April is Financial Literacy Month, and at TradeWinds, we believe that understanding your money should feel more like a celebration than a chore. You know, fewer spreadsheets, more “aha” moments.
Let’s face it: financial jargon can be overwhelming. But the truth is, financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools you can have, it helps you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and sleep a little better at night (not to mention feel less awkward when someone says “APR”).
So, in honor of this sacred month of money smarts, we’re handing you the cheat sheet:
- What to read, watch, and follow
- What we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way)
- Tools and tips that actually work
- And yes — all delivered with a wink, a smile, and the occasional dad joke
One Page at a Time — Books That Won’t Put You to Sleep
Some financial books read like stereo instructions. Others? Total game-changers.
We asked the TradeWinds team what books have actually changed how they think about money — here’s what made the cut:
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley – “It’s not about flashy cars or private jets. It’s about discipline, consistency, and probably driving a very average car for a very long time.”
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel – “This book explains why we do what we do with money – and how our brains sometimes trick us into bad decisions. It’s relatable, humbling, and oddly comforting.”
Loaded by Sarah Newcomb – “It takes the emotional baggage out of money conversations and replaces it with clarity. Plus, it’s refreshingly values-first.”
STEPHANIE WILLIAMS, CFP®
Your Total Wealth by Dubofsky & Sussman – “Because money isn’t just numbers. It’s values, goals, family, and purpose—all wrapped into your financial plan.”
Follow the Money (Literally) — People Worth Listening To
Books are great, but let’s be real — some of the best financial insights now come from podcasts, YouTube channels, and yes, even LinkedIn.
🎙️ The Money Guy Show – Two financial planners who blend Southern charm, financial wisdom, and just the right amount of dad jokes. If you’ve ever asked, “Am I behind?” — start here.
📺 TV/Streaming – Try Shark Tank for valuation 101, Get Smart With Money (Netflix) for real-life coaching moments, and The Big Short if you’re ready to dramatically pause the screen and yell “This is why we diversify!”
Miller’s Pick 🎧: “The Money Guy Show makes you smarter in 20 minutes than most finance classes do in a semester. Bonus: no textbook fees.”
Tools of the Trade — Apps, Articles, & Aha Moments
You don’t need to know everything — you just need to know where to click.
Luckily, we’ve got a few tools and platforms that can help demystify your money:
📊 Quicken Simplifi – Think of it as budgeting with purpose. It teaches you to give every dollar a job and not panic when your car battery dies.
📚 Investopedia – When you hear someone say “risk-adjusted return” at a dinner party and don’t want to Google it in the bathroom — this is your go-to.
🧠 TradeWinds Market Updates & Webinars – We host sessions like “What Will Elon Do?” and “A Market of a Thousand Faces”, bringing real-world context to confusing headlines.
Raise ‘Em Right — Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Gen
If your kid can work an iPad better than you can, they can learn about money too.
👶 Greenlight – A Debit card that teaches kids real-world money skills like saving, spending, and negotiating for a bigger allowance.
📘 The Everything Kids’ Money Book – Great for elementary-age readers. Covers everything from how money works to how to be smart with it.
👨👩👧 Family Budget Nights – Let them sit in on budget talks. Explain what a grocery bill looks like. Let them help pick where to cut (spoiler: they will not choose snacks).
Final Word: This Month is Just the Beginning
Financial Literacy Month is a great excuse to open a book, ask a question, or finally sign into your 401(k) portal. But real growth happens when you keep going.
So here’s our ask:
📘 Read one chapter
🎧 Follow one financial voice you trust
🧾 Make one small change
📨 Ask us anything
Let’s make this the month that money finally makes sense.
We’re here to walk with you — every step of the way.
Disclosure: Tradewinds, LLC is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information presented in the material is general in nature and is not designed to address your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Prior to making any investment decision, you should assess, or seek advice from a professional regarding whether any particular transaction is relevant or appropriate to your individual circumstances. Although taken from reliable sources, Tradewinds cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information received from third parties. The opinions expressed herein are those of Tradewinds and may not actually come to pass.
