Lifetime Book Club: The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
Welcome to this month’s edition of the Lifetime Book Club! Today, we’re taking a closer look at The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape – a book that’s become a financial phenomenon, helping thousands take control of their money and live better lives.
Why We Love It:
The Barefoot Investor is a game-changer when it comes to personal finance. Scott Pape delivers practical advice with a refreshing dose of humour and straight talk, making it easy to follow and, most importantly, actionable. The book’s simplicity and effectiveness have made it a go-to guide for those looking to get their finances in order, without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Takeaways:
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The Power of Simplicity: Pape’s approach is all about cutting through the clutter. He offers a straightforward system that focuses on setting up bank accounts, automating your savings, and sticking to a few key rules. This simplicity is exactly what we advocate at Lifetime – financial planning doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
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Splitting Your Money: The book introduces the concept of dividing your income into specific “buckets” – for daily expenses, savings, and splurges. It’s an easy way to ensure you’re covering your needs while still enjoying life. At Lifetime, we encourage smart budgeting that allows for both security and enjoyment.
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Emergency Fund First: One of the standout pieces of advice is to build up an emergency fund before anything else. This aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating financial certainty. Having a safety net is crucial for weathering life’s unexpected challenges.
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Debt Destruction: Pape offers a clear and motivating plan to tackle debt, starting with small wins and building momentum. We believe that getting out of debt is one of the most liberating steps you can take towards financial freedom, and we’re here to help you do it.
Why You Should Read It:
The Barefoot Investor is more than just a book – it’s a movement. Pape’s relatable style, combined with practical advice, makes it an essential read for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a refresh, this book will give you the tools and motivation to build a secure financial future.
Win a Copy:
We’re excited to share this wisdom with you! This month, we’re giving away a copy of The Barefoot Investor to one lucky Lifetime client. Click here to enter.
Consilium Joins FirstCape: What It Means for Lifetime Clients
You may have read recently that FirstCape, a major player in the New Zealand financial services sector, has agreed to acquire Consilium, the independent advisory services and platform provider that Lifetime partners with to manage client portfolios.
While headlines may signal a big change, for you as a Lifetime client, it’s important to know that when it comes to your investment portfolio, it’s business as usual.
Market & Portfolio Update - April 2025
Global markets began April with some volatility as investors digested “Liberation Day” tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In particular, investors feared a tariff war would lead to higher inflation, lower global growth, and the potential erosion of the historic ‘safe haven’ status enjoyed by the US dollar. However, the markets recovered a significant portion of these losses following the announcement that all reciprocal tariffs except China’s would be delayed for 90 days. Due to the volatility, global markets were down -3.8% for the month.