Why I Wrote Get Rich Starting From Nothing — And Why Benjamin Franklin Still Matters Today

 Timeless Money Wisdom from the Guy on the $100 Bill (No, Seriously)

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When I say this book has been 300 years in the making, I’m only half joking.

Benjamin Franklin, yes, the guy on the hundred-dollar bill, was able to retire at 42 years old with total financial freedom. No trust fund. No college degree. No YouTube channel. (Though he would’ve crushed it.)

What he did have were 13 principles for getting rich that are just as powerful today as they were in colonial Philadelphia.

That’s why I wrote Get Rich Starting From Nothing: 13 Wealth Hacks Used by Benjamin Franklin That Still Work Today. Because while the tools have changed—hello apps and side hustles—the timeless principles haven’t.

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The Real Reason I Wrote This Book

Sure, I wanted to bring Ben’s wisdom into the 21st century. Translate his old-school advice into something you can use with your phone, or use it to boost your side hustle, or your after-work grind.

But if I’m being honest?

I wrote this to save someone from making the same mistake I did.

I borrowed a mountain of money to go to law school. And I’m still paying it off. Instead of sipping iced coffee in semi-retirement, I’m here typing this blog post with the Department of Education whispering sweet nothings to me every month. 

Franklin had a saying for that:

“Never pay too much for a whistle.”

Ouch, Ben. But fair.

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What’s in the Book?

This isn’t a guilt trip in book form. It’s a practical guide for anyone who wants to:

✔ Build wealth—even if they’re starting from zero
✔ Avoid expensive mistakes (like overpaying for degrees or dream houses)
✔ Use modern tools (like freelancing, apps, and side gigs) the way Franklin used his printing press
✔ Feel a little less overwhelmed about money

It’s simple. It’s actionable. And yes, it’s a little bit funny. Financial advice shouldn’t feel like a root canal.

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Why Franklin Still Matters

He gave away free books, started a subscription library, funded small businesses, and helped found an entire country. Franklin believed that financial freedom was the first step toward a life of meaning and contribution.

“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing.”

That’s the energy we’re going for.

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Want to Start Your Own Wealth-Building Journey?

Pick up the book here → https://books2read.com/u/m2502j It's free for the next two weeks. 

If Ben could get rich with nothing but a lot of hustle—you can too.

Surviving Inflation Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Budget)

 Here are a few smart money moves you can try  to deal with inflation 

Prices are up. Meat is expensive. Rent seems to demand half your soul as it drains your bank account dry. And you’re starting to wonder if the “cost of living” is a horrible cosmic joke.

Welcome to the era of inflation. This is where your paycheck feels smaller and your grocery cart looks emptier. But you don’t have to accept defeat or live off instant noodles (unless you’re into that). With a few clever moves, a little frugality, and maybe a dash of Benjamin Franklin-style common sense, you can still manage well. (Ben is my hero.)

Here’s how to fight back.

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💸 1. Plug the Money Leaks

You won’t know where to plug the money leaks if you don’t know where they are. So start tracking what you spend.

Inflation hurts more when your budget’s already leaking like a spaghetti strainer.

Start here:

• Look at 2–3 months of spending. Pull out those bank records and credit card statements. Yes, I know this is an annoying task. But this is how you find out where your money is being spent.

• Cancel subscriptions you forgot about (looking at you, “free trial” from 2022).

• Call and negotiate bills. Cell phone, internet, insurance. You might be surprised how often they’ll lower your rate if you ask.

• Set a weekly spending cap on wants, not needs. Limit Amazon therapy, drive-thru detours, and expensive food delivery apps.

• 🛠 Tool Tip: Try free apps like Rocket Money, YNAB, or Monarch Money to make this painless.

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🍽 2. Make Groceries Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)

Eat well while spending less. Repeat.

If the grocery store makes you gasp at checkout, it’s time to switch things up:

• Plan meals around what’s on sale, not what you’re craving.

• Use cheaper stores like Aldi, WinCo, or Grocery Outlet.

• Buy bulk or store brands when the math makes sense.

• Try food-saving apps like Flashfood (discounts on near-expired groceries), Ibotta (cash back), or Too Good To Go (leftovers from restaurants for cheap).

• Vegetarian meals cost less. Plan at least one meat-free meal.

Bonus tip: Making breakfast for dinner is frugal and fun.

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💬 3. Adopt Franklin-Approved Frugal Habits

Save money where it’s easy to modify our behavior by planning.

Let’s outsmart inflation without depriving ourselves of a life worth living.

• Batch errands to save gas and time.

• Cook more meals at home (start with 3 days a week if you’re new).

• Split subscriptions with trusted family/friends.

• Use the 7-day rule: If you still want it in a week, you can buy it. Most of the time, you won’t.

Remember: Frugal isn’t cheap. Frugal is wise.

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💵 4. Make a Little Extra

Inflation will not outpace your hustle.

A small side hustle can take the pressure off your budget:

• Sell unused stuff (Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari)

• Use your skills (babysitting, tutoring, freelance writing, web design, whatever you’ve got)

• Low-barrier gigs: Dog walking, house sitting, TaskRabbit, or taking surveys

Even $100/month can cover a trip to the grocery store or give your savings/investments a boost.

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📈 5. Keep Investing (Even $5 at a Time)

Money may not grow on trees, but it can grow in index funds over time.

Yes, inflation is real. But you don’t have to let it stop your bright future just because the present ride is bumpy.

• Invest small amounts regularly, even if it’s just $5/week.

• Use platforms with fractional shares like Fidelity, Schwab, or M1.

• Focus on index funds. They’re low-cost, diversified, and generally a solid bet.

• Don’t try to time the market. Stay in the market. History shows it works.

Your future self will thank you. Possibly from a beach.

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🛟 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Powerless

You don’t need to outpace inflation in one heroic leap. But every smart step you take now adds up.

Cut where you can. Earn what you can. Save what you must.
And remember that your financial plan doesn’t have to be perfect. But it needs to be better than doing nothing.