Book Review: Findependence Day by Jonathan Chevreau

The editor of MoneySense magazine has written another book called Findependence Day: How to achieve Financial Independence — while you’re still young enough to enjoy it. This time it’s a financial novel telling a story, instead of the usual factual personal finance book.

Some have compared and equated this book to the original The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton. It tells a story of a young couple just starting out with their finances and the inevitable pitfalls that come along in life. But, that’s where the similarities end.

This story is directed straight at our current Canadian society and how credit has affected our way of thinking and our behavior around money. Chevreau also cleverly weaves in an added vinyl music motif, using old lyrics to title each chapter. This draws multiple generations in, and instantly connects the reader to the life and emotional component of money.

Sheena and Jamie Morelli, a young couple just starting out and riddled with consumer debt, find themselves on a “Debt” reality TV show, thinking it might be a “fun” thing to do and it may even make them famous! But when the host starts taking embarrassing shots at their financial inadequacies, it’s clear that the “reality” part was not so fun. Just after the show, Jamie commits to and becomes obsessed with his own Financial Independence or ‘Findependence Day’.

The story follows through the Morelli’s life as they struggle with deciding on their first home, wanting a new car, having twins, job losses, investment flops, and marital problems. Chevreau easily sustains the reader’s attention as he slaps his characters with some conflicts and common setbacks many of us face in our lives today.

With persistence Jamie manages to befriend Theo, a fee-based financial advisor they meet on the reality show. He takes them under his wing, mentors them and introduces them to Bernie, an advice-only planner (and music buff!) who is successfully financially independent. Both Theo & Bernie patiently teach Jamie & Sheena some financial skills, all the while watching them make mistakes along the way. Jamie realizes the hard way his friend and mentor Al Peters is a “big hat, no cattle” kind of guy, not as financially stable as it would seem. Jamie soon learns lots of people are handing out advice, but not always in his best interest.

There is subtle financial advice throughout the book, touching on and referencing many financial products, yet not going into too many boring details! This book is an easy read and definitely worth reading.

Who should read this book?

Anyone that is struggling to make sense of their finances including young couples just starting out, or those who just need some basic money management education so they can move closer to their own Findependence Day. Entertaining and empowering, this book would make a great gift for young couples as they start their own life journey.

Key Points & Take-Aways

• Financial Education is paramount
• Financial Planning is a life long journey
• Life does not always goes as planned, but planning makes it go smoother
• If it sounds too good to be true….. it may be (Big Hat No Cattle)
• That life isn’t always about retiring, it’s more about living with financial freedom

Reviewed by: Leslie Gardner, Money Coach