Realistic Money Books That Won't Make You Feel Bad
It's not our fault the system is broken.
Hi, friend.
The world is an absolutely wild place these days, and I’m trying to cling to some sense of normalcy. So here we are with some book recommendations, as well as two month’s worth of links to other bookish stuff I’ve written around the internet.
This month, I’m sharing some excellent and new(ish) personal finance books. But these aren’t your regular money books—no callous Ramsey or Orman here! We’re coming at this from an intersectional, emotional, and realistic point of view. None of these books will shame you for your money choices, because often, they aren’t really choices at all. What privilege we’re born into sets up our financial future. Lattes and avocado toast won’t be your demise.
The books
Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap
Confession: I’m only two chapters in on this one, but it is so good and helpful already that I can’t not talk about it. You may know Tori Dunlap as Her First $100K, telling the tale of how she jumped on the investing train and never looked back. In Financial Feminist, she smashes all the patriarchal nonsense that holds women back from having power and money. My favorite tips so far are to take a look at the emotional root of your relationship with money and to be intentional about your spending. Each chapter has journal prompts, too, to really get you reevaluating your financial life.
Bad with Money: The Imperfect Art of Getting Your Financial Sh*t Together by Gaby Dunn
Bad With Money is more of a memoir than a how-to book, but I think that makes it even more charming and useful. Each chapter is a bit of the author’s money story, peppered with interviews with financial and psychology professionals, and ending with actionable tips on wrangling student loans, credit cards, and more.
Bonus: Dunn’s most recent book, Stimulus Wreck, is a timely update with reminders that COVID royally fucked up the world and it’s okay to be a little lost financially right now.
Financial First Aid: Essential Tools for Confident, Secure Money Management by Alyssa Davies
Alyssa Davies is the real deal. Financial First Aid is a kind and gentle guide to managing your money while also enjoying your life. A key focus throughout the book is about being prepared for emergencies and how to ask for help when you really need it—two things I really needed to hear.
What’s your favorite book about personal finance? Tell me all about it in the comments!
The links
I had a little bit of a financial panic and took on a zillion assignments, and here they are!
15 Incredible Memoirs To Look Out For This Fall, BuzzFeed Books
15 Chronic Illness And Disability Memoirs That Just Might Change The Way You See The World, BuzzFeed Books
Under the Sea: Books about Ocean Life for All Ages, Book Riot
Comics for Goths and Wannabe Goths, Book Riot
8 Subtle, Subversive Books with Vulvas on the Cover, Book Riot
Alas, Poor Yorick: Ranking Books by their Skull Covers, Book Riot
The nightstand
I’m in a bit of a reading slump right now, but cannot recommend PMSL, a taboo-shattering memoir about incontinence, enough.
The backlist
In case you missed ’em, or want to peep the archives:
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xoxo
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I cannot wait for Financial Feminist! I’ve learned so much from her on social, I know the book must be full of amazing info!