I have consumed a ton of content that have helped in the decision-making I’ve made over the years. You may also find these helpful. I mostly purchased books from Amazon (via Kindle or Audible) and listened to podcasts, out of convenience and efficiency. Use the Libby app if you want to save money on books and have the patience to wait for a library copy to borrow from. I hear the Hoopla app is another free option as well but have not tested it out myself. These are much more budget-friendly alternatives than hiring someone to help you improve on your life, but the biggest challenge will be setting aside time to digest the information shared and then taking action. Knowledge is not power without action.
The below is not a complete listing, just a few off the top of my head. Remember that your own situation will be different but I find that being open to learning other perspectives was and continues to be a wonderful Foundational Investment in my growth towards Financial Independence and Fulfillment Intent. I pick and choose what resonates or fits me best and when. Always do your own due diligence and tailor your choices to the life you want!
I bold-italicized the ones I think you should check out first if you are not yet familiar with them already. No particular order for the rest.
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My Foundational Investment in Books:
The Simple Path to Wealth – JL Collins
Simple read on getting started with investing, written by a father to his daughter. Only wish I had been gifted this earlier in life. I read the earlier version, links below are to his updated 2025 version.
Kindle or Hardcover (cheaper than paperback for some reason)
Die With Zero – Bill Perkins
Easy read that helps you categorize spend and time in your “seasons of life”. Eye opening for me in that I most definitely want to spend more money and time earlier with my loved ones and on my outdoor adventures/projects while I have the energy.
Kindle or Paperback
Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Gave me more clarity behind which of my expenses were inflated as a direct result of the hours I spent in my corporate career (e.g. childcare, etc.). It allowed me to more intentionally assign my own values to dollars vs time.
Kindle or Paperback
Atomic Habits – James Clear
Quick read about how making small changes in your habits stack up to building the person you want to become.
Kindle or Paperback
The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
We are all humans with emotions. Become more self-aware around how this impacts your decision-making around money.
Kindle or Paperback
How to Not Die Alone – Logan Ury
As a divorced single working mom pressed for free time, prioritizing a committed partnership was not at the top of my list for a long time, but I knew that I would eventually want to engage in a healthier committed partnership and needed to work on the one constant – me.
Kindle or Paperback
Attached – Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A.
Reading this was as if someone was translating my innermost thoughts. The book helped me become more self-aware around how my attachment style impacted the relationships I had and have (intimate, platonic or familial), and how to better navigate in the future.
Kindle or Paperback
The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley Ph.D. and William D. Danko Ph.D.
Sometimes, that neighbor who wears the same thing most days, mowing the lawn in front of their quaint house and driving that old car just might be a closet millionaire.
Kindle or Paperback
The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy
I found this to be refreshing reminder that who and what you surround yourself with is the most impactful on who you want to become.
Kindle or Paperback
Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One – Raphaelle Giordana
Kindle or Paperback
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing – John C. Bogle
Kindle or Hardcover (no paperback?)
Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
Kindle or Hardcover (cheaper than paperback for some reason)
Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life – Vivian Tu
Kindle or Hardcover (cheaper than paperback for some reason)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Kindle or Hardcover (cheaper than paperback for some reason)
I Will Teach You To Be Rich – Ramit Sethi
Kindle or Paperback
Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
Kindle or Paperback
Quit Like a Millionaire – Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung
Kindle or Paperback
Good Vibes, Good Life – Vex King
Kindle or Paperback
Playing With FIRE – Scott Rieckens
Kindle or Paperback
Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement – Cody Garrett, CFP and Sean Mullaney, CPA
Kindle or Paperback
My Foundational Investment in Podcasts:
• Choose FI – this podcast covers so many facets of your journey through life, not just personal finance; 100% binge-worthy (prepared me in taking the leap of faith)
• Inside Out Money – found this podcast after I had already left my corporate job; I enjoy the light-hearted vibe/banter and can relate to pretty much everything
• Afford Anything
• BiggerPockets Money
• The Diary of a CEO
• The Money with Katie Show
• The Peter Attia Drive – minus his Epstein relationship that came out in 2026, I do find his professional discussions to be informative
• The Rob Berger Show
• Two Sides of FI
• Risk Parity Radio
• Stacking Benjamins
My Foundational Investment in Following Forums + Communities:
• Facebook: ChooseFI, The Epic Retirement Club
• Bogleheads
• Reddit: Bogleheads