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Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances
An illustrated, practical guide to navigating your financial life, no matter your financial situation
"a potent mix of deeply practical and wonderfully empathetic" —Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial
"one of the most approachable financial books I've ever read." — Refinery 29
We are all weird about money. Whether you have a lot or a little, your feelings and beliefs about money have been shaped by a combination of silence (or even shame) around talking about money, personal experiences, family and societal expectations, and a whole big complex system rigged against many of us from the start. Begin with that baseline premise and it’s no surprise so many of us find it so difficult to save enough money (but way too easy to get trapped in ballooning credit card debt), emotionally draining to deal with student loans, and nearly impossible to understand the esoteric world of investing.
Unlike most personal finance books that focus on skills and behaviors, FINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE asks you to examine your beliefs and experiences around money—blending extremely practical exercises with mindfulness, and including more than 50 illustrations and diagrams to make the concepts accessible (and even fun). With deep insider expertise from years spent in many different corners of the financial industry, Paco de Leon is a friendly, approachable, and wise guide who invites readers to change their relationship with money. With her holistic approach you’ll learn how to:
• root out your unconscious beliefs about money
• untangle the mental and emotional burden of student loans to pay them off
• use a gratitude practice to help you think differently about spending
• break out of the debt cycle and begin building wealth
This book is for anyone who feels unseen, ignored, or bored to death by the way personal finances are approached and taught, and is ready to go on a journey of self-discovery and step into their financial power.
"a potent mix of deeply practical and wonderfully empathetic" —Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial
"one of the most approachable financial books I've ever read." — Refinery 29
We are all weird about money. Whether you have a lot or a little, your feelings and beliefs about money have been shaped by a combination of silence (or even shame) around talking about money, personal experiences, family and societal expectations, and a whole big complex system rigged against many of us from the start. Begin with that baseline premise and it’s no surprise so many of us find it so difficult to save enough money (but way too easy to get trapped in ballooning credit card debt), emotionally draining to deal with student loans, and nearly impossible to understand the esoteric world of investing.
Unlike most personal finance books that focus on skills and behaviors, FINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE asks you to examine your beliefs and experiences around money—blending extremely practical exercises with mindfulness, and including more than 50 illustrations and diagrams to make the concepts accessible (and even fun). With deep insider expertise from years spent in many different corners of the financial industry, Paco de Leon is a friendly, approachable, and wise guide who invites readers to change their relationship with money. With her holistic approach you’ll learn how to:
• root out your unconscious beliefs about money
• untangle the mental and emotional burden of student loans to pay them off
• use a gratitude practice to help you think differently about spending
• break out of the debt cycle and begin building wealth
This book is for anyone who feels unseen, ignored, or bored to death by the way personal finances are approached and taught, and is ready to go on a journey of self-discovery and step into their financial power.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
363 people are currently reading
4012 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
March 24, 2022
I often recommend I Will Teach you to be Rich, second edition, to new investors or young people wanting to dip their toes into the waters of personal finance. That book is for an urban tech dual-income crowd, or so it seems. He also has a podcast. This book is more down to earth, written by someone who tells it like it is in words readers will easily follow. She tells that many privileged people learn these things around the dining room table but this book is for those who didn't. I applaud this, you can gain control of your finances with understanding and discipline. She encourages people to get off the "hedonist train" or take a pause to evaluate things.
I would have given this book five stars but I found the vulgar language & some examples to be unnecessarily crude and should have been taken out by a good editor but, alas, I am o-l-d. What happened to Penguin?
It is my mission to teach young women to be financially independent and this book is one I will buy in bulk to share with young people who come to me for advice about investing. I ask them to read Your Money or Your Life before I will give my time to them. I will now give them the choice of that book or this book Finance for the People.
I have a "recipe" to start teenagers on low-cost Roth IRAs for as little as $25 a month. It's like planting trees. I will never live long enough to see them retire in style but I will have left a positive legacy. No one that I have gotten started on monthly direct deposits has ever stopped making them, even through college they work and watch their balances grow. They know the basics through books like these and can speak the lingo with their friends. This is a marvelous approachable book I will recommend to people of all ages read.
I would have given this book five stars but I found the vulgar language & some examples to be unnecessarily crude and should have been taken out by a good editor but, alas, I am o-l-d. What happened to Penguin?
It is my mission to teach young women to be financially independent and this book is one I will buy in bulk to share with young people who come to me for advice about investing. I ask them to read Your Money or Your Life before I will give my time to them. I will now give them the choice of that book or this book Finance for the People.
I have a "recipe" to start teenagers on low-cost Roth IRAs for as little as $25 a month. It's like planting trees. I will never live long enough to see them retire in style but I will have left a positive legacy. No one that I have gotten started on monthly direct deposits has ever stopped making them, even through college they work and watch their balances grow. They know the basics through books like these and can speak the lingo with their friends. This is a marvelous approachable book I will recommend to people of all ages read.
