RESOURCES
No one can make it alone! Here are the tools and resources I used to learn about finance and then implement what I learned. All of these tools are free, and I am in no way affiliated with / given commissions by any of them. Please conduct your own research to make the decision that is best for you! I plan to add to this list as I continue reading, learning, and trading.

BOOKS
In no particular order
*** Links are to Amazon, but please consider supporting a local bookshop or buying used (ahem, savings!)
By Joe Duarte, MD
This is the most readable, information-packed, updated investing book I've seen. This version was published in 2019, so it even includes information on cryptocurrency and modern stock market history. Duarte writes a simple, elegant summary of how to budget, where to start, and progresses into in-depth explanations of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, socially responsible investments, real estates, risk, taxes, financial advisors, and more.

By Vicki Robin
This is the book that will give you the inspiration to start saving. It discusses the relationship between time and money and helps you find the balance you need. Read this book to learn how to improve your relationships, de-clutter your financial life, and be your happiest, least-stressed self.

By Grant Sabatier
This genius book about how to achieve financial independence and retire early is written by the Grant Sabatier, the young blogger who retired at 30. This is a "practical roadmap to living life on one's own terms, as soon as possible." Topics that are discussed include how to start a side-hustle, where to invest, how to access retirement money early, how to decide how much you'll need for retirement, and then how to actually pull the plug and leave your 9-to-5.


BLOGS AND SUCCESS STORIES
People who have done this stuff before us

A blog about how husband and wife Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, two computer engineers, retired at 31. Also, learn how they spend their time now!

The story of a man called Mr. Money Mustache who retired in his 30s to spend more time with his family. The website is only slightly out-dated looking.

The story of Andy, his wife, and their two kids. Learn how he became the best spouse, father, and millionaire he could be.

TOOLS TO GET GOING
Online Brokers, Research Websites, and Personal Finance

Online Broker
This is the broker I use, but don't let that sway you. Fidelity has no minimum balance or monthly fees. Stock and ETF trading is free. Customer service is available 24/7. Fidelity has $8.3 trillion in customer assets, the most of all online brokers. They have the tools and resources for anything you can imagine doing with your money.

Online Broker
This broker rates the highest with beginning investors. TD Ameritrade offers 200+ tutorials and educational videos. Stock and ETF trading is free. Again, there is no minimum balance or monthly fees.

Wealth Management Tool
This tool is SO COOL and absolutely FREE! Track all of your accounts in one place. You can monitor checkings/savings accounts, retirement accounts, mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and more. The site will provide personalized recommendations and help you stay on track with your goals.

Wealth Management Tool
Mint is a personal finance tool meant to replace all your others! It is less in-depth than Personal Capital, but keeps track of your credit score, spending, and savings. Like Personal Capital, it'll give you some advice on improving your finance habits. Mint specializes in helping you create and follow a budget.

Personal Finance
NerdWallet is an enormous mega-collection of money-related advice. Wondering what the cheapest/best car insurance is for you? Credit card? Actual car? WiFi? Cruise? This site has enough reviews and how-tos and calculators to keep you busy for 100 years.

Personal Finance
This website is actually very similar to NerdWallet. There is advice and help on every possible loan, investment, purhcase, and insurance you could ever imagine. The major benefit to this site is that there are hundreds of reliable calculators! Calculate your retirement age. Calculate your amortization rate...

Stock Market Research
Morningstar provides professional, high-quality reports and analysis on all-things-stock-market. It summarizes the ups and downs of every day, gives investment advice, and explains how the world around us affects our savings. Use this site to research every stock, bond, or fund you consider buying.

Stock Market Research
Marketwatch is similar to Morningstar, but aims at a slightly less advanced audience. They have a list of stocks-to-watch, articles about interesting companies and social/political happenings, and some personal finance advice too.