The Thrifty Issue Reading List

What to Read in 2021

This year I set a goal to read 52 books. Most books I read are eBooks but now I signed up to my local library, I’ll be reading more physical books again.

Throughout the year I will add all the books I read and what I think of them.

You’ll find it is a variety of books, not only finance-related books but everything from health to psychology, business to memoirs.

I am completing my Diploma of Counselling so there is also a strong interest in relationships, abuse, addiction and family as those are areas I am looking to specialise in.

Some are books I have read before as well.

Disclosure – this post may contain affiliate links.

Currently Reading

Embrace Yourself is something I have wanted to read for a long time. Taryn’s story is inspiring and she has helped so many people.

Finance and Business Books

Any book I have read focused on finance, increasing wealth and mindset is here.

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

We Should All Be Millionaires might be my favourite book of the year!

The statistics, history and facts throughout, the push for women, practical tips and added information for women of colour was all mind-blowing for me.

My kids are Polynesian so anything like this is extremely valuable and I can’t wait for them to read it.

There is also a challenge to get $10,000 in a week which I did even though when I committed to doing it I was not sure how I could.

Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas

My partner bought me this and I have been working through it for January. Lucky Bitch is just one of the books by Denise.

I loved the others and am enjoying this one. It’s brilliant for mindset.

It is so important when reading a book such as this that you do the work! There are exercises, tips and things to do plus more resources available.

Reading alone won’t help, take the action suggested and make the changes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Thrifty Issue (@thethriftyissue)

Quit Like A Millionaire

Quit Like A Millionaire is often recommended in finance groups so had been on my list to read for a while.

It helped my partner and me significantly but that is because of our backgrounds.

The author grew up in complete poverty in China and talks about the scarcity mindset.

It was eye opening to me as I have always approached things from an abundant mindset but then, I have total privilege to be able to do that.

My partner is Ni-Vanuatu (native to Vanuatu) and most of his adult life was in the Solomon Islands.

Both countries were two of the least developed countries in the world. Vanuatu recently upgraded to a Developing Country.

He grew up in poverty but was exposed to wealth through cruise ships and his work.

He was taught that wealth is only for white people though and grew up with a scarcity mindset.

Quit Like A Millionaire helped me understand him and his family so much more plus saw us change our budget.

I’ll share more on this in a future article once we have trialled our new budget for a while.

The $1,000 Project

The $1,000 Project is an easy read with a lot of information for beginners.

I put off reading this one for a while too because it seemed so basic and like something I already do.

It is but I can see why so many people find it so inspirational.

Finding ways to make or save parcels of $1,000 and investing them or putting them on debt is highly motivating.

Also check out 20 ways to make $1,000 to get you started.

The Simple Path to Wealth

I read The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins this month.

It had been on my to read list for years and is now probably my favourite finance book ever. I am hoping my partner will listen it on Audible since he hates to read.

Compound interest, investing wisely, patience, it really is simple to be wealthy!

The Psychology of Money

The Psychology of Money was in an online book club I recently joined.

The stories (true ones) and examples throughout the book really help drive home each of the points.

I love psychology and money so combining the two, seeing why we do what we do and how, as well as tips to change was interesting to me.

Profit First

I skimmed through this a few years ago but finally got into it and applied it to numerous areas of my life.

If you have a business or want one, this is a must-read! Businesses would be much more successful, actually see their profit and manage all finances better with the Profit First system.

Start With Your People

Since I already put my family first, I didn’t get a lot out of this book. For those who find it hard to make decisions or feel their life is out of balance, Start With Your People: the daily decision that changes everything by Brian Dixon is worth it.

Nomad Capitalist

My partner is from Vanuatu, a country that does not charge its citizens tax and it is not the only country that is completely different to Australia or the USA.

As such, we wanted to learn more since we can easily be dual citizens and structure our life differently.

You don’t have to be from one of these countries to benefit though. Nomad Capitalist is a fascinating read about how you really can save money like “big companies” but taking advantage of international options.

The Success Principles

Overall, I liked this book but early on he specifically used an example of domestic violence and blamed the victim.

Having been in an abusive relationship and worked in that area a lot, that example was completely off and I found it hard to want to finish the book.

There is great advice throughout the book and I learned a lot, that early example made it a book I would find difficult to recommend though.

