This time I decided to pick up Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life by Vivian Tu off of Amazon.
Once a month or so, I pick a newer book written by a woman about money and write about it. This one initially appealed to me because the cover is cute and I tend to use bad language here and there so the “AF” part of the title spoke to me.
Here’s Vivian’s LinkedIn Profile.
“Your favorite Personal Finance & Investing Creator. Let’s talk about money, career, & getting rich.” per LinkedIn.
She’s the CEO and Founder of Your Rich BFF and a NYT bestselling author.
She’s also a Forbes Social Media Top 30 Under 30. They have a short profile written on her as well if you want to learn more.
“Look, I’m an Aries. I’m impatient. I’m hot-headed. I want to get things done fast and efficiently”
Rich AF by Vivian Tu
Overall Thoughts
I usually don’t start with overall thoughts and I’ll probably write more about this at the end of this review…but this time, I just have to start off by saying that Rich AF spoke to me on so many levels.
I feel like Vivian Tu gave me some secret guidance that nobody shares.
Well, perhaps most of the close friends/family that I have don’t actually know any of this. I’m not surrounding by many money savvy people that I actually talk money to. When we do talk money, it’s random and not really guidance. Plus it’s me giving most people advice, not the other way around.
This time – holy crap – I totally felt like she let me in on some top secrets that were like “ah ha” moments.
Rich AF took me over a week to read and I’m usually pretty quick with the newer books I pick up from Amazon.
In comparison to other books I’ve read, this one felt so young, engaged, and excited to be talking about money. I mean, she worked on Wall Street so she’s competitive and that’s right up my alley.
Tone in Rich AF
Vivian Tu’s tone in the book is actually like she’s speaking to a friend.
There’s a portion of the book that sticks with me regarding coffee. Vivian (can I call you Vivian, Vivian? I feel like we’re friends now) doesn’t lecture the reader (me) on drinking coffee. She doesn’t tell me to drop the habit because I’m wasting money away.
She actually spins it and tells me to look at the overall picture. I might be spending $2,000 a year on coffee. Maybe I need to cut that back based on my budget, maybe I don’t. I do need to spend money on some things to keep me sane and coffee may be one of those things that I’m willing to.
I love how she mentions a few times that she regrets canceling her first ever credit card, as that impacted her credit score. To this day, she still regrets canceling it due to the fact that her longest known credit history would be longer if she had kept it.
She isn’t telling us that she hasn’t made mistakes. She’s also not judging us for ours. In Rich AF, she’s moving forward with us as a friend.
I also felt like she was whispering to me sometimes….telling me secrets that the “rich folk” know, but people like me who grew up in a family without a ton of money don’t know.
So sticking to the topic, which is overall tone of the book; it’s fantastic and so welcoming. It felt like a friend was sharing me a long letter of everything I should have been told a long time ago.
Career Mindset in Rich AF
I’ve written a few articles on how to ask for a promotion, raise, bonus, etc… I’m a huge advocate for speaking up and asking for more (in the right way, of course).
I love how driven the author is. Vivian Tu pushes you to earn the most you can. She highlights the fact that companies are in the business to make money and you should be in the business to make yourself the most money as possible too.
Rich AF pushes you to evaluate your current situation and do what is best for you throughout the book. If you aren’t receiving the amount of money you think you deserve, this book is for you. If you’ve lost motivation or you need examples on how to go about asking for more, this book is also for you.
Any hesitation at all about asking for an increase because you asked for one over a year ago? Rich AF provides guidance and examples.
Vivian Tu’s career path is also an inspiration that can give you some much needed motivation.
Budgeting
Vivian Tu goes into budgeting at length in “The Budgeting Section”.
Her approach to this is something that I love. She sees that most people hear the word “budget” and they roll their eyes and groan because we think of restrictions.
In Rich AF, Vivian Tu twists everything certain high profile budget gurus have trying to imbed into our tired brains. She makes budgeting feel safe and important so that we can purchase the things that truly matter without restricting our everyday lives.
If needed, she guides you through creating a budget, different kinds of budgeting systems, how to read your paycheck, and many other questions you may have.
At the end of each chapter, including the one on budgeting, she provides a “Money Management To-Dos for Chapter 3”. You know how much I love a great to-do list!
The Secrets of Rich AF
I feel that there are truly “secrets” scattered through Rich AF.
I’ve never had a financial advisor. My parents are horrible with money. Luckily, I have done exceptionally well in my career, but I made some huge money mistakes throughout my life.
This book taught me things. It taught me new things. It reminded me of things I only learned in my 30’s and 40’s that I wish I had known in my teens or 20’s at the latest.
It’s just entertaining to read. Even if I had all of the “secrets” before I read the book, I would have enjoyed it.
Probably my favorite:
Now how much money do you need to have to kick over your desk, quit your job, and tell your boss F U? The answer is your FU number.
Rich AF by Vivian Tu
Girl, you spoke to me.
Final Thoughts
This is such a great book.
I promise there is something you’re going to take away from it. At the end, it mentions surrounding yourself with positive people. I love that.
It’s great for all ages and budgets. It’s a motivational masterpiece for women.
I wasn’t feeling bla about my career or money when I picked up this book. However, it has given me some sudden motivation that I didn’t even know I needed to push for more in every aspect.
I plan to let my daughter, who is nearing 18, read this. I have no regrets, but I do wish someone had pointed me in the direction with something like this long ago.
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