Summer is a time for all of us to slow down, catch our breath, and enjoy a good book. Whether at home, on the back patio or sitting poolside on vacation, summer reading is one of the best parts of summer. I’m sure that reading about finances isn’t what any of you (or I) think of first when picking out books for the beach. I completely understand. We want epic stories that allow us to escape reality for a few hours. Now is a perfect time, though, for us to mix in some learning between novels and prepare ourselves for the future.
Here are my travel & financial book picks to add to your summer reading list.
Personal Finance Books
The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber
Teaching our children about money is of the utmost importance for my wife and I. Although this book seems to be geared more toward higher income families, there are great thoughts and practical advice all parents can learn from and utilize.
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Staley
Discover the traits of the typical American millionaire, not the fantasy we’ve built up in our heads and we see in modern media. How did they become successful? What do they do differently from everyone else? How do they live their lives?
The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach
This is the handbook on “paying yourself first” and provides a way to automate the process to ensure long-term success. Great beginning book.
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
This book will change the way you think about money and create positive change in your life that extends beyond just finances.
Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love by Holly Porter Johnson & Greg Johnson
This may be my favorite personal finance book ever. Holly and Greg offer an easy-to-understand blueprint for building a budget that works. It’s a great read on how to build the life you desire.
Travel Books
At Home in The World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider
Follow Tsh and her family of 5 on a nine-month adventure around the world. Watch as they interact and learn from the world around them, understanding themselves better in the process. If you love travel memoirs, this book is for you.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
One of the most popular travel books, follow a young shepherd boy named Santiago on his journey to uncover hidden treasure as he discovers love, friendship and troubles along the way.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner
Follow former NPR correspondent Eric Weiner as he travels to the happiest countries in the world to discover what makes them so happy.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
From the creators of the website with the same name, Atlas Obscura showcases hundreds of strange, wild, unique places around the world. This is a great read for those who love to travel off the beaten path.
How To Travel The World On $50 A Day: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter by Matt Kepnes
Follow “Nomadic Matt” as he teaches you to stretch your travel dollars without giving up all the luxuries you love.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes by Alastair Humphreys
Microadventures explores the idea that you don’t need to go far away or spend a ton of money to explore and discover the world. Humphries captures the idea that adventure is truly everywhere.