April 9, 2022
I’ve been hearing Paco on a lot of the financial podcast that I listen to. I really like their approach to explaining finances… One that is rooted in sociology, psychology, economics, and illustration! This book is adorable and lived up to my expectations. I suspect that for many people who I am friends with, the information will be review and nothing new (though, if it is new, absolutely no judgment). But the book feels so fresh and inclusive, it is worth your time anyway!
October 15, 2022
Apa lagi sih benefit dari resolving our childhood trauma selain mengenai relasi antarmanusia?
It's the way we see money.
Sampulnya menarik. Waktu aku iseng main ke @periplusid , aku penasaran dengan kontennya. Setelah membaca 10 halaman sample melalui Amazon, aku memutuskan untuk beli versi paperbacknya & langsung kubaca.
The Psychology of Money bisa jadi dielu-elukan semua orang karena kontennya yang daging semua. Tapi bagiku ada hal yang belum dibahas mendalam oleh Morgan Housel: bebenah diri demi mengejar tujuan finansial yang lebih sehat.
Maksudnya gimana? Paco de Leon menganalogikannya dengan piramida "Financial Awesomeness." Bagian dasar piramida diisi oleh poin yang perlu kita perhatikan & lucunya sering kita lupakan: pencatatan keuangan harian. Sebab, kalau belum ngeh arus keluar-masuk, bagaimana kita bisa mulai mempersiapkan tujuan finansial tsb?
Menurutku yang paling "ngena" adalah tentang "money mindset" yg ditulis oleh de Leon. Maksudnya begini, jika kita besar dengan melihat bagaimana uang segepok dihabiskan melalui minuman alkohol -> mabuk -> KDRT maka bisa jadi kita tumbuh dg anggapan kalau uang hanya membawa bencana. Atau, lingkungan rumah menormalisasi foya-foya pendapatan & baru menata hidup dari uang sisa jajan kebutuhan tersier, bisa saja kita melihat uang sbg sesuatu yg mengerikan.
Intinya, pulihkan trauma masa kecil maka imbasnya pada kehidupan pribadi kita bisa lebih besar. Bahkan membawa kehidupan kita menjadi lebih baik (bukan berdasarkan society standard).
Buku ini nggak ngebosenin. Meski diasjikan hitam-putih tapi ilustrasi yang melengkapinya tetap ciamik. Paco de Leon juga menyajikan hal yang lekat dengan masyarakat awam seperti "perlu nggak sih kita berhutang?"
Buatku, Finance for the People adalah bacaan menyenangkan & menambah wawasan. Terutama terkait "money mindset" yg saat ini masih didominasi oleh tujuan-tujuan kapitalis.
It's the way we see money.
Sampulnya menarik. Waktu aku iseng main ke @periplusid , aku penasaran dengan kontennya. Setelah membaca 10 halaman sample melalui Amazon, aku memutuskan untuk beli versi paperbacknya & langsung kubaca.
The Psychology of Money bisa jadi dielu-elukan semua orang karena kontennya yang daging semua. Tapi bagiku ada hal yang belum dibahas mendalam oleh Morgan Housel: bebenah diri demi mengejar tujuan finansial yang lebih sehat.
Maksudnya gimana? Paco de Leon menganalogikannya dengan piramida "Financial Awesomeness." Bagian dasar piramida diisi oleh poin yang perlu kita perhatikan & lucunya sering kita lupakan: pencatatan keuangan harian. Sebab, kalau belum ngeh arus keluar-masuk, bagaimana kita bisa mulai mempersiapkan tujuan finansial tsb?
Menurutku yang paling "ngena" adalah tentang "money mindset" yg ditulis oleh de Leon. Maksudnya begini, jika kita besar dengan melihat bagaimana uang segepok dihabiskan melalui minuman alkohol -> mabuk -> KDRT maka bisa jadi kita tumbuh dg anggapan kalau uang hanya membawa bencana. Atau, lingkungan rumah menormalisasi foya-foya pendapatan & baru menata hidup dari uang sisa jajan kebutuhan tersier, bisa saja kita melihat uang sbg sesuatu yg mengerikan.
Intinya, pulihkan trauma masa kecil maka imbasnya pada kehidupan pribadi kita bisa lebih besar. Bahkan membawa kehidupan kita menjadi lebih baik (bukan berdasarkan society standard).
Buku ini nggak ngebosenin. Meski diasjikan hitam-putih tapi ilustrasi yang melengkapinya tetap ciamik. Paco de Leon juga menyajikan hal yang lekat dengan masyarakat awam seperti "perlu nggak sih kita berhutang?"
Buatku, Finance for the People adalah bacaan menyenangkan & menambah wawasan. Terutama terkait "money mindset" yg saat ini masih didominasi oleh tujuan-tujuan kapitalis.
August 7, 2022
Does money stress you out? Were you born into a working class family? Finance for the People is for you! Paco De Leon has written a pragmatic yet empathetic book about how to take care of ourselves in this economy.
