An inspiring introduction to the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement, Playing with FIRE serves as both an approachable guide to personal finance and a fun story about a young couple’s journey toward intentional living.

I couldn’t have read this book at a better time. Finally out from under an enormous amount of consumer debt accumulated in my early twenties, I continued the process of strict budgeting and reengaged my finance roots to research best investing practices. While I had a solid plan for accumulating wealth, it lacked clear goals and the purpose behind it was vague—until I read Playing with FIRE.

Although the book holds no revolutionary ideas or life-changing objectives, Scott’s ability to synthesize all aspects of the movement to create a clear, comprehensive guide to early retirement, makes financial independence feel approachable and attainable.

Like Scott and Taylor, my girlfriend and I value experience over material possessions, love nature and adventure, are fortunate enough to have healthy incomes with significant room to cut expenses, and share a desire to take back our time and live intentionally. Inspired by their principles, we created a roadmap towards a better life that includes purpose, clear goals, and a timeline to financial independence and semi-retirement. Viewed as inspiration for intentional living and early retirement—rather than a textbook on financial strategy—this book earns a solid four stars from me.