This month we have a different style of article to share, with some book recommendations that relate to money management, wealth and health.

Most people will have heard of the Barefoot Investor, but two of the books below cover similar topics providing some interesting reading on money management and investing.

‘The Richest Man in Babylon’ by George S. Clason

The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason is a timeless and insightful guide to financial success. Set in ancient Babylon, the book is written as a collection of stories that is easy to follow and makes this a great recommendation for people of all ages, and in particular would be a benefit to children or young adults finding their way in financial management.

The book emphasises the importance of saving, investing, and living within one's means, offering practical tips for building wealth and achieving financial security. Its enduring lessons on budgeting, wise investment, and the value of hard work provide a solid foundation for financial literacy. 

‘The Psychology of Money’ by Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel's "The Psychology of Money" is a wonderful exploration of the often-overlooked human side of finance. Housel delves into the emotional and psychological factors that shape our financial decisions, highlighting the irrational behaviours that can impact wealth management. Through engaging anecdotes and real-life examples, Housel weaves together the complexities of money and human behaviour, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. 

The book goes beyond traditional financial advice, focusing on the importance of understanding one's relationship with money, embracing humility in investment strategies, and recognising the power of time in building wealth. Housel's approach is refreshingly candid, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and finance. "The Psychology of Money" is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional dynamics that influence financial choices and outcomes.

And lastly, for something different, there is no point having money if you don’t have your health. A terrific book on living healthier for longer.

‘Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity’ by Dr Peter Attia

"Outlive" by Dr Peter Attia is a thorough exploration of longevity that combines scientific rigour with practical advice. Dr Attia, a prominent longevity expert, delves into the latest research on ageing and presents a comprehensive guide to optimising health-span (living healthier for longer and making the most of your later years, as opposed to simply living longer).

Dr Attia achieves this through a blend of personal anecdotes, data-driven insights, and actionable strategies. Dr Attia addresses the multifaceted factors influencing ageing, from nutrition and exercise to sleep and stress management. 

The book may be viewed in two very different halves. The first half is a deep dive into the major chronic diseases, and if you find this tough going with the medical data and statistics you will be happy to know the second half is more practical with ‘how to’ advice. I enjoyed reading about the proactive approach to tackling and avoiding major diseases, rather than waiting to fall ill before taking steps to combat the disease.

My other key takeaway from this book is to look at life with the later years in mind. For example, if I am going to live to 90 or 100 and want to be able to pick up grandchildren and great-grandchildren, walk up sets of stairs, and travel overseas on holidays, what strength and other mobility do I need to have at ages 70, 60, 50 and younger given our muscle mass and bone density are deteriorating as we age? Importantly, it is never too late to start.

Dr Attia also has a podcast called ‘The Drive’, which covers many health topics for those who prefer audio, and the book is also available as an audiobook for those long country drives.

If you have any recommendations of your own, feel free to send them through to us!