Let's Talk Money.... · Credit Freedom Society

10d • Tips

Let's Talk Money....

1️⃣: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (make better choices under pressure)

This book is about behavior, not math.

It shows how fear, ego, luck, and timing shape money outcomes, even for smart people. The big takeaway is that doing well with money is mostly about staying calm and consistent, not being clever.

A simple micro framework from the spirit of the book:

Stay in the game + avoid ruin + let time work.

You will also learn why comparing your finances to other people is a trap. Everyone has a different timeline, income path, and risk tolerance, so copying someone else’s moves can backfire.

This is the book that helps you stop making emotional decisions with money.

👉 Do this now: Write one rule you will follow when you feel anxious about money.

2️⃣: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (set up a money system that runs itself)

This book is practical and system based.

The core idea is automation. Set up accounts and transfers so bills, saving, and investing happen with minimal effort. Less willpower, more defaults. [oai_citation:0‡I Will Teach You To Be Rich](https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Automate-Your-Money-Guide.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

It also pushes “conscious spending.” Spend freely on what you truly value, and cut the stuff you do not care about. That beats extreme budgeting because it is easier to stick with.

Tiny example system:

Payday hits.

Bills pay automatically.

Savings and investing move automatically.

You spend what is left, guilt free.

If you want a step by step plan that feels doable, start here.

👉 Do this now: Automate one transfer that happens right after payday.

3️⃣: Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez (connect money to your values)

This book reframes money as life energy.

Instead of only asking “Can I afford this?”, it nudges you to ask “How much of my life will this cost?” That shift changes spending fast, without shame. [oai_citation:1‡White Coat Investor](https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/your-money-or-your-life-both-please/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

It focuses on awareness first. Track where money goes, then align it with what matters to you. The goal is not deprivation. The goal is a life that feels worth the trade.

Micro framework:

Money in = hours worked.

Spending = hours traded.

Keep what supports your values.

This is especially good if you feel like you earn but never feel satisfied.

👉 Do this now: Pick one purchase this week and calculate the hours of work behind it.

4️⃣: The Simple Path to Wealth by J L Collins (keep investing simple)

This book is a plain language guide to long term investing.

It argues for keeping things simple: broad diversification, low costs, and a long time horizon. It is focused on the idea that complexity often hides fees and bad decisions. [oai_citation:2‡Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

You will also see a strong emphasis on building “fuck you money,” meaning enough financial independence to make choices without fear. Even if that is not your goal, the mindset is useful.

Mini rule set:

Live below your means.

Avoid high interest debt.

Invest steadily.

Ignore noise.

If investing feels overwhelming, this book helps make it feel normal.

👉 Do this now: Write your investing plan in one sentence that you can repeat.

5️⃣: The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko (spot real wealth habits)

This book is about how many wealthy people actually live.

It challenges the idea that wealth looks flashy. A common theme is that many millionaires build wealth by saving consistently, keeping expenses reasonable, and avoiding status spending.

The point is not to judge nice things. The point is to understand the difference between looking rich and being financially secure.

Micro framework:

High income does not equal wealth.

Wealth = what you keep and invest over time.

It can help you feel less pressure to “keep up,” and more focus on your own numbers and goals.

👉 Do this now: Pick one status expense and decide if it truly improves your life.

6️⃣: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (get out of debt with intensity)

This book is a hard reset.

It focuses on getting control fast, often through a strict budget and aggressive debt payoff. The style is intense, but the clarity helps many people who feel stuck.

A key idea is building momentum with simple steps. The “debt snowball” approach focuses on paying off smaller balances first to build confidence, then rolling that payment into the next debt.

Micro framework:

List debts smallest to largest.

Pay minimums on all.

Attack the smallest with extra money.

Even if you do not follow every rule, the urgency can be useful when debt is draining your life.

👉 Do this now: List every debt with the balance and interest rate in one place.

7️⃣: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki (learn cash flow thinking)

This book is more about mindset and terminology than detailed math.

It popularized the idea of thinking in terms of cash flow and the difference between assets and liabilities. The big win is learning to ask, “Will this put money in my pocket or take it out?”

Micro framework:

Assets create cash flow.

Liabilities consume cash flow.

Build more assets over time.

People debate parts of the book, so treat it as a conversation starter, not a step by step manual. Use it to sharpen your thinking, then verify details elsewhere.

👉 Do this now: For your next big purchase, write whether it is likely to create or consume cash.

8️⃣: A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton G. Malkiel (understand markets and why timing is hard)

This book helps you understand how markets behave.

A major theme is that consistently beating the market is very hard, and that simple diversified approaches can be effective for many people. It covers market history, bubbles, and why “hot tips” fade.

Micro framework:

Markets price in information quickly.

Predictions are unreliable.

Diversification reduces single bet risk.

If you have ever felt tempted by a sure thing, this book can cool your head and improve your decision making.

👉 Do this now: Write down your investing rules before you read any market news.

9️⃣: The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle (win by keeping fees low)

This book is a strong case for low cost index investing.

It focuses on the impact of costs and how fees can quietly erode returns over time. The message is simple: own a broad slice of the market, keep costs low, and hold for the long run. [oai_citation:3‡Investopedia](https://www.investopedia.com/applying-bogle-s-index-fund-strategy-to-simplify-your-investment-plan-11861422?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Micro framework:

Own the whole haystack.

Pay less in fees.

Stay invested.

Even if you already invest, it can help you simplify and stop over tinkering.

👉 Do this now: Look up the fees you pay on each fund or account, and write them down.

🔟: The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, and Michael LeBoeuf (turn principles into a plan)

This book is like a friendly playbook.

It takes the low cost, diversified investing approach and turns it into practical guidance. It covers basics like asset allocation, risk, taxes, and behavior, without making it feel like a finance textbook.

The biggest benefit is structure. It helps you build a plan you can follow when you are busy, stressed, or tempted by trends.

Micro framework:

Choose an allocation you can stick with.

Automate contributions.

Rebalance on a schedule.

Ignore hype.

If you want a steady plan you can live with for years, this is a solid closer.

👉 Do this now: Pick a simple allocation you can commit to for the next 12 months.

The Real Timeline (Based on real world pacing):

Week 1: Pick 1 book and take notes on 10 takeaways

Weeks 2 to 4: Apply 3 changes (one spending rule, one automation, one debt or investing move)

Months 2 to 3: Build a simple system (accounts, transfers, tracking)