Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path to Financial Freedom

by Cosmo P. DeStefano

Money doesn’t have to be complicated.

In Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path to Financial Freedom, award-winning author Cosmo DeStefano shows how everyday people, regardless of background or income, can take control of their financial future. Drawing on three decades of experience in finance, Cosmo combines real-world stories with clear, practical strategies to help you build wealth step by step.

This isn’t Wall Street jargon or get-rich-quick hype. It’s a straightforward, story-driven guide that makes building wealth feel achievable, not intimidating.

You'll learn how to:
• Save and invest with confidence
• Build habits that create lasting financial security
• Plan for retirement without stress
• Think smarter about money, not just harder

Best for readers who can save and invest—even just a little each month. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck with nothing left over, this book won’t be the right fit just yet.

Recognized with multiple top honors, including:
• Best Personal Finance Book — Independent Press Award
• Gold Medal, Business & Money — Global Book Awards
• Best Personal Finance Book — NYC Big Book Award

Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next chapter, Wealth Your Way gives you the tools and mindset to achieve true financial freedom.

What reviewers are saying:

"What can a CPA with 30+ years of investing experience teach us? A LOT." --Alex Wieckowski, blogger, author, Learn to Love Reading.

"DeStefano hits a sweet spot: he provides substantive information in a light and accessible tone...A comprehensive guide for all ages." --BookLife Reviews (⚡Editor's Pick)

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Business, Personal Finance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

Bestselling personal finance author helping you achieve financial freedom.

Cosmo DeStefano is a personal finance writer, strategist, and retired PwC partner with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses manage wealth.

He is the author of Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path to Financial Freedom, an award-winning guide that helps everyday people cut through the noise of Wall Street and build lasting financial independence.

Cosmo also writes Wealth Your Way Insights, a free monthly newsletter where he shares timely strategies, real-world stories, and thought-provoking commentary on money, investing, and financial freedom. His mission is to help readers not just learn what to think about personal finance, but how to think about it.

His articles and insights have been featured in Kiplinger, Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and The Evidence-Based Investor.

Start with the book for the complete roadmap, and stay for the newsletter to keep the momentum going.

Today, Cosmo and his wife live in the suburbs of Boston, enjoying financial independence and a secure retirement. He writes to make financial literacy accessible to everyone.

Website: https://www.CosmoDeStefano.com
Book on Amazon: https://geni.us/wealthyourwaypb
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cpdestefano

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cosmo Destefano for sharing the financial wisdom and perspective you have gained through your years as a CPA and big firm tax partner, as well as one who has successfully navigated to a place of personal financial independence. Your book provides excellent financial strategies and ideas in an organized, succinct, and understandable way, and with an eye towards helping both young adults and more seasoned adults planning for their futures and financial independence. The inclusion of personal experiences, historical accounts and analysis, and your explanation of financial terms of art was done in a way that is instructive, engaging, relatable and inspiring. Your book is a gift to all - and we have already given a copy to each of our children, nieces and nephew.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infused with relatable humor

This book really merges practical financial guidance with motivational elements. It emphasizes on the core principles of planning and disciplined saving. The plot centers around achieving financial independence through strategic investments and careful goal-setting.

I found the writing style to be clear, approachable, and infused with relatable humor. I was able to understand quite complex financial concepts in an easy way. What I understood as the main messages is the importance of having a purposeful and adaptable financial plan. This book really encouraged me to be proactive in my financial management.

I would say that this book is useful for anyone looking to take control of their financial future. It provides actionable steps and fosters a mindset of long-term planning.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice

This is a great book! The author gives solid, realistic, and kindly financial advice in a tone and language that's easy for the reader to comprehend and absorb. It's a book written for us regular folk who just want to be able to retire comfortably. The author says this book is written for those starting out in life, as well as those near retirement who want to play catch up. He had me when he specifically said it's not about skipping your morning coffee shop latte. Whenever I see someone give that generic and simplistic advice I immediately tune out. Great book, great financial advice and concepts to learn and consider, great read for those needing help with planning for retirement.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own financial mentor

Personally, this book changed the way I looked at money. I am a finance student and I am 1 month away from graduating but let me tell you that no university or college teaches us how to manage our finances in a wise and responsible way.
This book came at the perfect time when I was stuck in a financial path. It explains in detail how to make a budget, investment tips and day to day financial situations in a simple and easy to identify way.
I recommend it 100% for those who feel a little out of place in the order of their finances. This book saved me and my financial journey!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

Engaging, informative, and helpful.

