The Economy of You by Kimberly Palmer Summary
Overview of The Economy of You
Discover your inner entrepreneur in "The Economy of You," the guide that's recession-proofing lives worldwide. Translated into multiple languages and endorsed by the World Economic Forum, Palmer's blueprint reveals why over one-third of under-40s are launching side-gigs. Ready to join them?
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Key takeaways
When Your Day Job Isn't Enough Anymore
What happens when you realize your paycheck alone won't secure your family's future? That's the question Kimberly Palmer faced as a senior money editor at US News & World Report. Despite her expertise in personal finance, she felt vulnerable-dependent on a single income stream in an increasingly unstable economy. Her solution wasn't dramatic: she didn't quit her job or take out loans. Instead, she started Palmer's Planners, selling financial organizers on Etsy during evenings and weekends. That modest side business eventually generated $10,000 annually, but the real payoff was psychological-freedom from the gnawing anxiety that one corporate restructuring could upend everything. Today, 36% of Americans participate in the gig economy, not because they're desperate, but because they're strategic. They've recognized that true financial security no longer comes from loyalty to a single employer but from building what Palmer calls "the economy of you"-a personalized portfolio of income streams that provides both stability and creative fulfillment. The most profitable side businesses aren't born from generic desires for "extra cash." They emerge from specific life moments that create undeniable urgency. Chris Furin watched his father's Georgetown deli struggle financially for years. Rather than waiting for inevitable closure, Chris developed his cake decorating skills after hours. When the family business finally shuttered, "Cakes by Chris Furin" was already generating up to $3,600 weekly from specialty orders for high-profile clients. His motivation wasn't greed-it was preparation. Parenthood frequently triggers this entrepreneurial shift. Joe Cain, a retired NYPD captain, transformed casual tax help for fellow officers into Finest Financial Group after realizing he wanted flexibility for his children's school events. What began as a hobby now serves over 1,000 clients. Tara Gentile left her $28,000 Borders job after her daughter's birth, launching a coaching business that eventually earned $150,000 annually. The baby didn't just change her priorities-it clarified them. Career instability provides equally powerful motivation. Nicole Crimaldi Emerick started Ms. Career Girl as a creative outlet, waking at 5 a.m. to blog before work. When layoffs hit, she immediately pivoted to self-employment, hosting networking events and developing multiple revenue streams. Her side project became her safety net. Research confirms what these stories illustrate: focusing on the "why" behind goals-family security, professional identity, creative expression-creates resilience when obstacles arise. What's driving your desire for additional income? That answer might determine whether your side venture thrives or fades when challenges appear.
Discovering What You're Uniquely Positioned to Offer
Building Your Business Without Draining Your Bank Account
Finding Your People and Managing Your Time
When Everything Falls Apart (And Why That's Actually Good)
Your Second Act Starts Now
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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