Dated. Good for SUPER beginners. Essentially says, "pay yourself first". 10% or more, and then find a good investment vehicle for it.

The dialogue is annoying, (in the Rich Dad vein) but the points are viable. It is very similar to the millionaire next door, in that it makes the case for a simple, steady plan that the everyday man can accomplish. It is not a detail oriented book, as much as a concept book.

thx todd, very educational lol

Some good info but a lot of it is outdated. Did not like that it was framed as a novel. Pretty cringey at times.

The Wealthy Barber is a Canadian classic I've finally got around to reading. The core concepts are fantastic, however with time some of the assumptions of the 35-year-old book have started to show their age (20% GIC? I wish). Despite this, it remains a good read for anyone looking to learn more about financial literacy presented in an interesting way.

David Chilton uses the idea of facts being laced into fictional story. If you don't wanna read it, I can summarize it as such: Save 10% of each paycheck before anything else to be compounded, and then max out your RRSP. While there is more nuance than just that, it does the trick.

I like to think I'm a halfway intelligent human being, but an understanding of the financial world has evaded me for longer than I would have liked. I cringe at government paperwork, nod and agree with suggestions at bank meetings, and hand over bank statements to my more money-savvy wife. My brother, an accountant, has tried to break down some key facts for me, but it's always come out as too jargon-filled or has made it seem like excessive effort would be required. The eldritch and arcane world of finance just didn't seem like anything I'd ever master.

I might have continued along with my financial ignorance were it not for my pediatric mentor handing me the slim volume and proclaiming that it had changed his life. The guy hasn't let me down with much before, and I figured another swing wouldn't hurt my chances at understanding what goes on with my bank account.

Happily, I can report that David Chilton's Canadian classic, The Wealthy Barber, has done what financial lectures, slide shows, and personal experience would never have provided: understanding.

Chilton houses financial advice in a surprisingly charming, easy-to-understand, and less than 200 page package. The book distills complex concepts into financial suggestions that are relatively simple to follow. The Wealthy Barber adopts the schtick that three individuals in different financial situations seek advice from a wily, funny, and affluent hair man. I worried that the dialogue and concept would end up being gimmicky and fail to deliver the info I so sorely needed. Not so, as Chilton does a good job of making the dialogue cute and the problems facing our trio relatable.

I couldn't have told you my approach to a mortgage, how to properly handle debt, or an approach to creating a retirement fund before reading this book, but I'd gone through the motions of getting it all done. The Wealthy Barber makes me cringe at some decisions, but also makes me happy to do better in the future through more informed decision making. Though the book is in many ways dated (the LOLs: $15 000 for post-secondary education is considered a reasonable estimate), the principles are sound and applicable with a little updating.

Definitely a useful and surprisingly readable book.

The advice in the books holds up well given it’s age. It’s almost comical reading about spending 50,000 to 80,000 on a house. Worth the read if you want a simple framework for managing your wealth.

I think this is such an important book for those that are interested in learning (in relatively simple language) how to take control of your financial planning for the future and present. Covering topics of how to save/budget, tax planning, retirement accounts and what you need to retire, investment options, debt, etc. These key principles that are discussed are in a conversational manner where it is easy to follow and grasp the concepts. Personally, I have a background in finance so it was a nice refresher to the concepts and accounts, however the tips and tricks provided by 'the wealthy barber' are relevant to this timeframe in my life. I would recommend this to those that have little knowledge or would like to increase their understanding on personal finance as it is a good reference for each reader to go forward and do their own research into their personal financial situation.

Blerg. A useful summary of financial planning liberally wrapped in a sugary
confection of trite, cheesy, misogynistically conservative nonsense that made it a fast but unpalatable read.

Most of the information here are only useful if you're a complete novice, and live in the US. And even if you are, you're better off watching Graham Stephan's videos on YouTube.
However, if you're not financially illiterate, and do not live in the US, then I'd recommend that you look for another personal finance book to read.

This booked KICKED BUTT! This has given lots of very realistic, easy tips on financial planning. It is written in a very witty way, almost as a story about 4 guys just chatting, which makes it easy to follow.

extremely saccharine dialogue but good advice in between