The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life

Finance writer Housel (The Psychology of Money) offers a deeply insightful guide to managing money focused on spending wisely. Instead of centering the acquisition and growth of wealth, Housel unravels the emotions that drive people to spend, arguing there is no “right” way to do it: some people spend extravagantly to make up for growing up poor or to justify working long hours at a miserable job, while others might buy expensive cars or designer handbags to chase status. Learning what actually makes one happy in life and spending money in support of those goals is key, he explains. Housel encourages experimenting with spending to find “your thing,” separating financial goals from identity, and minimizing future regret. One might find, as a result, that travel or hobbies brings them joy and gear their money toward those, while another may prefer giving money away. Still, some of Housel’s most profound advice is about saving, not spending: “Money you haven’t spent buys something intangible but valuable: freedom, independence, and being able to spend time in your own way.” Prudent and actionable, these lessons will help readers build sensible money habits. (Oct.)