Sometimes, I think back to my grandma Elsie. She loved Alaska – always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights. But life, as it often does, got in the way. Work, family, raising kids… those dreams got tucked away. It wasn't that she didn't want them; it was just hard to make them a reality. Seeing that, and understanding how much peace of mind she craved, really shaped how I approach things now.
That’s why I created this list. It's for those of you, like my grandma Elsie, who are dreaming of a secure and joyful retirement – maybe an adventure in Anchorage, or just the freedom to pursue your passions. Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, full of confusing terms and scary what-ifs. But it doesn’t have to be! This isn’t about getting rich quick or becoming a financial expert. It’s about feeling in control of your future, understanding your options – whether it’s choosing the right health plan, thinking about family support, or even just knowing what estate planning is all about. These books are your companions on that journey, offering practical advice, inspiring stories, and a little bit of hope for a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow. Let's start building that Alaskan adventure, one page at a time.
Understanding Investing with Plain Talk and Common Sense
This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate the world of investing with confidence. The author's premise is simple yet profound: in order to achieve long-term investing success, you must first understand the basics of investing and how your emotions impact your financial decisions. Without this foundation, you risk being a passive observer to your own financial future, making uninformed decisions that can lead to costly mistakes. The author offers a comprehensive approach, covering the essential tools you need to take control of your finances, including the "Financial Self Portrait" and the "Buy Right and Sell Right Checklists". By reading this book, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to separate the noise from the signal, making informed decisions that align with your financial goals. The author's writing style is approachable and easy to follow, making this a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and achieve a sense of financial stability. One of the most striking aspects of this book is its focus on the emotional aspects of investing, acknowledging that our feelings and biases can often cloud our judgment when it comes to our finances. By recognizing these emotional patterns, you'll be better equipped to make rational, informed decisions that support your financial well-being. The author's ability to break down complex investing concepts into manageable, bite-sized pieces makes this book an invaluable tool for anyone looking to take charge of their financial future. With its practical, no-nonsense approach, this book offers a much-needed dose of common sense and clarity in a world where investing can often feel overwhelming and intimidating.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Aged Healthy, Wealthy & Wise: Lessons from vibrant and inspiring elders on how they designed their later lives
As I reflect on the lives of those who have made a lasting impact, I am reminded of the invaluable lessons that can be learned from the wisdom of the elderly. This book is a treasure trove of insights and stories from individuals who have deliberately designed their later lives to be filled with purpose, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment. The author, Coventry Edwards-Pitt, has skillfully woven together the experiences of vibrant elders from diverse backgrounds, sharing their daily choices and habits that have enabled them to thrive well into their golden years. What resonates deeply with me is the understanding that aging is not something that can be entirely controlled, but rather it's the choices we make that can have a profound impact on our quality of life and the lives of those around us. The author's interviews with these remarkable individuals bring to life their stories, offering a glimpse into the daily habits, relationships, and passions that have shaped their lives. It's a powerful reminder that our later years can be a gift to ourselves and our loved ones, rather than a burden. As I read through the stories and research in this book, I couldn't help but feel inspired to make intentional choices about my own life, to prioritize my well-being, and to cultivate relationships that will enrich my life for years to come.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Art of Investing: How to Make Money While You Sleep | Learn How to Pick Stocks Easily and Unlock Your Financial Freedom through Investing in the Stock Market
The book delves into the world of investing, teaching you the skills to make money while you sleep. The author has a unique approach, focusing on the psychology of wealth creation, which is more than just following traditional investment advice. You'll learn to master the art of risk management and decision-making, gaining the mindset of a savvy investor. The book provides a clear roadmap for anyone looking to start investing, breaking it down into manageable steps.
You'll discover how to identify investing opportunities that occur more often than you think, and learn various ways to make money in the stock market beyond buying low and selling high. You'll also learn how to pick your winning stock, when to enter a trade, and how to properly diversify. The book offers practical checklists and tools to help you stay on track and make informed investment decisions. With real-life examples and explanations of important terms, you'll feel confident in your ability to build your financial future. Throughout the book, you'll find additional resources, such as annexes with free and paid tools, websites, and extra explanations to help you become a better investor. The author's goal is to empower you with knowledge, allowing you to take control of your financial freedom.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Richest Man in Babylon: The Complete Annotated Edition
This book is a treasure trove of wisdom that has been passed down through generations, offering a unique perspective on financial management and success. The author's voice is warm and inviting, making complex concepts easy to grasp and understand. The book is presented as a series of parables, each one a self-contained lesson that can be applied to everyday life. I've read countless self-help books in my years, but what sets this one apart is its ability to speak directly to the heart, with a soothing and compassionate tone that makes you want to read on. The author's use of storytelling is masterful, weaving together the ancient wisdom of Babylon's past with modern insights that make the lessons feel fresh and relevant. As someone who has struggled with financial insecurity, I found myself drawn into the world of the text, feeling as though I was being offered a lifeline. One of the things I love most about this book is its focus on practical applications, rather than just theoretical concepts. The author provides thoughtful analyses of each parable, helping you to translate the ancient wisdom into actionable steps that can be applied to your own life. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, this book offers a wealth of guidance that is both inspiring and reassuring. The author's goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to take control of your finances, and I firmly believe that they succeed in this goal.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
I Hope You Die Laughing: A Beginner's Guide to Estate Planning
This book offers a refreshing approach to a topic that's often associated with seriousness and solemnity. The author takes a deep breath and invites you to join a conversation about what happens after we're gone. What would you like to leave behind? Who would you want to leave it to? The book makes us laugh and cry, and sometimes even makes us uncomfortable, but always keeps us engaged. The author shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate the importance of estate planning, showing that it's not just about avoiding legal troubles, but also about giving peace of mind to our loved ones. It's a journey of self-discovery, one that encourages us to think about what truly matters to us, what we want to leave behind, and how we can make sure that our legacy is one that brings joy and comfort to those who come after us.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)