I Survived Capitalism and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

Everything I Wish I Never Had to Learn About Money

By: Madeline Pendleton

Narrated by: Madeline Pendleton

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A big-hearted, no-bullshit memoir from the TikTok superstar about her journey from living paycheck to paycheck to creating a multi-million-dollar business that offers a compassionate alternative to capitalism • Includes no-nonsense life and money advice, from negotiating pay and building credit to putting home ownership within reach

"Madeline's life is unique yet wildly relatable...Readers will be thoroughly engaged, as every hardship comes with a lesson that Madeline skillfully shares with us. A thought-provoking, mind-tingling reading experience."—Mercury Stardust, the Trans Handy Ma’am and author of Safe and Sound

Imagine a job where you work four days a week and earn as much as the CEO. You also get full benefits, a gym membership, free lunch, and unlimited time off, no questions asked. Hard-won profits don’t just end up in the CEO’s pocket—they’re distributed equally among all employees. The company even buys you your very own car. It sounds too good to be true, but this is the reality at Tunnel Vision, the clothing company that Madeline Pendleton built from the ground up.

Like so many Americans, Madeline used to struggle to make ends meet. Raised by a punk dad and a goth mom in Fresno, California, she spent her teens intermittently homeless, relying on the kindness and spare couches of the local punk community to get by. By her twenties, she was drowning in student loans and credit card debt, working long hours and sick of her bosses treating her as disposable. Then her boyfriend, struggling with financial stress, died by suicide. Capitalism was literally killing her loved ones—she knew there must be a better way.

Madeline decided to study the rules of capitalism, the game everyone is forced to play. She used what she learned to build a new kind of business, one rooted in an ethos of community care.

Millennials and Gen Zers like Madeline are facing an unprecedented financial reality: Stagnant wages, skyrocketing housing costs, a student debt crisis. I Survived Capitalism is essential reading for anyone searching for hope and stability in an unjust world.©2024 Madeline Pendleton (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“With punk optimism, cinematic storytelling, and a moral center undeterred by what ‘everyone else does,’ Madeline Pendleton presents the life-and-death money scenarios real people face. She covers class, college recruiting, home ownership, and workplace rights with a brilliant sense of community and warmth.”—Gabe Dunn, author of Bad with Money: The Imperfect Art of Getting Your Financial Sh*t Together

“A vivid account of the many challenges millennials face while trying to make it in an unforgiving economy. . . Illuminating. . . Move on, Jim Cramer. Here’s the real deal—smart, undaunted, and eminently wise.” —Kirkus Reviews *starred review*

“A witty and profound commentary on navigating the harsh terrain of poverty, inequality, class, and an oftentimes unforgiving, unfair financial system that all of us are forced to participate in. Drawing on her rich personal experiences and hard-won financial lessons, Pendleton’s path to financial stability is inspiring. This book is a transformative call to action to build a better, more just, equitable world.”—Paco de Leon, host of the Weird Finance podcast and author of Finance for the People

Grateful 💜

It brings so much hope to know that people like Madeline exist & are (intentionally or not) leading the way with revolutionary leadership & transparency. She puts words to so many thoughts/experiences/hopes that I (and probably most people) share, and this book feels powerful and important. Here’s to revolutionary optimism 🫶🏽

relatable

I enjoyed the stories along with the tips after each chapter. This is a book I wish I had when I was younger, but even now, it was an amazing read. Madeline is inspiring, thoughtful, and relatable. I'm so happy I got the audible vision and that she reads it!! I love her voice and would listen to anything she reads

Awesome book, great on audio

I had this audible book on pre-order because I wanted to support the author. I got two books this week, Daniel Goleman’s Optimal and I Survived Capitalism. I Survived Capitalism is the clear winner for me, and I am so glad that as a Gen Xer, I got a glimpse of the life in her generation. The kids are gonna be ok if they get the information that she laced into her book, and I immediately bought two more copies of the hardcover for my teens. Way to go! I love cheering for the author, and Madeline knocked this one out of the park.

Community

We can come together and win at this rigged system. I wanted more! Part II ?

love!

tired of listening to old men who are so out of touch they have no clue what it's like to start from the ground? this is your new hope! slight trigger warning there is discussion of suicide. however this a beautifully put together and preformed and is my favorite book about money!

Great story

I loved listening to this it’s good to hear we aren’t alone in this horrible place

It's possible to do right by others while also making sure your own needs are met.

Madeline's life story mixed with advice about grinding through capitalism and coming out of poverty without taking advange of people and bringing your friends with you. Employees treated as coworkers instead of a line item on a budget. Buying everyone on payroll houses, cars, and paying student loans through business profits and the same take home pay including the owner. Pendleton shows how the lie of risk assumed for business ownership is used to excuse wage theft.


Recommended read

captivating, informative, inspiring

A captivating read of the very interesting and relatable stories throughout the author's life with very informative financial tips and lessons learned throughout each part. I'm drawn to purchase the physical book as well to have a quick physical reference of the capitalism survival skills laid out at the end of each chapter. Overall great book, I hope it's reach is far and inspires many others to not only gain control of their own finances but to look out for others in their communities.

I love how the author weaves together rich storytelling and fiscal intelligence

Entertaining and informative. I tried spacing it out but couldn’t “put it down”- the book is a very captivating read.

ACTUAL ADVICE

Phenomenal book. Gives real world information that you can actually implement. I didn't expect to fall in love with the author, but that's a welcomed surprise! I cannot explain the value you receive in this book. it's provides a sense of freedom, comfort, and a way out of fear. Beyond grateful for your story, Madeline!