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Your Financial Resource Library
A curated collection of books, podcasts, and other resources to help you build financial confidence and take practical steps toward your goals.
Learning about money doesn't have to feel intimidating or overwhelming. The right resources can make personal finance feel more approachable, more relevant, and even inspiring — especially when they're aligned with your values and the life you want to build.
Inside this collection, you'll find thoughtful recommendations to help you strengthen your financial knowledge, shift your mindset, and develop habits that support long-term security. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen what you already know, these resources are here to guide you with clarity, encouragement, and a little momentum.
By the Author
✨ Start Here — From Elizaveta
Before you explore what others have built, here's what I've created for you — free, practical, and built with the Intentional Money philosophy at its core.
📖 Personal Finance 101 Guide
A free, comprehensive guide to building your financial foundation — from budgeting and debt to investing and FIRE. A great place to start if you're new to personal finance or want a structured overview.

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Intentional Money: Complete Guide to Personal Finance

A values-driven guide & checklist for taking control of your money — even if you don't know where to start. Your money is one of the most powerful tools you have for building the life you actually want. Not the life social media says you should want. Not the life your parents planned for you. Your

🏦 Retirement Planning Guide
A free guide to understanding your retirement options — from 401(k)s and IRAs to Roth conversions and catch-up contributions. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or want to optimize what you already have, this guide breaks it down clearly and without the jargon.

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Guide to Retirement Planning 2026 | Intentional Money

A values-driven guide & checklist for building the retirement you actually want — no matter where you're starting from. Your retirement is one of the most important financial destinations you'll ever plan for. Not the retirement social media says you should want. Not the one your parents defaulted

✍️ The Intentional Money Blog
Practical articles, honest reflections, and actionable insights on money, mindset, and building a life you love — written from the perspective of a woman, parent, immigrant, and corporate tech professional on her own F.I.R.E. journey.

Intentional Money

Intentional Money | Personal Finance Insights & Stories

Explore the Intentional Money blog for personal stories, practical insights, and clear explanations of finance topics. Learn how to build financial freedom on your terms.

Everything in this library has been curated with care. I hope it helps you take your next step — whatever that looks like for you.
📚 The Wealth Library
The Reading List — books that will change how you think about money
The Simple Path to Wealth
— JL Collins
The fundamental guide to why index funds win. Required reading for every long-term investor.
The Psychology of Money
— Morgan Housel
The best research on why "doing well with money isn't about what you know — it's about how you behave." A must-read on investor mindset.
Financial Feminist
— Tori Dunlap
A modern, women-focused guide to reclaiming financial power. Practical, empowering, and no-nonsense. Pairs perfectly with Tori's podcast and community.
Your Money or Your Life
— Vicki Robin
The original FIRE manifesto. Reframes your relationship with money and time — asking not just "how much do I earn?" but "is this worth my life energy?" Essential reading for anyone on the path to financial independence.
Get Good with Money
— Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)
Ten simple, actionable steps to true financial peace. Accessible, shame-free, and deeply practical — a perfect starting point for anyone building their financial foundation.
Die With Zero
— Bill Perkins
A thought-provoking counterpoint to extreme frugality. Argues for spending intentionally and living fully while you can — a valuable perspective to balance the "save everything" mindset.
Finance for Couples
Money for Couples
— Ramit Sethi
A direct, no-nonsense guide to getting on the same financial page as your partner. Covers how to talk about money, align on goals, and build a shared system that works — without the fights. Ramit's most relationship-focused work yet.
Smart Couples Finish Rich
— David Bach
A practical, step-by-step roadmap for couples to build wealth together. Covers values alignment, joint financial goals, and the systems to make it happen. One of the most trusted books on couples and money.
Broke Millennial Talks Money
— Erin Lowry
Goes beyond couples to cover all the awkward money conversations — with partners, parents, friends, and colleagues. A great read if you want to get comfortable talking about money in every relationship in your life, not just romantic ones.
⭐ Featured Creators
These educators span books, podcasts, newsletters, and social media — here's everything they offer in one place.
Tori Dunlap — Her First $100K
The Financial Feminist. Bold, unapologetic, and deeply practical about building wealth as a woman.
📗 Book: Financial Feminist — https://herfirst100k.com
🎙️ Podcast: Financial Feminist Podcast — https://herfirst100k.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: @herfirst100k — https://www.instagram.com/herfirst100k
💌 Newsletter & Community: HerFirst100k.com — https://herfirst100k.com
Ramit Sethi — I Will Teach You To Be Rich
NYT bestselling author, host of Netflix's "How to Get Rich," and creator of the Conscious Spending Plan. Systems-based approach to automating your finances and spending guilt-free on what you love. 800,000+ newsletter subscribers.
📗 Book: I Will Teach You To Be Rich — https://iwillteachyoutoberich.com
📗 Book: Money for Couples — https://iwillteachyoutoberich.com/money-for-couples
🎙️ Podcast: Money for Couples — https://iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: @ramit — https://www.instagram.com/ramit
💌 Newsletter: Rich Life Insiders — https://iwillteachyoutoberich.com
Jean Chatzky — HerMoney
Veteran financial journalist and women's money advocate. Her ecosystem covers everything from investing basics to navigating major life transitions.
🎙️ Podcast: HerMoney with Jean Chatzky — https://hermoney.com
💌 Newsletter: HerMoney Weekly — https://hermoney.com/subscribe
📸 Instagram: @jeanchatzky — https://www.instagram.com/jeanchatzky
Vivian Tu — Your Rich BFF
Ex-Wall Street trader turned internet's favorite money educator. Makes finance feel like a conversation with your smartest, most financially savvy friend. 4M+ followers.
📸 Instagram: @yourrichbff — https://www.instagram.com/yourrichbff
📰 Newsletters & Online Resources
💻 For Tech Professionals
FAANG FIRE — Andre Nader (Substack Newsletter)
A must-read for tech workers pursuing Financial Independence. Andre spent a decade at Meta and now writes about going from FAANG to FIRE — covering RSU vesting strategies, 401k optimization, total compensation tracking, Mega Backdoor Roth IRAs, and more. Over 26,000 subscribers. Especially valuable if you receive RSUs as part of your compensation.
🔗 faangfire.com — https://www.faangfire.com
📊 RSU Guides — https://www.faangfire.com/p/all-things-faang-rsu-vesting — deep dives on RSU taxation, wash sales, and sell strategies
🛠️ Free Tools & Dashboards — https://www.faangfire.com/p/free-tools-and-dashes — including a 2026 RSU Dashboard and Total Compensation Tracker
🔥 FIRE Essentials
Mr. Money Mustache — Pete Adeney
The blog that launched a thousand FIRE journeys. Pete retired at 30 and has been writing about radical frugality, index investing, and intentional living ever since. Foundational reading for anyone serious about financial independence.
🔗 mrmoneymustache.com — https://www.mrmoneymustache.com
The Mad FIentist — Brandon
The go-to resource for the math and tax strategy behind early retirement. Deep dives on Roth conversion ladders, HSA hacking, and how to access retirement accounts before 59½ — essential if you're optimizing your path to FIRE.
🔗 madfientist.com — https://www.madfientist.com
💜 For Women & Values-Driven Investors
Ellevest
An investing platform and newsletter built specifically for women — because the gender pay gap, career breaks, and longer lifespans mean women need a different financial strategy. Practical, empowering, and refreshingly honest.
🔗 ellevest.com — https://www.ellevest.com
Clever Girl Finance — Bola Sokunbi
One of the most comprehensive FREE financial education platforms for women. Courses, articles, a podcast, and a thriving community — all built around helping women earn more, save more, and build wealth on their own terms. An incredible resource at zero cost.
🔗 clevergirlfinance.com — https://www.clevergirlfinance.com
Girls That Invest — Simran Kaur
Built to make investing approachable for women from the ground up. Simran's platform combines a popular podcast, courses, and a global community of women learning to grow their money with confidence.
🔗 girlsthatinvest.com — https://www.girlsthatinvest.com
Women Who Money
A blog and podcast run by two women covering investing, FIRE, career, and life transitions with practical, no-nonsense advice. Deeply values-aligned and especially relevant for women on the path to financial independence.
🔗 womenwhomoney.com — https://womenwhomoney.com
🎙️ Podcasts Worth Your Earbuds
For Everyone
Everyone's Talkin' Money — Shari Rash
NY Times Top 4 Money Podcast. Shari blends behavioral finance with real-life strategy — helping high-earning women stop second-guessing their money and start building wealth with confidence.
🔗 everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com — https://www.everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com
🔥 FIRE-Focused Listens
BiggerPockets Money Podcast — Mindy Jensen & Scott Trench
One of the most comprehensive FIRE resources out there. Covers the 4% rule, calculating your FIRE number, investment vehicles, withdrawal strategies, and real stories from people who've done it.
🔗 biggerpockets.com/moneyshow — https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshow
Playing with FIRE — Scott Rieckens
Based on the documentary of the same name. One family's real, raw journey to cut expenses in half and pursue financial independence. Inspiring, honest, and deeply human.
🔗 playingwithfire.co/the-podcast — https://www.playingwithfire.co/the-podcast
The Mindful FIRE Podcast — Adam Coelho
A rare blend of mindfulness, intentional living, and financial independence. Helps you craft a life you love — not just a number to hit. Deeply aligned with the Intentional Money philosophy.
🔗 mindfulfire.org — https://www.mindfulfire.org
💜 Women's Communities & Tools
More than content — these are spaces, communities, and tools built specifically to support women on their financial journey.
Women's Money Matters (Nonprofit)
A mission-driven nonprofit empowering women and girls living on low incomes to build financial wellness, confidence, and security. Their unique model combines instructional workshops with personal 1-on-1 coaching — and their private WMM Connect community gives participants ongoing peer support, financial tools, and resources even after completing the program. A powerful resource for underserved women and a meaningful organization to know about and support.
🔗 womensmoneymatters.org — https://womensmoneymatters.org
🤝 Community: community.womensmoneymatters.org — https://community.womensmoneymatters.org
Savvy Ladies (Nonprofit)
Founded in 2003, Savvy Ladies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has helped over 35,000 women take control of their finances — completely free. Their standout offering: a Free Financial Helpline that connects you 1-on-1 with a pro bono CFP® for personalized, unbiased guidance. No sales pitch. No judgment. Just real answers.
🔗 savvyladies.org — https://www.savvyladies.org
Dow Janes
A financial education platform and community trusted by 20,000+ women. Their "Aligned Money Method" blends mindset work with practical investing strategy — covering everything from budgeting to financial independence. Courses, coaching, and a supportive community all in one place.
🔗 dowjanes.com — https://www.dowjanes.com
Ellevest
An investing platform built specifically for women — because the gender pay gap, career breaks, and longer lifespans mean women need a different financial strategy. Practical, empowering, and refreshingly honest.
🔗 ellevest.com — https://www.ellevest.com
Her First $100K — Membership & Resources
Beyond the book and podcast, Tori Dunlap's platform offers courses, templates, and a community for women building wealth. A natural next step after discovering her content.
🔗 herfirst100k.com — https://herfirst100k.com
📸 Who to Follow on Instagram
Money & Wealth Building
@thebudgetnista — Tiffany Aliche
NY Times bestselling author who has helped over 2 million women save, manage, and pay off hundreds of millions of dollars. Community-driven, joyful, and deeply practical.
🔗 instagram.com/thebudgetnista — https://www.instagram.com/thebudgetnista
@erikakullberg — Erika Kullberg
Award-winning lawyer and personal finance expert with 21M+ followers. Known for breaking down the fine print — credit cards, contracts, consumer rights — so you never leave money on the table.
🔗 instagram.com/erikakullberg — https://www.instagram.com/erikakullberg
🔥 FIRE Community
@mattthemoneyguy — Matt
Verified personal finance educator making money simple and approachable. Posts daily content on budgeting, investing, and building wealth — without the jargon or overwhelm. A great follow for anyone who wants clear, actionable financial education in their feed.
🔗 instagram.com/mattthemoneyguy — https://www.instagram.com/mattthemoneyguy
@rubypebblefp — Jamie L. Clark, CFP®
Inclusive financial planner and FIRE advocate. Brings a thoughtful, equity-focused lens to financial independence — great for anyone who's felt like the FIRE community wasn't built for them.
🔗 instagram.com/rubypebblefp — https://www.instagram.com/rubypebblefp
About the Author
Elizaveta Shafir
AFC® Candidate | Financial Guide
Founder of Intentional Money
Financial clarity and confidence for women — on their own terms.
About me:
  • Tech career at Google
  • MASc from MIT
  • Mom of 2, navigating a blended family
  • Immigrant
  • Investor
  • On my way to F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Relaxed Employment)
My approach simplifies the complexities of personal finance, tackling both the math and the mindset. I provide the insights and tools so you can confidently make the informed decisions that shape the life you truly love.
Connect with Me
📸 Instagram
follow @intentional.money_e.shafir

