Every now and then, someone asks me what they should read, buy, or use when they’re trying to make sense of their money.
And I usually pause before answering.
Because most of the time, people don’t need another rule or system.
They need space.
And something that helps them think, rather than tells them what to do.
This post sits alongside the reflections I’ve been sharing recently; about what money means to us, how we define our own direction, and why everyday choices aren’t always as simple as they’re made out to be.
These are just a few things I’ve found genuinely helpful.
Nothing here is essential. Take what’s useful, leave the rest.
A book I often come back to
Financial Joy – Ken & Mary Okoroafor
I like this book because it doesn’t rush you. It doesn’t assume you’re starting from a particular place, and it doesn’t talk down to you.
It invites you to think about money in the context of life – values, relationships, wellbeing; rather than just numbers on a page.
If you’re questioning what “enough” looks like for you, or trying to move away from guilt-driven money decisions, this is a gentle place to start.
Another book that invites a gentler relationship with money
This one has been around for a long time, and for good reason.
I often recommend this one to people who feel tense or conflicted about money.
It’s easy to read and doesn’t overwhelm. Instead of telling you what to do, it invites you to notice how you feel about money; where anxiety, guilt, or fear might be creeping in without you realising.
If you’re trying to soften your relationship with money, rather than “fix” it, this is a reassuring place to pause.
A very simple tool I still recommend
Sometimes the most useful thing isn’t a planner or an app, it’s a blank page.
A simple notebook gives you somewhere to write honestly about:
-
what’s worrying you about money
-
what feels unclear
-
what you’re trying to work towards
Not to judge it. Just to notice it.
I’ve seen that kind of awareness shift people’s relationship with money far more than any spreadsheet.
A quick note on links
From time to time, I’ll share books or tools I genuinely use or recommend. If you choose to buy through these links, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
I only share things that fit the tone of Life’s Riches: thoughtful, human, and supportive rather than prescriptive.
If you take one thing from this:
You don’t need to buy everything to “get it right”.
You don’t need a perfect system before you begin.
Sometimes, one book, one notebook, and a bit of quiet reflection is enough to help things feel less tangled.
And that’s a perfectly good place to start.