De Leon talks about why people are weird about money, the stories we tell ourselves about money, and then she unveils her Pyramid of Financial Awesomeness. Chapters are based on each little section of the Pyramid. This makes for an easy-to-follow structure, and each chapter is full of funny hand-drawn illustrations.
What separates this book from the myriad other finance books, podcasts, websites, apps, etc. is De Leon’s mix of empathy and pragmatism. She is simultaneously informative and encouraging. It is a rare thing for a personal finance book to leave the reader feeling informed, gently nudged to action, and hopeful.
Since reading the book I have taken on much more agency in my own financial life – I have co-revised the family budget with my spouse, opened a money market account for my savings account (which I now have, lol), started investing more in retirement, re-evaluated my insurance needs, etc. Most importantly, I got my head out of the sand and stopped pretending that if I didn’t think about my financial future nothing bad would happen.
An important note – Paco De Leon is a member of multiple groups traditionally marginalized in our culture and therefore our economic system. She also has a background in finance. You put these two together, and she comes at money from a much different perspective than the voices we’re usually subjected to in the financial world. For that reason, the book is useful for the average person, but also for people in the financial industry who need to understand that not everyone has the same life experiences or worldview as they do.
De Leon talks about why people are weird about money, the stories we tell ourselves about money, and then she unveils her Pyramid of Financial Awesomeness. Chapters are based on each little section of the Pyramid. This makes for an easy-to-follow structure, and each chapter is full of funny hand-drawn illustrations.
What separates this book from the myriad other finance books, podcasts, websites, apps, etc. is De Leon’s mix of empathy and pragmatism. She is simultaneously informative and encouraging. It is a rare thing for a personal finance book to leave the reader feeling informed, gently nudged to action, and hopeful.
Since reading the book I have taken on much more agency in my own financial life – I have co-revised the family budget with my spouse, opened a money market account for my savings account (which I now have, lol), started investing more in retirement, re-evaluated my insurance needs, etc. Most importantly, I got my head out of the sand and stopped pretending that if I didn’t think about my financial future nothing bad would happen.
An important note – Paco De Leon is a member of multiple groups traditionally marginalized in our culture and therefore our economic system. She also has a background in finance. You put these two together, and she comes at money from a much different perspective than the voices we’re usually subjected to in the financial world. For that reason, the book is useful for the average person, but also for people in the financial industry who need to understand that not everyone has the same life experiences or worldview as they do.
July 2, 2022
I really liked this book, even though I wished at times that the advice was more specific ("tell me exactly what to do next!"). I think de Leon does a great job of breaking down complex ideas like compounding interest, and the empathy in the book was what kept me reading. I had never known how credit scores became so important, and I liked the concept of "fuck-you money". This is a perfect book for someone at a really early stage of their financial journey.
November 25, 2022
One of the best 'get your finances together' books I've read. It's hard but worth the effort.
March 26, 2023
This book was very informative and offers a lot of good advice, especially for those new to personal finance. Many of the activities are useful and provide the opportunity to get a visual look at your finances so that you can see how to spend, invest, save, or do whatever you'd like with your money.
I found the first half of the book to be more informative than the latter half. The chapter on Student Loans was helpful, too, if only to remind you to check in with your options.
However! I will highlight a few limitations to this book so that readers will know before they read.
1. The language is really casual, which makes it approachable, but readers who are sensitive to "bad" language (cursing/swearing or crude examples) will find this book unappealing. I am not particularly sensitive to that kind of language, but at some point, I began to wonder about it as a stylistic choice (i.e. performative appeal to the audience) that quickly lost its magic.
2. If organized religion (or even your own personal faith practice) influences how you think about and interact with money, this book is not for you. This book just doesn't really take into account the ways in which religion/faith and money interact. That's not a bad thing! This book just doesn't do that so I would look elsewhere. (As I learn more about personal finance, I'll also be looking for more authors that align with my values.)
I found the first half of the book to be more informative than the latter half. The chapter on Student Loans was helpful, too, if only to remind you to check in with your options.
However! I will highlight a few limitations to this book so that readers will know before they read.
1. The language is really casual, which makes it approachable, but readers who are sensitive to "bad" language (cursing/swearing or crude examples) will find this book unappealing. I am not particularly sensitive to that kind of language, but at some point, I began to wonder about it as a stylistic choice (i.e. performative appeal to the audience) that quickly lost its magic.
2. If organized religion (or even your own personal faith practice) influences how you think about and interact with money, this book is not for you. This book just doesn't really take into account the ways in which religion/faith and money interact. That's not a bad thing! This book just doesn't do that so I would look elsewhere. (As I learn more about personal finance, I'll also be looking for more authors that align with my values.)
