Ken Remsen shares financial journey, from modest beginnings to expert. Discussed favorite books, influences, and passion for personal finance.
In the vast landscape of financial literacy, finding a guide who can resonate with the everyday struggles of managing money is akin to discovering a rare gem. Ken Remsen, the founder of WalletWise, LLC, is one such luminary. In our exclusive interview with him for Reader’s House magazine, Remsen delves into his personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of financial empowerment.
Unlike many financial experts, Ken Remsen didn’t inherit a legacy of affluence. Raised in a family grappling with financial challenges, he witnessed firsthand the repercussions of living paycheck to paycheck and accumulating unnecessary debt. Determined to break this cycle, Remsen pursued higher education while juggling a full-time job in real estate, earning his degree in record time from the University of North Florida.
Armed with a degree in real estate and urban land economics, Ken embarked on a three-decade-long odyssey of mastering finance, navigating the realm of real estate, and achieving personal financial liberation by paying off all debts and crafting a robust stock portfolio. His expertise extends to managing and executing Family Trusts, offering a comprehensive understanding of wealth management.
In our conversation, Remsen reveals not only his financial acumen but also his literary passions. From his love for the mathematical intricacies explored in Benoit Mandelbrot’s “The Fractal Geometry of Nature” to his admiration for classic works like Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Christo,” Remsen’s eclectic taste in literature mirrors his multifaceted approach to life.
When queried about his favorite contemporary authors, Remsen’s admiration extends to non-fiction stalwarts like Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt, whose insights into economics and human behavior resonate deeply with him. He also shines a spotlight on lesser-known yet impactful figures like Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler, whose groundbreaking work in psychology and behavioral economics has left an indelible mark on his worldview.
As an author himself, Remsen draws inspiration from seminal works such as Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” and Robert T. Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” shaping his writing and coaching endeavors with their timeless wisdom. However, Remsen’s literary journey isn’t confined to finance; he finds solace in the adventures of fictional heroes like Mandalorian and Jean Luc Picard, demonstrating a nuanced appreciation for storytelling across genres.
In our interview, Ken Remsen emerges not just as a financial guru but also as a voracious reader whose insights transcend the boundaries of money management. His words resonate with authenticity and empathy, embodying the essence of true financial wisdom—one that is grounded in empathy, experience, and a genuine desire to empower others on their journey toward financial freedom.
What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?
The Fractal Geometry of Nature, Benoit Mandelbrot. I am a maths nerd and I love the story of Benoit’s struggle, against all odds, to show mathematicians that he was really on to a new branch of geometry!
Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?
The most recent classic I read was The Count of Monte Christo, Alexandre Dumas. Love this story! I also recently read Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge.
You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?
Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo!
Which writers — working today do you admire most?
I am a big non-fiction reader and I love the books written by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt.
Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular?
Daniel Kahneman, who introduced psychology to the field of economics and Richard Thaler who introduced the world to behavioral economics and nudges.
What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?
I actually read a lot of personal finance books when I am writing. I want to stay up to date on the latest trends and news.
What moves you most in a work of literature?
The ability of the author to relate the topic to everyday people.
What genres do you especially enjoy reading?
I enjoy non fiction books including personal finance and world history.
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine?
I’m a fan of Mandalorian and Jean Luc Picard.
What book are you planning to read next?
I am planning to read The Why Axis, by John A. List.
What books and authors have impacted your writing career?
The book Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert T. Kiyosaki.
What kind of reader were you as a child?
The one who got into trouble reading ahead of the class in first grade
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