Writing this book was an immensely challenging but joyful experience. It took me over 2,800 hours to write and there is absolutely no way I could have done it without so much support, guidance, and love from so many.
First, to all of the Millennial Money readers and podcast listeners around the world, your questions, challenges, loyalty, inspiration, and support are beyond description.
To Vicki Robin, whose book Your Money or Your Life changed my life in August 2010. I’m so grateful for your guidance, wisdom, edits, and friendship over the past several years. I look forward to continuing to work with you to make financial independence available to all.
To my literary agents, Margret McBride and Faye Atchison, out in Cali. Thank you for being in my corner and always bringing the laughs and the good vibes. Thank you for believing in me. I’m so excited to be on this journey with you both.
To my editor, Caroline Sutton, for believing in my mission to share this path and message with the world, and then challenging me to become a real writer. Thank you for your patience and pushing me to go further. Thank you for giving me a shot and making this dream come to life.
To Brooke Carey, who taught me how to weave ideas into a book that anyone can follow. I couldn’t imagine a better partner to be in the writing trenches with. It was magic.
To Kathleen Elkins of CNBC for first sharing my story and igniting the opportunity to share it with so many people around the world.
To all the amazing early readers who provided feedback and wise counsel. Chris Durheim (aka Keep Thrifty), who helped make sure all my calculations were correct and geeking out with me. J. P. Livingston who is brilliant and so much fun to talk about money with. To Marty Van Der Werf, who was my first manager and mentor and taught me how to write. To Emily Woodrow, for all of your editing and support over the years. To Drew (Guy on FIRE) for your close read and feedback. And Jacob Mazzarella for your thoughtful feedback.
To Matt Zubricki. Thank you for spending so many hours talking about money and believing in this message. I’m stoked to continue our 10,000 conversation.
To all of the amazing personal finance and money bloggers who’ve taught and supported me—so many of whom I’m grateful to now call my friends. J. D. Roth for starting my obsession with personal finance with his blog Get Rich Slowly; J. Money who created such an amazing community; Sam Dogan (Financial Samurai) for being such an incredible blogger and setting the bar so high; Bobby Hoyt (aka Millennial Money Man); Erin Lowry (aka Broke Millennial); Brandon (Mad Fientist); Farnoosh Torabi; Robert Farrington (The College Investor), whose offer to buy Millennial Money kicked me into high gear; Phillip Taylor and the whole FinCon fam; and Steve (Think Save Retire) and John (ESI Money) for all of your support.
To my talent agent, Adam Kirschner, who is helping me spread this message around the world.
To Dave Berg for teaching me how to sell and for your friendship.
To Tim Westerbeck and David Mulligan for teaching me how to be an entrepreneur.
To the Harold Washington Chicago Public Library, where I wrote most of this book on the eighth and ninth floors. Thank you for giving me a free space to create and think. Support your libraries!
To my longtime and forever homies, Nick Hurwit, Brice Hutchings, and Zak Kirchner. You are the best friends any guy could ever hope for.
To my mom and dad for always believing in me and for working so hard to give me a good life.
And to my partner, Erin, who has the most beautiful mind and heart of anyone I’ve ever known. Thank you for teaching me that social capital is a thing and waking me up to the world.