June 19, 2025
i always wanted to get my financial shit together but i did not know how and maybe more importantly: i was scared! i appreciate that FINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE takes the reader as they are and not only gives the financial know-how and tips that are needed, but this book takes a person-centered approach by encouraging readers to interrogate their own histories & beliefs around money.
this book is perfect for people who are first gen & who are just looking for a place to start. i appreciate that paco takes into account the multiple circumstances that people experiencing financial hardship might find themselves in, and paco is generous in asserting that NONE of that is a moral failure.
the world is fucked up and rigged against people who have historically been oppressed & shut out from financial institutions. the author does not advocate ignoring that which i appreciated! instead, paco says: the world is fucked up AND while trying to work towards making it less fucked up, let's get our shit together to make sure that we can survive a little easier.
the book's chapters always end with a "do the work" section which is SO HELPFUL in guiding little tasks & things to reflect on. i really appreciated this structure & layout in pushing me to get started vs. just simply being told what is a good/bad money move like some other books do.
this book is perfect for people who are first gen & who are just looking for a place to start. i appreciate that paco takes into account the multiple circumstances that people experiencing financial hardship might find themselves in, and paco is generous in asserting that NONE of that is a moral failure.
the world is fucked up and rigged against people who have historically been oppressed & shut out from financial institutions. the author does not advocate ignoring that which i appreciated! instead, paco says: the world is fucked up AND while trying to work towards making it less fucked up, let's get our shit together to make sure that we can survive a little easier.
the book's chapters always end with a "do the work" section which is SO HELPFUL in guiding little tasks & things to reflect on. i really appreciated this structure & layout in pushing me to get started vs. just simply being told what is a good/bad money move like some other books do.
July 17, 2024
I read a lot of personal finance books both for my own self interest and because I work in financial aid at a university and am always looking for new ways to explain concepts to my students. This is the best book I’ve read thus far on the topic—comprehensive overview of several aspects of handling one’s finances but from a gentle, simple approach.
August 12, 2022
I listen to a lot of personal finance books because they remind me to stay motivated, but they often tackle the same issues and steps in an identical order. Paco's book covers your basic personal finance topics (debt, savings, credit, assets, insurance, investing) but in a way that is empathetic and calm. This book actually made me question a savings system that I thought was logical, but that I am failing at. I'm excited to put my new sustainable savings plan into action after Paco's gentle nudge.
March 17, 2023
This is a great introduction to personal finance. It’s also a great back to the basics look at finance. Sometimes a refresher about your own finances and your relationship to them is more useful than you realize.
May 14, 2024
Pretty useful, but I wish it went more in depth
January 23, 2025
(Read via Blinkist)
January 27, 2023
4.5 stars. A lot of really good info for getting started and addressing your (perhaps terrible, as mine is) relationship with money.
August 25, 2023
This is one of the easiest financial books to read. I like the different chapters on investing and student loans and debt. This book should be required reading for high schoolers.
June 6, 2024
Hiiiiiiiiighly recommend if you are looking to work on your financial wellness… approachable, nonjudgmental, honest help. Ty Paco!!!
October 12, 2023
Super accessible and empathetic. Very basic, primarily foundational, knowledge on personal finance (which the author articulates in the introduction, so no surprise) and focused on your personal relationship to your finances.
Read
September 26, 2023It's good for people who are looking to work through a lot of the emotional parts about money especially people who struggle with the institutions and inherent inequality of the system.
What was most interesting to me would be when she referenced about how she used money when building her own business. Compared to a lot of other personal finance books that topic isn't talked about as much. She didn't talk about it much either tbh but it was very interesting when mentioned.
What was most interesting to me would be when she referenced about how she used money when building her own business. Compared to a lot of other personal finance books that topic isn't talked about as much. She didn't talk about it much either tbh but it was very interesting when mentioned.
August 12, 2022
I like it. It talks about money and finance and how they are related to pyschological aspects, human behavior, and there are some history too. Also, it comes with fun illustration and charts.
However, the second half of the book is more practical personal finance stuff and quite specifically intended for US readers (student loan, debt, investment, etc).
Would recommend this for those who haven't started 'getting a grip on their finance', but if you have properly thought about, let's say, diversified investment... then you might find this book pretty basic.
However, the second half of the book is more practical personal finance stuff and quite specifically intended for US readers (student loan, debt, investment, etc).
Would recommend this for those who haven't started 'getting a grip on their finance', but if you have properly thought about, let's say, diversified investment... then you might find this book pretty basic.
May 15, 2022
Would be a great read for someone just getting started in personal finance - something I wish I’d had 10 years ago to read. Great discussion around your trauma with money/therapy approaches, disparities in our system for credit/lending, and flaws in our capitalist system. An approachable book for anyone.