I'm hoping to be able to implement some of what I learned in my life. It's definitely worth the time it takes to read.

[Michael Froilan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable

[Steve Sarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan – Course Correct – Repeat

But first …

“RTB”

Read-This-Book.

Like many, I’m sure, I have read my share of personal finance books. A favorite being Start Your F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early): A Modern Guide to Early Retirement by my friends Dylin Redling and Allison Tom . And now I have a new favorite that I will not only be recommending but gifting to my kids and a few other important young people in my life this Christmas.

Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path to Financial Freedom is very well written, extremely accessible and clear and a great introduction to personal financial planning. Cosmo P. DeStefano brings financial theory alive with straight forward examples that cut through the complexities of financial jargon and clearly illustrates the finer points of his approach.

He introduces some rather obvious but frankly new ways of looking at building a plan and making it happen. And he is also a realist in terms of knowing plans are going to go awry and have unforeseen setbacks. He then offers very practical tips on how to prepare and what to do when those things happen. And they will happen. That's where "PCR" becomes so important!.

His chapter on the “Fragile Decade” was particularly interesting to me, however, there’s sage advice and perspective on nearly every page. In fact I think I made over 50 Kindle Notes and Highlights and will make them public as soon as Goodreads adds the Kindle Edition to its database (speaking to GR Librarians soon).

If you’re thinking about a solid book on personal finance, particularly for a novice or relative newcomer to books on money, I could not recommend a better title that this one.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A spirited, informative, and very readable guide to strengthening your financial life. A roadmap for taking control of your personal finances. DeStefano writes with energy and clarity. I find his ideas and thought process refreshingly useful."

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Wealth Your Way, Cosmo P. DeStefano challenges the conventional starting point of financial inquiry. Rather than diving straight into the intricacies of investment, he encourages readers to first understand the 'why' and 'how' behind their financial aspirations. A central theme of the book is the significance of setting precise financial objectives and tailoring a unique plan to fulfill those ambitions. DeStefano illuminates the essential difference between daily savings and long-term wealth accumulation. He introduces an intuitive four-bucket system for financial management, where Bucket A focuses on long-term investments, while Buckets B to D address daily expenses.

The book also elegantly debunks the myth that a hefty income is synonymous with wealth. DeStefano underscores that while income is a result of one's job, wealth is a testament to one's financial acumen and decisions, accumulating over time. At its heart, Wealth Your Way propounds the ultimate goal of financial independence, enabling individuals to fulfill their desires without the shackles of earned income.

DeStefano's writing is commendably straight and to the point. He adopts a practical and direct approach, demystifying intricate financial notions for the everyday reader. Enriched with thought-provoking quotes and insightful anecdotes, the book offers an immersive reading experience. The narrative structure is methodical, guiding readers seamlessly through the author's wisdom. What truly stands out is DeStefano's tone – it's simultaneously informative, motivational, and conversational. By sidestepping dense jargon, he ensures his insights are accessible to a diverse readership.

Targeted at both financial novices and those with a foundational understanding, Wealth Your Way is a treasure trove for anyone from young professionals embarking on their careers to those charting their retirement course. In essence, DeStefano delivers an engaging, practical, and empowering guide to wealth creation, advocating for informed financial decisions and the dream of financial autonomy.

[L Becerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and helpful book.

This is a very helpful book that would change your life in terms of organizing your finances. DeStefano, through all the chapters, would give the reader the essentials and fundamentals bases in order to build wealth and develop a long-term mindset, this through savings, budgets, investments and managing debts as much as possible.
The way it is written makes this complex topic very easy to understand. He uses real life examples in order to explain the points and teach through experience. He also uses some worksheets and practical tools through the book, that would help you apply every concept. I think he truly understands the readers' needs in terms of finances and wealth.
I recommend this book for those who are starting to build their wealth and planning how to organize their finances. It would be the tool and perfect guide they need to do it wisely and plan in short and long term.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Guide on Personal Finance...

"Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path to Financial Freedom" by Cosmo P. DeStefano offers a novel perspective on personal finance, rejecting generic counsel in favor of a more tailored methodology. DeStefano's work is distinguished by its thorough examination of the complete financial lifecycle, encompassing early career savings through to retirement expenditures.