I am hoping since my copy was quite old that it has been removed in newer versions of The Success Principles.

A Girls Guide to Money

This felt fairly basic to me and I don’t like being called a girl when I am a woman. I suspect it would be a good read for those getting started with money but for most people I know, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Relationship Books

Since studying counselling and specialising in relationship counselling, relationship books and self-help have been of particular interest.

Finding books I know will help my clients has been important to me. Each book also gives me a great understanding of others.

The Queen’s Code

A controversial book due to the ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ roles. This is the second time I’ve read The Queen’s Code and I can assure you when applied genuinely, my life is MUCH easier.

Even my kids noticed. I decided to read it again because I felt inspired to.

Love Is Not Enough

Technically, I ‘read’ Love Is Not Enough by listening to it on Audible.

It was quite an intriguing concept, having different people and scenarios followed through their therapy journey.

It was eye-opening to see what I connected with and could see in myself as well as how I might go about becoming more self-aware.

47 Little Love Boosters

A quick and easy read, 47 Little Love Boosters shares tips to connect and boost your relationships.

As it is so easy for everyone to get caught up in the busy lives we lead and neglect our relationship, I thought this would be a great one for clients once I am qualified and it is.

The Art of Letting Go

This was more for my course than myself. The Art of Letting Go is about overcoming breakups and letting go of those relationships. I quite liked the style.

Each chapter was a letter of sorts from a different person based on a different experience making it relatable for various circumstances.

His Needs, Her Needs

This book has sold over 1,000,000 copies and while it is old, it is still interesting.

For some, it will be too gendered and generic but the basics I believe relate to all relationships.

Most of what was covered about how men think vs women and what we each priorities I knew.

His Needs Her Needs is NOT saying all men or all women, it is saying most who had treatment with this professional exhibited these similarities.

However, there are exercises for you to do with your partner to find what you need instead of just going with the general advice in the book.

8 Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

We are working through 8 Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.

Since both of us have been divorced, being proactive about our relationship, making it a priority and ensuring good communication are important to us.

Plus, keeping your relationship healthy is a huge money saver! Divorce is expensive.

My child custody cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Thankfully, Justin’s was amicable and he has a great co-parenting relationship with his ex.

That said, we want to ensure we have a strong relationship and 8 Dates is great for that.

Why Men Marry Bitches

Don’t be put off by the title like I was. Why Men Marry Bitches isn’t degrading women, rather it is teaching confidence, self worth and why you shouldn’t settle.

It had been recommended a lot by others during my counselling studies so I finally read it.

It’s an easy read with many little quotes to think about.

Feminine Lost

This is not a finance book and I read it more for my counselling studies than anything else. Feminine Lost is about masculine and feminine.

I have mixed feelings on it. In my relationship, we do lean towards more traditional roles in many ways and I am often referred to as a feminine woman.

This book has some great elements to it but for me, some of it doesn’t quite sit right.

It is still an interesting read though and I feel will help me as a partner, mother, friend and especially counsellor.

Let Love Have The Last Word

I wasn’t as into Let Love Have The Last Word as I thought I would be.

Common (rapper) wrote it and while he shares some good insights, overall, it wasn’t a book I’d read again or recommend to others.

Approach everything with love is a motto in my home and with my family so I thought this book would be one I loved but sadly it wasn’t.

Out of the Doghouse

Since I am specialising in relationship counselling, this was highly recommended and for anyone who is trying to rebuild after an affair, this book would be incredible.

It is aimed at the betrayer and after talking to a few people who have been through this, every single one said Out of the Doghouse was a game-changer for them.

However, you need to know the author has since broken up with his wife and been shown to be harmful victim blaming and a repeat offender (cheater).

Women Who Love Too Much

I’ve read Women Who Love Too Much before and highly recommend to every woman, especially those who have patterns where they do too much in relationships.

Because I have recommended it so much but not read it since 2017, I figured I should read it again and ensure it will still apply to those I recommend it to.

I first read it after leaving an alcoholic and it helped me heal immensely.

Reading it now, I learnt even more.

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Specialising in relationship counselling for my diploma means this year I have read more relationship books than anything else I think.

However, each one I have learnt something from and this one was great.