October 23, 2022
A casual and introductory approach to personal finance and its many concepts and challenges. While de Leon certainly is knowledgable on the subject, Finance for the People merely skims the surface, choosing to focus on introducing core concepts rather than getting into any real, substantial financial advice and strategic ideas. Perhaps this itself is a marketing strategy to promote de Leon's business and gain more clients (it's definitely that!), but I found the book far too basic for my understanding and skill level. Finance for the People is quite literally for those who have never heard of some of these concepts. This would make a great gift for a teen or young adult, or recent college grad, but for those who have been in the game for a while, better off with something a bit more in depth.
March 26, 2025
TW: sexual assault, systemic oppression
I enjoyed this finance book, but I found the urge to be hip and woke went a bit far at times. That said, the idea of arming people with knowledge and money so that they can better make systemic change is awesome and noble and ultimately won me over in the end. I have a number of friends who might benefit from this accessible introduction to personal finances. It motivated me to keep going with my own financial literacy. I loved and do practice her advice to schedule finance time each week. There is a surprise mention of serious trauma midway through that is very unexpected that may be triggering.
I enjoyed this finance book, but I found the urge to be hip and woke went a bit far at times. That said, the idea of arming people with knowledge and money so that they can better make systemic change is awesome and noble and ultimately won me over in the end. I have a number of friends who might benefit from this accessible introduction to personal finances. It motivated me to keep going with my own financial literacy. I loved and do practice her advice to schedule finance time each week. There is a surprise mention of serious trauma midway through that is very unexpected that may be triggering.
May 13, 2022
I struggled a bit at the start but am really glad I kept going. This is one of the only finance books I've read that really takes the morality of investing and wealth into account and tells you how you can be more mindful about these issues. It also had a lot of helpful explanations of financial information.
December 20, 2023
In "Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances" by Paco de Leon, the author provides practical strategies for achieving financial well-being and personal fulfillment. The book goes beyond traditional budgeting advice, focusing on reshaping one's relationship with money to align financial decisions with personal goals. The key concepts discussed include changing your money mindset, understanding and controlling spending habits, setting up financial safeguards, increasing income, and reframing debt. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and reshaping your money mindset—the beliefs and attitudes that shape your financial decisions. By understanding the deep-seated narratives about money, you can challenge limiting beliefs and create a new, empowering financial story. Journaling and reflecting on your earliest money memories help uncover and address these beliefs. The goal is to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, allowing for better financial decision-making and performance in the economic theater.
Dealing with the anxiety of not having enough money requires a shift in perspective. Tracking and understanding your spending patterns can reveal harmful habits, allowing you to create a spending plan that respects your future self's feelings. By focusing on gratitude and creating separate accounts for essentials and discretionary spending, you build a budget blueprint that prevents impulse buys and promotes thoughtful spending. This approach aims to balance spending and satisfaction, leading to a richer life. The book introduces the concept of financial guardrails, suggesting the separation of finances into distinct accounts for essentials and discretionary spending. This structure simplifies financial management, ensuring funds are available when needed and creating a safety net for unexpected expenses. Gratitude plays a crucial role in combatting the desire for excessive consumption, helping individuals build a mindset of abundance.
Increasing income is a crucial aspect of financial health. The book encourages individuals to negotiate their salaries, seek better job opportunities, or even consider entrepreneurship. Rather than fixating on distant dreams, the focus is on developing a system that includes consistent actions and habits. By earning with intention and growing with a plan, individuals can achieve financial goals while embracing the daily rituals that lead to success. The narrative around debt is reframed as a strategic tool for growth rather than a source of shame. Smart debt, used strategically, can contribute to wealth creation. Credit cards are identified as a common form of debt, and the book advises taking responsibility for debt, developing a sensible payoff plan, and negotiating better terms. The emphasis is on transforming debt reduction into a meaningful and empowering journey, strengthening mental and emotional resilience.
The overarching message of the book is that money decisions are integral moments in your life's story. Shifting your thinking, aligning resources with values, and prioritizing personal growth are key to achieving financial health and enriching all aspects of life. The author encourages readers to play the financial game by their own rules, offering a path to financial independence and a stronger, more resilient self.
Dealing with the anxiety of not having enough money requires a shift in perspective. Tracking and understanding your spending patterns can reveal harmful habits, allowing you to create a spending plan that respects your future self's feelings. By focusing on gratitude and creating separate accounts for essentials and discretionary spending, you build a budget blueprint that prevents impulse buys and promotes thoughtful spending. This approach aims to balance spending and satisfaction, leading to a richer life. The book introduces the concept of financial guardrails, suggesting the separation of finances into distinct accounts for essentials and discretionary spending. This structure simplifies financial management, ensuring funds are available when needed and creating a safety net for unexpected expenses. Gratitude plays a crucial role in combatting the desire for excessive consumption, helping individuals build a mindset of abundance.
Increasing income is a crucial aspect of financial health. The book encourages individuals to negotiate their salaries, seek better job opportunities, or even consider entrepreneurship. Rather than fixating on distant dreams, the focus is on developing a system that includes consistent actions and habits. By earning with intention and growing with a plan, individuals can achieve financial goals while embracing the daily rituals that lead to success. The narrative around debt is reframed as a strategic tool for growth rather than a source of shame. Smart debt, used strategically, can contribute to wealth creation. Credit cards are identified as a common form of debt, and the book advises taking responsibility for debt, developing a sensible payoff plan, and negotiating better terms. The emphasis is on transforming debt reduction into a meaningful and empowering journey, strengthening mental and emotional resilience.
The overarching message of the book is that money decisions are integral moments in your life's story. Shifting your thinking, aligning resources with values, and prioritizing personal growth are key to achieving financial health and enriching all aspects of life. The author encourages readers to play the financial game by their own rules, offering a path to financial independence and a stronger, more resilient self.
February 4, 2023
Honestly, it kind of feels like, at the age of 27, I'm late in the game to finally work toward being financially literate. This book was REALLY helpful in introducing basic concepts to me in a kind, down-to-earth voice, and the analogies/illustrations were great with solidifying understanding. Also appreciated the viewpoint and life experience of a LGBTQ, BIPOC author!
Some absolute gems:
Living with trauma is like walking around with a small rock in your shoe. The most effective way of getting rid of any pain the rock is causing is to obviously take off your shoe and remove the rock. From a psychological perspective, removing the rock of trauma can take time through counseling, therapy and learning how to be mindful of what triggers your trauma.
If you don’t remove the rock, you might change how you walk in order to avoid the pain. Maybe you limp or limit the weight of your foot on one side or compensate in some other uncomfortable way. If you did this long term, there would probably be some consequences, maybe a blister or callus on your foot. Or maybe you develop an issue with your knee or hip because of how you changed your gait.
(This is a really great analogy for trauma that I didn't expect to find in a personal finance book! Mind blown :O)
~~
Wealth can represent freedom and security, but it also allows you to be financially resilient as opposed to financially fragile. When you’re financially fragile, you feel all the little economic shocks and bumps in the road. Remember, economic and financial shocks are routine, we should expect them like we expect the tides to come in. Wealth can leave us feeling like we’re able to deal with that uncertainty. Wealth gives us options and peace of mind.
As wonderful as wealth is for the individuals who amass it, their wealth can also be used to benefit communities through financing economic activism. Having wealth gives us the means to invest in the people, organizations and causes that matter to us.
~~
I plan on recommending this book to any of my students, residents, or other young people in my life who are navigating challenges with budgeting or student debt. For me, at least, personal finance was this uncharted territory shrouded in mystery that's become at least a bit clearer now. It's a really solid starting point as I now try to dig into other resources to build upon my understanding.
Some absolute gems:
Living with trauma is like walking around with a small rock in your shoe. The most effective way of getting rid of any pain the rock is causing is to obviously take off your shoe and remove the rock. From a psychological perspective, removing the rock of trauma can take time through counseling, therapy and learning how to be mindful of what triggers your trauma.
If you don’t remove the rock, you might change how you walk in order to avoid the pain. Maybe you limp or limit the weight of your foot on one side or compensate in some other uncomfortable way. If you did this long term, there would probably be some consequences, maybe a blister or callus on your foot. Or maybe you develop an issue with your knee or hip because of how you changed your gait.
(This is a really great analogy for trauma that I didn't expect to find in a personal finance book! Mind blown :O)
~~
Wealth can represent freedom and security, but it also allows you to be financially resilient as opposed to financially fragile. When you’re financially fragile, you feel all the little economic shocks and bumps in the road. Remember, economic and financial shocks are routine, we should expect them like we expect the tides to come in. Wealth can leave us feeling like we’re able to deal with that uncertainty. Wealth gives us options and peace of mind.
As wonderful as wealth is for the individuals who amass it, their wealth can also be used to benefit communities through financing economic activism. Having wealth gives us the means to invest in the people, organizations and causes that matter to us.
~~
I plan on recommending this book to any of my students, residents, or other young people in my life who are navigating challenges with budgeting or student debt. For me, at least, personal finance was this uncharted territory shrouded in mystery that's become at least a bit clearer now. It's a really solid starting point as I now try to dig into other resources to build upon my understanding.
June 17, 2024
Unfortunately, I caught a bad case of girlbossitis, became hyper-fixated on personal finance for about a month, and read four books about money in quick succession.
Fortunately for you, I am going to review them all here and tell you which ones are worth reading as a (1) queer (2) capitalist skeptic (3) woman (4) who has spent her entire life saying she hates money but really just didn't know enough and felt embarrassed and therefore made a lot of dumb financial mistakes in her twenties.
Books I read:
1. The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore
2. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
3. The Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
4. Finance For The People by Paco De Leon
Finance For The People by Paco De Leon
Pros: I loved the tone of this book - it seemed the most closely aligned with my own views of all the books I read. De Leon provides both a clear-headed critique of the various inequalities within American capitalism, while also empathetically guiding folks towards making the system as it stands work for them. I can also see this book being the least depressing for someone who is really struggling paycheck to paycheck or drowning in debt.
