Bill Gates reads 50 books a year. Warren Buffett reads 500 pages a day. Unsurprisingly, studies show a correlation between voracious reading and success. While I’m not quite at the pace of Gates or Buffett (though listening to audiobooks at 2x certainly helps), this year I did read about a dozen books on personal finance and healthy habits. Two stand out as must-reads for just about everyone, regardless of season of life or level of income, to transform the way you view, use and enjoy your wealth.
The why and how of living below your means
Giving with Intentionality
Budget Considerations for Expectant (Urban) Parents
Putting Everything on the Table
Quick: what’s the number one thing you’ll spend money on, no questions asked? When discussing spending habits with clients, I often hear “Oh, that’s my thing.” That’s code for: “That’s an untouchable expense. Don’t ask me to change.” Be wary of building a sacred fence around a particular area of spending, which can lead to debt or conflict with one’s partner over expenses.
Goals + Habits = Progress
Fall provides an opportunity to refocus your goals and reset your habits. Money touches most of our life goals, even goals that aren’t explicitly financial (such as spending more time with your significant other, which may require money for dates or vacation). Healthy money habits can facilitate these goals as well as help you progress toward financial freedom.