From the back cover of Rich by Thirty: A Young Adult’s Guide To Financial Success

Most young adults spend more time thinking about what to wear each day than about their finances. It’s too bad, because time really is on your side when it comes to investing. The earlier you start, the more successful you’ll be. Just ask Lesley Scorgie.

At the ripe old age of ten, Lesley started working for pocket money. Soon after that, she had a savings account. By the time she was 17, Oprah Winfrey came calling - and Lesley appeared on her show about Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth. Why? Because Lesley, in her mid 20s, is on track to be a millionaire by the time she’s 30.

In Rich by Thirty, Lesley shares the secrets of her success with other young adults. From tips and hints on how to save what you earn, to more advanced information on investment vehicles and opportunities, Rich by Thirty provides practical advice and good, solid information. Written in Lesley’s friendly, accessible voice, Rich by Thirty features worksheets, a resource section and a glossary of money terms. It should be required reading for anyone under the age of 30.

Praise for the bestselling Rich by Thirty

“There are countless personal-finance books out there, and lots of free advice on the Web. The advantage of Scorgie’s book is that she’s part of the youthful demographic her advice targets, and she boils financial complexities into a breezy, easy-to-read overview that won't scare off financial newbies.”
-- Cecelia Goodnow, Seattle Post Intelligencer, April 15, 2008 --

“In debt? Credit cards maxed out? Nothing in the bank? If so, you’re probably under 30, the generation that loves to spend and doesn't know the word save. Author Lesley Scorgie is trying to change that by offering advice to the cash-strapped and savings-challenged in her book Rich by Thirty.”
-- Fiona Anderson, Vancouver Sun, Friday, February 23, 2007

“It is a solid book with good, straightforward advice. It is a refreshing example of financial freedom achieved with a little know-how and smart decision making. Anyone in their early twenties or younger would benefit from this exceptional guide and introduction to the concept of making the most from your money. Parents should consider using this to teach kids the value of compound interest (ask if they would rather spend their $5 allowance today, or have $10 to spend later).”
-- Wisebread.com, March 23, 2008

“From the basics of setting up bank accounts to creative budget systems, Ms. Scorgie covers everything that anyone could need in getting their life together. She covers basic investing, avoiding credit card debt, and then even starts talking about buying a house and preparing for kids - the stuff that is probably specifically for those around 30. But really, and I cannot stress this enough - the book is for everyone, and is written in a non-condescending manner that makes the reader comfortable. I really enjoyed it, and I am sure that you will as well.”
-- Mytwodollars.com, Feb. 22, 2008

“If you are under the age of 25, or know someone who is, then I think this is a great introduction to personal finance. The writing is easy to understand and most young adults should easily be able to relate with the examples in the book. I also think it helps that this story and book is coming from someone with a modest background. It is refreshing to know that a little education and hard work can go a long way at such a young age to create success.”
-- Genxfinance.com, Wed. Apr. 2, 2008

Lesley’s first book launch

On January 16, 2007, Lesley Scorgie launched her first book Rich by Thirty: A Young Adult’s Guide To Financial Success in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at McNally Robinson Booksellers. Lesley also traveled throughout Canada to promote her book including Toronto, where she launched it at Type Books to a crowd of 70 people.

“It was a night of excitement because I had finally realized my dream of becoming an author,” says Lesley. “It only took three and a half years and three drafts, but it was worth every moment.”

Lesley shared with the audience of about 100 why she was motivated to write her book. Young children and teens sat attentively next to enthralled parents who looked relieved that someone young and hip was able to inspire their children to value money.

Lesley spoke of the freedom that money affords, which is a concept that youth of this consumer-fenzied generation can easily grasp. Her passion for promoting financial literacy was so strong, yet accessible, that most of the questions afterwards came from children and teens in the audience.

“The dreams that one wishes to pursue can become a reality,” says Lesley. “Wealth is no longer just about money, it’s about freedom.”

Young people have endless potential because time is on their side and there are resources available to them that were not imaginable to generations before them says Lesley.

“Rich by Thirty harnesses some youthful energy and ideas while promoting financial literacy among such an incredible generation,” says Lesley. “Thank you and I hope that you enjoy the read.”

Pictures from the Rich by Thirty launch in Calgary, Canada on Jan. 16, 2007

Lesley outside of McNally Robinson Booksellers in Calgary, Canada.

Lesley Scorgie with her Mother Susan Marshall Scorgie selling book at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Calgary, Canada.

Lesley Scorgie (center) with her sister Alison Bracegirdle and her brother Stephen Scorgie.