Just inked a contract for my next book, and I want you to be a part of it!

 

I’ve some very exciting news to share with you today.

I just inked a deal with Harriman House to publish my third book. Its working title is: PATHFINDERS: Travelers’s Tale on the Simple Path to Wealth and…

I’d like you to be a part of it!

If that’s all you need to hear, click here – Pathfinders Sign Up – and get started!

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Harriman House

Harriman House is the publisher of Morgan Housel’s stunningly successful book, The Psychology of Money. It is one of my personal favorites and I see it as a perfect companion to my own The Simple Path to Wealth.

Evidently, the good folks at Harriman House agree. About six months ago they reached out about working together, and we have been kicking around ideas ever since.

The Story

As regular readers here well know by now, I wrote The Simple Path to Wealth for my daughter as a financial guide. She was at the beginning of her adult life and the book’s approach reflected that.

While I certainly hoped the book would be successful and a help to others, what I never anticipated was how effectively my readers would adapt its approaches and methods to their own unique situations.

For instance…

Most readers, unlike my daughter, are not at the beginning of their journey. They are already a ways down the road. Life has gotten complicated and maybe a bit messy. Frequently they have mistakes and other approaches they now must unwind.

It got a bit messy

Photo by eleonora on Unsplash

The Simple Path is very US-centric. No surprise here. My daughter and I are both Americans and investing in the US is what I know. That hasn’t stopped the book from attracting readers from all over the world. It has been published in 15 different languages so far. Clearly those readers are able to translate these ideas into a useful path in their own countries.

I love hearing these stories.

Because of them, shortly after The Simple Path to Wealth was published I began thinking about a companion book that explored the journeys of people who had taken the message to heart and who had adapted it to their own unique life situations.

The initial inspiration for this came from the series of Case Studies I wrote for the blog a while back over the course of several years. These were deep dives into the specific situations and challenges of readers who had asked for my help.

I, and my blog readers, found these “fireside chats” engaging, educational and inspirational. Some, at least in part, will find their way into this new book. But as Chris, my editor at Harriman, and I discussed it we realized that seeking out your stories would add so much more.

By sharing our stories along the journey to financial freedom – whether setting out, making solid progress, stumbling into obstacles, or simply enjoying the rewards at journey’s end — we can make it easier for people to join us, and help those struggling to find their way. 

What we want from you

Your stories.

Some of you are just starting out on The Simple Path, taking up your staves and knapsacks. Others are experienced travelers with the worn boots and strong muscles to show for it. You have worked hard to get on this Path, sometimes having to backtrack from another you’d found yourself some way down. You have almost certainly encountered an unexpected boulder or two. Perhaps even a few trolls or dragons blocking the way.

Some of you will have reached the journey’s end and with your feet up are enjoying your just rewards.

Being able to help – to encourage, congratulate, commiserate, reminisce and swap scars – with my readers has been one of the great pleasures of my life. With this book, I invite you to join me.

After all, one of the best parts of any journey is the camaraderie shared along the way.

A compendium of travelers’ tales from the Simple Path to Wealth.

Wayside Inn

Imagine stepping into a kind of wayside inn in some exotic locale where travelers from all over the world and of every level of experience are pausing for refreshment on their own Simple Path to Wealth. The fire is roaring, the drinks are flowing, and there is the intoxicating aroma of something mouth-watering simmering in a pot the size of a small car. 

Tales are told…

  • of struggles overcome and the rewards that followed
  • of enterprising solutions to unexpected problems
  • of sacrifices made and the kindness of strangers
  • of the amazing places a few simple steps can take you
  • of unexpected adventures and friendships.

A Chautauqua in book form, if you will.

The details. How you can be a part of this and what that looks like.

If you’d like to share your unique story and insights, here’s what you need to do:

  • Click here – Pathfinders Sign Up, – and enter your email to register your interest with my publisher Harriman House. 
  • Even if you don’t want to submit your tale, signing up is the best way to stay up-to-date with this project. Don’t worry, we won’t spam or otherwise bug you.
  • Have a think about your traveler’s tale. Remember, you can be at any stage on the journey and you can write about any aspect of it, and at any length. In fact, focusing on one small part – rather than the whole quest – would as good, and maybe better, than trying to tell your whole story. 
  • Keep in mind, this is not the place to ask for my input or advice, but to offer yours.
  • We are looking for stories from all over the world. You don’t have to be from the US or the UK.
  • Don’t worry if you are not a “writer.” We have editors. Just tell your story.
  • Later this Spring, my publisher will email everyone on the list to let them know submissions are open. 
  • We are planning about 250 pages for this book, so space is limited. The earlier you submit, the better your chances of having your tale included! 
  • We plan to give contributors credit and will include your name and a website if you’d like.
  • You can also remain anonymous if you prefer, with only your country named if it is important to your story. Just be sure to let us know. 
  • I might also use your story on my blog, jlcollinsnh.com 
  • You will be granting Harriman House the right to publish your tale globally and to edit for length and clarity – but you will retain the right to publish it personally (on your own blog, for instance), and you will retain all copyright in your own submissions.
  • EVERY contributor – even if their submission doesn’t make it to the final book – will receive a written acknowledgement at the back of every copy.
  • If we use your submission, you will also receive a free copy of the hardcover edition of the book.

