This page will continue to evolve and expand over time as I share details of books, blogs and websites I’ve found useful and in some instances life changing. I hope they have the same impact on you!
Books
If you are seeking some long form inspiration, I would highly recommend the following books. You don’t need to buy them and most will be available at your local library.
The book links below are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you click through to these sites and make a purchase
The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life. By J L Collins
Investing demystified. J L Collins demonstrates why using index funds make sense and why people should avoid stock picking, day trading and high cost brokers. This is essential reading for those interested in Financial Independence or developing a sustainable way of building wealth.
Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living. By Elizabeth Willard Thames
This is the book which got my wife onboard with the FIRE movement. The personal story of blogger Mrs. Frugalwoods and her journey from young professional to financial independence. Ignore the negative comments on Amazon, this is an inspiring story of a couple with the courage and drive to change how (and ultimately where) they lived.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. By Greg McKeown
This was given to me at work and sat on my shelf collecting dust for a while as I thought it was simply another manager how-to guide. Yes, it is useful in the work context, but I think the real lies in the applicability of Essentialism to life more broadly. It is about focusing on what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so you can concentrate on the things that really matter. Great content and highly practical
The 4-Hour Workweek. By Tim Ferriss
This isn’t a book about Financial Independence in the traditional sense. While I don’t necessarily agree with 100% of the content in this book, it will get you thinking and dreaming about the possible. Some of this is unrealistic, some bits are a little offensive. Pick and choose what to implement, but there are definitely some gems.
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy. By Thomas Stanley
Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a great income each year and spend it all, you are not getting any richer. Wealth is what you accumulate and not what you spend. This book outlines the reality of how ordinary people accumulate and keep wealth, outlining 7 key traits of those who are successful.
Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way
Blogger, Tanja Hester provides a pragmatic but detailed map to freedom. The book is separated into 3 key parts – Defining the life you want to lead; developing a financial plan to get there; and then how to thrive in your work optional (maybe post work) life.
Websites and Blogs
The following sites are fantastic resources for those seeking to dive further into the world of financial independence, minimalism and travel hacking.
Personal Finance, Investing and Financial Independence
- Choose FI
- Financial Samurai
- Frugalwoods
- Get Rich Slowly
- Go Curry Cracker!
- JL Collins
- Mad Fientist
- Millennial Money
- Mr. Money Mustache
- Rockstar Finance
- The Escape Artist
- Our Next Life
- 1500 Days to Freedom
- RV-on-FIRE
- Financial Mechanic
- Frugality and Freedom
- All Options Considered
