My Bookshelf

The 4 books that got me out of survival mode

I didn't need more money tips. I needed to change how I thought about money. These four books did that, in this order — and here's what each one did for me.

Disclosure

The book links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Every book here is one I've read myself.

Read first
Scarcity
by Sendhil Mullainathan & Eldar Shafir
Read this if you can't think past this month.
What it did for me
It taught me about "tunneling": when money is tight, the problem in front of you takes up all your mental bandwidth. To get out of scarcity mindset, I had to give myself breathing room to think beyond this year.
Buy on Amazon: Scarcity (opens in a new tab)
Read second
The Millionaire Next Door
by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
Read this if you're spending to look like you belong.
What it did for me
I bought nice watches and bags to fit the corporate look at my job. This book showed me most millionaires live quiet, frugal lives. That's when I learned the difference between being wealthy and looking rich. It's an older book, but the lesson holds.
Buy on Amazon: The Millionaire Next Door (opens in a new tab)
Read third
The Psychology of Money
by Morgan Housel
Read this if you keep hitting goals and never feel done.
What it did for me
I was chasing milestones without knowing what the finish line looked like. This book made me ask: what is my definition of "enough"? What was I really doing all this for?
Buy on Amazon: The Psychology of Money (opens in a new tab)
Read fourth
Die with Zero
by William Perkins
Read this if your savings feel like the goal instead of the tool.
What it did for me
It made me prioritize experiences and "memory dividends" over a number in my bank account. Money is for living, not just for keeping score.
Buy on Amazon: Die with Zero (opens in a new tab)