What I Read: June 2020

I am back with another feature of what I’ve been reading lately.

For those who might not know: Back in January of 2019 I made a personal commitment to read at least one book per month.

It was only supposed to be for 1 year but It’s been a year and a half and my commitment continues.

Here’s what I read in June:

I heard about the book below while listening to a Motley Fool Answers episode a couple of months ago. I cannot remember the exact episode. However, as soon as I do, I will come back and update this blog post.

This book will go down in history as one of the BEST books I read in 2020:

Beyond Wealth

Author: Alexander Green

This book explores the value of life BEYOND money. In a series of short stories, it talks about the true meaning of life using examples that truly inspire.

My description is probably not doing this book any justice but just know is great.

I loved the author so much I decided to see what else he wrote. I now have two more books in my queue (from the same author) to be read in the next couple of months or so. Will share soon.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“You can’t wear your stock portfolio, ride on your bank account, or eat gold and silver coins. Money is never an end, only a means to an end.”

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“Money is independence. It liberates you from want, from work that is drudgery, from relationships that confine you. No one is truly free who is a slave to his job, his creditors, his circumstances, his overhead.”

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“The best lives are not lived in a hurry. Why pursue wealth if not to purchase a bit of leisured contentment?”

 

I also read another book. This one became a staple during my morning routine:

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff…And It’s All Small Stuff

By: Richard Carlson

 

I bought this book in Albany, NY, at a thrift book store, back in ~2005. It is a staple in my library. I decided to pick it up again. It is part of my “morning rituals” and it helps me start my days with a positive mindset.

Some of my favorite life lessons within the book:

“Effective listening is more than simply avoiding the bad habit of interrupting others while they are speaking or finishing their sentences. It’s being content to listen to the entire thought of someone rather than waiting impatiently for your chance to respond.”

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“…when you let go of your expectations, when you accept life as it is, you’re free. To hold on is to be serious and uptight. To let go is to lighten up.”

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“The truth is, we don’t know what’s going to happen—we just think we do. Often we make a big deal out of something. We blow up scenarios in our minds about all the terrible things that are going to happen. Most of the time we are wrong. If we keep our cool and stay open to possibilities, we can be reasonably certain that, eventually, all will be well. Remember: maybe so, maybe not.”

…many, many more!

And that’s all for now. Thanks for reading 🙂

Tell me: What have you been reading recently? Have you read any of these books? Share in the comments!

Money-Saving Tip: I sometimes get asked about where else to purchase books besides Amazon. Personally, I’ve used Thriftbooks in the past to purchase used books (typically in great condition). If interested in checking it out, click here. If you end up creating an account and ordering books, you’ll get 15% off your first purchase and I’ll get some points towards future purchases. If you end up trying the site, let me know 🙂

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Upcoming Courses & Resources:

Ready, Set Invest: A Crash Course on Being Ready to Invest – This is a best-seller (2-hour class) all about how to be PREPARED to invest. To get information about the July 2020 edition of this workshop, click here.

Understanding Your Investing Options: Starter Guide for Beginner Investors: New to investing and not sure where or how to begin?! This guide is for you! Check out details here.