Cons: There are definitely moments were the advice could be more specific - a lot of people read a book like this looking for VERY clear steps (though I didn't need this, especially considering that I had read both Ramit Sethi's book and the Boglehead's investment guide alongside). Additionally, I was holding out the entire book for a section at the end on mutual aid and giving, which seems like it would have aligned really well with the author's pyramid of personal finance and the values of the rest of the book. Was disappointed not to find it, as that would have really set this book apart.
Worth reading: Yes, definitely
Read if: You are really disillusioned by the injustice of money & capitalism, but know you need to keep yourself and your money safe
Fortunately for you, I am going to review them all here and tell you which ones are worth reading as a (1) queer (2) capitalist skeptic (3) woman (4) who has spent her entire life saying she hates money but really just didn't know enough and felt embarrassed and therefore made a lot of dumb financial mistakes in her twenties.
Books I read:
1. The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore
2. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
3. The Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
4. Finance For The People by Paco De Leon
Finance For The People by Paco De Leon
Pros: I loved the tone of this book - it seemed the most closely aligned with my own views of all the books I read. De Leon provides both a clear-headed critique of the various inequalities within American capitalism, while also empathetically guiding folks towards making the system as it stands work for them. I can also see this book being the least depressing for someone who is really struggling paycheck to paycheck or drowning in debt.
Cons: There are definitely moments were the advice could be more specific - a lot of people read a book like this looking for VERY clear steps (though I didn't need this, especially considering that I had read both Ramit Sethi's book and the Boglehead's investment guide alongside). Additionally, I was holding out the entire book for a section at the end on mutual aid and giving, which seems like it would have aligned really well with the author's pyramid of personal finance and the values of the rest of the book. Was disappointed not to find it, as that would have really set this book apart.
Worth reading: Yes, definitely
Read if: You are really disillusioned by the injustice of money & capitalism, but know you need to keep yourself and your money safe
January 14, 2025
Paco De Leon's Finance for the People really is a book designed to speak to the people. That means you. Especially if you're in the beginning to middle stages of your financial health journey, this book mixes humor, empathy, and action to help move you forward in an easy-to-understand way.
As I've been working towards financial health over the last few years, this book was more so a validation that I'm on the right path. However I took one idea from the book that I feel made a major impact in my perspective and action plan.
De Leon talked about how creating a "budget" is very limiting, and that a better approach is to create a Spending Plan, putting your spending into major categories like "saving", "essentials", and "fun". That gives you room for flexibility.
That sparked me to create an "Ideal spending plan". I wanted to see where I ideally want to be so I could understand what steps I needed to take to get there. This took me out of the victim mindset of "I can't afford xyz" into "If I do xyz, I will without a doubt get there". For example, right now, I don't have the finances to publish a book that I've written. But the ideal spending plan brought to light that if I pick up a side gig, I could save enough for this one-time payment in the next year.
The ideal spending plan also allowed me to see what an ideal salary would look like. So instead of coming up with a random number because it looked pretty, I now have a strong visual of what I need to be successful, and how I can get there. What's more, I saw that that number is way less of a stretch than I initially thought, and that I'm actually making my current state work really well.
Finance is about patience, determination, and consistency. It's not about luck. If you stay consistent on your spending habits, are determined to reach your goals, and are willing to wait for it, you've built a formula for nearly inevitable success.
As I've been working towards financial health over the last few years, this book was more so a validation that I'm on the right path. However I took one idea from the book that I feel made a major impact in my perspective and action plan.
De Leon talked about how creating a "budget" is very limiting, and that a better approach is to create a Spending Plan, putting your spending into major categories like "saving", "essentials", and "fun". That gives you room for flexibility.
That sparked me to create an "Ideal spending plan". I wanted to see where I ideally want to be so I could understand what steps I needed to take to get there. This took me out of the victim mindset of "I can't afford xyz" into "If I do xyz, I will without a doubt get there". For example, right now, I don't have the finances to publish a book that I've written. But the ideal spending plan brought to light that if I pick up a side gig, I could save enough for this one-time payment in the next year.
The ideal spending plan also allowed me to see what an ideal salary would look like. So instead of coming up with a random number because it looked pretty, I now have a strong visual of what I need to be successful, and how I can get there. What's more, I saw that that number is way less of a stretch than I initially thought, and that I'm actually making my current state work really well.
Finance is about patience, determination, and consistency. It's not about luck. If you stay consistent on your spending habits, are determined to reach your goals, and are willing to wait for it, you've built a formula for nearly inevitable success.
January 1, 2023
"Wealth isn't what you spend, it's what you own."
The basics of personal finance in layman, interesting finance-related anecdotes, everyday analogies, practicable tips; benefits most those who are not around a finance savvy family, and those who know meager about wisely handling their own money.
