Make Money Move Summary & Review: Best Finance Book for Beginners in 2025
"The stock market is not just about numbers—it’s about mindset." – Lauren Simmons
Why Most People Fail at Building Wealth ?
Do you ever feel like no matter how much you save or invest, financial freedom stays just out of reach?
You're not alone. Most people struggle with money because they lack the right strategies—or worse, the confidence to take action.
Lauren Simmons, the youngest and only full-time female equity trader on Wall Street at just 22, knows this struggle firsthand. In Make Money Move, she breaks down the mental and practical barriers holding people back from wealth. But here's the real question: Why do so many readers abandon finance books before finishing them?
The answer? Most books are either too technical or too vague. Simmons cuts through the noise with relatable advice, real-life examples, and a step-by-step approach to mastering money.
About author
Lauren Simmons isn't your typical finance guru—she's a history-maker. At just 22 years old, she became the youngest and only full-time female equity trader on the New York Stock Exchange in 2017, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. With no formal finance background , Simmons taught herself trading, proving that hustle and mindset trump pedigree.
Her journey—from Wall Street to motivational speaker and author—is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities. In Make Money Move, she blends street-smart wisdom with actionable strategies, making finance feel less like a privilege and more like a power anyone can claim. If you want advice from someone who's been there, not just preached it, Simmons' voice is one to trust.
Brief summary
Imagine cracking open a finance book that doesn't put you to sleep—one that reads like a mix of gritty memoir and step-by-step wealth blueprint. That's Make Money Move. Lauren Simmons, the Wall Street prodigy who defied every odd, doesn't just dump stock charts on you—she hands you the mental toolkit to conquer money fears and start building real wealth. This isn't about get-rich-quick schemes; it's about rewiring how you think about money.
Through raw stories (like losing her dream job and bouncing back smarter), Simmons reveals why most people stay stuck—paralyzed by perfection, ignorance, or plain old fear—and how to break free. Expect blunt truths (why your 9-to-5 won't make you rich), tactical advice (how to start investing with $10), and mindset shifts (turning risk from a monster into an ally). Whether you're drowning in debt or just dipping toes into investing, her message is clear: Financial freedom isn't about luck—it's about making moves. Spoiler? You'll finish this book itching to open a brokerage account—or finally launch that side hustle you've been overthinking.
The "Rule of Small Wins" – Lauren Simmons' Counterintuitive Strategy for Building Unshakable Confidence
Here's a hard truth most finance books won't tell you: Your biggest money barrier isn't your bank balance—it's your self-doubt. Lauren Simmons nails this in Make Money Move with her "Rule of Small Wins," a game-changing method she used to go from clueless newbie to Wall Street trader in months.
Why This Works When Other Strategies Fail
Most people freeze when they hear "investing"—they imagine Wolf of Wall Street chaos or needing a finance degree. Simmons flips the script:
1. Start Stupidly Small
- Her first "trade"? A $5 fantasy stock simulator app.
- Why it matters: Tiny actions bypass the brain's panic response. "You're not risking rent money—you're playing a video game that teaches real skills."
2. The 1% Daily Challenge
- Instead of obsessing over 10% returns, Simmons focused on learning one new concept daily—like reading a 5-minute explainer on P/E ratios.
- Real-world payoff: Within 90 days, she spotted a pattern in biotech stocks that landed her a trading floor job.
3. The "Failure Resume" Hack
- She kept a journal of every mistake (e.g., buying hype stocks like Bitcoin at its 2017 peak)—but reframed them as paid tuition.
- Psychological magic: "When losses become lessons, fear becomes curiosity."
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Why This Beats Generic "Just Invest!" Advice
Simmons' method attacks the real problem: the paralysis of feeling like a fraud. By the time you've notched 20 "small wins" (e.g., investing $10, negotiating a bill, tracking spending for a week), your brain starts believing "I'm someone who handles money well." That's when real wealth-building begins.
Try This Today:
- Open a free stock simulator (like MarketWatch Virtual Stock Exchange).
- "Invest" $100 in 3 companies you know (e.g., Netflix, Nike).
- Track them for a week—no money needed, just proof you can learn this.
Simmons' genius? She proves confidence isn't a prerequisite for wealth—it's the result of tiny, repeatable actions. The traders who crash and burn? They skipped this step.
