It’s the time of the year when we all want to take charge of our finances. Whether it’s undoing bad habits or establishing good ones, you’d be wise to seek out some outside help and resources to guide your journey. While not every book, podcast, or YouTube channel I’m going to recommend vibes with 100% of our philosophy when it comes to money, all of them have informed the way we think (and a few of them we’ve written).
Books
If you’ve been around here for a half minute, you know I LOVE the library. So while I’m going to link out all of the books listed to Amazon, I’d always recommend you check both the physical books at your local library as well as the digital/audio versions that are available right now.
Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After This is the first book I wrote, detailing our journey of paying off $127k in debt in just under four years. It’s a mix of encouragement (reminding you CAN do this) and practical tips (sharing what we learned along the way that did and didn’t work).
Your Money, Your Marriage: The Secrets to Smart Finance, Spicy Romance, and their Intimate Connection Brian and I co-authored this book to coach couples through the connection between money and marriage. Sharing personal and funny stories, we hope you’re encouraged and strengthen your relationship while sharpening your co-money management skills.
30 Day Debt Free Devotional This little kindle book has a mix of scripture and story telling to encourage your journey. It’s not a “how to” but more of a “how to get through it” without feeling dry in your soul. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’re likely to be able to get it for free.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey This work launched our journey into paying off all of our debt and gave us a smart workable plan we adapted to get the job done. Ramsey and his team have lots of great resources but I tend to point people back to this one again and again.
Faithful Finance by Emily G. Stroud This book also has a faith basis and I don’t align 100% with the author’s views on debt; however, I found it helpful and encouraging, too.
Invested by Danielle Town I’m much more comfortable in the realm of personal finance than I am investing. I listened to Town’s book on audio from the library a few years ago and found the memoir style both engaging and interesting. Again, we don’t do all of the things Town and her father (they co-authored the book) do, but it never hurts to learn more.
If you’ve read all of these already and want some more ideas, reach out and I’ll share more!
YouTube Channels & Podcasts
We’ve been lucky enough to be on Tai and Talaat’s podcast a couple of times. They’re awesome to follow on Instagram, too. They cover a wide variety of topics from how to make more money to how to manage it, along with marriage wisdom and success stories, too. I’d highly recommend clicking around and subscribing to their YouTube channel and podcast.
I love the quick and quirky format of Two Cents and usually watch whatever content they publish. They have a great way of breaking down information in a humorous and short form style. You’ll find practical tips as well as complex ideas unpacked in a relatable way on their YouTube channel and Facebook. These videos are quick and easy to watch because they feel like PBS kids aimed at adults.
We’re lucky in Indy to have the influence of Pete the Planner. Pete has a down to earth method that still has plenty of grace. I’ve loved following him on Twitter during the financial crisis because he’s been aware that people are struggling. You can find him both on YouTube and on your favorite podcasting platform.
Ramsey is perhaps the most well known name on the list. His style is entertaining and sometimes intentionally confrontational. But the advice is usually spot on. I’ve actually started enjoying watching/listening to other people on his team including Dr. John Delony, Anthony O’Neal, and Chris Hogan. You’ll get a foundational wisdom on paying off debt and practical ideas, too.
Instagram Channels
I also follow a number of people and hashtags on Instagram who frequently share their stories and ideas on saving money.
#DebtFreeCommunity – Need a little hit of someone who is hitting their goals and working the plan? Look no further than this hashtag. But beware of anyone selling something or who tells you the journey is fast and easy.
Caroline Vencil – I found this blogger hilarious and straightforward when it comes to managing money. She will remind you to do things like stop scrolling and check your accounts. Or stop apologizing for feeling bad when you don’t spend and others do.
Debt Free Charts – This account is exactly what it says it is, a collection of debt free charts to help you mark your progress and share your journey. While the posts sometimes lead to printable for purchase, there’s plenty of free inspiration!
The Budget Mom – All things budgeting from a mom in the trenches plus some creative ideas on how to manage your money.
What you read, listen to, scroll through and watch has an influence on your life. Leverage those resources to make a difference in your finances this year.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
