Tanja Hester

Author of Work Optional (Hachette) and Wallet Activism (BenBella Books)

Tanja Hester is a leading expert in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement who retired at age 38 from a successful career as a political consultant and journalist. She is the author of Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way, which focuses on shifting the financial conversation away from wealth accumulation and toward life purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.

Through her award-winning blog, Our Next Life, and as the co-host of the podcast The Fairer Cents, Tanja Hester bridges the gap between economics and personal values. Her second book, Wallet Activism, explores how individuals can use their financial power to create large-scale systemic change. Her work has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and CNBC.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Tanja Hester spent the majority of her professional life in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles before relocating to Lake Tahoe. She is known for an empathetic, judgment-free approach that empowers audiences to take control of their time and resources to live more intentional lives.

Books

Praise for Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way

Hachette Books, February 12, 2019

“Ms. Hester gets you to think about how you might retire early, forc[ing] you to ponder how you could cut current spending and increase your income, savings and the rates they earn.”

“Inspirational, grounded, and thought-provoking, Work Optional cracks open preconceived ideas of what it means to work and what it means to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Go on this adventure to learn not only the practical steps of early retirement, but more importantly, to discern what you truly want out of life. With Hester as your guide… you just might find yourself living a life you never imagined possible.”

“Work Optional outlines a realistic yet awe-inspiring path to a life where work is optional. There are plenty of books out there about how to save money and build wealth but if you want to weave financial excellence into a life full of adventure, contribution, and meaning – this is the book for you.”

Wallet Activism

BenBella Books, November 16, 2021