Once Upon a FI: Introducing Financial Independence Through Classic Stories, Tales, and Fables

"In his first book, Once Upon a FI, Paul Mollenkopf weaves critical personal finance concepts into the fabric of timeless children's fables. This is an adult book for children of all ages. Paul references many leading thinkers and content creators in the financial independence (FI) space as characters in his prose. Their timeless lessons and stories take you down the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole to a world of time freedom that, once seen, cannot be unseen. This book is unique in its genre. Bravo!" — Bill Yount, creator and cohost, Catching Up to FI

"Once Upon a FI is a refreshing approach to spreading the message of financial independence to even the youngest readers. The clever analogies using classic tales inspire valuable generational conversations around money." — Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP, AFC, cohost of Catching Up to FI podcast and author of F.I.R.E. for Dummies

"Fables and fairy tales are great ways to teach others about FI. They are entertaining while introducing foundational concepts in an approachable way. One thing I didn't expect was how the stories hit home with my life experience before and after starting my FI journey. For instance, 'The Ugly Duckling,' because I felt like I lived on a different planet until I started meeting others in the FI community. Also, 'A Spending Carol' because how you grew up shapes your spending, but it is up to you to change course." — Devin H.

"I wish I had access to this kind of relatable, practical knowledge about money and future planning when I was a teenager. No one ever gave us a crash course in managing finances, avoiding debt, or setting long-term goals. I'm incredibly grateful to have this resource now, not just for myself, but to share with my young adult children. It's the perfect guide to help them build a foundation for a future of true financial freedom." — Sara O.

"I honestly think Once Upon a FI will appeal to those who have never heard of these concepts, or are very new to them, as well as those of us who've been here for a while. I gobbled this up." — Kayla H.

"I read one story each night, like a bedtime story! My favorite was the re-imagining of 'A Christmas Carol.' I could relate to it since I once got a credit card at eighteen and DID NOT use it responsibly! I was haunted by the ghost of purchases past for quite some time (shiver). I managed to extract some good financial advice, some of which I've never employed. I used to panic when the stock market would slump, checking my investments daily, but as it turns out, the sky really wasn't falling." — Brian K.

"Each story makes it so easy to understand and makes you realize the financial mistakes you've made in life and the right things to do. I feel like I'll always remember these fairy tales in a new way now!" — Tessa S.

Paul Mollenkopf is a husband, father, grandfather, and first-time author. After he and his wife discovered the FI movement, he began writing letters to his daughter containing all the beneficial information they'd learned. One of those letters produced the idea for this book.