Helpful money resources are essential right now. Money can be a sensitive topic to discuss. It can bring up fear, anxiety, and shame. These money resources can help you improve your relationship with money.
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.
35 Helpful Money Resources
If you’re looking for resources that will expand your knowledge base about money, this article is for you. Below you’ll recommendations and more than 35 money resources that will help simplify your finances, and improve your relationship with money. The list below is in no particular order.
1.) Money articles on Be More with Less
Recently, I’ve shared articles about money on Be More with Less. If you’re to save for an emergency fund, stress less about money, declutter your finances, or spend less money, these articles are a good starting point:
- “10 Creative Ways To Save For An Emergency Fund”
- “Declutter Your Finances: 11 Tips for a Simple Budget”
- “How To Spend Less Money (25 simple tips).”
2.) Oh My Dollar! (for your money chats)
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.) Get back to budgeting basics
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:
- NerdWallet’s free budget calculator,
- Best Wallet Hacks zero-based budget guide,
- and the cash envelope budgeting method.
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 (The Cut). Consider journaling a response to this question. Your response might reframe the stories you tell yourself about money, and how you spend it.
8.) Decide how much money is enough
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.) Save money on groceries and medical bills
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.) Improve your financial literacy
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.) Learn the true cost of car ownership
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.
13.) Find a fiduciary and explore financial workshops
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.
14.) Minimalist fashion challenge 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 the Project 333 book 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.
15.) 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. Whether you’re just beginning your financial life or heading towards retirement, this book will show you how to:
• Get out of debt and develop savings
• Save money through mindfulness and good habits, rather than strict budgeting
• Declutter your life and live well for less
• Invest your savings and begin creating wealth
• Save the planet while saving money
• …and so much more!
Keep learning and ask for help.
If you are struggling and in need of financial services, research these 7 places to find cheap or free financial advice. 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. When stress about money builds up, consider these strategies to stress less. If you have friends and family who want to talk about money, share this article and your financial knowledge with them, too.