This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order Audiobook by John Schwartz

On a crisp Saturday morning, I found myself sitting in my cozy backyard garden, surrounded by the gentle hum of nature. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the dew-kissed grass. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand and my headphones on, I pressed play on “This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order” by John Schwartz, narrated by Kaleo Griffith. It felt like the perfect moment to dive into a topic that had been lingering in the back of my mind for years – my finances.

From the very first chapter, John’s candid storytelling pulled me in. His voice (or rather, Kaleo Griffith’s smooth narration) felt like that of a wise friend who had been through it all and was now sharing his hard-earned wisdom over coffee. The book is part memoir, part guide, and entirely relatable. John doesn’t shy away from his past financial missteps – like his brush with bankruptcy in his 30s or his short-lived diet of cafeteria fries and gravy – and that vulnerability made me feel seen. It’s comforting to know that even someone who writes for “The New York Times” has struggled with money management.

What I appreciated most about this audiobook was its practicality. John breaks down complex topics like investments, retirement plans, insurance, and wills into digestible pieces without ever sounding preachy or condescending. As someone who has always felt intimidated by financial jargon, I found his explanations refreshingly clear. By the time he got to the chapter on creating a will (something I’ve been putting off for years), I was already mentally drafting mine.

Listening to this audiobook felt like attending a workshop where you leave feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed. John’s humor and honesty kept me engaged throughout the 10 hours and 44 minutes of narration. There were moments when I laughed out loud (his description of trying to budget while raising kids hit close to home) and others where I paused to take notes (his tips on emergency funds are gold).

By the end of it, I felt inspired to take control of my financial life – not out of fear or obligation but because John made it feel achievable. If you’ve ever felt lost when it comes to money matters, this audiobook is your roadmap.

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