#037: My Top Money Content Recommendations

At Opulus, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial success. While our Opulus Method Podcast is a great resource (and we hope always your #1 go-to listen!) we also encourage you to explore other valuable content.

I get questions from friends all the time as to what the best podcasts & books are to increase your financial acumen. Here are my top five recommendations to help you level up your finances:

1. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel’s "The Psychology of Money" offers timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. Through 19 short stories, Housel explores the way people think about money and the impact their behaviors have on financial decisions. It's an eye-opener that shifts the focus from technical knowledge to understanding the psychological factors that drive financial success. Not only is this book easy to digest & understand, but it's generally regarded as the #1 personal finance book, despite how new it is relative to others on this list. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the role of luck and risk
• The importance of long-term thinking
• Recognizing your own financial behaviors and biases

2. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Considered the bible of investing, Benjamin Graham’s "The Intelligent Investor" provides foundational principles for value investing. With its focus on long-term strategies and risk management, this classic text remains relevant for investors of all levels.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of "Mr. Market" and market fluctuations
• The importance of intrinsic value and margin of safety
• Principles of defensive and enterprising investing

3. The Money Guy Show Podcast

Hosted by Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, "The Money Guy Show" covers a wide range of financial topics, from investing and retirement planning to tax strategies and personal finance tips. Their approachable and relatable style makes complex financial concepts easy to understand.

Key Takeaways:

• Practical tips for everyday financial decisions
• Insights on wealth-building strategies
• Guidance on navigating different life stages financially

4. The Ramsey Show Podcast

Dave Ramsey’s "The Ramsey Show" focuses on practical financial advice with an emphasis on debt reduction and financial freedom. Known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, Ramsey offers actionable steps to take control of your finances and build wealth. I don't personally agree with every single one of Dave's finance takes & beliefs, however - there is no doubt that he teaches sound principles that everyone starting their personal finance journey can learn from.

Key Takeaways:

• The 7 Baby Steps to financial peace
• Strategies for getting out of debt
• Importance of budgeting and emergency funds

5. Atomic Habits by James Clear

While not exclusively a financial book, James Clear’s "Atomic Habits" provides valuable insights into behavior change and habit formation that can be applied to financial goals. Clear’s framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones is essential for anyone looking to improve their financial discipline and achieve long-term success. This is probably the #1 book I'd recommend for a plethora of reasons, but the overall summary is that everything learned in this book can be applicable to all facets of your life.

Key Takeaways:

• How to make small changes that lead to big results
• Techniques for habit stacking and environment design
• The importance of identity in habit formation

Conclusion:

If you are looking to level up your personal finance game, I think any of these are a fantastic start. Not everyone is an avid reader (myself included) and hence the podcasts could be an easy way to begin to ease yourself into listening to others talk about personal finance concepts. Even if you pick up one small thing per episode that's a fantastic way to begin compounding growth in your own education.

By incorporating at lease some sort of resource into your learning routine, you'll gain a well-rounded understanding of personal finance and investing. Each recommendation offers unique insights and practical advice that can help you make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals. As always - we encourage you to continue reading this newsletter & listening to the Opulus Method Podcast.

Have a great day everyone - see you next week!