What is
Getting Good with Money by Jessi Fearon about?
Getting Good with Money is a practical guide to achieving financial freedom, chronicling Jessi Fearon’s journey from overwhelming debt to paying off her mortgage in six years on a $47,000 annual income. The book offers actionable steps for budgeting, debt repayment, and adopting mindset shifts through her "Money Truths," alongside tips for generating side income and using money-saving apps.
Who should read
Getting Good with Money?
This book is ideal for individuals feeling trapped by debt, living paycheck-to-paycheck, or seeking a structured path to financial stability. It resonates with families, frugal living enthusiasts, and anyone needing motivation to overhaul their relationship with money.
Is
Getting Good with Money worth reading?
Yes, particularly for readers seeking relatable, non-judgmental advice from someone who faced similar struggles. Fearon’s blend of personal anecdotes, clear frameworks, and faith-based perspectives makes it a standout in personal finance literature.
What are the 'Money Truths' in
Getting Good with Money?
Fearon’s "Money Truths" replace common financial myths with principles like prioritizing needs over wants, embracing delayed gratification, and aligning spending with long-term goals. These form the foundation for her debt-free philosophy.
How does Jessi Fearon’s approach compare to Dave Ramsey’s?
Like Ramsey, Fearon advocates debt snowball methods and frugality, but her approach is less rigid, emphasizing grace and flexibility for families. She also integrates faith and focuses on mindset shifts over strict rules.
What debt-payoff strategies does
Getting Good with Money recommend?
Key strategies include:
- Using a zero-based budget to track every dollar.
- Starting a side hustle for extra income.
- Prioritizing consumer debt first, then mortgages.
Fearon paid off $30,000+ in consumer debt in two years using these methods.
Can
Getting Good with Money help with budgeting?
Yes, the book provides templates for creating a "Real Life Budget" that accounts for irregular expenses. Fearon stresses tracking spending, identifying leaks, and aligning budgets with personal values rather than deprivation.
What critiques exist about
Getting Good with Money?
Some reviewers note the advice leans heavily on Fearon’s Christian faith, which may not resonate with all readers. Others highlight that her low-income journey (under $50k/year) might require adaptation for higher earners.
How does
Getting Good with Money address income generation?
Fearon shares creative ideas like monetizing hobbies, freelance work, and reselling items. She emphasizes "time-rich" side hustles suited for parents and includes app recommendations to maximize earnings.
Why is
Getting Good with Money relevant in 2025?
With rising inflation and debt levels, Fearon’s emphasis on financial simplicity, mindful spending, and debt-free living remains timely. Updated digital tools she mentions (e.g., budgeting apps) keep the strategies current.
What makes Jessi Fearon’s financial advice unique?
Her blend of Certified Financial Coach expertise and lived experience as a stay-at-home mom paying off debt gives advice a relatable, non-elitist tone. The focus on family dynamics and faith-based motivation distinguishes it from secular finance books.
Where can I find free resources from
Getting Good with Money?
Fearon offers budgeting templates, debt trackers, and blog posts on her website, jessifearon.com. These complement the book’s frameworks and provide ongoing support for readers.