisdom and inspiration you can put into action right now, bringing you one step closer to your own financial freedom.
“My Money Journey is a must read for people―of any age or experience―who want to be better at managing their financial lives. It is chock full of real-world stories of financial and investing success, and challenge, from people ‘just like us.’ There’s no better way to learn. Those stories, and the summary lessons from each contributor, provide a great road map for readers as they chart their own course to financial well-being.”
Jack Brennan
Author of More Straight Talk on Investing and the former CEO and Chairman of Vanguard Group
“I loved every bit of this wise book. Its financial success stories don’t owe to towering salaries or complicated investment strategies. Instead, the contributors chalk up their financial freedom and peace of mind to more relatable healthy savings habits, common sense, and a dash of good luck. I saw a bit of my own story reflected in its pages, and it’s a good bet that you will, too.”
Christine Benz
Morningstar’s director of personal finance
“A real-life look at how messy, complex―but ultimately rewarding―a personal relationship with money can be.”
Morgan Housel
Bestselling author of The Psychology of Money
“Any book can talk about the blocking and tackling involved in personal finance. What I love here are the stories of the stops and starts, the successes and the oops through the decades of a personal journey. No one’s life is a predictable straight line. It is how we navigate the unexpected that gives us the foundations for financial independence and security.”
Clark Howard
Renowned consumer advocate and founder of Clark.com
"These 30 deeply personal essays on achieving financial goals are inspiring and instructive. Great reading for all who want to achieve lifetime financial security."
Consuelo Mack
Anchor and Managing Editor, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack
“Embedded in the unique and delightful financial life stories of 30 individuals are the most important lessons investors must learn. Financial security requires disciplined,
regular saving and investing, minimizing costs (as through indexing) and taxes (as through Roth IRAs), and avoiding common blunders. Perhaps even more important than financial health, loving your work and having a genuine interest in others leads to a fulfilling life.”
Burton G. Malkiel
Author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street (50th anniversary edition)
The good news is there are proven routes to freedom and wealth―and they're nearer and simpler than you think.
To help you make your own way to true and lasting financial independence, acclaimed personal finance writer Jonathan Clements has brought together the inspiring financial life stories of 30 people, all told in their own words.
Learn from the triumphs and disasters, the challenges and reflections of a wide range of real men and women just like you―and the surprising but repeatable ways they achieved financial freedom.
From a chemical plant worker to an Army lawyer, a unitarian minister to a high-school teacher, a software engineer to a retired mutual fund manager―all have timeless wisdom and inspiration you can put into action right now, bringing you one step closer to your own financial freedom.
“My Money Journey is a must read for people―of any age or experience―who want to be better at managing their financial lives. It is chock full of real-world stories of financial and investing success, and challenge, from people ‘just like us.’ There’s no better way to learn. Those stories, and the summary lessons from each contributor, provide a great road map for readers as they chart their own course to financial well-being.”
Jack Brennan
Author of More Straight Talk on Investing and the former CEO and Chairman of Vanguard Group
“I loved every bit of this wise book. Its financial success stories don’t owe to towering salaries or complicated investment strategies. Instead, the contributors chalk up their financial freedom and peace of mind to more relatable healthy savings habits, common sense, and a dash of good luck. I saw a bit of my own story reflected in its pages, and it’s a good bet that you will, too.”
Christine Benz
Morningstar’s director of personal finance
“A real-life look at how messy, complex―but ultimately rewarding―a personal relationship with money can be.”
Morgan Housel
Bestselling author of The Psychology of Money
“Any book can talk about the blocking and tackling involved in personal finance. What I love here are the stories of the stops and starts, the successes and the oops through the decades of a personal journey. No one’s life is a predictable straight line. It is how we navigate the unexpected that gives us the foundations for financial independence and security.”
Clark Howard
Renowned consumer advocate and founder of Clark.com
"These 30 deeply personal essays on achieving financial goals are inspiring and instructive. Great reading for all who want to achieve lifetime financial security."
