From "The Godfather of Financial Independence (FI)", a follow-up to his international personal finance sensation and New York Times bestseller The Simple Path to Wealth!
Pathfinders brings together scores of amazing and insightful real-life stories from real people on the journey to financial independence – providing practical encouragement and inspiration for anyone who wants to join them.
Lighting the way in the real world to The Simple Path to Wealth, these are fascinating, heartfelt, often surprising tales:
- of struggles overcome and the rewards that followed
- of enterprising solutions to unexpected problems
- of sacrifices made and the kindness of strangers
- of surprisingly simple steps – and the amazing places they can take you
and much, much more.
Author JL Collins accompanies these readers' stories with reflections on his "rules for the road" – as well as a candid conversation about the journey to financial freedom with his daughter, the inspiration for his original international bestseller.
Pathfinders is the ultimate companion for your own journey to financial freedom – and the true and lasting wealth that lies at the end. Pathfinders brings together scores of amazing and insightful real-life stories from real people on a quest to find financial independence-providing practical encouragement and inspiration for anyone who wants to join them. JL Collins is the international bestselling author of The Simple Path to Wealth with over 1.3 million copies sold. The updated version published in the Spring of 2025 became an instant New York Times bestseller. He has been called "The Godfather of FI" in the financial independence community. He launched his eponymous blog, jlcollinsnh.com, in June 2011 and is the founder of the legendary Chautauqua financial independence retreats. is 2018 Talk at Google has received over 1.9 million views and his more recent 2025 interview with Hasan Minhaj has over 1.8 million views. He has appeared on scores of other popular finance shows and podcasts.
His first job was selling flyswatters door to door and picking up empty pop bottles from the side of the road for the 2-cent deposit (at the age of eight). His last was working as talk show host and magazine publisher. His work has taken him to most US states as well as Canada, Germany and England. He has also travelled widely in his own time. He has been married to his wife, Jane, for 41 years.
Pathfinders is his third book. Few people have bridged the gap between spreadsheet and the real world like JL Collins - this book is full of real stories from real people seeking the greatest gift money can provide: independence. Most people believe that achieving FIRE is impossible. JL Collins' brilliant new book proves otherwise. It's packed with stories of ordinary people who mastered their finances and now live extraordinary lives, and proves that reaching FIRE is achievable no matter your current circumstances. It's also filled with the wit and wisdom JL has become famous for. Highly recommended. Pathfinders proves that the path to financial independence is simple, achievable, and doesn't require a degree in finance ... These stories will make you feel less alone in your struggles and find solace in knowing that no matter how bad your situation is, there is a way out. Prepared to be inspired, motivated, and humbled by the array of successes discussed in this must-read. JL Collins has emerged as a leading light in the financial independence movement thanks to his special blend of hard-won wisdom, fabulous storytelling abilities, and good old-fashioned common sense. Pathfinders, which places JL's own stories and insights alongside the stories of fellow travelers on the road to financial freedom, is an engaging and inspiring read from start to finish. JL Collins does it again! He shows that money doesn't need to be complicated. Success with money comes down to a few basic principles that any