I personally had a go at this because I heard the author in a podcast interview. My intention was to pick something up about investing and insurance. As mentioned earlier, it brushes up only on the basics. The first part discusses people's disparate attitudes toward money, and the rest the concrete finance ideas where I found more value. Despite having US as its setting, general lessons can be distilled from the situations shared. The Filipino youth needs this knowledge.
Some lines that made my bookmark:
The basics of personal finance in layman, interesting finance-related anecdotes, everyday analogies, practicable tips; benefits most those who are not around a finance savvy family, and those who know meager about wisely handling their own money.
I personally had a go at this because I heard the author in a podcast interview. My intention was to pick something up about investing and insurance. As mentioned earlier, it brushes up only on the basics. The first part discusses people's disparate attitudes toward money, and the rest the concrete finance ideas where I found more value. Despite having US as its setting, general lessons can be distilled from the situations shared. The Filipino youth needs this knowledge.
Some lines that made my bookmark:
When we emphasize ways to reduce spending over finding ways to expand income, we are choosing to think in terms of scarcity instead of abundance. This can result in locking your mind into believing that earnings are fixed; that it is determined by someone else and that you have no control over it... [B]egin to entertain the possibility that you can absolutely negotiate a pay raise, find a job that pays more or create your own employment.
When you're truly wealthy, your financial security doesn't depend solely on the income you get from a paycheck. This is what independent means in the term "financially independent." Your financial security is independent of a paycheck from a job. When you're genuinely wealthy, earning money isn't dependent on working. The whole point of saving and investing is this idea that at some tipping point, your income will actually come from your wealth instead of your wealth being built by your income.
December 30, 2022
Paco de Leon makes a convincing case to get your financial house in order through this fun, illustrated read. She offers a pyramid with building blocks with labels such as "emergency fund", "investing", and various other milestones one can hit. Though, she says, these don't need to be done in order--it's more likely that we're able to cross out the ones we're already succeeding at doing and taking steps regarding the other building blocks!
Her particular angle is both conversational and honest. Money is a topic that I think she and I both agree should be discussed more, but she also highlights that financial realities are different for everyone not just because of class, but because of race, sex, and other components that make up our lives and affect our income, generational wealth, and aversion to risk.
I partook in quite a few of her questions and activities at the end of each chapter, particularly the ones that suggested the reader delve deeper into our financial insecurities by asking ourselves how we learned about money and what narratives we grew up with that might still be affecting us. On a personal note, I was able to determine more clearly that my frequent oscillation between spending and saving is perhaps to do with the threat of enjoyment-that-costs-money could and would be taken away by job loss, investment downturns, or other societal or familial crises. Acknowledging this in direct regards to how I conduct myself now means that I can take a better look at how I feel guilt and shame with respect to money and can now formulate better, longer-lasting habits.
All this being said, de Leon's book should be a foundational one for we millennials.
Her particular angle is both conversational and honest. Money is a topic that I think she and I both agree should be discussed more, but she also highlights that financial realities are different for everyone not just because of class, but because of race, sex, and other components that make up our lives and affect our income, generational wealth, and aversion to risk.
I partook in quite a few of her questions and activities at the end of each chapter, particularly the ones that suggested the reader delve deeper into our financial insecurities by asking ourselves how we learned about money and what narratives we grew up with that might still be affecting us. On a personal note, I was able to determine more clearly that my frequent oscillation between spending and saving is perhaps to do with the threat of enjoyment-that-costs-money could and would be taken away by job loss, investment downturns, or other societal or familial crises. Acknowledging this in direct regards to how I conduct myself now means that I can take a better look at how I feel guilt and shame with respect to money and can now formulate better, longer-lasting habits.
All this being said, de Leon's book should be a foundational one for we millennials.
July 20, 2022
I'd been hunting for a book on beginning finance that I could discuss with teens/tweens, and this one hit all the boxes. It went beyond the "Save, Spend, Share" model they give to preschoolers, and it didn't go full insane capitalist like suggesting elementary school aged kids rent out the family tool shed in the backyard (to whom?! storing what?!). Paco de Leon boils down everything into simple, modern, language. There are even fun comics on the side! With both of those tools, de Leon can explain how the system works, how the system might be unethical/screw you over (perfect for teens who want it "real"), and how you can use the system as morally as you can. Besides morality, she also recognizes and incorporates how emotions play a role in financial decisions. Whether or not you find it too woo woo depends on what you think of gratitude exercises or mindfulness/meditation.
Young adults would probably get more out of the book, especially the later chapters that cover things like student debt and insurance policies, but I don't think that would necessarily scare off the teens. Besides, this book is one of those books you read for a bit and then come back to later as your life circumstances change. Definitely a keeper.
Young adults would probably get more out of the book, especially the later chapters that cover things like student debt and insurance policies, but I don't think that would necessarily scare off the teens. Besides, this book is one of those books you read for a bit and then come back to later as your life circumstances change. Definitely a keeper.
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