The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (2024)

Table of Contents
Comments Speak Your Mind FAQs

February 17, 2012 by Coffee with Julie 5 Comments

Have you ever read The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton? The year before I graduated from high school, this book on personal finance hit the bookstands with a storm! Over two million copies have been sold in North America, and I think that’s because of its unique fictional format. Here’s how Wikipedia describes the book:

The book is structured around a story of three people in their late 20s visiting Roy, the title character, for lessons in financial planning. Each chapter of the book describes a different visit and a different element of financial planning. Each month along with their lessons the three students are required to start carrying out the actions prescribed by Roy. In addition to these individuals, Roy also shares his financial knowledge with the customers of his barber shop.

All I can remember from the book is the advice to save 10% of your earnings every year for retirement. As a young person, I can also remember thinking that this was absolutely impossible.

Now that I’m older, personal finance and retirement planning have taken on more of a focus. That’s why I was interested in taking a read of Chilton’s second book, just recently published and on my January bedside table reading, titled The Wealthy Barber Returns.

The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (1)

And last night, I had the opportunity to attend a speaking engagement and author book-signing that was hosted by PC Financial. It was held at the new(ish) Ottawa Convention Centre. I had not yet been inside the Centre, so that alone was interesting. But I also had the chance to catch up with a bunch of folks I hadn’t seen in ages that Kathy Buckworth, a spokesperson for PC Financial, had invited for a little pre-event shindig.

I thought Chilton seemed a little ill at ease with the “smoozing” part of his role before he was to speak. (Although I don’t blame him, I would be too!) The room was fairly large, and completely filled. But when he hit the stage – Wow! He is an amazing public speaker. One of the best I’ve ever heard, actually.

Yes, my eyes are closed. What of it?

Here are the top 5 messages I received from his talk:

  1. You should still be aiming to save 10% of your earnings for long-term investments.
  2. Two things that are very dangerous in combination: Lines of credit and renovations. And no, granite is not a necessity for life.
  3. Buy a house you can actually afford. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to save.
  4. Pay yourself first. Take human temptation out of the equation: use automatic withdrawals via your paycheque or the bank.
  5. If you’re starting late and trying to choose between RRSPs or RESPs, choose your own retirement savings.

A bonus, ingenious tip? Chilton believes RESPs are great, and they’re even better when the grandparents are buying them. To get this rolling, bring over some RESP brochures to your parents and say, “Hi, I brought over those brochures you were asking about.” When they look at you puzzled, you then reply, “Oh! Sorry! That was the other grandparents! The in-laws. My mistake.” This, he claims, is a surefire way to get them to volunteer to contribute to the kids’ RESPs. Hee hee!

Filed Under: Books, Learning, Living, Media, Ottawa Fun

Comments

  1. The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (3)Sarah McCormack says:

    February 18, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    that RESP comment cracked me up! i like D.C. as his advice is straight forward. as for your closed eyes, always blame the photographer The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (4)

    Reply

  2. The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (5)Anonymous says:

    February 19, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I don’t know what I was expecting from the event but it wasn’t what I got. Wow, I can’t wait to read his book now.
    It was nice to see you, even if only for a quick moment! The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (6)

    Reply

  3. February 19, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I was there too, as you know. The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (8) I didn’t know what to expect but really enjoyed David’s chat. He’s a really engaging speaker and knows how to entertain an audience. I thought the RESP tip re: the grandparents was hilarious. Gawd, I would love it if my parents and inlaws contributed to the DDs RESP fund. It’s free money!

    His points about first world issues tweaked with me. It’s something I think about but perhaps I need to revisit again. Food for thought for sure.

    Reply

  4. February 19, 2012 at 11:05 am

    Thanks for this reminder about low-cost financial advice in the form of good books.
    My husband and I are probably in the “starting late” category and have decided to focus on paying off our mortgage over retirement savings. We also put money into our son’s education fund each month. Just reading your bullet points from the book has made me think we should be getting advice from professionals.
    PS. Thanks Andrea for sending me to this blog The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (10)

    Reply

  5. February 19, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    So sad reading this as we are doing a basem*nt reno on our line of credit… Ah well – I’m sure we’ll survive. The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (12)

    Reply

Speak Your Mind

The Wealthy Barber Returns: 5 Takeaway Tips - coffee with Julie (2024)

FAQs

Is The Wealthy Barber worth reading? ›

The Wealthy Barber (1989) is a timeless guide to achieving financial security and building wealth. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading: Full of practical financial advice, it provides actionable steps for managing money and ensuring a comfortable future.

