"The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money," penned by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage, is a personal finance book aimed at individuals who may not have a strong interest in the topic. The book seeks to provide readers with the tools to create a budget, understand investments, and manage their credit. This review dives into the book's themes, design, structure, and reception, offering a balanced perspective on its strengths and weaknesses.
Overview of "The Financial Diet"
The Financial Diet (TFD) is recognized as a platform where individuals can discuss money in a way that feels approachable and engaging. Chelsea Fagan, a writer and co-founder of TFD, started her writing career at Thought Catalog before establishing TFD as a personal blog in 2014. Lauren Ver Hage, an art director and co-founder of TFD, is an expert in visual communication design.
Published in 2018, "The Financial Diet" mirrors the online platform's "guide to life" format. The book covers a wide range of topics, from investing on a budget to determining which foods are worth buying organic. Fagan's relatable tone and humorous personality, including her "don't you fucking dares," add to the book's appeal.
The book aims to teach readers how to improve their relationship with money within a year, identify essential ingredients for a budget-friendly kitchen, discuss money matters with friends, create and stick to a budget, manage a household, and understand investing.
Themes and Key Takeaways
The central theme of "The Financial Diet" is our relationship with our finances. This theme is explored through seven topics: budgeting, investing, career, food, home, love, and action. The book emphasizes that financial well-being encompasses various aspects of life, from clothing to food choices.
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One key takeaway from the book is the importance of financial independence in relationships. Fagan's advice on "how to be a Miranda, not a Carrie" highlights the significance of self-reliance and setting boundaries around money and love. The book encourages readers to strive for openness, compassion, and personal boundaries when discussing money in relationships.
Design and Structure
The book's cover design is visually appealing, featuring a salmon pink color that attracts attention. The interior includes illustrations by Eve Mobley, adding a playful touch. The pages incorporate various colors and fonts, making the book visually engaging.
Each chapter begins with an introduction to a new topic, followed by infographics, step-by-step instructions, and interviews with expert commentators. This structure provides a comprehensive overview of each subject.
Critical Reception and Reader Feedback
Reader opinions on "The Financial Diet" are mixed. Some appreciate the book's accessibility and practical advice, while others find it lacking in depth and substance.
One reviewer noted that the book is informative but wished for more in-depth coverage of certain topics. They praised the chapters on careers and relationships and appreciated the emphasis on intentional spending rather than deprivation. Another reviewer felt that the book offered only surface-level advice from a privileged perspective and found some content, such as references to "Sex and the City," irrelevant.
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Some readers who were fans of TFD's YouTube channel felt that the book "missed the mark." Others found the book to be a successful extension of the blog, illustrating the connection between money and various aspects of lifestyle.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Makes
- Encourages creative budgeting.
- Promotes budgeting as a positive and engaging activity.
- Provides downloadable resources.
- Includes real-life examples from successful budgeters.
- Offers information from knowledgeable experts.
- Urges readers to find multiple streams of fulfillment.
- Provides helpful tips for young adults.
- Offers great career advice.
The Misses
- The overarching theme is sometimes lost, particularly in the home and career sections.
- The information on subjects like investing may not be sufficient for beginners.
- The glossary could be more comprehensive.
- The book occasionally relies on wellness-related metaphors for budgeting.
- Some advice, such as suggesting readers buy an "upscale work bag," may not be practical or helpful for those on a tight budget.
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