The Book

Your First Million

…is closer than you think.
The First $100K — paperback cover

“The hardest part of getting rich is the first $100K.”

— Charlie Munger

In this one-of-a-kind book, moneybren.com founder Brendan Lee recaps his challenge to build a $100K portfolio from scratch, giving an up-close look at how wealth is built, right before your eyes.

Along the way, he shares timeless lessons and stories from his 20+ year career in accounting and investing.

A book that reads part memoir, part how-to guide and part ‘getting free tips from your accountant over a beer’, this book will teach you everything about money you never learned at school, and probably not at home either.

Written by a Kiwi for Kiwis — our stories, our lingo, showing the proven blueprint from zero to a million with our dollars — this is the first and last book on money you'll ever need.

Reviews

What people say
★★★★★

"I devoured it in a day and half! I learned so much, I've bought copies to give to all my nephews and nieces."

Bronwyn, Auckland
★★★★★

"Brendan has written a book that every Kiwi would benefit from. The introduction said it will be like "getting free tips from your accountant over drinks" and that's really what it was like. I never guessed stories about the sharemarket could be so interesting! It was effortless to read and packed with advice I'd never thought about, I loved it."

Andrew, Auckland
★★★★★

"As someone who has followed the moneybren page since the beginning I was familiar with Bren's ideas but the book exceeded my expectations completely, I totally raced through it. I loved his side hustle stories which made it much more entertaining than the usual money advice book. I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends and parents."

Peter, Auckland
★★★★★

"Really enjoyed the book and wish I'd read it at 18 instead of 44! But have given it to my 18 year old daughter to use all the great wisdom to get something going for herself. I really loved the chapter on different cultures and wealth - even read it out loud to my husband. Now we are so motivated to get our money working in a different way after 20 years growing our own business."

Andrea, Waikato
★★★★★

"Loved it, it's only the second book I've managed to finish in five years. You need to write another one!"

Mark, Bay of Plenty
★★★★★

"Since finishing the book I have started decluttering and have already made over $350, started investment accounts for my kids, bought more shares during the recent dips, and am generally thinking more about how to build wealth every day. Your style of writing makes it so easy to understand, it's the first book I've read this year and I really enjoyed it!"

Helen, Auckland

Get Your Copy

Available in ebook and paperback
For all other regions, order from your local Amazon:

The Author

Bren — moneybren
Former Chartered Accountant, Auckland
Financially retired at 37
Manages a portfolio full-time between Asia, NZ and the Middle East
Started @moneybren in 2020 to help Kiwis understand money

After starting @moneybren, I have encouraged people to read every day. I've recommended hundreds of books, but there hasn't been a money book for Kiwis that I've truly loved and shared.

So — I tried writing it myself.

The First $100K was written to be the most approachable book for anyone beginning their journey into investing. A book with real-life stories, relatable examples, and hopefully, one you will give to your friends afterwards and honestly say, “This is the most helpful book on money I've ever read.”

Hundreds of Kiwis are already using The First $100K to make real changes to their wealth. I'd love for you to join us.

The First $100K paperback

Get Your Copy

Available in ebook and paperback
For all other regions, order from your local Amazon: