Commodities...Seriously?

In 'The Psychology of Money,' Morgan Housel delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of financial decisions. The book consists of 19 short stories that illustrate how personal history, worldview, emotions, and biases influence financial outcomes. Housel emphasizes the importance of behavior over knowledge in managing money, highlighting the power of compounding, the dangers of greed, and the pursuit of happiness beyond mere wealth accumulation. He advocates for a frugal lifestyle, long-term perspective, and a balanced approach to investing, stressing that financial success is more about mindset and discipline than about technical financial knowledge.

In 'The Opposite of Spoiled', Ron Lieber provides a detailed blueprint for parents to handle various financial aspects such as the tooth fairy, allowance, chores, charity, saving, and more. The book emphasizes the importance of open conversations about money with children to help them become more patient, prudent, and less materialistic. Lieber shares practical tips, stories, and interviews from families across different income brackets, highlighting the need to encourage children to work, earn money, and develop a healthy relationship with finances. The book also addresses the impact of advertising and consumer culture on children's financial behaviors and suggests ways to instill gratitude and fiscal responsibility from an early age.

Stocks for the Long Run provides a detailed analysis of the stock market's historical trends and long-term investment strategies. The book, updated to reflect current market conditions, includes discussions on value investing, ESG issues, the impact of the financial crisis, and the role of international investing. Siegel argues that stocks have consistently outperformed other asset classes over the long term, averaging returns of 6. 5 to 7 percent per year after inflation. The book also addresses market valuation, the effects of inflation and interest rates, and the importance of diversification in a global economy.

In 'Don't Know Much About History', Kenneth C. Davis takes readers on a journey through over 500 years of American history, from Columbus to the present day. The book is designed to refresh readers' knowledge by busting myths and presenting history in an entertaining and accessible way. It has become a classic anti-textbook, offering a fresh perspective on historical events.

The Money Tales series by Sheila Bair is designed to educate children about various financial concepts such as saving, borrowing, and inflation. The series includes titles like 'Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock', 'Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby', and 'Princess Persephone and the Money Wizards'. These stories aim to make financial principles accessible and fun for young readers.