Financial Independence Resources
Introduction
When I first started my journey toward financial independence, I didn’t have a clear roadmap, just a deep desire for freedom and a belief that life could be lived with greater purpose and intention. Along the way, I discovered mentors and ideas that reshaped not only how I viewed money, but how I approached life itself. These resources didn’t just teach me about investing or budgeting; they taught me about habits, discipline, mindset, relationships, and the power of simplicity.
At Simpli-FI.money, our mission is to teach the foundations of financial literacy — the principles and habits that create lasting financial stability. We focus on helping people master the core behaviors that build wealth over time: saving intentionally, investing consistently, and living with purpose. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Financial Freedom and Financial Independence, the following resources are a great place to start.
Each of the books, podcasts, and websites below has played a meaningful role in shaping both my personal path and the Simpli-FI.money approach. They’ve influenced how I coach, how I live, and how I define success. I’ve handpicked them because they represent the best of what I’ve learned; wisdom that can help anyone build not only wealth, but a life of balance and fulfillment.
Full Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means Simpli-FI.money may earn a small commission — at no cost to you — if you decide to purchase through them. This is the only page on our website that includes affiliate links, and every recommendation here is based solely on personal experience and belief in the value these resources provide.
1. ChooseFI Podcast, Website & Community
Authors / Hosts: Brad Barrett & Jonathan Mendonsa
Summary: ChooseFI is one of the most influential podcasts and communities in the Financial Independence space. Brad and Jonathan (now just Brad) break down actionable strategies for optimizing spending, investing, and life design, all while interviewing real people who’ve achieved FI. The ChooseFI community expands these conversations with interactive tools and group support. I strongly recommend joining the ChooseFI Community App created by Jonathan, who now focuses mostly on building out this app vice hosting the Podcast. You might actually find Coach Holdren contributing to some of the public forums in the ChooseFI Community App!
Link: choosefi.com
2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Author: Robert Kiyosaki
Summary: This classic challenges conventional beliefs about income, work, and education. Kiyosaki contrasts two financial mindsets: one focused on earning a paycheck, and one focused on building assets that produce cash flow. It’s essential reading for anyone transitioning from employee to investor thinking. This book completely reshaped the way Coach Holdren views money. This is perhaps THE BEST book on teaching financial literacy and will open your eyes to how money actually operates.
Author Website: richdad.com
Amazon Link: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
3. The Simple Path to Wealth
Author: JL Collins
Summary: JL Collins simplifies investing into clear, practical steps centered on low-cost index funds, financial discipline, and a minimalist lifestyle. His tone is conversational yet deeply insightful, making this a must-read for anyone who wants to grow wealth without complexity. If you want to learn the simplest way to invest with the highest probability of beating 80-90% of professional investors, this is the ONE book for you.
Author Website: jlcollinsnh.com
Amazon Link: The Simple Path to Wealth
4. Think and Grow Rich
Author: Napoleon Hill
Summary: Written in the 1930s but timeless in its insights, Hill’s book focuses on the mindset required for success: clarity of purpose, persistence, cooperating with others, and the power of belief. Though not strictly about finance, it teaches the mental framework that underpins all long-term achievement. Coach Holdren first read this book in the late 1980’s when he was a 2nd Lieutenant and has been recommending this book for over 40 years!
Author Website: napoleonhillfoundation.org
Amazon Link: Think and Grow Rich
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People
Author: Dale Carnegie
Summary: Carnegie’s classic highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and human connection in achieving success. Building strong, positive relationships can open doors and create opportunities far beyond what money alone can do. It’s an indispensable companion for anyone serious about personal growth.
Author Website: dalecarnegie.com
Amazon Link: How to Win Friends and Influence People
6. Atomic Habits
Author: James Clear
Summary: Financial freedom is built on consistent daily actions — and Atomic Habits is the definitive guide to forming them. James’ personal story of how he overcame a personal catastrophic event in his life through focused effort on building lasting habits is powerful. He clearly explains how small, incremental improvements compound into massive long-term gains. This is Coach Holdren’s top recommendation for turning Financial Independence goals into consistent habits.
Author Website: jamesclear.com
Amazon Link: Atomic Habits
7. Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
Authors: John Wooden with Jay Cuddy
Summary: Coach Wooden’s Pyramid breaks down success into virtues like industriousness, enthusiasm, and loyalty. These timeless lessons extend beyond sports to any pursuit, including financial independence. Coach Holdren recommends it for its structured, principle-based approach to life and leadership and teaching this to others.
Author Website: coachwooden.com
Amazon Link: Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
8. The Minimalists (Books, Website & Documentaries)
Authors: Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
Summary: The Minimalists inspire millions to live intentionally by focusing on what truly matters: less clutter, fewer distractions, more freedom. Their message aligns perfectly with financial independence, emphasizing purpose over possessions. Explore their essays, podcasts, and documentaries for a complete guide to simple, fulfilling living. Joshua and Ryan have published several books explaining how Less is More. Coach Holdren’s favorite is titled “Minimalism”.
Author Website: theminimalists.com
Amazon Link: Minimalism
9. Early Retirement Now (Big Ern’s Website)
Author: Karsten Jeske (“Big Ern”)
Summary: A deep analytical resource for Financial Independence enthusiasts who love numbers. Big Ern dives into withdrawal rates, sequence-of-returns risk, and advanced investment strategies; all backed by rigorous data and simulation. It’s a must-read for those nearing or managing early retirement. Coach Holdren specifically recommends Karsten’s “Safe Withdrawal Rate” Series. (Great job Karsten!).
Author Website: earlyretirementnow.com
Safe Withdrawal Rate Series: The Safe Withdrawal Rate Series – Early Retirement Now
10. Buffetology
Authors: Mary Buffett & David Clark
Summary: This detailed study of Warren Buffett’s investing principles teaches readers how to evaluate companies the way Buffett does. Buffetology bridges the gap between theory and practical stock analysis, making it perfect for those who want to sharpen their investing edge on the road to Financial Independence. This is Coach Holdren’s go-to book for individual Stock Investing. The methodology focuses on buying quality companies with predictable earnings at a reasonable price. If you’re truly interested in applying this approach, you also want Mary and David’s Buffetology Workbook which gives step by step instructions in a workbook.
Author Website: marybuffett.com
Amazon Link: Buffetology and Buffetology Workbook
