Book Review: Just Keep Buying by Nick Maggiulli

Nick Maggiulli’s Just Keep Buying has become a favorite among personal finance readers looking for a clear, data-driven guide to saving and investing. It’s a book that aims to simplify financial decision-making and debunk some common money myths along the way.

For anyone trying to figure out how to balance saving for the future with enjoying the present, Maggiulli offers practical strategies rooted in behavioral science and real-world data.

Who is Nick Maggiulli?

Nick Maggiulli is the Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth Management, a financial advisory firm, and the creator of the popular blog Of Dollars and Data. With a background in data analytics and a keen understanding of behavioral finance, Maggiulli brings a refreshing voice to the world of personal finance. His writing is known for cutting through financial noise with clarity and logic, and he focuses on helping everyday readers make smarter choices with their money.

Lessons from Just Keep Buying

The book’s title captures its core message: consistent investing is more powerful than trying to time the market. But Maggiulli doesn’t stop there. Here are a few of the most important takeaways:

Save What You Can, When You Can

Just Keep Buying challenges the common advice to save a fixed percentage of your income. Instead, he suggests a more flexible approach—saving more during high-earning years and giving yourself grace during leaner times. This reflects the reality of modern careers, where income can fluctuate over time.

Don’t Wait to Invest

Many people delay investing because they feel they need to “learn more” or wait for the “right time.” Maggiulli shows that investing early and consistently—particularly in low-cost index funds like the S&P 500—leads to better results than waiting for the perfect moment.

Buying Beats Renting (Sometimes)

One of the more controversial chapters explores the rent vs. buy debate. Maggiulli doesn’t automatically recommend buying a home. He weighs the costs, flexibility, and opportunity costs involved in both options, encouraging readers to run the numbers for themselves.

Homeownership is a personal decision that requires more consideration than if it’s a just a good financial decision or not.

The Power of Automation

Automating your saving and investing decisions removes the emotional friction that leads to inaction. Just Keep Buying encourages readers to set up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account, contribute to retirement plans, and invest in the market without needing to think about it every week.

Spend on What Matters

Just Keep Buying doesn’t preach extreme frugality. Instead, it encourages spending on things that truly improve your life while cutting back ruthlessly on what doesn’t. It’s a balanced approach that fits with the idea of mindful living, not just penny-pinching.

Criticisms of the Book

While Just Keep Buying is packed with useful insights, it isn’t without its drawbacks:

• Data-first tone: Some readers may find the book too analytical or lacking in emotional resonance. Maggiulli’s reliance on data is one of his strengths, but it might not connect with readers who prefer personal stories or motivational anecdotes.
• Limited advice for late starters: Readers who discover Just Keep Buying later in life may find that some of the investing strategies are more geared toward younger audiences with longer time horizons.
• Not a comprehensive budget guide: While the book touches on spending and saving, it doesn’t dive deeply into day-to-day budgeting techniques. Readers looking for step-by-step help with tracking expenses may need to pair this with a budgeting app or a more hands-on book about managing monthly finances.

Why This Book?

Just Keep Buying is especially valuable because it addresses the two biggest questions in personal finance: When should I save? and When should I invest? Maggiulli doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all answers, but he does provide a framework for thinking through these decisions in a rational way.

His emphasis on long-term investing in the S&P 500, using high-yield savings accounts for short-term goals, and not overcomplicating your finances aligns closely with the principles we recommend.

Just Keep Buying is ideal for readers who want a grounded, realistic, and data-backed approach to money—without the hype or fear-mongering often found in financial media.

Final Thoughts

Just Keep Buying is a strong addition to any personal finance library. It’s especially helpful for readers who want to understand the “why” behind their financial choices and are tired of vague advice that doesn’t apply to real life. Whether you’re just starting out, saving for retirement, or somewhere in between, this book offers a clear and calm path forward.

If you’re looking for a book that complements the frugal, long-term mindset of financial independence, Maggiulli’s work is worth your time. It’s not about chasing perfection—it’s about making consistent, smart decisions with your money. And sometimes, the smartest move really is to just keep buying.