Why summer is perfect for financial learning
Sunny days are here — a welcome break from packed schedules and patient charts. It’s the perfect time to unwind with something both refreshing and rewarding. So grab a cold drink, settle into your favourite patio chair, and check out these top picks for money books and financial podcasts. They offer smart, approachable insights — ideal for busy professionals who want to relax, recharge, and pick up a little financial wisdom along the way.
Top finance books for your summer reading list
These picks pair well with iced drinks, shaded hammocks, and nowhere to be.
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez (Updated 2018)
Dominguez was a successful Wall Street financier who retired at 31 and later teamed up with Robin to co-found The New Road Map Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to financial integrity. This book’s goal is to help readers transform their relationship to money and achieve financial independence, or as the foundation says, “make a life, rather than just make a living.”
You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero (2013)
Do you feel conflicted about wanting more money? Sincero tackles the mindsets that hold us back from making money and from enjoying it. The author approaches the topic in a funny way, with candid advice. The book contains exercises you can use to help change limiting thoughts and beliefs around money — perhaps shifting your own personal “money psychology.”
This Is The Year I Put My Financial Life In Order by John Schwartz (2018)
Schwartz is a New York Times journalist who shares his personal journey toward retirement readiness, including realizing that he and his wife weren’t prepared and what they did about it. Part memoir and part how-to, he covers personal finance and investing at every life stage, sharing what they did wrong — and right — along the way.
Beer Money by Frances Stroh (2016)
A riveting memoir by a fifth-generation member of the Stroh family, of Stroh Brewing Company fame, whose massive Detroit fortune collapsed in the late ’80s. Stroh vividly recounts growing up in a household divided on money — with a mother who foraged for second-hand clothing and a father who spent lavishly on collectibles.
How Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger Taught Me to Master My Mind, My Emotions, and My Money (With a Little Help from My Dad) by Danielle Town and Phil Town (2018)
The two Towns (father and daughter) turned their ongoing conversations about investing into their popular podcast series, InvestED. They’ve now followed up with a book, which provides a 12-month investing plan peppered with the story of Danielle’s own financial journey — taken with her investor father — and using what she learned along the way to create the plan.
Must-listen podcasts for laid-back days
Queue up these great listens that are made for road trips, long walks, or just kicking back with your eyes closed.
Planet Money
Launched in 2008 during the financial crisis, Planet Money bills itself as a “meet me at the bar and tell me what’s going on with the economy” evening with friends. The hosts find fun ways to dissect big economic topics. For example, in one episode, the team bought 100 barrels of crude oil and traced its lifecycle from the ground to a car’s gas tank — all to better understand our complicated relationship with the fossil fuel. Note: This one’s often great for listening with kids.
The Indicator from Planet Money
This short-and-smart podcast from the makers of Planet Money delivers quick, thoughtful takes on money, work and business. Billed as “a little show about big ideas,” it dives into a wide mix of topics — from burnout and marketing to workplace culture and beyond. With a light touch and a sense of humor, it makes complex ideas easy to grasp and surprisingly relatable. The short daily format is perfect for when you want a quick dose of economic insight without a big commitment.
Slate Money
This weekly podcast from Slate Magazine breaks down the biggest stories in business and finance. It features smart, down-to-earth conversations about market trends, current events, and how politics and culture intersect with money. With expert guests and real-world examples, it makes complex financial topics easier to understand — and a lot more interesting — whether you’re into finance or just want to stay in the loop.
White Coat Investor
Here’s a go-to podcast for doctors, dentists, and other high-earning professionals who want to feel more confident about their money. Hosted by Dr. Jim Dahle, an emergency physician who’s been through the financial ups and downs himself, the show covers everything from paying off student loans and investing in real estate to retirement planning, side hustles, and more. Dr. Dahle keeps things clear and practical, offering the kind of real-world advice you didn’t get in school.
Disruptors
Okay, so this one’s an RBC show (and not strictly about “money”), but we think it’s pretty fascinating so it’s on the list for summer. Moderated by John Stackhouse, Senior VP, RBC, the show brings together leading thinkers to talk in depth about major shifts in our economic realities. From AI to climate change to food, Disruptors talks to innovative leaders about reimagining Canada’s economy.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
