The New Rules of Money: A Playbook for Planning Your Financial Future: A Workbook

by Wall Street Journal, Bourree Lam, Julia Carpenter

Overcome your fears of money, break old spending habits, and become more mindful of your personal finances with this fun, illustrated workbook from the Wall Street Journal.

The personal-finance playbook followed by past generations doesn’t add up in today’s world. In a market where buying a first home can feel out of reach thanks to sky-high housing prices and mortgage rates and investing seem so complicated, it's time for some new money rules! WSJ personal finance reporters Bourree Lam and Julia Carpenter help you start where you are. Use these pages
Whether you're just getting ready to start paying back student loans or you're well into saving for retirement (but not sure if you're saving enough), The New Rules of Money ’s worksheets, check lists, quizzes, and other interactive learning tools will help you gain clarity on what you're spending your money on and why you want to save, so you can (finally!) reach your financial goals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Money, Finance, Personal Finance, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Dan DeBaun · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a workbook than an actual book with much substance. Pretty bummed about this one!

[Puravive Review - Customer Reports [2024] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on the fundamentals of personal finance that would be an ideal gift for a college graduate or anyone taking the first steps towards financial self-improvement. I remember buying WSJ’s older book on personal finance years ago—it seems staid and stiff compared to this fresh, well-designed edition. The strength of The New Rules of Money is that it takes a holistic perspective on finance, seeing saving and spending habits on the context of the whole person. More importantly, it is actionable, designed not just to impart knowledge but to increase self-reflection and change your habits. Personal finance tomes can often be alarmist and shouty. This book, by comparison, takes a measured, empathic approach to gaining a better relationship with your money.

[Rosemary Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Rules of Money By Bourree Lam and Julia Carpenter is a beginner's guide and workbook for people wanting to learn how to manage finances. Money isn't intuitive or fun but a workbook like The New Rules of Money can help people put every aspect of budgeting and saving and creating an estate plan for those they want to leave their hard earned savings. Additionally, this would be great for young students to people who are finally feeling as if they want to learn without feeling overwhelmed by too much detail.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read anything Julia Carpenter writes, so I’m extremely grateful that she used her journalistic talents to help so many people understand all those things we feel like we *should* understand about money, but are still confused by. Gone are your days of panicked Google searches or asking bros on Reddit what to do. This is a one stop shop for getting set up for financial success, and I can’t wait to get started.

[Diah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital book was provided by Netgalley and Clarkson Potter.

I really like this kind of book, it's giving some new knowledge (or instilting some old ones) and blank lines for me to exercise. I'd say it's more marketed towards Americans, and I'm fine with it, I'm taking what I can take; but I still could learn some things. Wish we could have a digital edited version for the accounting demo, it looks clean yet pretty minimal so I'm interested to print it out and use it daily.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this was really well done! The format and graphics were great. The content wasn't dumbed down, but was simple enough for a beginner to understand. This would make a great gift for a recent college grad.

[Lili Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute workbook, mostly for very basic and broad concepts.

Notable lines:

“” . . . it’s just human nature to let our surroundings influence the type of things we want or the timeline we want them on.”

“She noticed how people’s habits ultimately make all the difference.”

[Teddy Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like the approachable nature of the book. It’s styled like a cookbook/workbook that anyone can pick up and learn something new. Great starting point or reminders on the core principles of personal finance.

[María Vélez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited for this book!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to help change your view on money and money questions. And I think good ideas for setting a plan for the future!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The New Rules of Money" is not your typical finance guide; it's a refreshing and approachable playbook for anyone ready to take control of their financial future. Bourree Lam and Julia Carpenter have crafted a dynamic duo, blending expertise with a conversational tone that makes complex money matters seem like a chat with a knowledgeable friend.

What sets this book apart is its workbook format—it's not just about theories, it's about actionable steps. Lam and Carpenter guide you through financial planning with practical exercises, making the daunting task of budgeting and investing surprisingly enjoyable.

The book dismantles traditional money rules and introduces a modern approach tailored to today's dynamic world. From tackling student loans to deciphering the world of investing, the authors demystify financial jargon, ensuring readers can confidently navigate their money matters.

"The New Rules of Money" is not just a read; it's a journey. Whether you're a finance novice or a seasoned investor, this playbook will empower you to build a robust financial foundation. Lam and Carpenter's friendly writing style makes this an essential read for anyone looking to turn their financial aspirations into reality.