The author's pragmatic methodology and lucid writing style render intricate financial ideas comprehensible to readers at different phases of their financial journey. Instead of prescribing specific behaviors, DeStefano enables readers to make educated judgments by offering a framework for financial reasoning. This methodology, along with practical illustrations and cautionary advice, renders "Wealth Your Way" an indispensable asset for individuals aspiring to assert control over their financial destiny and attain genuine financial independence. Highly recommended.

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

This is an easy-to-read and practical book about finances that does not overwhelm you with complicated terminology. What I enjoyed most about “Wealth Your Way” is that it includes simple explanations of financial concepts; the author uses plain English instead of difficult fiscal jargon to communicate his message. The author places considerable emphasis on how the concept of mindset, combined with discipline, can create better habits toward managing your finances over time. DeStefano does not sell the reader dreams of becoming rich overnight; he suggests sound financial decisions and time to realize a wealth-creation strategy. While there are some elements of repetitiveness contained within this work, that was likely intended to reemphasize the key concepts of wealth-building. As a result, I believe this is an excellent resource for a person just starting to take control of their financial future.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Financial freedom: it’s a nearly magical term. For some, it means being a millionaire, but the more practical among us realize that it actually signifies having the money to live comfortably. Even getting to that threshold represents a stiff test for many individuals these days, though. This book can teach you how to get to a place where you’re not constantly worrying about paying your weekly grocery bill or the next month’s rent.

The author talks about planning with purpose, a technique that encompasses budgeting, saving, and even investing. Eventually, if you follow the steps that this book proposes, you should get to a point where you don’t just have money for the present, but the future as well. That will be a load off your mind, and it might not prove to be as difficult as you may have feared.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nowadays, having financial freedom is very important. Everyone is talking about it, to understand more about it and learn how to achieve it, I was recommended Wealth Your Way as a guided approach to learning more. Reading the book opened my mind to a world of opportunities. Most of the time, I focused on what to do with my money, not on the broader aspects that the author encourages, seeing money management as a long-term process that will lead to the freedom I'm seeking.
What stood out to me was how DeStefano manages to cover everything related to personal finances. Many people only talk about the positive aspects, but the part of the book that addresses common mistakes and pitfalls in pursuing financial freedom helped me realize that it’s a learning process. Understanding those common mistakes will reduce my chances of making them.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Cosmo P. De Stefano is a real-world guide that has helped me a lot. The author deals with a vast list of topics as regards the financial aspect of life. He goes from beginning to end in a very complete yet simple way. From setting goals and saving to investing and spending in retirement, De Stefano has everything into consideration. It was not a surprise for me to see the many awards this book and the author have. I like the fact that he focuses on a very simple yet hard to get goal: financial independence. The author emphasizes the need for freedom to use our incomes freely in order to get freedom in our personal time. As regards the writing style, I see it attractive and full of relevant cases as examples. The author has a unique way of making complex financial concepts easy to understand. This book deserves 5 stars for sure.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wealth Your Wealth is an excellent read for anyone who is willing to understand the basic concepts involved in the science of wealth management and finances at a personal, individual level. I think that this book written by Cosmo P. DeStefano is a very good way of entering the world of finance.
This is a very well-written book. I am not an expert in economics and finance; however, I enjoyed and found it simple reading this book. The author has put together his knowledge of the subject and his ability to explain complex notions in a very easy way to grasp and has come with a work that can be considered a textbook in the matter. Managing and growing my finances allowed me to become independent and this book taught me all about it.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful read for those who want to improve their financial management. Recently, I've come to understand the importance of changing my mindset and actively working towards a more stable and promising future. This realization led me to pick up this book, and I'm pleased with my decision! In straightforward terms, the book provides effective methods and strategies to improve how I save and invest, making sure each dollar contributes efficiently to building a strong financial base.