If this sounds good and you are ready, I hope you’ll join me beside the tavern fire. Click here –Pathfinders Sign Up – and get ready to share your traveler’s tale and make a difference to others on, or considering…

The Path

Thanks!

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What the book will look like overall.

If you have read this far, I’d like to give you a preview of what this book will look like overall. Remember, this is a work in progress and this is subject to change.

  • The working title: Pathfinders
  • Subtitle: Travelers’ Tales from the Simple Path to Wealth
  • The book will be divided in to sections, each opening with an essay sharing my “rules of the road” for The Simple Path. Contributors’ stories will be arranged as chapters in these sections illustrating the practical applications of these ‘rules”.
  • Selected case studies from the past will be interwoven. 
  • I’ll be sitting down with my daughter, all these years after she inspired me to start the blog, and discussing our own stories in a final chapter.

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Important Resources

  • Talent Stacker is a resource that I learned about through my work with Jonathan and Brad at ChooseFI, and first heard about Salesforce as a career option in an episode where they featured Bradley Rice on the Podcast. In that episode, Bradley shared how he reached FI quickly thanks to his huge paychecks and discipline in keeping his expenses low. Jonathan teamed up with Bradley to build Talent Stacker, and they have helped more than 1,000 students from all walks of life complete the program and land jobs like clockwork, earning double or even triple their old salaries using a Salesforce certification to break into a no-code tech career.
  • Credit Cards are like chain saws. Incredibly useful. Incredibly dangerous. Resolve to pay in full each month and never carry a balance. Do that and they can be great tools. Here are some of the very best for travel hacking, cash back and small business rewards.
  • Empower is a free tool to manage and evaluate your investments. With great visuals you can track your net worth, asset allocation, and portfolio performance, including costs. At a glance you'll see what's working and what you might want to change. Here's my full review.
  • Betterment is my recommendation for hands-off investors who prefer a DIFM (Do It For Me) approach. It is also a great tool for reaching short-term savings goals. Here is my Betterment Review
  • NewRetirement offers cool tools to help guide you in answering the question: Do I have enough money to retire? And getting started is free. Sign up and you will be offered two paths into their retirement planner. I was also on their podcast and you can check that out here:Video version, Podcast version.
  • Tuft & Needle (T&N) helps me sleep at night. They are a very cool company with a great product. Here’s my review of what we are currently sleeping on: Our Walnut Frame and Mint Mattress.
  • Vanguard.com

Comments

  1. Vorlic says

    One tends to think one’s story isn’t interesting enough. But then one gets a-thinking, and – well, it could at least be useful!

  2. Mike Edwards says

    John: I would love your perspective on the current financial market. I knew jack about finances, and you help me become more confident and manage my own monies than money managers. I was lucky to have some wealth to begin with. Is 2022 any different than the recession in 2008. Just ride it out? It just seems the current Administration is trying to destroy the economy more than other previous Administrations and may require another strategy. Maybe I am wrong! No, I haven’t bail yet.

    • jlcollinsnh says

      Well, hopefully John will respond with the assurances you need.

      Meanwhile, on the off chance you’d be interested in my perspective, you have this entire blog at your fingertips.

      • Mike Edwards says

        I screwed up. I said John than JL. Anyway, thanks JL for your advice all these years. It has helped me and my children. I was just curious if you thought current times were any different than past decades in terms of financial decision-making?

        • Yaketsuku says

          Hey Mike, just in case you have are still holding out for a reply from Mr. Collins, I thought I’d write a message here. He recommended that you look at the blog since it very clearly explains his position on whether or not this current downturn in the market is “special”. To be more specific, in case you don’t want to be directed to section of the blog that directly answers your question, I would recommend looking at the first few posts in Mr. Collins’ stock series.

          • Yaketsuku says

            It seems I’ve made a typo, I meant to write:

            To be more specific, in case you want to be directed to section of the blog that directly answers your question, I would recommend looking at the first few posts in Mr. Collins’ stock series.

  3. Luis says

    Hi JL,
    Congratulations! Glad that you’ve come down from Fire Mountain with another gift for us mortals.

    Can’t wait to read the book and signed up for Pathfinders.

    Semper FI,
    Luis

  4. CTW says

    YAASS!! Signup is done! This will perhaps be part of my tale for the book, but possibly worth dropping now. Many of my friends/family/employees turn to me with money questions. After I address them I always follow up with an email with links to “The Simple Path to Wealth” and “The Psychology of Money” and include the message, “These two books encapsulate 98% of the way I think about (and handle) money. Also, the audiobooks are awesome too.”

    I can’t wait to see/read/absorb what you Gents produce.

    Tear ’em up!
    CTW

  5. Pam says

    Congrats!

    Just curious though, besides being white, what are your financial qualifications for writing about finance? Did you work in finance and study finance? Or is it based on your experiences?

