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The Financial Gift Guide 2020



Trying to find the perfect gift for someone who loves investing or personal finance can be daunting. To help, SoFi Financial Planner Brian Walsh put together a list of some of his favorite financial books that will make great gifts for anyone on your list—from books that are fresh off the presses to a few of his most dog-eared financial classics.

Fun Read for Rookies

“The One-Page Financial Plan” by Carl Richards


There’s no perfect plan when it comes to your finances, but finding a simple approach is a good step in the right direction. Carl Richards mixes captivating writing with a clear case on how people should be thinking about money.

SoFi’s Walsh says: “If I had to pick one book for people to read, it would be this book.”

Great for Parents

“The Opposite of Spoiled” by Ron Lieber


If there are parents on your list, this book will give them a blueprint for how to cover the basics as they start to have money conversations with their kids. Ron Lieber presents information in a way that’s thoughtful and easy-to-read.

Walsh says: “The parents in your life will thank you for this book.”

A Financial Classic

“The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas Stanley


Thomas Stanley opens the door on how the wealthy look, act, and handle their money. The surprise—they look like normal people. Originally published in 1998, the information contained in these 273 pages is just as applicable today.

Walsh says: “A thought-provoking read about what you’re prioritizing in your life—being rich will always beat looking rich.”

Hot New Title

“How I Invest My Money” by Josh Brown and Brian Portnoy


The world of investing is filled with experts sharing their tips and tricks, but rarely do we get to see how they invest their own money. Released in November, this volume compiles the “how” and “why” that 25 different financial experts use when investing their own capital.

Walsh says: “This book is actually on my personal Christmas list—and a must-read for my holiday break.”

Important for Our Times

“The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the US Racial Wealth Divide” by Meizhu Lui, Barbara Robles, Betsy Leondar-Wright, Rose Brewer, and Rebecca Adamson


For centuries, systemic racism has kept people of color from accumulating the same wealth as their white peers. “The Color of Wealth” exposes the roots of the racial wealth divide that exists in the US and provides actions that can help close the gap.

Walsh says: “A really interesting perspective on how we got to where we’re at from an economics perspective.”

For Help Overcoming Old Habits

“Nudge” by Richard Thaler


Nobel Prize winner Richard Thaler dives into the behaviors that drive our decision- making process. This book won’t only change how you look at finances, it’ll change how you look at the world.

Walsh says: “If you tend not to stick to your resolutions, this book is for you. You’ll learn how to trick yourself into doing the things you know you should do.”

Other Great Reads


If you haven’t seen something on our list that catches your eye, here are a few more great reads to consider:

•  “On My Own Two Feet” by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar

•  “Naked Economics” by Charles Wheelen

•  “The Automatic Millionaire” by David Bach

•  “The Ascent of Money” by Niall Ferguson

•  “Women’s Worth: Finding Your Financial Confidence: by Eleanor Blayney

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