The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life

Three things I liked in this book 1. Simplifies Financial planning like index funds , no Debt 4% savin etc rather than making thing complex 2. Author share Personal examples and research well. Trinity research on 4% was an interesting share . 3. Usage of metaphors was fascinating e.g leeches for Debt I am grateful to Mr Collins for writing this book🙏 Highly recommended.

Simple idea for people who has full time job and want financial freedom. You dont need to complicated much, keep it simple index fund style investing

This book teaches how financial independence can be simple to achieve and the change really begins with us. Thank you JL!

This book helps you avoid pitfalls of choosing mutual funds where you pay expense charges of 1.5 percent sometimes more.

Discusses how to build wealth over long term.

A really outstanding and simple path to achieving financial independence the old fashion way by living below one's means, saving regularly, planning for having 'f--- you money" and having patience and determination to stay on the path. JL Collins is a persuasive writer simply because he tells his own story and has taken the time and energy to listen to and synthesize all the feedback he's gotten over the years. Financial independence is a way to take charge of your destiny by not having to depend on a paycheck and thus having the ability to do what you enjoy at the end. Read his companion book, "The Pathfinders" first to read stories of people who followed the path outlined in this book and succeeded. If that speaks to you, read this book. You'll be thankful.

I was searching for perpetual withdrawal rate and information about drawdowns but couldn’t find it in this book. No word about the bucket strategy for withdrawals either.

The points about no debt, high savings and buy index funds are obvious and very basic. Some chapters are US centric . He mentions the market always goes up. But what he does not mention is there have been periods where it took a considerable time to recover to its highest value when it went down (1929-1954 , 25 years for the US , and 2000-2015 15 years for the Nasdaq. For the Japanese index it was 35 years (1989 to 2024). The probability of this is low , Always is true, but 'always' can mean a long wait.

What an easy and interesting read this is. It's written in an extremely accessible style that truly anyone can understand, with really good advice. I purchased this book for my kindle at a discount but I would gladly have paid full price for it.

5/5

Review: The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins JL Collins’ The Simple Path to Wealth is an invaluable guide for anyone looking to take control of their finances, build long-term wealth, and ultimately achieve financial independence. Written in a refreshingly straightforward and no-nonsense style, Collins distills complex financial concepts into practical, actionable advice that readers can easily grasp, regardless of their experience with investing or personal finance. The core message of the book is simple yet powerful: live below your means, invest in broad-based index funds (specifically, Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index Fund), and let time and compounding do the heavy lifting. Collins is a strong advocate for what he terms "F-You Money," a concept that focuses on building wealth not just for the sake of luxury, but for the financial freedom to live life on your own terms. One of the book's greatest strengths is its clarity. Collins takes the intimidation out of investing by avoiding unnecessary jargon and presenting his advice in a conversational tone. For instance, he compares investing to owning "your own little business" in the stock market, where you focus on the big picture rather than getting caught up in day-to-day fluctuations. He advocates for simplicity—passive investing in low-cost index funds—and emphasizes the importance of keeping investment fees low to maximize long-term returns. In addition to his investment philosophy, Collins also addresses key financial principles such as avoiding debt, building an emergency fund, and understanding the power of financial independence. His advice is deeply rooted in personal experience, and he shares his own journey with readers in a way that feels relatable and inspiring. Though some seasoned investors might find the content familiar, the book's appeal lies in its accessibility. Collins strips away the complexity often associated with investing, making it clear that wealth-building doesn't require fancy strategies or insider knowledge—just consistency, patience, and discipline. However, one potential drawback is that the book’s investment strategy focuses heavily on the U.S. market, which may feel limiting to international readers. Collins acknowledges this but stays true to his message of simplicity, which some may see as a strength rather than a flaw. In conclusion, The Simple Path to Wealth is an excellent resource for both beginner and intermediate investors. It's especially suited for those looking to develop a solid, long-term financial plan without getting bogged down by the technical details that often overwhelm novice investors. Collins’ simple, effective, and time-tested approach makes this book a must-read for anyone serious about achieving financial independence and living life on their terms.

Simplement le meilleur livre sur le sujet de la finance/investissement personnel. Si vous devez acheter un livre c’est celui là.

Great book!