Behind the Scenes With David Chilton

The Wealthy Barber has inspired generations to take control of their finances without fear. Why do you think the message of financial simplicity still resonates so deeply today?

“In general, personal finance is so intimidating, and there's a perception out there that it's all about complex math and tricky products. It really isn't. The things that work are very easy to understand. “The Wealthy Barber has tried to take the intimidation and the dryness out, and wrap it in a story with some humor. I think that's a universally appealing approach. It seems to resonate over generations as well. The good news is I don't do that just to avoid staying away from those subjects. I do it because the things I teach are what works. Keep it simple—that's the way to go.”

What book or practice has most influenced your own mindset when it comes to success and balance?

“Well, you’re going to think I’m saying this just to kiss up to Indigo, but the practice has been reading. Reading has been incredibly impactful in my life. I am an avid reader. I probably still read 30 to 40 books a year, but I used to read a couple hundred a year because I flew so much. And, in fact, one year, I was the number one user at Chapters of the loyalty card. “I like physical books. And so, for me, that practice has always kept me growing, making

me think, keeping me grounded, relaxing me, and getting me away from work and some of the stresses of everyday life.”

If you could go back and give your younger self one book—money related or not— what would it be?

“I think Atomic Habits by James Clear really helped me. I did some of those things relatively well naturally, but others I did, frankly, poorly. And just the way he laid out the techniques, the way he made you think about it, I mean, we are our habits. And so, since reading that book, I’ve incorporated a number of those things into my everyday life. We all need to grow and challenge ourselves. Habits are how you do it.”