    Just wondering how some people do so well and some don’t. Thanks!

    • Dharma Bum says

      Just 90%.
      A little financial savvy with a ton of privilege is all you need.
      LOL
      You woke snowflakes kill me.
      You need to study some Jordan Peterson.

  6. Vijay says

    I thought the headline was too good to be true, until I signed up! As an acolyte from India (and England before that), I’m delighted you’re opening this up to a wider geography. I look forward to seeing the shape your new project takes, and hopefully make it to this literary chautauqua.

  7. Lisa Schader says

    I’m in! Not sure if my tale will make the cut, so my claim to fame will always be that we were interviewed on the same podcast. Major fangirl moment when I found that out.

    Looking forward to the new book! I recommend Simple Path constantly.

  8. Mr. EMF says

    Long time reader of your blog and fan of your book here, couldn’t pass up on this opportunity to be featured in a book by you. Looking forward to it.

  9. Amy Heinkel says

    I would love to offer my editing expertise for your next book. A book that is grammatically correct, with proper punctuation, is so much more enjoyable to read (and comprehend). 🙂

  10. Talitha Ebrite says

    How exciting, Mr. Collins – congratulations! I will look forward to buying the book as soon as it is available.

    I learned about The Simple Path to Wealth through Choose FI’s Blueprint to Financial Independence. I’m a professional in my mid-40s, and though my husband and I collectively earn a good living, I’ve always been intimidated about the idea of investing beyond making minimal 401k contributions. Your book was refreshingly clear and digestible, and has motivated my husband and me to revolutionize our approach to finances since I read it in January of 2022. Getting off the hamster wheel now seems achievable in a way it never did before.

    Here’s what I wrote in a five-star Amazon review: “Not only does Mr. Collins provide the blueprint for wealth made simple, he distills complicated financial concepts in a way that helped even a previously disengaged investor and minimal saver like me understand why the simple approach will almost always result in greater returns than trying to be, or hire, the next Warren Buffett. I’m now excited about saving and investing, where before I felt intimidated and too far behind to catch up.”

    Gushing praise aside, I’d love to feature the book in a program I’ve developed with my business partner (okay, he’s also my brother) to increase the visibility of carefully curated, exceptional books by independent authors in independent bookstores and libraries.

    If you’re interested in discussing further, please respond to the email address I used to submit this comment.

    Regardless of whether you are interested in our program, I admire The Simple Path to Wealth very much, and I wish you every future success with it and Pathfinders.

  11. Kevin M Lynch says

    JL:

    Sign up completed!

    I have been gifting your first book and recommending it for 2-3 years. I am a faculty member of a well known, accredited college, teaching financial and retirement planning and an integral part of my institutions CFP preparation education program.

    I tell my students regularly, to read your book and I even made an offer to purchase the used book from anyone who thought it wasn’t worth their purchase price. Needless to say, I have had no takers.

    I also love to share the videos you have on YouTube…especially the one where you initiate the John Goodman character.

    Continued success!

  12. Shruti says

    Congratulations ! I am looking forward for your next book.
    The psychological of money book help us to know the importance of the wealth and happiness.
    Investment is very important to meet up the financial stability.
    The best line “Money,” a great blessing and a bitter curse on our lives.
    Many people have leftovers. Many people are fasting.
    many people sleep warm many homeless
    Many people increase their wealth in seconds. Many people will never have them throughout the years.
    many people are happy Many people are angry,
    and more, all of this is the result of money…
    Because money revolves around from the moment you open your eyes to see the world until the end of your life.

  13. Illia Kyselov says

    It is very interesting! Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to get acquainted with your books, I have never seen them on sale … It is apparently more difficult to buy in Europe than in the USA), but I will look!

  14. Elizabeth says

    Hi ,
    I just tried signing up on Pathfinders Sign Up. Received message “oops, link cannot be found”. Is sign up now closed? Thank you.

    • Dr. Remoulak says

      Hey Sarah, another place you where you might find solace (one of Jim’s “Greatest Hits”, IMO 😉 )

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOGU94eL07E&t=657s (I’ve found the video seems to pair well with a glass of your favorite wine or scotch).

      Not that you need any encouragement beyond his video, but I’m in my early 50’s, so have lived through market gyrations including the .com bust in 2000, the ’08-’09 Great Recession, the Covid downturn, and whatever they’ll call this eventually. I kicked myself (although a bit more gently each time) as I was eagerly buying right up to each of these downturns. Now I look back, wishing each time I had invested even more at the “top” at that time…

      In the words of the intrepid British, “Keep calm and by VTSAX”. Or something like that. And enjoy the summer with friends and family!

      • Sarah says

        Thanks for the video. It’s very good.I’ve watched multiple times already. I’m OK with VTSAX, my problem currently is my 50% allocation in VBTLX which is performing worse than vtsax and I’m retired and pulling money out of both.I’m so worried !!!!

  15. Galina says

    Hello,
    I represent an audiobook publisher. We are interested in the French audio rights to “The Simple Path to Wealth”.
    Please, let me know if they are available for licensing?
    Thank you.

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