With activities to do throughout to really make you think, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is a book that can change your life and marriage if you do the work.

Health and Body Image

As someone with body image issues, I made it a goal to read about health, learn more and change my image of myself.

The Body Keeps The Score

The Body Keeps The Score is triggering but fascinating.

As someone who has experienced some extreme trauma in my life, some of this has been a bit intense and shocking.

Totally worth it though as the information is incredible.

Not A Diet Book

Not A Diet Book: Lose Fat, Gain Confidence, Transform Your Life.

I used to follow the author, James Smith on Facebook. His straight forward videos were great but I especially loved how he described the fluctuations women have throughout the month.

As someone with PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), weight has been a struggle at times. This book is quite good so far.

Beyond Beautiful

I loved this book, it was an easy read with great advice.

There is a strong connection between our confidence/self image/body issues to our finances so clearing those issues will help your money.

Beyond Beautiful busts myths, offers practical advice, little action steps you can take and a lot of thought-provoking content.

As someone who has had issues with my body and eating since a young age, books such as Beyond Beautiful are helpful to maintain the right mindset.

To be clear, severe body or eating issues need professional help.

A self-help book is not a replacement for that.

You Are Enough

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a saying I’ve heard a lot and yet, we all still compare ourselves to others. Probably even more with social media showing us others lives.

You Are Enough is a wonderful book outlining how to stop this, giving tools and resources to work through your own comparison issues and increase self confidence.

Increasing my confidence and self worth is a strong focus for me this year.

The more I love and am happy with myself, the more I can give to others. I am a better mother, partner and friend.

How to be Perfectly Imperfect

How to be Perfectly Imperfect was a simple, colourful and beautifully designed book.

I am prone to a lack of confidence of late which I am trying to turn around. So books such as this are of interest to me.

With quotes, easy to implement tips and great graphics, I read it easily and it’s only $9!

It Didn’t Start With You

Along the same lines but with a lot of extra information and things you can do, It Didn’t Start With You delves into healing generational trauma.

New Age

I have a strong interest in various new age/law of attraction/mindset books and lifestyle.

The Greatest Secret

The Greatest Secret was given to me for Christmas by my partner. It was on my wish list and I nearly bought it for myself on Christmas Eve then felt I should hold off.

When I opened my gift Christmas morning I was ecstatic.

I read The Secret years ago, so when The Greatest Secret came out I was extremely interested.

It’s a lot of quotes but easy enough to understand in my view. If you enjoy the law of attraction and are interested in manifesting, this is a book for you.

Soul Coaching – 28 Days to Discover Your Authentic Self

I have read and done Soul Coaching twice before. Both times I experienced amazing changes and advances in my life.

There are 3 levels you can choose from with daily affirmations, daily activities and a different focus each week.

Using the 4 elements – Air, Fire, Earth, Water, the weeks are broken up. Daily tasks relate to each element to clear your life and help you get direction.

Dear Universe

With 200 manifestations, affirmations and tips to help turn your thoughts around, Dear Universe is a great book to have on hand.

Look up the feeling or issue you are having and there will be an affirmation and suggestions to help.

Dear Universe is a book I liked the look of then couldn’t get it out of my mind after a few weeks so I went back and bought it. I am so glad I did!

The Five Levels of Attachments

We all attach to things in life in different ways. How much we are attached will impact our behaviour and how we see ourselves.

The Five Levels of Attachments was an interesting read to learn to let go and accept.

Self Help

What Happened To You?

What Happened To You by Dr Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey is a book I will recommend forever.

For helping to understand others and ourselves, this book is a must-read for everyone. it was eye-opening how trauma impacts us all, our reactions, triggers and how to help.

The stories in it are so moving and for someone who has experienced extreme trauma, it was validating.

The Audacity to be Queen

The Audacity to be Queen has a religious angle so won’t be for everyone. I do think if people are not into God/Universe and can look past that to grab the other gems of info in books such as this it can help a lot.

The Audacity to be Queen is powerful, has great exercises at the end of each chapter and will empower you.

The Compound Effect

If you want practical advice to change your habits and how it will change your life, one small step at a time, The Compound Effect is for you.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it. He breaks things down to make it easy to understand, gives solid examples of compounding both in the positive and negative, depending on our habits.

