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Always Have Enough: How to Build Wealth When You Don't Come from Money―Featuring a 6-Week Kickstart Plan
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 28, 2026
4.5 stars.
There are oodles of personal finance books on the market, and I've read many of them. Rarely do I make it through one and learn something new. "Always Have Enough," the first book by Maria Melchor, was the exception. It's written for first-generation immigrants to the United States, who are often caught between the collectivistic culture of the household they grew up in (Mexican, in Melchor's case) and the individualistic culture of America.
Melchor's approach to this challenge is nuanced, as it must be. The concept that ties the book together is "financial interdependence." I hadn't heard the term before, but it works perfectly to help readers find a balance between two forces: financial independence (prevalent in the U.S.) and codependence (common in readers’ home countries). The idea couldn't be more clearly articulated. I'm not a first-gen immigrant. In fact, as a white male born, raised, and living in the United States, I'm probably as far from it as you can get. Even so, this book will help me work with my diverse set of clients.
Most of the book is organized to help readers get set up and going financially, but I like that Melchor doesn't stop there. In Chapter 13, "The Dream Budget," she tackles both scarcity mindset and first-gen guilt, and she challenges readers to create an aspirational budget for what their life might look like ten years from now.
Melchor's line "be honest, but gentle with yourself" (page 14) describes her voice perfectly. The book shows readers the same empathy she gives her social media followers. That's rare from a financial authority, and as a professional who also works with people and their money, I fully support it.
There are oodles of personal finance books on the market, and I've read many of them. Rarely do I make it through one and learn something new. "Always Have Enough," the first book by Maria Melchor, was the exception. It's written for first-generation immigrants to the United States, who are often caught between the collectivistic culture of the household they grew up in (Mexican, in Melchor's case) and the individualistic culture of America.
Melchor's approach to this challenge is nuanced, as it must be. The concept that ties the book together is "financial interdependence." I hadn't heard the term before, but it works perfectly to help readers find a balance between two forces: financial independence (prevalent in the U.S.) and codependence (common in readers’ home countries). The idea couldn't be more clearly articulated. I'm not a first-gen immigrant. In fact, as a white male born, raised, and living in the United States, I'm probably as far from it as you can get. Even so, this book will help me work with my diverse set of clients.
Most of the book is organized to help readers get set up and going financially, but I like that Melchor doesn't stop there. In Chapter 13, "The Dream Budget," she tackles both scarcity mindset and first-gen guilt, and she challenges readers to create an aspirational budget for what their life might look like ten years from now.
Melchor's line "be honest, but gentle with yourself" (page 14) describes her voice perfectly. The book shows readers the same empathy she gives her social media followers. That's rare from a financial authority, and as a professional who also works with people and their money, I fully support it.
September 3, 2026
Loved this book- so thoughtful and really helps reimagine financial planning to be more community centered. Learned so much
September 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I think Maria Melchor's writing style is extremely readable. She explains things really simply and incisively, even when they are complicated topics like bankruptcy or navigating money conversations with family.
This was a personal finance book with a twist -- there was a lot more emphasis on how to navigate the emotional side of money, not just how to make yourself rich. Melchor gave some great tips on how to change your relationship to money, so that it's your tool rather than being something that limits and controls your mental headspace.
100% recommend. A technically excellent book, and entertaining to boot.
This was a personal finance book with a twist -- there was a lot more emphasis on how to navigate the emotional side of money, not just how to make yourself rich. Melchor gave some great tips on how to change your relationship to money, so that it's your tool rather than being something that limits and controls your mental headspace.
100% recommend. A technically excellent book, and entertaining to boot.
September 25, 2026
Great and comprehensive finance book. Really explains things well and without shaming anyone for anything. Highly recommend !
September 25, 2026
Maria’s book is accessible, grounded, and candid - highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews