Summer is the perfect time to kick back, relax and — if you’re like me — fall asleep in a lawn chair with a book or your phone on your chest. But instead of the latest beach read, why not pick up a book that could improve your family’s financial future? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiding from the heat in the air conditioning or waiting on yet another delayed summer flight, a good personal finance book can entertain, educate and maybe even put a little more cash in your pocket down the road.
Here are four personal finance books to add to your summer reading list, each packed with insights that could change the way you think about money.
‘The Psychology of Money’ by Morgan Housel
If you’ve ever wondered why people make baffling financial decisions — including yourself — this book is a must-read. Housel breaks down how our emotions, biases and personal experiences shape the way we handle money. It’s not just about spreadsheets and interest rates; it’s about understanding human nature. Read this, and you might just stop second-guessing that one investment decision you made in 2007, or, at least, you may better understand the “why?” behind it.
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‘How to Retire’ by Christine Benz
I just finished this one and enjoyed it immensely. Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but Christine Benz makes it digestible in what I would call a series of interviews and takeaways with a who’s who of retirement planning experts. This book walks you through essential steps to ensure you have a solid plan for your golden years, from investment and Social Security strategies to withdrawal plans. Think of it as a retirement road map that doesn’t require a degree in finance to understand. Plus, if retirement is still decades off, reading this now could save you a lot of stress (and money) later.
‘I Will Teach You to Be Rich’ by Ramit Sethi
This book is like the personal finance pep talk you didn’t know you needed. Ramit Sethi lays out a straightforward, no-excuses approach to managing money, building wealth and automating your financial life. His style is humorous and engaging, making complex financial concepts easy to grasp. Bonus: He actually tells you it’s OK to spend money on things you love — as long as you’re handling the important stuff first.
‘The Simple Path to Wealth’ by JL Collins
Originally written as a series of letters to his daughter, Collins’ book distills investing down to the essentials. If the stock market feels intimidating or you’ve been putting off investing because it seems too complicated, this book will change your mind. The advice? Keep it simple, keep it consistent and watch your money grow. Collins’ messaging in this one dovetails nicely with the key “money messages” I’ve shared with my own kids.
Final Thoughts: Financially Smarter by Fall
A summer spent with the right books — yes, please still enjoy some of your fun ones — can lead to a fall (and future) of smarter financial moves. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started on your financial journey, these books provide valuable insights wrapped in engaging storytelling. So grab one, find a shady spot and enjoy. By the time Labor Day rolls around, you’ll be relaxed, refreshed and financially wiser.
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