Our Favorite Personal Finance Books and Podcasts

Books and Podcasts

Our Favorite Personal Finance Books and Podcasts

Posted April 21, 2021 in Behavioral Finance, Investing by

* This article was originally published on April 8, 2020. It has been updated for 2021.

You may notice that we’ve recommended some of these resources to you during your meetings or through FPFoCo Academy. Instead of searching through your inbox or clicking through your completed Academy modules, here’s a centralized list that dives into some of our favorite personal finance resources.! Many of these shape our financial planning philosophies, and we’re excited to share these resources with you. 

Book Recommendations

► The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Rich
By William D. Danko & Thomas J. Stanley

Identify if you have the behaviors conducive to building wealth. The authors share messages about living below your means, career paths, and how you can understand how others influence your behavior.

► Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness
By Richard Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

Thaler, a Nobel Prize winner in economics, explains the main principles of behavioral economics. His book illustrates his research to make people’s lives easier and also dabbles in some Homer Simpson references.

► Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending
By Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton

Did you know that money can buy happiness? The authors explain five proven ways people can spend their dollars to make them a little happier. 

► Intentional Wealth: How Families Build Legacies of Stewardship & Financial Health
By Courtney Pullen

There are strategies to bridge communication with your family to proactively address family values and decisions in times of crisis. Don’t let money be taboo in your household.

► The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money
By Carl Richards

Richards makes the complex simple with this short book. Make the complicated world of money a little easier to digest with action steps and knowledge to better yourself immediately after reading this book.

► When She Makes More: 10 Rules for Breadwinning Women
By Farnoosh Torabi

Society is changing, and more women are earning higher incomes than their partners. This dynamic involves psychological quirks for both parties.

► A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing
By Burton Malkiel

Build that compound interest early! This book influenced many of my investment philosophies and it’s a great read for novices as well as veterans.

► The Financial Wisdom of Ebeneezer Scrooge: 5 Principles to Transform Your Relationship with Money
By Dr. Ted Klontz, Dr. Brad Klontz, and Rick Kahler

You don’t have to be a Scrooge to improve your financial life! The authors base their narrative around what shaped Ebeneezer’s unconscious money beliefs and how he overcame them to illustrate how you can better your relationship with money, too.

Podcast Recommendations

► Life Kit: Money

Multiple series filled with helpful advice about many different subjects. This digestible content can motivate you to take action.

Favorite Episode: How to Ask For a Raise: Know Your Value (And Bring The Evidence)

► The Indicator from Planet Money

The Planet Money team analyzes and explains why a number in the news matters. They address loads of economics and finance subjects to help you gain fresh perspectives.

Favorite Episode: PLEASE Sell me a home!

► Choiceology with Katy Milkman

Enjoy short examples of how our psychology can trip us up as humans. These examples illustrate principles of behavioral finance so you can better understand – and manage – your own personal finances.

Favorite Episode: Fair is Fair

► How I Built This with Guy Raz

Learn the journeys of entrepreneurs and movement-creators. Listening to these stories just might inspire you and give you a tremendous amount of respect for how these people persevered through adversity.

Favorite Episode: Spanx: Sara Blakely

► Planet Money: The Economy Explained

Understanding the economy doesn’t have to be “blah blah blah.” These journalists make relevant topics fun to listen to so you can better understand the world.

Favorite Episode: We Buy A Superhero 1: Origins

► Marketplace Morning Report

For a quick snapshot of the top business and financial news of the day as well as a 30-second market update, look no further — especially if you’re in a hurry. David Brancaccio wraps up these episodes in about 10 minutes or less.

Favorite Episode: Since this is a daily podcast, we don’t necessarily have a favorite. We suggest you give today’s episode a listen!

Note: If you’re more of a tech-minded person, you might also check out Marketplace Tech. It focuses on — you guessed it! — the biggest business and technology stories of the day, also in about 10 minutes or so. 

► This Is Uncomfortable

Recently featured in the Apple Podcasts Spotlight and nominated for a Webby, This Is Uncomfortable takes on financial stories from real human perspectives. Part of the Marketplace family, it’s “a show about life and how money messes with it.” 

Favorite Episode: A Lifelong Scam

► NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast

In this weekly podcast, hosts Sean and Liz focus on finance topics and answer questions from their listeners about money. From what to do with excess savings to tips for buying a home and saving on everyday purchases, this show offers advice from journalists that you may be able to use in your own life.

Favorite Episode: Saving at the pump and 401(k) limits

Bonus Podcast Recommendation 

► The Way It Was: A Podpast Podcast

Learn about Fort Collins history from this charming newspaper reporter. Dive into stories that surround us every day so you can know more about our Colorado town.

Favorite Episode: Inside Old Town’s Famous Disneyland Tie

Happy reading and listening!

Not a client yet? See if our ensemble approach is right for you.

Head to our Comprehensive Services page to learn more about what we do for our clients.

