The Simple Path to Wealth Just Got Even Better
JL Collins’ personal finance classic, The Simple Path to Wealth, is back—revised, expanded, and more relevant than ever.
Originally published in 2015, the book helped thousands simplify their money, invest wisely, and build lasting wealth. Now, with nearly a decade of hindsight and reader feedback, last week Collins released a 2025 Revised & Expanded Edition—and it’s packed with valuable new content.
This is my #1 personal finance book—its message truly resonated with me, and I’ve followed JL Collins’ advice in my own investment portfolio ever since.
I credit this book with me achieving financial independence 5 years earlier than I had planned!
Why The Simple Path to Wealth Still Matters
At its core, The Simple Path to Wealth offers a refreshing, timeless message:
Live below your means, avoid debt, invest in low-cost index funds, and let time do the work.
It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. And that’s exactly why it works.
The Core Principles
💡 Achieve Financial Independence (FI)
The goal isn’t to get rich for the sake of it—it’s to buy freedom.
Financial freedom means your investments generate enough to cover your lifestyle, so work becomes optional.Collins’ warm, conversational tone makes financial independence feel not only achievable, but enjoyable. The original book was written for his daughter, Jess as she graduated college, and embarked on her next chapter.
💡 Live Below Your Means
Keep expenses modest and savings high. Freedom comes from a wide gap between what you earn and what you spend.
💡 Avoid Debt Like the Plague
Debt limits your choices. JL Collins is especially critical of consumer and credit card debt, as am I, having worked as a former credit card business manager. I’ve seen firsthand how it can trap people in cycles that restrict their freedom and future options and strongly advise to avoid credit card debt.
💡 Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds
Specifically, Collins recommends VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund) for U.S. investors. It’s diversified, low-cost, and proven to outperform most active investors over time. Index Funds are key to a simple, solid investing strategy, and easy enough for beginners to understand.
💡 Embrace Market Volatility
Don’t fear downturns. Stay the course.
Time in the market beats timing the market.
The advice to stay the course through volatility proved its worth this year—despite April marking the largest two-day drop in market history, the rebound that followed reminded us that patience often pays off in uncertain times.”
Is the Simple Path the same in 2025?
Yes, JL Collins still recommends VTSAX in the revised and expanded 2025 edition of The Simple Path to Wealth. His core investment philosophy hasn’t changed, and VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund) remains his go-to vehicle for building long-term wealth—especially for U.S.-based investors.
Here’s why he continues to endorse it:
✅ Why VTSAX Still Holds Up
- Broad diversification: It gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market—large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
- Ultra-low fees: With an expense ratio around 0.04%, it’s far cheaper than actively managed funds.
- Automatic growth with the market: You capture the total return of the U.S. economy without having to pick winners.
- Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity: It fits perfectly with Collins’ philosophy of keeping investing easy and emotionally detached.
If You Can’t Access VTSAX
Collins also reiterates in the updated edition that if you’re investing through a platform or retirement account where VTSAX isn’t available, you can use:
- VTI (ETF version of VTSAX) – for brokerage accounts
- Other broad-based total market or S&P 500 index funds from providers like Fidelity or Schwab
What’s New in the Revised Edition?
The core philosophy hasn’t changed, but Collins has added smart, meaningful updates that reflect the realities of today’s financial world.
✅ Fresh Data and Updated Examples
All numbers and market references now reflect current data, including the massive growth of the S&P 500 and post-pandemic insights.
✅ Brand-New FAQ Section
Collins answers the top reader questions from the past decade, covering:
- Market corrections and inflation
- Bitcoin and cryptocurrency
- Insurance and estate planning
- Advice tailored to teens, parents, retirees, and more
✅ New Case Study: When Everything Goes Wrong
This powerful real-life example shows how attitude and consistency can carry you through even the worst financial storms. The ‘what if’ scenario feels especially timely in 2025, as economic uncertainty, shifting tariffs, and unpredictable stock market swings have many people rethinking their financial footing.
✅ Resource Toolkit
All the calculators, blogs, and tools mentioned throughout the book are now gathered in one convenient section.
✅ Improved Design and Layout
The book now features a clean, professional layout and quality materials, more polished than the original self published book —elevating the reading experience.
A Full-Circle Moment
In a touching twist, Collins’ daughter Jess—once the inspiration for book —is now a collaborator on this new edition of The Simple Path to Wealth. Her voice adds a fresh, relatable dimension for younger readers just beginning their financial journeys.
📚 Where to Get It – and how to get the NEW Addition
The Revised & Expanded Edition of The Simple Path to Wealth is now available.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out, returning for a refresher, or guiding someone else toward financial freedom, this book is a must-read.
🎯 The path to wealth really can be simple—and JL Collins shows you exactly how to walk it.
LIVE RICHLY. FIND HAPPY.
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