Consuelo Mack
Anchor and Managing Editor, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack
“Embedded in the unique and delightful financial life stories of 30 individuals are the most important lessons investors must learn. Financial security requires disciplined,
regular saving and investing, minimizing costs (as through indexing) and taxes (as through Roth IRAs), and avoiding common blunders. Perhaps even more important than financial health, loving your work and having a genuine interest in others leads to a fulfilling life.”
Burton G. Malkiel
Author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street (50th anniversary edition)
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
23 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Clements
10 books45 followersJonathan Clements is the author of "How to Think About Money" and editor of HumbleDollar.com. He was born in England, graduated from Cambridge University and now lives just outside New York City. He wrote for Euromoney and Forbes before joining The Wall Street Journal, where he worked for almost 20 years. He also spent six years at Citigroup as Director of Financial Education for the bank's U.S. wealth-management business. Jonathan has written seven books -- a novel and six guides to personal finance. For additional information, go to HumbleDollar.com. You can follow Jonathan on Twitter @ClementsMoney or on Facebook at Jonathan Clements Money Guide.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 2, 2023
I was fortunate to get an early copy of this book, as it is written by some of my fellow authors of the blog site HumbleDollar.
The book is a collection of 30 essays written by various individuals and their path towards financial freedom: some already successfully there, and others confident in getting there in the near future. These are 30 occupationally-diverse individuals - not solely financial professionals.
I loved reading about the different perspectives and how humble many of the authors are. It is very courageous to talk about the taboo topic of money - and air out what you did well but also highlight what you’ve done wrong for the benefit of others.
My favorite section was the “Winding Paths” section in which the authors explained some mishaps / failures / major setbacks in their financial journeys. Even through these setbacks, the authors still found their way due to habits they’ve developed and their mindset about money. Financial freedom is more than just having money in the bank, and I think this section illustrates that well.
Thank you to the writers of this book for putting yourself out there for the gain of others - I learned a lot!
I highly recommend this book for 2023!
The book is a collection of 30 essays written by various individuals and their path towards financial freedom: some already successfully there, and others confident in getting there in the near future. These are 30 occupationally-diverse individuals - not solely financial professionals.
I loved reading about the different perspectives and how humble many of the authors are. It is very courageous to talk about the taboo topic of money - and air out what you did well but also highlight what you’ve done wrong for the benefit of others.
My favorite section was the “Winding Paths” section in which the authors explained some mishaps / failures / major setbacks in their financial journeys. Even through these setbacks, the authors still found their way due to habits they’ve developed and their mindset about money. Financial freedom is more than just having money in the bank, and I think this section illustrates that well.
Thank you to the writers of this book for putting yourself out there for the gain of others - I learned a lot!
I highly recommend this book for 2023!
January 11, 2026
This book contains autobiographies of 30 different people. It is not a “how-to-get rich” book. Rather, it is a book about the ways these people chose to live their lives thus far, with an emphasis on finances. From this book the reader gets a chance to learn from the mistakes and the successes of others.
There isn’t much new in the way of investment advice for the type of person that would pick this book up in the first place. Probably the most repeated advice is something along the lines of invest early, invest often, and seek wise counsel.
It is good to hear the viewpoints of other people who are trying to make their way through life while trying to prepare for the future. And it is reassuring to know that I am not the only person that has made bone-headed mistakes where finances and investments are concerned.
There isn’t much new in the way of investment advice for the type of person that would pick this book up in the first place. Probably the most repeated advice is something along the lines of invest early, invest often, and seek wise counsel.
It is good to hear the viewpoints of other people who are trying to make their way through life while trying to prepare for the future. And it is reassuring to know that I am not the only person that has made bone-headed mistakes where finances and investments are concerned.
Read
October 18, 2025Source Libby ebook and bought a used copy from Amazon. Quite readable
July 2, 2023
Why did I like this book? Simple: I am nosey. It lets me get a look into many (many) financial stories, organized by larger categories.
Overall, most people got to their version of financial happiness by saving and investing. Nothing shocking there. They even mention that in the introduction, but it's really driven home by the multitude of actual examples from people about how they came to terms with their finances and found happiness, amongst some regrets.