It can be applied to every part of your life too, not just money.

You Are Not Broken

If trauma is an issue, You Are Not Broken is ideal! It was highly recommended and even for those who don’t think they’ve experienced trauma, this book will help.

You Are The Guru

This is an Audible only book. You Are The Guru contains 6 messages to change your life.

It was interesting for me to experiment with my own life and each of the messages.

The results from applying them (I read/listened to one a day then applied it to specific situations) was amazing. I’d highly recommend everyone listen to and apply You Are The Guru.

Choose to Change – It’s Your Life

With 25 short chapters with practical things you can do to change your life, it’s an easy but effective read.

Choose to Change outlines what you can do, gives examples and if you take your time reading it, to actually do the activities, it can help you change.

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depended On It

This one isn’t a favourite of mine but was free ages ago so I got it and finally read it this month. Love Yourself Like Your Life Depended On It is short, easy to read and has some good activities in it.

Learning To Love Yourself

Gay Hendricks is the author of The Big Leap which I love and recommend to everyone, so I knew I would like Learning To Love Yourself.

Using personal experiences to reinforce the concepts in the book, it was an easy read with numerous insights for myself and my relationship.

Awaken The Giant Within

Watching the Netflix doco actually put me off but Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins was recommended by so many people I decided to check it out.

This one was an audiobook instead of reading it and there were quite a few good messages in it.

Treasure Yourself

Treasure Yourself, Power Thoughts for my Generation by Miranda Kerr. It was 50c at my local op shop and had a pretty cover.

Some of it is good but at the same time, it felt kind of conceited and unrelatable at times. I do admire her achievements and think there are some good lessons in the book.

The Big Leap

This is a favourite of mine which I have read a few times. Each time I read The Big Leap, I learn more and it helps me get back on track, get focused and improve my life when I feel lost or am struggling.

Indistractable

Recommended by a psychologist, Indistractible had some great tips to overcome distractions.

I have been known to be easily distracted and was diagnosed with ADHD at 16 (although nothing was done at the time as society mainly deemed it bad parenting).

As with all self-help books, take what works for you and leave the rest.

The Little Book of Hygge

I know most of the world had already read or been into Hygge so I figured it was time I did.

It wasn’t mindblowing for me. We already live a close, connected lifestyle.

Living in a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 kids means we only bring in what we love.

We spend a lot of time together and while our lifestyle isnt’t in a cooler climate (Noosa is warm), the principles apply.

100/0 Rule

I picked this up from the second-hand shop for 50c mainly because I had been hearing about the 100/0 rule in a few books recently.

In a nutshell, most people assume everything in relationships (including work, friendships and romantic relationships) is or should be 50/50.

When we apply ourselves 100% instead, huge shifts happen. We take total responsibility for our lives, our relationships and live accordingly.

It was a short read and if I ever find a link for it, I’ll add it here for you.

What You Feel You Can Heal

Easy to read and apply, What You Feel You Can Heal is similar to having a therapist in book form. Do the activities and work to see real changes in your life.

Parenting

The Little Book of Mumfulness

This was a quick read with tips for motherhood. I didn’t find it to be that useful and most of it goes against how I parent but I get they were trying to be funny with most of it and relatable.

I wouldn’t recommend The Little Book of Mumfulness.

Extras

Since we were travelling for part of the year, I was unable to read much at times.

However, in Melbourne, when picking up my stuff I flicked through books I had stored at my sisters and read what I had earmarked from them. 

Tools of Titans, Tribe of Mentors, Chillpreneur, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Your Are a Badass at Making Money are a few I particularly love.

I also read the 23 Rules for Success which is a really old book and I didn’t find that useful.

And there was one other book that reveals too much about my personal life so I don’t want to list the title here. It wasn’t a life changing book anyway.

Let me know any books you recommend!

This list will continue to grow. I have numerous books on my bookshelf I have picked up from second hand shops, more in my Kindle with Amazon and plenty in my wishlists.

I’m grateful my partner also buys me books as he knows I love them. So tell me what you are reading or have read and recommend.

Also check out 13 books every mum should read for my recommendations.

For more ways to make and save money follow us on social media:

The Thrifty Issue Facebook Page
The Thrifty Issue Facebook Group
The Thrifty Issue Instagram