A good summer read can do more than entertain, it can shift the way we think about our future. From personal finance and investing to mindset, leadership, and life planning, the right book can spark meaningful conversations and lasting change. To help you build your own summer reading stack, our team curated a few favorites that educate, inspire, and challenge the way we think about the world around us and our wealth and well-being. Whether you are relaxing on a beach this summer or just your own backyard, we hope you can take the time to relax and just maybe, pick up a good book.
AI For Good: How Real People Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fix Things That Matter by Josh Tyrangiel recommended by XML Chief Technology Officer, Caite Stevens
In a world where negativity around AI abounds, this book examines how AI technology is being used today to benefit society. It sidesteps the technical debates and focuses on real-world examples like AI tutors helping kids solve complex math problems and an MIT researcher who created an AI tool to help parents of developmentally disabled children make sense of their kid’s vocalizations. The book takes a positive view on the use of AI in society while still offering viewpoints that acknowledge an important truth: AI works best not as a replacement for human connection, judgment, and empathy, but as a tool that can enhance human potential and help people do what they do best even better.
Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer – recommended by XML Wealth Advisor, Kevin Peters, CLU®
Moonwalking with Einstein is a fascinating exploration of memory, how it works, and how much of it can actually be trained. Journalist Joshua Foer takes readers inside the world of competitive memorization, where people perform extraordinary feats of recall using simple but powerful mental techniques. What begins as curiosity quickly becomes a deeper investigation into how memory shapes learning, thinking, and everyday life. For readers, this book is a reminder that better thinking often starts with better mental habits. Just as memory can be strengthened through intentional practice, financial decision-making benefits from discipline, repetition, and structured thinking. It is a light but meaningful read that connects personal improvement with how we process information in both life and investing.
The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom – recommended by XML Director of Marketing, Hannah Myers
The 5 Types of Wealth offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to live a wealthy life. While financial security remains important, Bloom argues that real fulfillment also comes from building “wealth” in the areas of time, health, relationships, purpose, and mental well-being. It’s an especially meaningful read for those focused on long-term financial planning because it challenges the idea that success is measured only by account balances or career milestones. Instead, Bloom encourages readers to think more holistically about the life they are building and how it supports the freedom to spend time with loved ones, prioritize health, and create meaningful experiences. For anyone planning for retirement or thinking intentionally about the future, this book serves as a valuable reminder that the ultimate goal of financial planning isn’t simply to accumulate more, but to create a life rich in balance, purpose, and well-being.
Future Rich Person by Haley Sacks, Zillennial Finance Expert and Influencer - recommended by XML Wealth Advisor, Nicole Treiber
Mrs. Dow Jones brings a sharp, judgment-free take on personal finance that cuts through the noise and speaks directly to a generation trying to build wealth in a world that often feels stacked against them. The Future Rich mindset starts with a simple truth: you’re not bad with money, you just were not taught how to win in a system shaped by rising debt, inflation, housing pressures, and uncertainty. This book reframes that frustration into something actionable. It shows how to shift your money mindset, organize your finances in a way that actually makes sense, and build income with confidence instead of fear. At its core, it’s not about cutting back on coffee or living smaller, it’s about building a life where your money supports freedom, not stress, and where investing, earning, and planning feel intentional instead of overwhelming.
How to Think About the Economy: A Primer by Per L. Bylund – recommended by XML President, Curtis Congdon, CFP®, CRPC®
This short and accessible book is designed to do something simple but powerful: help readers understand how the economy actually works in everyday life. Rather than focusing on technical jargon or complex models, Per Bylund breaks economic thinking down into clear ideas about how people make decisions, how markets form, and how those choices shape the world around us. The goal is to make economic literacy approachable, so readers can quickly build a stronger foundation for understanding financial headlines, policy discussions, and market behavior. What makes this book especially valuable is its focus on “thinking underneath the surface.” It encourages readers to look beyond headlines and see how individual actions, incentives, and exchanges create broader economic outcomes. In doing so, it builds confidence in recognizing patterns in the economy rather than reacting to noise or short-term events.