Is The Wealthy Barber outdated? ›

Even though The Wealthy Barber is encouraging in some ways, it's too out of date as a beginner's guide to personal finance. My recommendation is to stay within the past decade for anything to do with personal finance; possibly less if it's about a specific product.

What's the difference between The Wealthy Barber and the wealthy barber returns? ›

In 2011, Chilton released a second book in the wealthy barber series, called The Wealthy Barber Returns. This book covers many of the same topics as the original, but lacks the fictional barbershop narrative and addresses more recent developments in financial markets.

Do you need to read The Wealthy Barber before the wealthy barber returns? ›

If you were one of the few people that did not read his first book, don't bother. I think you are better off reading the Wealth Barber Returns. It's not a sequel. It's actually nothing like his first book.

Is The Wealthy Barber Based on a true story? ›

The Wealthy Barber (full title: The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning) is a financial planning book franchise by Canadian author David Chilton. The first book in the series was in the business fable genre, using the story of fictional characters to convey financial advice.

What is the 10 percent rule for wealthy barbers? ›

Invest ten percent of all your earnings for a long-time growth. Roy recommended that his pupils invest their ten percent into real estate and/or mutual funds. Roy (The Barber) also talks about how compound interest will make them much wealthier than they thought.

What is the latest edition of The Wealthy Barber? ›

The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd EditionEveryone's Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent. In this updated edition of one of the biggest-selling financial-planning books ever, David Chilton simplifies the complex puzzles of personal finance and helps you achieve financial independence.

What is The Wealthy Barber rule? ›

The 10% saving solution. The first recommendation in the book, Wealthy Barber, is to have 10% of your paycheck directly go out into an account for long-term growth. As your income increases, your 10% will obviously also increase.

How can a barber make $100000 a year? ›

A barber can make $100,000 a year by providing excellent customer service and building a strong client base. This can be done through offering quality haircuts, styling services, and other beauty treatments. Additionally, the barber should strive to create an inviting atmosphere that customers enjoy visiting.

Who is Tom in The Wealthy Barber? ›

David Chilton's bestseller The Wealthy Barber is an introduction to basic principles of personal finance. These principles are illustrated by means of a fictional story about a teacher (Dave), an auto plant worker (Tom), and a small business owner (Cathy) who seek financial guidance from a local barber (Roy).

How many pages is The Wealthy Barber? ›

Product information
Publisher‎Stoddart Publishing (Jan. 1 1995)
Language‎English
Paperback197 pages
ISBN-10‎0773757678
ISBN-13‎978-0773757677
5 more rows

What are the main points of The Wealthy Barber? ›

Roy's (and thus Chilton's) primary message is that steady, “boring” investments over time are the best way to accumulate wealth. (Shortform note: The original version of The Wealthy Barber was published in 1989. This guide is based on the updated third edition of the book, released in April 2022.

Who is the best barber in Starfleet? ›

The barbershop aboard the Enterprise-D was run by the Bolian barber Mot, "the best barber in Starfleet", befitting the Federation's flagship. At least three more Bolian barbers worked at the barbershop, including V'Sal. Two male Humans (one named Setti) and a Human female were also among Mot's staff.

What is the golden rule of saving wealthy barber? ›

The 10% saving solution. The first recommendation in the book, Wealthy Barber, is to have 10% of your paycheck directly go out into an account for long-term growth. As your income increases, your 10% will obviously also increase.

How to make $100,000 a year as a barber? ›

A barber can make $100,000 a year by providing excellent customer service and building a strong client base. This can be done through offering quality haircuts, styling services, and other beauty treatments. Additionally, the barber should strive to create an inviting atmosphere that customers enjoy visiting.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6746

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.