- Author: Marie Kondo
- Publisher: Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony, 224 pages
One of the best personal finance books out there isn't a personal finance book. Kondo espouses a unique form of minimalism that boils down to owning only the things that "spark joy." For starters, readers are encouraged to take every piece of clothing they own, pile it on the floor and then go through that pile piece by piece, asking yourself as you touch each item, does this make me happy? If not, find a new home for it. But the real eye-opener when you perform this simple task is that pile of clothes isn't just a pile of clothes: It's a pile of wasted money -- money that could have gone into your retirement savings or toward a dream vacation. You find yourself looking at that mountain of jeans and sweaters and T-shirts and thinking, if only I hadn't bought all that, I would be that much closer to retirement.
Kondo also shares how to organize and care for what you've bought with your hard-earned money. And who doesn't think more clearly, and possibly make better decisions, in a nice, clean, organized space? After you read the book and follow the plan, carry that thinking with you, and before you open your wallet, ask yourself, will this product bring me joy? Or maybe better yet: Will this bring me more joy than a happy retirement?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Visit the Kiplinger Bookshelf
-
What the Comcast Cable Spinoff Means for InvestorsComcast has announced plans to spin off select cable networks and digital assets into a separate publicly traded company. Here's what you need to know.
-
TJX Stock: Wall Street Stays Bullish After EarningsTJX stock is trading lower Wednesday despite the TJ Maxx owner's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't worried. Here's why.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
5 Books About Retirement That’ll Prepare You for Your Golden YearsThese books about retirement will help prepare you for your next stage through fiction and nonfiction.
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
-
Starting Today, Hearing Aids May be Sold Over the CounterHealthy Living on a Budget The White House estimates people will save nearly $3,000 by not having to get them through a medical professional.
-
Retirees, Here Are 3 Paths for Getting Vision InsuranceHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part B's restrictive coverage of vision care means you'll have to find a different route to get the right insurance. Here's some guidance.
-
Billed for a COVID-19 Vaccine? Don't PayHealthy Living on a Budget If you are charged, it's an error. Call your provider directly and dispute the fees.
-
Food Delivery Apps: We Compare 4 of the BiggestTechnology These apps offer convenience but vary in costs and customer service. Here’s how Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates compare to each other.
-
Exercise Saves Seniors Money on Health CareHealthy Living on a Budget Adults who increase their physical activity pay hundreds less per year for health care, a new study shows.
