Findependence Day

I just got back from vacation this week and had to make a comment about how much I enjoyed reading Findependence Day.

We were on a Caribbean cruise with constant activities but I found myself hoping for some quiet time so I could find out what happened to Jamie and Sheena.

Jon certainly has a great talent for creating an engrossing novel - something that I am sure I could not do (I am a non-fiction author - Smoke and Mirrors and Enough Bull). I wish there were more books like this that educate people in an entertaining way about the vital subject of personal finances. As Jon and I both agree, getting ahead financially is not brain surgery - don't spend more than you make (I love Jon's term "guerrilla frugality"), stay out of credit card debt, buy a home and pay it off, and don't invest in things you don't understand.

I will be recommending this book to all the people I know who could benefit and I'll put a link to it under the recommended reading section of my website.

Great work Jon!

Jon has written a book that is engaging, informative and thought-provoking. This story powerfully illustrates the value of seeking good professional advice and the importance of financial planning to reach life goals. The book's story - through its characters - also underscored how important it is to continually clarify your life goals; to reflect and communicate (especially with life partners!) as one navigates the myriad of changes and choices over one's lifetime. As a professional work-life coach (and disclosure: a communicator involved in the financial planning industry) I felt those two points wrap up beautifully in a story that engages, provokes and motivates one to ask all kinds of important questions. It's an easy read - with great lessons. I'd say go for it!!

I am not a fan of financial books such as the Wealthy Barber and the like. But the title, Findependence Day, caught my eye and I decided to nail my hide to the couch and read it. Surprise!

Mr. Chevreau has inked an engaging read that is both entertaining and educational. His articulate writing style draws on his many years as a mainstream financial columnist, on his personal experiences, and from the wealth of information he has gleaned from his many contributors and supporters.

Far from the usual slew of light-weight financial fiction, Findependence Day is full of anecdotes, wise financial advice, and top notch financial reference material that can be adopted and applied to help every reader reach his or her own Findependence Day.

Do I recommend this book? Without hesitation.

I loved reading a book that laid out many of the underlying effective financial strategies in a manner that will keep even those who aren't nerds like me, gleefully turning the pages to see, and learn, what's next. For me Jonathan's Findependence Day not only covered the finances but added lots of fun - including references to other personal interests of mine like 60's music and bridge.

As a portfolio manager,I write a monthly newsletter to my clients. In the January issue,I strongly recommended Chevreaus book . As a financial writer Chevreau has always been critical of abusive sales practices and the high cost of investing with mutual funds. Findependence Day is a financial novel about a young couple grappling with the issues of retirement planning from their 20s to mid 40s. Its particularly useful for individuals in that age bracket, especially if they would not otherwise read a book on investing . I recommended it to my cousins recently married children. There is lots of advice for seasoned investors as well including current info on TFSAs(tax free savings accounts)

I read a ton of financial self-help books, and each usually yields a few nuggets of information. Findependence Day delivers in the same way, but what sets the book apart is the style of writing – it’s an easy read, and the protagonists come across as legitimate “every day people” who have real life challenges. These characters don’t always have it easy, and reading how they navigated out of their financial and familial potholes was compelling. At a more practical level, the book also has an index of other financial tip books at the back. While many of these books disappoint, this one is worth the price of admission.

By inserting a wealth of financial information in a novel format Jonathan Chevreau has provided readers with a blueprint for managing their finances including the new Tax Free Saving Accounts. It explains various options for investment and debt management. The novel format takes what can be dry material and makes it much more digestible. I was engaged by the characters in the book.
I heartily recommend this book to everyone no matter what stage of life you are at. Enjoy.

I saw a review for this prior to Christmas on Money-Talk and thought I'd pick up a couple copies as stocking-stuffers for my siblings who have seemed to avoid the topic of personal finance thus far into their early adult lives. After thumbing through the book and finding myself deep into the third chapter already, I decided to keep a copy for myself.

Suffice to say it was hard to put down over the holidays; an easy read, with an enjoyable story and cast of characters. Although I'm a designated accountant, and someone who typically steers clear from fiction, it was nice to see financial instruments and planning presented this way over a couples lifespan and would highly recommend this for anyone who is interested in righting their financial ship. A great introduction for those with limited knowledge of anything to do with finance, but even someone with a financial background will take little gems away from this. Give it a try!

I knew Jon took time off his beloved bridge game to write this novel but I never expected that as his teacher I would be the student, not only learning so much about investments but what a great story teller. This book is for EVERYONE with a goal for Findeendance Day as it weaves in so much information with 3 dimesional characters who struggle, love, fight, resolve and celebrate. It is a PERFECT holiday gift for we baby boomers and for younger ones who need to think more about their future financial security and independence. BRAVO Jon!

I knew Jon took time off his beloved bridge game to write this novel but I never expected that as his teacher I would be the student, not only learning so much about investments but what a great story teller. This book is for EVERYONE with a goal for Findeendance Day as it weaves in so much information with 3 dimesional characters who struggle, love, fight, resolve and celebrate. It is a PERFECT holiday gift for we baby boomers and for younger ones who need to think more about their future financial security and independence. BRAVO Jon!

I'm Jonathan's wife - and I have to tell you, I think lots of young people just starting their financial journey, engaged couples, high school students taking the Grade 11 Personal Finance Math course in Ontario schools and many, many others will enjoy this fun read - and will learn something about the steps they could take to achieve financial independence too.