The Happy Saver Book Giveaway!
18 Jun, 2023
The Happy Saver has just turned seven years old!
That’s worth celebrating with a book giveaway.
That’s also crazy. If when I published my first blog post (don’t read it, it was probably terrible), you had told me that seven long years later, I’d now be sitting in my purpose-built writing studio, still producing content, and that people actually read and seem even to enjoy my content, I would not have believed you.
But here I am!
Here WE are more to the point. Jonny and I are co-dependent. We go together like peas and corn: He can’t write, and I can’t work tech. I can’t stop talking; he is pretty quiet. A blogging/podcasting match made in heaven!
We both wanted to give some books away and remind you that if you are looking for a book on money, chances are I have it. I regularly post my personal finance books to others; if your local library doesn’t have a book, you are welcome to borrow mine. You have to promise to send it back to me, and so far, I’ve had a 100% return rate.
The giveaway is now closed.
Thank you to everyone who entered, and CONGRATULATIONS to our winners.
Here is how you enter.
I’d love to know in 100 words* or less how you have improved your financial situation. No pressure if that is not your thing; just go ahead and enter. Tell me the good stuff and what feeling in control of your money or working to gain back control has done for you. Why? I’m constantly motivated by emails I receive daily from people who are winning with their money. I hear the myriad of ways that people are doing OK, but for privacy reasons, I never share. This is your chance to motivate and, in turn, be inspired by others.
* For reference, the previous paragraph was 100 words. I don’t expect a masterpiece; the shorter, the better, so don’t stress. I’ll edit and share responses in a later post with names withheld. And just to reiterate, you can still enter without writing a note.
I wish we had more to give away, as these books are the tip of the iceberg of what is available, but amongst this group are some of my absolute favourites.
GIVEAWAY BOOKS
The Simple Path to Wealth
JL Collins
I listen to anything JL Collins has to say. This book changed my life and made me realise that I can invest my own money. Learning that I was not as stupid as the complex finance system would have me believe was a great comfort. Investing in the share market is a big part of financial independence and a secure future, and his straightforward, no-nonsense and practical guide to investing in index funds demystifies the complex world of finance. He explains the concepts of index funds, asset allocation, and the importance of low-cost investing in a way I could understand. He is American, so it is not all relevant (you can skip those bits), but the emphasis is on simplicity and long-term thinking without getting caught up in share market hype. He wrote this book for his daughter, based on a series of letters that he wrote to her that you can find HERE. If you only ever read one book on investing, you won’t be wasting your time by reading this.
The Richest Man in Babylon
George S. Clason
This work of fiction should be taught in schools. Few would think that Afterpay was a great invention if it was. Because of how it is written, it would work in any subject! The language does take a little getting used to, but the book imparts invaluable financial wisdom throughout its short read. This book remains relevant in today's complex economic landscape. Clason's parables, set in ancient Babylon, teach readers essential simple lessons on budgeting, saving, investing, and acquiring wealth. The book emphasises the power of discipline, thrift, and wise decision-making. It manages to make financial concepts understandable and enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner seeking financial literacy or a seasoned investor, "The Richest Man in Babylon" is a simple book that reminds you that sticking to the basics works. I’ve read it many times; it’s one of my favourites.
The Barefoot Investor
Scott Pape
This book does not need much introduction, and it’s nice to read an excellent money book from a money legend from across the ditch in Australia. Many use this book as a springboard to transform how they handle their money, and I have lost track of how many copies I have gifted to others over the years. It is a very practical guide offering straightforward advice and giving you actual steps for how to structure your finances. He has led many people out of debt by giving them the tools; all they have to do is commit to doing the work. His no-nonsense approach helps readers establish a solid foundation for financial security, from budgeting and reducing debt to investing wisely. Pape's writing style is quite blokey but relatable, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. So many people have told me that this book was the catalyst to them feeling in control of their money, and it’s a must-read for anyone seeking financial stability and independence.
Die With Zero
Bill Perkins
I have two bookshelves dedicated to my finance books. One shelf holds ‘meh’ books, and the other contains the books I’ll refer back to and recommend to others. This book is definitely on the read-again and share with other's shelf! Bill Perkins does an outstanding job of explaining how you should make the most of every age you are at, and it questions the point of working for money now that you won’t be using when you are dead. Whether you are still growing your wealth or you already have all the money you will ever need, this book challenges you to get out there and spend it. But not in a frivolous way. He encourages you to use the money you have worked hard to earn to create memories that will last a lifetime. Use your time and money with your friends and whānau while alive; instead of leaving an inheritance, you won’t see them enjoy. “It’s intended for those who place experiences far ahead of simply making money for one’s so-called golden years”. He helps take away the fear of ‘will I have enough money’ and gives you permission to spend what you have earned. Only a handful of books have had a lasting impact on me, and this is one of them. Even if you don’t win it today, you should find a copy and read it anyway!
