Image credited: net zero words text on wooden blocks isolated on green nature background. carbon neutral net zero emissions concept by Muhammad Syahdan from Noun Project (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

I’ve never read a book cover to cover as fast as Add a Zero.

I’ve been following Rose on YouTube for her finance videos for quite some time, so there might be some biases in my review.

With this book, there are clear strengths and weaknesses throughout the reading.

Starting with the strengths, Rose writes in an easy-to-digest way that makes it very easy to read through. There are no boring points, even in chapters that weren’t relevant to me.

She integrates her personal story into the book, and for me, that’s a plus. As someone from a similar background with immigrant parents, her familial pressure felt relevant.

The toolkit graphics in the book are great! They’re easy to copy and follow along.

Now, for some points I felt could’ve strengthened the read…

I wish she had a “Common financial mistakes” chapter of some sort. Especially in her chapter regarding IRAs. Nowhere was it mentioned that the contribution limit between the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA is actually combined. In her chapter regarding 401ks and job hopping/negotiating for better offers, things like 401k vesting schedule was never mentioned either. I wondered, reading that chapter, if people consider an employer’s 401k vesting schedule before job hopping… or do they negotiate the vesting schedule before they accept the offer. All questions I had while reading.

Another point of improvement, maybe it could be for another book, but more on starting a business would’ve been great. I know starting a business is very dependent on the type of business that an individual wants to start, but a little more on that topic such as how to find the target audience, how to market the goods/service in a competitive market would’ve been great.

Overall…

4.5/5 stars.

Solid content, and to be honest, I went into it thinking everything would be the same as the YouTube videos I’ve been watching, but it wasn’t! Also, again, the toolkit, the book doesn’t just come with the book. It comes with various worksheets, audio previews, and a Masterclass! That’s some great value for a $27 book.

The steps in this book are written very clearly and it’s extremely digestible. The Financial Waterfall is comparable to the Money Guys’ FOO (Financial Order of Operation), but Rose’s take on it makes it less intimidating.

Also, to convince me, someone who starts several books and rarely finishes books, its a major win.