Celebrating World Book Day: Dive into our Executive Team’s Recommendations

April 23, 2024 | Natalie Symonds

As we celebrate World Book Day on April 23, all of us at Alliant Credit Union are excited to share our passion for reading and learning with our members and community. In a world increasingly dominated by digital transactions and virtual interactions, the value of books in print and digital formats remains undiminished. Today, our executive team shares their favorite financial wellness books, each offering unique insights and perspectives.

Dennis Devine, CEO and President: Suze Orman

Alliant CEO and President Dennis Devine recommends anything by Suze Orman, “I find her books to be very informative,” Devine says. “Suze’s expertise is legendary. Her advice is timely and actionable. I especially enjoy her podcast. My Spotify Wrapped tells me this is my favorite year after year! I learn every time I listen to Suze and enjoy the fun tone that she and KT set.”

Mark Lau, Chief Financial Officer: “How I Invest My Money: Financial experts reveal how they save, spend, and invest”

“How I Invest My Money: Financial experts reveal how they save, spend, and invest” by Brian Portnoy and Joshua Brown shares how 25 experts, consisting of portfolio managers, financial advisors, venture capitalists and more, invest, save, spend, give and borrow. Lau says, “It is not the typical wealth management book. Each of the 25 stories is interesting on its own, but I enjoyed this book because it allows the reader to identify themes across all the stories. Money stands for different things to different people, but the common themes of independence, generosity, engagement, and empowerment truly make this book stand out.”

Sumeet Grover, Chief Digital Marketing Officer: “Rich Dad Poor Dad”

“Rich Dad Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki, follows Robert’s story of how two men, his father and the father of his best friend, and the ways they shaped his views around money and investing. “It breaks down complex financial concepts into understandable lessons, making it an interesting read to enhance financial literacy,” Grover said.

Meredith Ritchie, Senior Vice President of General Counsel and Chief Ethics and Government Affairs Officer: “Manage your Financial Life: A Thoughtful, Organized Approach for Women”

Nancy Doyle's "Manage Your Financial Life: A Thoughtful, Organized Approach for Women" provides insight on how to organize your finances, better analyze your financial profile, invest and more. Ritchie says, “Nancy Doyle is one of my favorite authors who writes about financial wellness. She has authored several books. I find her books practical and straightforward.”

Ken Schaafsma, Chief Risk Officer: “Millionaire Next Door”

“Millionaire Next Door” is a comprehensive book by Thomas J. Stanley that outline seven common characteristics shared by individuals who have accumulated wealth. “The main learnings I received from the book are the importance of living below one’s means and creating a long-term financial plan. The book also discussed the importance of financial literacy, and for that reason, I passed the book recommendation on to my kids as well,” says Schaafsma.

Diane Hughes, Chief People Officer: “Money Rules”

“Money Rules” by Jean Chatzky outlines more than 90 money-saving rules that can help simplify how to achieve financial stability, approaching subjects such as saving, investing and how to protect your income.

Charles Krawitz, Head of Commercial Lending: “Outliers”

Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" asks: What makes high-achievers different? Krawitz recommends this book because "it reveals how dedicated practice can produce extraordinary results, and this is critical to keep at the forefront of one's financial wellness journey."

Stephani Foss, Vice President of Member Care and Operations: “The Psychology of Money”

“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel shares multiple stories on how people think about money. Foss says, “Most financial or investing books are designed to provide strategies for managing finances in a math-based, data-driven way that tells you the steps and strategies you should take. The reality is that we make money decisions based on personal history and our own unique experiences and views of the world. Often, the reason people struggle with money and investing is not so much a lack of knowing what to do but a lack of understanding of why they do what they do with their money. The Psychology of Money helps individuals explore how they think about money and how it influences their decisions."

As we reflect on these diverse recommendations, one thing becomes clear: books have the power to inform, inspire, and transform. Whether you’re seeking financial wisdom, strategic insights, or wealth management, the literary world offers a wealth of knowledge. This World Book Day, we invite you to delve into these invaluable financial resources and empower yourself with the knowledge to secure your financial future. Happy reading!

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