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Intentional Money | Financial Clarity on Your Own Terms

Build financial clarity & confidence with Intentional Money. AFC® Candidate guides you in budgeting, wealth building, FIRE, investing, RSUs, and mindset. Explore the blog or 1:1 guidance

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Disclaimer: This document is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Intentional Money is a financial coaching and education service. I am an AFC® Candidate, not a licensed attorney, tax professional, or investment advisor. Please consult qualified professionals for your individual situation.
🌱 Your Journey Starts Here
If you've made it this far, you now have something powerful: a curated library of books, podcasts, newsletters, communities, Instagram accounts, and tools to support your next step. That's not just a list of resources — it's a toolkit. One you can return to whenever you want fresh perspective, practical guidance, or a little financial encouragement.
You do not need to explore everything at once. In fact, the best way to use a library like this is to start with one or two resources that speak to you now, and let the rest wait for later. The goal isn't to consume more — it's to build a relationship with money that feels clear, grounded, and aligned with your values.
Start with one resource
Choose one book, podcast, newsletter, or account that feels useful right now. Let it meet you where you are instead of trying to absorb everything at once.
Come back as you grow
Your needs will change over time, and this library is here for that. Revisit it when you're ready for a new idea, a new habit, or a new season of life.
Share what helps you
When you find something valuable, pass it along. Good resources become even more powerful when they help more people make intentional choices with money.
Money is a tool. Not a scorecard, not a source of shame, not a measure of your worth as a human being. When you use it intentionally — and keep taking small, thoughtful steps — those steps compound over time into real confidence, clarity, and freedom. Start where you are. Use what resonates. Come back when you're ready. And keep going.

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Free Call - 25 minutes of value | Intentional Money

I believe the most impactful work starts with a real connection. That's why I offer a free, 25-minute call. This isn't a sales pitch - it's a low-pressure chat where we can get to know each other. You can tell me what's on your mind and what you're hoping to achieve, and I'll try to deliver as much value as I can within this time. The goal is for you to walk away with some initial answers to your questions and a clear sense of whether we'd be a great fit to work further together.

I put a lot of care into creating and maintaining this library, and I hope it continues to be a free, independent resource that you can return to anytime. If it has been helpful for you, and you’d like to support the work behind it, a financial contribution would mean a great deal to me.

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If you feel inspired to support Intentional Money project and my mission, or just express gratitude if my work was useful to you, you can do it here.

Last Updated April 2026
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