This is a very important book. The work that Tori Dunlap is doing is essential. It had undoubtedly changed my life. 

One of the most uncomfortable things in the whole world to talk about — money — and she addresses it head on. Pulls no punches. And stands by what she believes in. 

If anyone is looking to understand their finances, to set themselves up for success, to make a plan for their future, read this book. If anyone thinks they know what they’re doing, thinks they have it all figured out, read this book. If anyone is too scared to start at all, has no idea where to start, start by reading this book. 

Years ago, I decided I was going to learn what finances were all about. The biggest thing I learned? It’s not all that hard. It’s actually quite simple. 

The trick is that the finance bros have created their own language to define and discuss this stuff and because you don’t know the lingo, they tell you that you don’t know how to do it at all. Not true. If there is anything to take from this book, it’s that you really can understand all this money stuff. 

Tori articulates this by saying that finances are a skill, and like any other skill, it can be learned, with patience and attention. It’s not a natural talent you’re born with. It’s simply something new to learn. 

I’ve listened to and followed Tori Dunlap’s work for years and she has always been consistent in her messaging. What makes her book so great is that it’s more of a workbook. There are activities and homework, things for you to think about and address in your own life and in your thinking. 

If you want to understand your money problems, you have to understand how you got to where you are in the first place. That in itself is almost singular to Tori’s teachings — or at least the movement in financial wellness of which she is a part. 

The biggest name in financial advice is Dave Ramsey. The problem with Dave is that he kind of has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to helping other people solve their financial troubles. He knows money because he has money. He isn’t starting in the same place. It’s like a fish teaching you to swim. 

Dave owns eight homes. Recently, on his podcast, Dave said that he doesn’t own them — God does — and he just manages them. 

But who’s profiting? And I’m supposed to take advice from him? This guy and I don’t live in the same reality. 

On that note, Tori Dunlap is a millionaire. Her parents were well off enough and through the advice and assistance they gave her all her life, she was able to save $100k by 25. This is not the reality for most Americans. And certainly not for most of the world. 

The difference between Tori Dunlap and Dave Ramsey is that Tori recognizes this. It is a small shift, but quite significant in terms of assisting others. Tori recognizes that she hasn’t had to deal with things that a lot of other people have. 

This book of hers is littered with thoughts, advice, experience, and testimonials of people who understand things that Tori herself never could. This is an important thing to see from anyone who’s going to give advice — the recognition that their lived experience is different than your lived experience. If they can see that, they can see that you’ll have to proceed differently than they did. 

Finance isn’t a one size fits all journey. 

This is another important point Tori makes. You have to do what makes the most sense for you. And that may change over time. You may have to change what you do many times over as you go through life. 

This goes into my favorite piece of advice from Tori in all the years I’ve followed her — The Money Date. 

Once a month you go over all of your finances. Everything you’ve purchased. All your subscriptions. Especially all your credit card statements; ensure the purchases were intentional, that there were no double purchases, that you have no lingering subscriptions that you forgot to cancel. 

In addition, and this is how I got my finances under control and paid off my own credit card debt, write out all the information from your credit card that you avoid. What’s the total limit and what’s your current balance. What’s the APR (that percentage you ignore because you don’t know what it means) and what’s your current interest payment (what that APR will mean for you).

This is how you find out how much money you’re losing to the bank every month and how long it’ll take to get to zero. This part is the mental shift that the Money Date helps you achieve: it’s your money and by not knowing how to manage it, you’re giving it away to people who need it far less than you. 

By knowing what you’re doing with your money, you gain more control over your life. 

This book is a game changer. It’s the best advice I’ve seen on what it means to take control of your finances and create the life you want on purpose. And isn’t that what we all want?