Money: A User’s Guide – Laura Whateley

The money topic is uncomfortable for most of us. But how are we supposed to know how to deal with money if no-one talks about it? How are we meant to know how taxes work? How do you find out about the procedure of buying a house or simply how to save after you have graduated? “I assumed everybody else already had it nailed. Turns out that most did not…” writes Laura Whateley. Whether you are a business school student looking for easy explanations to your future clients, or just a person willing to sort your finances out this is the book for you.

“I assumed everybody else already had it nailed. Turns out that most did not…”

Money: A User’s Guide – Laura Whateley

In the first part, you will find detailed information with examples about student loan repayments, mortgages for your future house, debts, type of credit cards, budgeting, pensions, taxes, bills and insurances – everything that most probably scares your inner teenager to death. No complicated newspaper terms, abbreviations you may see on the adverts explained, advice given based on your situation and preferences. Could it be better?

Part two focuses on the topic that is even more frightening to many of us – how to deal with money when you are in a relationship? It can be very hard to sit down and talk about splitting the expenses with your loved ones. Once you live together you have the groceries to buy, official documents to sign and share more that you have shared in the student house with your friends.

But Whateley never fails to remind you that most of us feel insecure, under pressure and it is crucial to realise you are not alone. The final chapters are devoted to money and our mental health (something so seldom spoken about!). With the growing exposure on social media, many can drown in depression when comparing oneself to everyone else. We have to stop ourselves from caring about financial wealth too much. If no-one dares to talk about it out loud, this book does!

Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

The founder of the worldwide-known company Nike has put his soul into both – his enterprise and this memoir. If you are curious on how to make a start-up successful, it will teach you that the trust of the customers will save you even if you fail. If you have innovative ideas, but you think nobody needs them, you will learn that it is always worth trying to offer to use them and insist they are great. And finally, if you are an owner of the “crazy idea” it may well encourage you to start a journey.

We look at companies like Nike and forget that firms are not born being world corporations. Phil Knight tells his story from the very beginning. He reminisces of the times he was a young, lost graduate with no career plans, just one “crazy idea”. He was unsure, afraid and hated negotiations. He did not have a decent moral support, forget a budget to start a company. Nevertheless, he tried. Year by year Phil was facing many problems with finance, quality, production, people and remained loyal to his newborn company.

Many think business and private life are separate, but not in Knight’s case. In his story, life and work are one entity and he generously gives the reader the opportunity to relive these incredible years of just-doing with his friends, family and Nike. It is an honest story that touches deep in your soul and leaves a great footprint that comes to light every time you see a pair of nikes. Just do it!

Photo Credit: The Value Engineers.