Dan Andrews
dan@fpfoco.com

Dan Andrews is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Accredited Estate Planner® designee, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® as well as the Director of Estate and Financial Planning at Financial Planning Fort Collins. Helping clients since 2012, Dan aims to make the financial planning process less daunting. Even though he also has extensive knowledge in estate planning, Dan enjoys financial planning with a professional yet light-hearted approach. To learn more about Dan, read his blogs or the articles he’s been featured in.



MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
The minimum initial investment for the Invest:FOCO platform is only $5,000 per account. This minimum can be met via transfer of an existing account or with new funds.
ANNUAL FEE
1.00% of assets under management ($100 per $10,000 managed). Debited from your account(s).
MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
There is a minimum initial investment of $100,000 per Strategy:FOCO client household. This minimum can be met via transfer of existing accounts or with new funds. A client household may generally include accounts for a head of household, a significant other, dependents, and any controlled organizations or entities.

Minimums do not apply to inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service.
ANNUAL FEE
Assets Under Management Fee as a % of AUM
$100,000 - $249,999 1.00%
$250,000 - $499,999 0.90%
$500,000 - $999,999 0.80%
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 0.65%
$2,000,000 or more 0.50%

inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service: $1,000/year or $100/month
MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
There is a minimum initial investment of $100,000 per Strategy:FOCO client household. This minimum can be met via transfer of existing accounts or with new funds. A client household may generally include accounts for a head of household, a significant other, dependents, and any controlled organizations or entities.

Minimums do not apply to inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service.
ANNUAL FEE
Assets Under Management Fee as a % of AUM
$100,000 - $249,999 1.00%
$250,000 - $499,999 0.90%
$500,000 - $999,999 0.80%
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 0.65%
$2,000,000 or more 0.50%

inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service: $1,000/year or $100/month
MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
The minimum initial investment for the Invest:FOCO platform is only $5,000 per account. This minimum can be met via transfer of an existing account or with new funds. Invest:FOCO is currently available for Individual, Joint, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA registrations.
ANNUAL FEE
0.65% of assets under management ($65 per $10,000 managed)
MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
The minimum initial investment for the Invest:FOCO platform is only $5,000 per account. This minimum can be met via transfer of an existing account or with new funds.
ANNUAL FEE
0.65% of assets under management ($65 per $10,000 managed)
TAX PREPARATION
Invest:FOCO clients are eligible for a 10% discount on income tax preparation services offered through Fort Collins Tax Service, LLC. This discount applies to the base cost for return preparation as well as Schedules B & D. More details can be found here.
MINIMUM RELATIONSHIP SIZE
There are no minimums when utilizing inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service.

When investment management services are desired, there is a minimum initial investment of $125,000 per Strategy:FOCO client household. This minimum can be met via transfer of existing accounts or with new funds. A client household may generally include accounts for a head of household, a significant other, dependents, and any controlled organizations or entities. inStream proactive financial planning is then included at no additional cost.
ANNUAL FEE
inStream proactive financial planning as a stand-alone service: $1,250/year or $125/month

Assets Under Management Fee as a % of AUM
$125,000 - $249,999 1.00%
$250,000 - $499,999 0.90%
$500,000 - $999,999 0.80%
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 0.65%
$2,000,000 or more 0.50%
TAX PREPARATION
Strategy:FOCO clients are eligible for a 50% or 100% discount on income tax preparation services offered through Fort Collins Tax Service, LLC. This discount applies to the base cost for return preparation as well as Schedules B & D. More details can be found here.
Monthly Economic Update
Stay in the loop with our Monthly Economic Update. It's a great way to catch up on the things effecting your financial plan in an easy to read and relatable format.

We promise to only use your name and email address for sending our Monthly Economic Update. We will not sell, rent, lease, loan, or use your name or email address for any other purpose, internally or externally. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Monthly Economic Update
Stay in the loop with our Monthly Economic Update. It's a great way to catch up on the things effecting your financial plan in an easy to read and relatable format.

We promise to only use your name and email address for sending our Monthly Economic Update. We will not sell, rent, lease, loan, or use your name or email address for any other purpose, internally or externally. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
Minimums do not apply to always-on, real-time financial planning as a stand-alone service.

For investment management services there is a minimum initial investment of $125,000 per Strategy:FOCO client household. This minimum can be met via transfer of existing accounts or with new funds. Investment management fees are generally debited from the accounts to which they apply. Financial planning services are included for Strategy:FOCO investment management clients at no additional charge.
ANNUAL FEE
Always-on, real-time financial planning as a stand-alone service:  $125/month or $1,250/year

Assets Under Management Fee as a % of AUM
$125,000 - $249,999 1.00%
$250,000 - $499,999 0.90%
$500,000 - $999,999 0.80%
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 0.65%
$2,000,000 or more 0.50%
Five Savings Secrets
Are you 30 - 60? Let us give you a few tips with our free white-paper: Five Savings Secrets. Then stay in the loop with periodic emails featuring relevant information on financial planning, investment management, and income taxes.

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or use your email address for any other purpose, internally or externally. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Notice

This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. If you want to know more or withdraw your consent to all or some of the cookies, please refer to the privacy policy.

