Book Review: The Book of Wealth by Brian Kim

In the expansive landscape of books on money and personal finance, The Book of Wealth: 10 Steps To Financial Freedom offers a concise, actionable guide for those beginning their journey to financial independence.

The book, described by its publisher as a 10-step blueprint to building lasting wealth without guesswork, aims to provide clear instructions and encouragement. For readers looking to take control of their financial future, this short, straightforward book promises a high-level overview of essential steps, focusing on informed decisions and disciplined habits.

Who is Brian Kim?

Brian Kim is the author of The Book of Wealth and is known to many readers through his work as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and business owner. He runs a successful YouTube channel, ClearValue Tax, where he provides insights on investing, building wealth, and financial updates. His background as a CPA suggests a foundation in tax and business principles, informing the practical advice he shares with those learning about money.

Lessons from the Book

The central lessons in The Book of Wealth are distilled into ten actionable steps, aligning with many core principles of personal finance that lead to financial freedom. These lessons typically revolve around:

• Mindset and Goal Setting: Defining what financial freedom means to the individual and setting clear financial goals that are specific and measurable.
• Budgeting and Cash Flow: Understanding one’s current financial situation, creating a realistic budget, and practicing the habit of living below your means. Popular budgeting apps can simplify tracking expenses, which is critical for maintaining this discipline.
• Debt and Savings: The necessity of eliminating debt and securing an emergency fund to cover essential expenses in case of unexpected events.
• Investing: The importance of starting investing early. This often involves making your money work for you, a key principle that underpins the advice to invest excess money in diversified, low-cost options like the S&P 500.
• Financial Education and Discipline: Prioritizing continuous learning about finance and automating savings and investments to ensure consistency.

Criticisms of the Book

While the book is praised for being simple and straightforward with “no fillers or pointless info,” its brevity and high-level structure can be a point of criticism. Some readers may find the advice, which focuses on core principles like budgeting, saving, and avoiding overspending, to be common knowledge.

Those who are already well on the path to financial independence or who have read other foundational books on money, such as The Simple Path to Wealth, may not find many revolutionary or tangible new ideas.

Its conciseness means it may not delve into the complex details of advanced investing strategies or tax laws, potentially requiring a reader to consult a financial advisor or conduct further research on topics like deep-dive stock analysis or real estate.

Should You Buy It?

The Book of Wealth appears to be an excellent starting point for a novice seeking to learn more about money. If you are just starting your financial journey, or are looking for a highly digestible, easy-to-follow guide that quickly outlines the essentials, this book is likely a worthwhile purchase.

The strong connection to the author’s popular financial content makes it a natural progression for his audience. If you are an experienced investor, or someone who is already highly disciplined with saving and investing in a nest egg like the S&P 500, the book may feel too introductory, and your time might be better spent on more advanced texts.

Final Thoughts

Brian Kim’s The Book of Wealth: 10 Steps To Financial Freedom is a compact and practical resource. It reinforces fundamental concepts (like the importance of a clear plan, consistent effort, and a disciplined budget) that align well with the philosophy of frugal living and long-term index investing.

By providing a 10-step roadmap, the book makes the sometimes-intimidating journey to financial freedom seem achievable.