Quit Like a Millionaire
Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung
This book by Canadian bloggers Millennial Revolution, is part money lesson, part autobiography, part wake-up call, and it was a fascinating insight into how our relationship with money is formed. These feisty millennials want to help you reach your peak. This is a story, a how-to guide and permission to swim against the current. The authors retired at 31 years old, and they show you how they did it and how you can too. Kristy went from surviving on less than a dollar a day in China to becoming a millionaire and early retiree in Canada. Quite the journey! Drawing from their personal experiences, the authors provide practical advice and actionable steps to escape the traditional 9-to-5 grind and embrace a life of freedom and fulfilment. I know they had achieved this goal because Jonny and I were lucky to have lunch with them when they visited Queenstown recently. They are full of energy and life and simply want the same for others. They don’t suffer fools, back up their theory with complex math, but still make their book engaging and enjoyable. If you want to become financially independent and retire early, it makes sense to learn from people who have. Fantastic book backed up by a comprehensive website. Check out their blog and their quick intro video.
Your Money, Your Future
Frances Cook
This is the second book by Frances. With a career as a journalist, a podcast (she has even interviewed me), and a young family, goodness knows how she finds the time to do it! Reading a book written for a New Zealand audience is always good. She covers a lot in this book: FIRE, working out how much money you need for your ideal life, money basics that we never got taught, boosting your income, including a section on side hustles, saving and investing, buying a property if that is your thing and retiring early, which is definitely my thing. Books like this show you how to manage your money well, whatever your income, and steadily chip away at the narrative that you need $1,000,000 to retire (you don’t). Once again, it’s a general money guide from which you will pull little bits of wisdom to add to your journey with money.
Investing with She’s on the Money
Victoria Devine
I first stumbled upon She’s on the Money by listening to their podcast. Once I got over the strong Australian accents, it became evident that she also knows her stuff, and with over 470 episodes out, they still have not run out of money chat. So, it was never a surprise that she condenses the wisdom she has acquired as a financial advisor, mixed in with the knowledge gained from so many interesting people, into a very readable book. Once again, as with many books, focusing on the basics of good money management is the key: budget, get out of debt, invest, buy property (if you are so inclined), and basically set your parameters and goals and live up to them. As in her podcast, in her book, she has created a supportive place to learn how money works, and I have happily added this to my collection of books on my shelf to read more than once and share often.
BONUS GIVEAWAY BOOKS!
The Sharesies Guide to Investing
Brooke and Leighton Roberts and Sonya Williams
Sharesies donated a copy to giveaway, but it arrived too late for me to read and review! I’m looking forward to reading my copy soon. Unlike the books above, this is explicitly written about, and by one investment provider, Sharesies, so I’ll read it with an open mind. From the quick flick I’ve had through it, it offers an in-depth look at how the share market works, covering a massive range of investment options and also shares some stories from its users. I always enjoy reading those. But, I can’t offer my opinion yet, given I’m yet to read it, so in the meantime, here is what the back cover says:
Does the stock market seem too complicated? Do you think that investing is only for those with more money? Do you want to start investing but don’t know where to begin? This book helps answer these questions and shows you how to gain the confidence you need to take the first step on your own investing journey. Through easy-to-digest information, jargon-busting investing speak, and stories from Sharesies investors, you’ll learn how to make the most of investing in shares (while staying true to your values) and discover how investing can help you secure your financial future.
Good with Money
Lisa Dudson
Lisa also donated a book for me to giveaway to a reader. I enjoyed reading this book until I realised she was marketing a company that she owns, but as long as you read with an open mind, it’s good to read a New Zealand-centric book on money. There is a lot of sound advice in the book as she works through finding your reason for getting smarter with your money, developing your money system, getting your income up, decimating your debt, growing your wealth, planning for emergencies and buying a home. I think it is a book you will grab tips from to add to your journey with money, and having heard her name mentioned in the media over the years, I enjoyed reading more about her views on how to get out of debt and grow your wealth. I can definitely relate to her overall message that it’s never too late to become good with money and have a financially free life.
It’s fun to give back to a community that supports me.
I’m a fan of getting resources into the hands of people looking to learn. That is why I’ll provide links to other creators' books, blogs, and podcasts in my fortnightly email and in pretty much every email I respond to. I’ll often connect like-minded people too. This is why I like to give away books when there is a significant milestone, such as our seventh birthday, because books are knowledge. The more you read, listen and learn about personal finance, the better you will manage your pūtea.
I look forward to receiving your entries. Winners will be drawn and contacted on Sunday, 2nd July.
And finally, THANK YOU for being such a great supporter of our blog all these years!