By closing this banner, scrolling this page, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies.

FINANCIAL PLANNING
Financial planning services are ongoing, and include unlimited phone, email, web and in-person meeting and consultation time. Pricing is based on the unique circumstances of each client situation. Generally, there is a one-time plan development fee ranging from $500 - $2,000 and a monthly fee of $150 - $500; cancel anytime. Clients utilizing investment management services with portfolios of $500,000 or more will typically receive financial planning services for no additional fee.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Assets Under Management (AUM) Annual fee as % of AUM or flat-dollar
$0 - $249,999 1.00%
$250,000 - $499,999 0.90%
$500,000 - $999,999 0.80%
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 0.65%
$2,000,000 - $2,999,999 0.50%
$3,000,000 - $3,999,999 $15,000
$4,000,000 - $4,999,999 $20,000
$5,000,000 or more $25,000 + $2,000 per additional $1mm
ESTIMATE YOUR FEE
Your fee is determined by the complexity of your needs and situation. The primary proxy we use for complexity is your investable net worth, which is generally your total net worth, excluding your primary residence. Your investable net worth includes the value of cash, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, rental real estate, and other business or financial interests. This aligns with the holistic nature of our comprehensive services. You can use the chart below to estimate your fee based on your investable net worth. In some circumstances, your fee may be more than the minimums in the chart below.
Annual Fee Investable Net Worth (INW)
$4,000 (minimum for an individual) Up to $500,000
$6,000 (minimum for couples) Up to $1,000,000
$8,000 Up to $1,500,000
$10,000 Up to $2,000,000
$11,000 Up to $2,500,000
$12,000 Up to $3,000,000
+ $1,000 per additional $1,000,000 of INW
Critical Money Tips
Need some tips to help you tackle your next critical money moment? Stay in the loop with our weekly(ish) email!

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Critical Money Tips
Need some tips to help you tackle your next critical money moment? Stay in the loop with our weekly(ish) email!

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Critical Money Tips
Need some tips to help you tackle your next critical money moment? Stay in the loop with our weekly(ish) email!

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Critical Money Tips
Need some tips to help you tackle your next critical money moment? Stay in the loop with our weekly(ish) email!

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Critical Money Tips
Do you have a cash surplus? Learn more what to do with extra money in the free-preview of our Teachable course: Sudden Money and Windfalls.

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Critical Money Tips
Are you here because of a big change in your finances? Subscribe for our PDF on 6 questions to learn the benefits of working with a full-time fiduciary.

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Inheriting Money Can Be Overwhelming.
We have the expertise to be your guide as you navigate receiving a windfall.
Equity Compensation Can Be Confusing.
Let us make it less complicated for you. Whether it’s a one-time award or ongoing compensation, we know how to help.
Critical Money Tips
Need some tips to help you tackle your next critical money moment? Stay in the loop with our weekly(ish) email!

We promise to never sell, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise use your email address for any reason inconsistent with our privacy policy. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
ESTIMATE YOUR FEE
Your fee is determined by the complexity of your needs and situation. The primary proxy we use for complexity is your net worth, which is the value of what you own — including cash, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, real estate, and other business or financial interests — minus what you owe. Our transparent, flat-dollar pricing aligns with the holistic nature and value of our comprehensive services. You can use the chart below to estimate your fee based on your net worth. In some circumstances, your fee may be more than the minimums in the chart below.
Annualized Flat Fee Net Worth (NW)
$6,000 (our minimum fee) Up to $1,000,000
$8,000 Up to $1,500,000
$10,000 Up to $2,000,000
$12,000 Up to $3,000,000
+ $1,000 per additional $1,000,000 of NW
FEE SCHEDULE
Unless there is truly unique or extraordinary complexity associated with a client’s situation and financial circumstances, our fee will be based on the market value of the assets under management (AUM) for investment management services, subject to a minimum fee of $500 per month. The fee is blended and calculated using the following schedule. We do not require a minimum investment of any amount.
Assets Under Management Annual Fee
$0 - $1,000,000 0.60%
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 0.50%
$3,000,000 - $5,000,000 0.25%
$5,000,000 and above 0.10%
Accumulators: Building Your Nest Egg
Our process helps those saving for their future with the following:
  • Cash-Flow Planning:
  • Estate Planning:
  • Insurance Planning:
  • Investment Planning:
  • Tax Prep & Planning:
  • Optimize your spending and savings.
  • Protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • Safeguard your earnings and assets.
  • Grow your wealth.
  • Get savvy with your strategy.
Ready to take the next step?
Retirees: Living Off of Your Nest Egg
Our process helps those nearing or in retirement with the following:
  • Cash-Flow Planning:
  • Estate Planning:
  • Insurance Planning:
  • Investment Planning:
  • Tax Prep & Planning:
  • Maintain your comfortable lifestyle.
  • Align your legacy with your intentions.
  • Protect your nest egg.
  • Don’t outlive your assets.
  • Never overpay the IRS.
Ready to take the next step?