Hardcover
A physical copy to read, highlight, share, or give as a gift.
Buy Hardcover DirectPurchase through our publisher's storefront.
Also available on AmazonThe Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom is a personal finance book for young adults, recent college graduates, and people starting their careers. Steve Short and Mark Schlipman also offer financial wellness speaking programs for organizations.
TEDx Speakers • #1 Amazon Bestseller
Financial Freedom Shouldn’t Be Complicated.
Simple frameworks. Clear next steps. Less stress.The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom is a practical personal finance book for young adults, recent college graduates, and those starting their careers. Learn simple approaches to saving, budgeting, and investing that help build lifelong financial habits.
Available in print, audiobook, and ebook formats
Organizations We've Worked With & Media Features
Featured organizations and outlets include TEDxKC, KCUR (NPR), Cancer for College, ECCO Select, Enterprise Rent-A Car, Quincy University, The Kansas City Chiefs, The University of Kansas, UMKC, KCTV (CBS).
Inside the book
Inside the book, you’ll discover:
A practical roadmap built for young professionals, recent graduates, and anyone who wants a clearer system for money.
How to use the Save-First 50/20/30 Model™ – our twist on the classic rule that puts saving first so wealth builds automatically.
Beginner investing made simple – clear steps for 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs, even if you are starting from zero.
How to unlock “free money” – from employer matches to overlooked benefits that accelerate progress without extra effort.
The power of delayed gratification – why small decisions today create lasting financial security and flexibility.
The 20-to-$1M Method™ – a simple way to understand how consistent saving can compound into long-term wealth.
The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom is a practical personal finance guide that covers budgeting, investing, employer benefits, and long-term planning using simple frameworks like the Save-First 50/20/30 Model™, the 20-to-$1M Method™, and STL Moments™.
Speaking & Workshops
Practical Financial Wellness for Your Team
Steve and Mark bring interactive financial education to businesses, universities, and professional organizations. Their presentations help audiences build financial confidence through simple, practical systems they can use right away.
See Steve & Mark in Action at TEDxKC
What readers say
⭐ Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by readers on Amazon (as of October 2026)
“Great book! It was an easy read and made personal finance way less intimidating. I learned a lot and feel more confident about managing my money.”
Amazon Reviewer (Annie W.)
“As a community bank CEO, I come across a lot of young people who are innately curious about the best methods to accumulate future wealth. Mark and Steve have given them the roadmap in this book.”
Amazon Reviewer (Community Bank CEO)
Impact
Impact beyond the book
A portion of proceeds supports college scholarships for cancer survivors through Cancer for College.
Next step
Ready for a simple roadmap?
Start with the book, or bring Simple Road to your organization through a speaking session.
TEDxKC photography: Don Ipock
Your Roadmap to Financial Freedom
Get the Book
The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom
Practical money lessons to help young adults build wealth and make smarter financial decisions. Whether you're starting your career, helping your kids, or looking for a clearer path forward, this book gives you practical tools to build a stronger financial future.
Practical money lessons to help young adults build wealth, make smarter financial decisions, and create a stronger financial future.
Amazon #1 BestsellerForeword by Will FerrellBy Steve Short & Mark Schlipman
Choose Your Format
Audiobook
Listen on your commute, at the gym, or wherever life takes you.
Listen on AudibleHaving trouble with Audible? Try turning off Private/Incognito browsing, or search for our book at Audible.com.
Kindle eBook
Read digitally on your Kindle or with the Kindle app.
Get the eBookAvailable through Amazon Kindle.
A Book With a Purpose
What started as an effort to teach our own kids the financial basics became a mission to help more young adults build a stronger financial future. A portion of book proceeds supports Cancer for College, helping cancer survivors pursue their educational goals.
Financial Freedom Presentations
Helping employees build confidence with money.TEDx speakers and Amazon #1 bestselling authors helping teams build clarity, confidence, and momentum with money.
What We Cover
Practical financial systems that help employees build confidence, reduce stress, and take action.
- Save-First 50/20/30 Model™: A simple approach to prioritizing savings, managing spending, and building better habits, even when starting below 20%.
- Three Bucket System: How to organize money for emergencies, upcoming expenses, and long-term investing.
- The 20-to-$1M Method™: How consistent saving, time, and compound growth can build long-term wealth.
- Unlocking Employer Benefits: Making better use of 401(k) matches, HSAs when eligible, and automatic savings.
- Turn Knowledge Into Action: Clear next steps and our 6-Week Financial Freedom Challenge™ to help employees put ideas into practice.
The result: Employees leave with a practical financial roadmap and actionable next steps.
Why book us: Steve brings decades of executive leadership experience, while Mark brings decades of financial advisory expertise. Together, we're TEDx speakers and Amazon #1 bestselling authors delivering practical financial education without a product pitch. A portion of proceeds supports young cancer survivors.
Watch Our TEDxKC Talk
See how Steve and Mark make financial education practical, relatable, and actionable.
Steve & Mark in Action
Steve and Mark sharing practical financial education with audiences.
Speaking FAQ
Do you provide personalized financial advice?
No. All sessions are general financial education only.
Who are these talks best for?
Companies, universities, associations, and organizations supporting employees, students, or emerging professionals.
How long are sessions?
Presentations typically run 45–60 minutes, including practical financial education and Q&A. We can tailor the format to your organization's schedule and audience.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. Both virtual and in-person presentations are available.