What really made the difference for me was how the author changed my perception of the financial future. He taught me to stop fearing him; he cleared my doubts so I could begin to see it as an opportunity to grow and ensure my long-term stability. Wealth Your Way is an invaluable resource.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Wealth Your Way" and found it to be a clear, practical, and honest book. It's not a typical finance book that promises magic formulas. On the contrary, the author focuses on something much more important: how to improve your financial mindset and how to make decisions aligned with the life you truly want to live. From the first pages, I felt I was reading a realistic guide, designed for people who want to stop improvising and start planning meaningfully.
The book helped me identify habits and beliefs about money that, without me realizing it, might be holding me back, and it gave me tools to build a personal wealth plan, tailored to my values ​​and goals. Definitely a recommended book for understanding financial decision-making in clear language.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am someone who focuses on my investments quite a lot. I try to educate myself and always work to achieve the famous financial arc; however, it takes hard work and sacrifice to manage that and you have to always keep in mind your goal to do it. In my research, I came across this book, and it does an excellent job of highlighting several challenges that investors might face. It shares a practical and thoughtful approach to overcoming them and achieving your financial goals. It is also written with a lot of empathy; I felt it was more of a companionship rather than a lecture which made me feel better when reading it. This is a great book if you are searching for real answers!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a recognized and prestigious book written by Cosmo DeStefano, addressed to anyone seeking financial freedom.
The title provides readers with practical knowledge, clever advice and skills that help them to save wisely, among other things. Also, I find the examples to which the author resorts to better explain the main ideas of the book extraordinarily detailed and useful.
Financial independence is not an easy thing to achieve and we often feel lost on the road to it. Without any doubt, the information contained throughout the pages of “Wealth Your Way” is complete, invaluable and inspirational.
Planning with a clear purpose in mind is possible by reading this masterpiece.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building wealth is easier said than done; sometimes, you need help figuring out where or how to start. This book guides you through that; it is an easy-to-follow guide on building wealth, from saving to investing. This book helps you create a retirement plan that you can enjoy and will keep you and your family together. I agree with this book that sometimes, it is great to ask or hire help to guide you in making the right investing decisions because it is a lot of work and sometimes too complex for us to understand. Besides, it also saves you time when understanding investing. I find the checklist about growing your wealth helpful.

[S Tyty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must if you are looking to define goals related to finance, saving money, or investing. I guess the majority of us are looking for something of the sort.
The main core of the narrative is helping us accumulate wealth, so that we can then comfortably spend that wealth and do not have any issue when retiring. Besides, the great advantage of this book is that everything we learn here will also help future generations as we pass on this knowledge to them.
Being financially independent has never been so easy after reading DeStefano’s narrative thanks to the practical way it has been penned. It is a great resource.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Financial Independence is a goal that most people dream of, but not everyone can achieve. It's not an easy process and requires more than luck or effort, and this reading helps to build the mentality necessary to achieve greatness and live the rest of your life free from the shackles of dependency.

Overall, it was an enlightening read. Many books have been written about this subject, and every author has different opinions on the matter, but I think the author managed to synthesize this process easily and intuitively.

Recommended for the reader looking for a positive change in their life, regaining something that we might have been lost after childhood, our freedom.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful information.

There are more and more books and information on how to develop strategies and planify the finances to achieve financial freedom that allows us to enjoy our money and our time as we want. Wealth Your Way can be a key reading for people who are worried about their future or want to take care of it with time to enjoy it.
I think this book is valuable because it offers information and tools so that each of the readers can make their own decisions instead of setting a single, strict path. It is simple to read and the author explains in a simple way concepts that can be difficult to understand.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enhace your life

This book caught my attention immediately and brought me a great sense of relief, as I am currently at a key and decisive moment in my life where I need to start building economic and financial well being. Learning how to manage my finances, handle money responsibly, and create abundance not only through saving, but also through the way I invest and use my resources has become a priority for me.

As a young adult, and with the constant pressure from society and the media, knowing how to invest and achieve financial stability has become one of my main goals. In that sense, this book arrived at the perfect time.

I found it very easy to read and understand. It works as a practical and accessible guide for any type of reader, especially young adults who want to improve their lives, make better financial decisions, and create real and lasting change.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that the concern of all of us who are just starting our working life and do not have much idea of the future is when and how we will achieve financial freedom, that is why this book is so useful and important. This author, known for his financial knowledge, will shed light on how to achieve financial freedom and above all, how to make good use of your earnings. Unlike many books on wealth, this book focuses not only on the importance of investing your savings, but also on more important topics such as having the freedom to use your money and your time as a source of happiness.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to start on learning more about your finances and building it for the future. Many of it is pretty direct, but it's always good to hear it anyway. This book is assuming that you have money to set aside to start building for the future, so it would have been nice to see the author talk about having different salaries and building it from there in today's enconomy. It's a good start overall.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this in kindle format as a Goodreads Giveaway. There is a lot of information, I will need to reread it over time to learn new levels. The author provides a lot of information on how your thinking will affect your decisions on investing. There is also much information on the money side of investment. I appreciated the balance.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, common sense, easy to understand, and useful. Short and sweet. Worth the hour or two it'll take one to read it.

[Carl Hendrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice for younger people. Passing on to my children