A primary regret: saving too much and not enjoying life. OR not realizing until later that they should have gotten their you know what together a lot sooner because now they had to dig out of debt with a spoon and one hand (my silly anecdotal version).
Ultimately, this is worth reading because it makes me feel guilt about not knowing investments to save my life, just so much that I may just do something about that, and that's worth the read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the review copy!
Overall, most people got to their version of financial happiness by saving and investing. Nothing shocking there. They even mention that in the introduction, but it's really driven home by the multitude of actual examples from people about how they came to terms with their finances and found happiness, amongst some regrets.
A primary regret: saving too much and not enjoying life. OR not realizing until later that they should have gotten their you know what together a lot sooner because now they had to dig out of debt with a spoon and one hand (my silly anecdotal version).
Ultimately, this is worth reading because it makes me feel guilt about not knowing investments to save my life, just so much that I may just do something about that, and that's worth the read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the review copy!
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was really cool reading about all the life lessons from 30 different people. The only thing I would change about it would be to have more women and more diverse age ranges. I’m a 25-year-old trying to learn about investing. Most of the stories are written by 60+ white men. It was hard to connect to some of the stories. But overall I did enjoy it!
March 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
My Money Journey is a refreshing break from the typical “how-to-get-rich” financial books. Instead of offering a step-by-step guide, it presents a collection of 30 personal essays from individuals across different careers, each sharing their unique path toward financial independence. Some are already there, others are still on their way, but all are candid about their wins, regrets, and lessons learned.
I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability throughout these stories. Money is often such a taboo topic, and seeing people open up about their mistakes and triumphs made the book feel grounded and relatable. It’s encouraging to realize that financial missteps are common, and it’s never too late to pivot and build a more secure future.
That said, this book may not be the best fit for readers looking for concrete financial advice or actionable tips. If you’re already familiar with the core tenets of saving early, investing consistently, and living within your means, there’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking here. The strongest value lies in the variety of perspectives—some stories are more inspiring than others, and I did find myself skimming through a few that didn’t resonate.
One of the most compelling themes was the regret some contributors expressed about being too frugal. It’s a perspective we don’t often hear in FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) circles, and it was refreshing to read reflections that balanced financial discipline with the importance of living life fully.
Overall, this book is more about mindset than methods. It’s a thoughtful, honest collection of experiences, and worth picking up if you enjoy learning from others’ journeys. While it didn’t necessarily offer solutions to my financial concerns, it did leave me reflecting on the long game—and that’s still valuable.
My Money Journey is a refreshing break from the typical “how-to-get-rich” financial books. Instead of offering a step-by-step guide, it presents a collection of 30 personal essays from individuals across different careers, each sharing their unique path toward financial independence. Some are already there, others are still on their way, but all are candid about their wins, regrets, and lessons learned.
I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability throughout these stories. Money is often such a taboo topic, and seeing people open up about their mistakes and triumphs made the book feel grounded and relatable. It’s encouraging to realize that financial missteps are common, and it’s never too late to pivot and build a more secure future.
That said, this book may not be the best fit for readers looking for concrete financial advice or actionable tips. If you’re already familiar with the core tenets of saving early, investing consistently, and living within your means, there’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking here. The strongest value lies in the variety of perspectives—some stories are more inspiring than others, and I did find myself skimming through a few that didn’t resonate.
One of the most compelling themes was the regret some contributors expressed about being too frugal. It’s a perspective we don’t often hear in FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) circles, and it was refreshing to read reflections that balanced financial discipline with the importance of living life fully.
Overall, this book is more about mindset than methods. It’s a thoughtful, honest collection of experiences, and worth picking up if you enjoy learning from others’ journeys. While it didn’t necessarily offer solutions to my financial concerns, it did leave me reflecting on the long game—and that’s still valuable.
February 13, 2024
I find that hearing the story of real life people who have achieved financial independence far more valuable than the usual spend less than you earn and index. Yes, that is a valid strategy, but life isn't always that simple.