Pros & Cons
Why this book stands out
1. No Fluff, Just Real Talk
Unlike finance books packed with jargon, Simmons writes like she's mentoring you over coffee. She admits her own early blunders ("Yes, I fell for crypto hype too") and keeps it brutally practical. No theory—just "here's exactly how I turned $500 into $5,000."
2. Mindset Over Math
Most investing books obsess over ratios and charts. Simmons focuses on the psychological barriers holding people back—like imposter syndrome ("I didn't belong on Wall Street either") and analysis paralysis ("Just pick one stock. Yes, now.").
3. For Normal People, Not Gordon Gekko
Her strategies work for real budgets:
- How to start with $10 (not $10,000)
- Side hustles that don't require quitting your job
- Negotiation scripts for lowering bills (she used these herself)
4. Street-Smart, Not Textbook-Smart
Simmons didn't learn from Harvard—she learned by getting fired, rebounding, and out-hustling the Ivy League guys. That scrappy energy makes this feel like a playbook, not a lecture.
Who Might Feel Shortchanged?
1. Not for Advanced Investors
If you're already day-trading or running a business, much of this will feel basic. She skips deep dives into options trading or tax strategies.
2. More Motivational Than Technical
Don't expect complex stock analysis—this is about building confidence first, skills second. Some readers might crave more Excel templates or step-by-step guides.
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3. Her Hustle is Hard to Replicate
Simmons' rise was lightning-fast (thanks to grit + luck). While inspiring, not everyone will land a Wall Street job at 22. The book could've addressed "what if I'm not a prodigy?" more.
4. Short on "What Now?"
The final chapters hype taking action but lack a 30-day challenge or checklist. You'll need to self-direct after reading.
Who should read make money move book
Perfect for:
The Overthinker – If you've been "researching" investing for months but still haven't bought a single stock, Simmons will shove you off the ledge (gently).
The Side Hustler – Her chapters on multiple income streams are gold for anyone tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck.
The Intimidated Beginner – No finance degree? No problem. She started with Google searches and free apps—just like you can.
The Confidence-Lacking – If you secretly worry money is "for other people," her story will gut-punch that belief.
Think Twice If:
You're Already Investing – If terms like "ETF" and "dollar-cost averaging" are old news, you'll crave more advanced tactics.
You Hate Motivational Talk – This isn't a dry textbook. Expect plenty of "you got this!" energy.
You Want a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme – Simmons preaches patience and strategy—no Lambo promises here.
I really like the book, it's a perfect book for beginners or aspirants. I would give 3.9/5 rating . A few sections feel rushed (like her career transition), and I wish there were more templates/scripts.
Why It's Still a Must-Read: It's the rare finance book that actually makes you feel capable instead of overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Let's be real – you've probably read finance books before. Maybe even took notes. But did you act? That's where Make Money Move punches harder than the competition.
Simmons doesn't just explain compound interest; she makes you feel the cost of waiting. Every page whispers: "What's your excuse TODAY?"
If you're ready to stop spectating your financial life: Buy it now. If you're still hesitating: Download a stock simulator (her first step) and "play" for 10 minutes. That's the whole point – starting stupid small beats never starting.
This book won't magically fatten your bank account. But it might finally make you click "invest" instead of just "wish." The rest? That's on you.
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FAQs About Make Money Move
1. Is this book good for absolute beginners with zero finance knowledge?
Absolutely! Simmons breaks down concepts like you're learning a new language – starting with "hello" before conversational fluency. She assumes you know nothing (and that's okay).
2. How is this different from Rich Dad Poor Dad?
Kiyosaki teaches why wealth matters; Simmons shows how to build it step-by-step. Less philosophy, more "here's how I opened my first brokerage account."
3. Will this help if I'm in debt?
Yes – but skip straight to Chapter 5 (her "Debt Detox" method). Her focus is mindset shifts first, math second.
4. Is it outdated for 2024's economy?
The core principles (mindset, starting small) are timeless. For crypto/tech updates, follow her podcast – she's big on adapting.
5. Biggest criticism from readers?
Some want more structured plans ("Tell me EXACTLY which stocks to buy!"). Simmons teaches fishing, not handing out fish.
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