Note: This article on Money Resources is by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.
Money can be a sensitive topic to discuss. It can bring up fear, anxiety, and shame. And, it is possible to improve your relationship with money. For example, learning about money helped me let go of negative beliefs about debt and savings. Plus, talking about my finances with trusted friends and family helped me simplify my life.
When we talk about money, we can remove the shame, guilt and mystery that often surrounds it. Whether you want to save money, pay off debt or change your money habits, you’ll find support in the money resources below.
17 Essential Money Resources (to help you improve and simplify your relationship with finances)
If you’re looking for resources that will expand your knowledge base about money, this article is for you. Below you’ll find a list of money resources that will help simplify your finances, and improve your relationship with money. The list below is in no particular order.
With that, let’s dive in!
1.) Money articles on Be More with Less
Recently, I’ve shared articles about money on Be More with Less. If you’re looking for creative ways to save for an emergency fund, declutter your finances, or spend less money, my articles are a good starting point:
2.) Oh My Dollar!
Oh My Dollar! is a non-judgemental “place to talk about money for people of all incomes.” The authors make “the scary stuff of money approachable with a dash of glitter and a lot of cat puns.” And, they have great information about budgeting on their website!
3.) Budgeting basics & more
If you’re new to budgeting, “Beginner’s Guide to Budgeting” on Financial Feminist is a good read. Also, Chris Arnold’s NPR piece “How to spend less money, starting with a budget” was excellent.
As you learn about budgeting, try different budgeting methods like a simple spreadsheet, apps like You Need A Budget, or a physical notebook and pen. Other helpful budgeting resources include:
4.) Automate your savings
Consider automating your savings. Ben Gran and Kat Aoki’s article – “9 Ways To Automate Your Savings – includes ideas to make saving easy and effective. They encourage readers to save money from each paycheck, set up direct deposit, set aside money for specific savings goals, and more.
Not sure how much to save? Here’s some great advice from Vanguard, “For instance, let’s say you set aside $25 a week in an emergency fund. At the end of 2 years, you could have $2,600 saved. Increase that amount to $50 a week and your savings could grow to $5,200. Make it $75 a week and you’ll see an even larger amount saved—$7,800.”
5.) Evaluate large expenses
“A roommate is worth a thousand coffees,” says author Kristin Wong. In an interview with “Life Kit,” Wong said that it’s “unlikely you’ll reach your budget goal just by cutting back on coffees. Housing, food and transportation are usually the biggest expenses.” If you’re able to cut back on large expenses, Wong said you’ll save more money.
6.) Cultivate friendships without spending money
I loved Ellie Hughes’ article – “How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out.” Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more.
7.) Journal about money
“What if you could spend more on the things you love?” asked best selling author Ramit Sethi in an interview with Charlotte Cowles. Consider journaling a response to this question. Your response might reframe the stories you tell yourself about money, and how you spend it.
8.) How much money is enough? – “The Pop-up Pod”
Listen to The Pop-up Pod, Season Two. Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: “How much money is enough?” Here’s a list of my favorite episodes from the season:
- Bear Hebert: “For most of us there’s not a way to stop making money and survive.”
- Sarah Von Bargen: “Don’t confuse buying with taking action. Buying tennis shoes is not the same as training for a marathon.”
- Toi Smith: “If you have a value of liberation, where is your money going to be going?”
Also, the question – “How much money is enough?” – is a fantastic journaling prompt.
9.) NPR’s podcast – “Life Kit: Money”
Listen to NPR’s podcast – “Life Kit: Money.” It’s an excellent resource. For example, I recently listened to the following segment – “To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store.” The podcast inspired me to save on groceries, and divert the extra cash to my emergency fund.
Here are more helpful “Life Kit: Money” episodes: “Medical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here’s how to negotiate them” and “If your spending is eating your savings, you might be experiencing lifestyle creep.”
10.) Marketplace’s podcast – “Financially Inclined”
Listen to “Financially Inclined” – a new financial literacy podcast produced by “Marketplace.” They cover topics like investing in the stock market, how emotions affect your money, when to use “buy now, pay later” services, and more!
11.) Money-saving apps
“Financial technology has come a long way in a short period of time, and money-saving apps are at the forefront of this revolution. These apps use a variety of techniques to make saving money less of a hassle—and even fun,” says Cassidy Horton and Michael Benninger.
Horton and Benninger reviewed over a dozen money-saving apps, and came up with a list that will aid your micro-saving efforts. This is a great way to automate your savings.
12.) Berna Anat’s book & YouTube channel
Check out Berna Anat’s new book — Money Out Loud. It’s on my reading list. Also, Berna Anat’s YouTube channel is another helpful resource. She covers topics like how to pick a bank, budgeting, financial trauma, intergenerational wealth, and so much more.
13.) Cars & money
Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called “How Cars Keep You POOR!” Also, “How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America” by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S. For example, understanding the true cost of car ownership was one reason we decided to sell our car.
14.) Explore Ellevest & find a fiduciary
Ellevest is an organization that helps “women build wealth so that they can live the lives they want — because when women control their own money, everyone is better off.”
Ellevest offers helpful webinars, workshops, and financial planning sessions. Also, they are a fiduciary. This is important because they are “legally bound to act in your best financial interests.”
If you’re looking for a financial advisor, be sure to vet the individual and organization. For example, working with a fiduciary has saved me money, time, and anxiety because I know they have my best interests in mind.
15.) Project 333
On the surface, Project 333 might not seem like a “money resource.” However, this project will help you simplify your wardrobe, get organized, and save money. Give it a try!
Also, I recommend pairing Project 333 with Adam Minter’s book – Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale. Minter’s exploration of how stuff moves through the world is eye-opening and educational. His book isn’t about money per-se, but it’s an excellent reminder to refrain from buying things I don’t need.
16.) Read Your Money or Your Life
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez is a life-changing book. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to pay off my debt, understand money, and simplify my life. Also, their budgeting advice is excellent! Plus, the book is filled with thoughtful discussion prompts.
17.) More Good Reads
And last but not least, here’s a list of additional books to read:
Bonus Tip: Keep learning
As you declutter your finances, continue to learn about money. Education will empower you to change your spending and savings habits, and let go of shame and guilt. If you have friends and family who want to talk about money, share your financial knowledge with them, too!