Four Books to Gift this Christmas— by Noel Whittaker
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Noel Whittaker is the author of Wills, Death & Taxes Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. Email: [email protected]
Christmas is fast approaching, and with it, the challenge of finding the right gifts. As usual, I’ve done some research and found some great books that would add value to the recipient’s life.
My must-buy is Same as Ever by Morgan Housel. He’s brilliant at breaking down complex ideas and making them easy to relate to. But this isn’t just another finance book—it’s about life, decisions, and the stuff that truly matters.
The book is an absolute gem. It dives into timeless principles that shape how we think, act, and connect with others. It’s packed with wisdom for anyone trying to navigate a world that’s always chasing the next big thing. Two parts really stuck with me: Warren Buffett’s classic line about patience—‘You can’t make a baby in a month by getting nine women pregnant’—and a thought from Steve Jobs. When asked what would change in 10 years, he said, ‘I don’t care. I want to know what will stay the same in 10 years.’
This book is for everyone, no matter your age or stage in life. It’s an effortless read at just 200 pages with big print and plenty of white spaces – at just $23 from Amazon, it’s a steal.
Noel’s top Christmas book gift recommendations.
The perfect gift for most adults is my new book, Wills, Death and Taxes Made Simple. The unique feature of this book is the real-life anecdotes it contains. I surveyed my newsletter base of 40,000 people, and they responded with a wide range of issues. For example, one person wrote, ‘Dad died, and Mum went straight to the bank to let them know. They immediately froze the account, and the family couldn’t pay for the funeral.’
Unfortunately, estate planning is complex, and getting it wrong can cost tens of thousands of dollars in delays and unnecessary legal fees. When someone dies, those left behind face a mountain of red tape and, often, distressing disputes between family members.
There are so many issues involved—legal matters like wills, powers of attorney, and advanced health directives; the complexities of superannuation and taxation; and additional challenges when there are overseas assets or beneficiaries.
This book is an indispensable guide to arranging your estate to minimise family squabbles and maximise the legacy you leave.
My book Retirement Made Simple is perfect for anyone aged 45 and over. Retirement is often touted as a worry-free time – but right now, it’s not. People are living longer, government budgets are stretched, financial markets are volatile, and interest rates are moving up. On top of that, there are the challenges of understanding investor psychology – including your own – and avoiding scams. A major facet of a fulfilling retirement is preparation: the sooner you start to plan, the better your retirement is likely to be. Yet so many people facing retirement don’t know what they don’t know. Retirement Made Simple is a gift that can pay great dividends.
Savvy shoppers can buy this book bundled with my new books Wills, Death and Taxes Made Simple for just $49.99 from my website.
Elon Musk is one of the most intriguing and controversial figures of our time, and now he’s part of the American government. Walter Isaacson’s new biography, Elon Musk, takes you behind the scenes to explore the man beyond the headlines. From Musk’s relentless ambition to revolutionise entire industries to the personal struggles that have shaped him, this book gives a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life. Isaacson’s detailed research and engaging storytelling put you right in the middle of Musk’s rollercoaster journey.
Whether you’re a fan or a sceptic, this biography is a fascinating read that shows what it really takes to push boundaries and change the world. At 670 pages, it’s a hefty book, but the well-organised sections and great photographs make it a surprisingly easy read. Grab it for just $39 on Amazon.
Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. Always seek professional advice that takes into account your personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.
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