The great thing about this book is the variety. Every writer has had a different path to financial independence, some have had big setbacks, but by staying the course, they have achieved their goals. There is also some important perspective from the extreme savers featured that they perhaps would have spent a bit more to enjoy their lives when they are younger, which is a perspective often left out from the more extreme FIRE accounts.
This book is inspiring and helps you to learn from real people. With it being 30 individual accounts, it is easy to put down and pick up. One of the best books that I've read on achieving financial independence.
The great thing about this book is the variety. Every writer has had a different path to financial independence, some have had big setbacks, but by staying the course, they have achieved their goals. There is also some important perspective from the extreme savers featured that they perhaps would have spent a bit more to enjoy their lives when they are younger, which is a perspective often left out from the more extreme FIRE accounts.
This book is inspiring and helps you to learn from real people. With it being 30 individual accounts, it is easy to put down and pick up. One of the best books that I've read on achieving financial independence.
July 13, 2023
My Money Journey is a series of essays broken down by categories written by people who share their financial history and experiences and what they learned. I’ve been on a save, hustle, budget, invest kick for the last six months. While I’m desperate to pay my children’s’ education while also saving for retirement, reading the lessons from others didn’t help me feel confident or helped me with my money issue. In fact, I felt a little more anxious than assured that all would be okay. If you enjoy reading the money quest of others, then My Money Journey by Jonathan Clements et al is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
I am always interested in how people find their journey through money.
I was excited to read this book. Most of the chapters I could learn something from. Either from someones mistakes or just some knowledge that they may have. that I didn't know about.
Only a handful of stories, maybe 3, I could NOT relate to at all. Maybe some else can.
A few key takeaways... invest in index funds, be careful with money, and live your life.
I think that people should read this book to help understand that even if you make mistakes its not the end of your journey.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I was excited to read this book. Most of the chapters I could learn something from. Either from someones mistakes or just some knowledge that they may have. that I didn't know about.
Only a handful of stories, maybe 3, I could NOT relate to at all. Maybe some else can.
A few key takeaways... invest in index funds, be careful with money, and live your life.
I think that people should read this book to help understand that even if you make mistakes its not the end of your journey.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
October 16, 2023
Really enjoyed reading how everyday folk have achieved their wealth in different ways and what they would have done differently in hindsight. For example, the first section of the book is the stories of 'Fierce Frugality' and some sacrificed a lot to reach their goal at a early age and now look back wishing they had maybe not been so frugal and lived a little. I makes you think about what you want out of life instead of just aiming for a certain figure.
The other sections are 'Family First', 'Slow and Steady', 'Winding Paths', and 'Risk and Return'.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harriman House for the review copy of this book.
The other sections are 'Family First', 'Slow and Steady', 'Winding Paths', and 'Risk and Return'.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harriman House for the review copy of this book.
December 19, 2023
The stories get a little repetative after awhile but they were interesting enough for me to finish that. There were a few good gems in here about living below your means, saving each month and investing in index funds but to be honest, it was hard to relate to stories written by (mostly) men that are now in their sixties and seventies. Their experience with the sock market, saving and buying a house in the 1980-2000's is different than my experience now. It's not a bad thing but I cried a little inside each time someone mentioned buying a house for less than 200K and selling it years later for quadruple the price.
September 30, 2023
Good book to read on a cost evening especially if you are up to learn from others. There is a collection of stories from thirty people which can teach you many ways of gaining financial independence. Each story is unique and down to the ground, it provides an overview of the given situation, showcases circumstances and how the characters made certain decisions. I found the book interesting and engaging.
February 3, 2024
Good to have ordinary people like you and me to share their financial freedom journey. At this moment, just briefly read the chapters and focused on the three lessons summarized.
Top takeaways:
Save diligently and have desires in check
Invest long term diversily. Index found is a good choice.
Enjoy life while gathering wealth.
My rating is 3.5
Top takeaways:
Save diligently and have desires in check
Invest long term diversily. Index found is a good choice.
Enjoy life while gathering wealth.
My rating is 3.5
March 18, 2024
a really good idea
Good people learn from experience, and great people learn from the experience of others. The book is a really good example of how we can be great. These 30 stories have varying levels of a applicability to all of us, but there are good learnings for every one of us from some of the stories. Definitely worth a read.
Good people learn from experience, and great people learn from the experience of others. The book is a really good example of how we can be great. These 30 stories have varying levels of a applicability to all of us, but there are good learnings for every one of us from some of the stories. Definitely worth a read.
November 5, 2024
The most insightful part of this book is the foreword, in which the editor recognises the white, male dominance of the world of money and wealth. He claims that the thirty stories in this collection are unique, but they actually aren’t very unique. Most of them start out with some privilege (even if it is living in a time where you can actually afford a house), and mostly ends with some kind of stock/fund/investment. At the beginning, it’s almost inspiring, but it becomes too much and too repetitive, and eventually feels unattainable. Also, very American-centric, so less helpful to me as a non-American reader.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harriman House for this eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harriman House for this eARC.
June 1, 2023
What’s better than people’s stories?
For me, a financial advisor, I enjoyed reading these money stories by 30 different people. Wouldn’t life be grand if we could learn from other people’s mistakes, rather than our own?
For me, a financial advisor, I enjoyed reading these money stories by 30 different people. Wouldn’t life be grand if we could learn from other people’s mistakes, rather than our own?
July 21, 2024
The author is a genius.
The stories are the kind of stories it would take you years of failure & confusion to have a look at. What made me happy is that some are from a different time from the one I live in today. In this age people call Crypto-currency money.
The stories are the kind of stories it would take you years of failure & confusion to have a look at. What made me happy is that some are from a different time from the one I live in today. In this age people call Crypto-currency money.
January 7, 2025
I’ve been looking for a personal finance book to share with my adult kids. “My Money Journey”, edited by Jonathan Clements, gets 5 out of 5. Not a step-by-step guide but real stories from 30 folks sharing their strategies, successes, and misses. Engaging & not preachy. Well done.
September 30, 2023
A collection of short essays about each author's experience with money. The authors tend toward the older end of the spectrum so it was a little unrelatable.
October 14, 2023
Learning about money management via stories = my favorite avenue.
Read
January 18, 2024DNF 29%
September 22, 2024
If you want to learn how to be financially free, you learn from someone who has had the experience. This is the book that tells the stories of 30 people who found financial freedom.
June 14, 2025
inspiring and eye opening stories how real, down to earth people invest and their lessons shared for us.
June 18, 2025
A collection of financial essays; “the size of my portfolio is proportional to the size of my frugality”.
April 28, 2023
DNF. Who’s “you” in the title?” The people who would be able to take the advice in this book would never need or be read it. I’m not sure who the audience for this book is but it’s not a common person.
I read the “Three Lessons” at the end of each chapter and was wildly disappointed in the highly privileged advice to financial freedom. I can sum it up by saying that it recommends getting a job you love and saving and investing a lot of money to stay out of debt.
I’ll quote and paraphrase some of the “advice” found in this book:
- save diligently and invest prudently to amass wealth.
- pay cash for your used car to avoid years of financing charges
- if you come into a significant amount of money early in life, you may be set for retirement provided you leave the money to grow rather than using it for spending money
- paying off debt, especially your mortgage, may give you the financial freedom to pursue a less lucrative career makes it easier to whether financial storms.
You get the drift. I’m a bookseller and would never recommend this book to someone looking to gain quality advice to financial freedom.
I read the “Three Lessons” at the end of each chapter and was wildly disappointed in the highly privileged advice to financial freedom. I can sum it up by saying that it recommends getting a job you love and saving and investing a lot of money to stay out of debt.
I’ll quote and paraphrase some of the “advice” found in this book:
- save diligently and invest prudently to amass wealth.
- pay cash for your used car to avoid years of financing charges
- if you come into a significant amount of money early in life, you may be set for retirement provided you leave the money to grow rather than using it for spending money
- paying off debt, especially your mortgage, may give you the financial freedom to pursue a less lucrative career makes it easier to whether financial storms.
You get the drift. I’m a bookseller and would never recommend this book to someone looking to gain quality advice to financial freedom.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews