Matthew Desmond is an American sociologist and bestselling author whose work has reshaped the national conversation around poverty, housing, and economic justice. He is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which explores the deep ties between housing insecurity and poverty in the United States. If you’re on a journey to better understand how money works—not just in your own life but in the broader economic system—Desmond’s writing is essential reading.
Academic Background and Career
Desmond earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently a professor at Princeton University, where he also founded and directs the Eviction Lab, a research initiative that tracks eviction data across the U.S. to provide insights into housing instability.
His academic work is rigorous, but what sets him apart is his ability to blend data with deeply human storytelling. Whether you’re just beginning to explore books on money or you’re already budgeting carefully and investing in the S&P 500, Desmond’s perspective adds depth to your financial education.
Why Evicted Matters
Evicted tells the stories of eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Through these narratives, Desmond highlights how rising rent costs, wage stagnation, and lack of affordable housing trap millions of Americans in cycles of poverty. This book is more than an exposé—it’s a call to action for reform and empathy.
Desmond’s insights challenge readers to think about how the systems we live in affect our financial health, especially when it comes to housing. For those who follow personal finance advice like owning your home instead of renting, Evicted is a powerful reminder of why that advice matters—and why it’s out of reach for so many.
Poverty, by America
In 2023, Desmond released Poverty, by America, where he investigates why the wealthiest country in the world still struggles with poverty. He argues that poverty persists not because we can’t afford to end it, but because some people and systems benefit from it. It asks readers to consider their role in an unequal economy and how small changes can contribute to broader solutions.
What Matthew Desmond Teaches Us About Money
Desmond’s work is a reminder that understanding money isn’t just about how to save more or which index fund to invest in.
It’s also about understanding the larger structures that shape economic opportunity. If you’re already using a high-yield savings account or investing in short-term treasury bills, his books add another layer to your financial education—one rooted in justice and long-term thinking.
For readers looking to build not only wealth but a meaningful relationship with money, Desmond’s work is a must. His writing helps bridge the gap between personal responsibility and societal awareness.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Desmond isn’t a financial advisor. He won’t tell you how to pay off your credit card debt or which budgeting app to use. But he will help you understand why financial security is so difficult for millions of Americans—and what can be done about it.
For anyone trying to build a better financial future, reading his books is a step toward financial literacy that is informed, empathetic, and socially aware. Add Evicted and Poverty, by America to your reading list—you’ll come away with a richer understanding of money and the world we live in.
Winchell House 
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