Personal finance books are powerful tools for anyone trying to gain control over their money and future. One title that’s been making waves in the world of financial literacy is The Money School by Nicole Lapin. This book promises 12 digestible lessons designed to demystify financial markets and investing. But does it deliver? Here’s what readers can expect.
Who Is Nicole Lapin?
Nicole Lapin is a bestselling author and former CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg anchor who has built a reputation for making complex financial topics accessible. She’s also known for her previous books like Rich Bitch and Boss Bitch, which cater especially to women navigating the world of work and wealth. In The Money School, she shifts her focus to investing and understanding financial markets, aiming to teach readers how to grow wealth regardless of their starting point.
Key Lessons From The Money School
The Money School is structured around 12 straightforward lessons. These range from basic financial literacy to practical investing strategies. Here are a few takeaways readers can apply right away:
- Know your financial story: Lapin encourages readers to understand their emotional relationship with money. This aligns with the idea that psychology plays a big role in financial decision-making.
- Build your financial base: She emphasizes the importance of emergency savings, budgeting apps, and reducing unnecessary spending—core principles that support a frugal lifestyle.
- Invest early and often: One of the most important lessons in The Money School is about starting small with investing, particularly in index funds like the S&P 500, which Lapin champions as an accessible and effective long-term strategy.
- Don’t fear the markets: Lapin explains stock market basics in simple terms, covering everything from mutual funds to ETFs and short-term treasury bills, without overwhelming the reader.
- Ask for help when you need it: She also advocates working with a financial advisor if you’re unsure how to start, highlighting that seeking guidance is not a weakness but a smart move.
Criticisms of The Money School
While The Money School offers a helpful foundation, it’s not without its critiques. More experienced investors may find the advice too basic. Some readers have noted that the tone can be overly casual at times, and the recurring use of slang or conversational phrases might not resonate with everyone. Others point out that while Lapin offers good general guidance, the book sometimes lacks the depth needed to take a reader from beginner to confident investor without additional resources.
Why This Book?
For anyone just beginning their journey to financial independence, The Money School is a practical and engaging starting point. It’s especially helpful for readers who may feel intimidated by investing or have avoided it altogether. The book’s language is approachable, and the lessons are structured in a way that promotes learning without overwhelm. If you’re someone who’s been curious about the stock market, budgeting, or learning how to grow your nest egg, this book delivers a solid foundation.
Final Thoughts
The Money School by Nicole Lapin stands out as a solid entry-level guide for people looking to better understand how money and markets work. It’s not a comprehensive deep dive, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it acts as a launchpad for those ready to move from financial confusion to clarity.
If you’re working to live a more frugal life, invest consistently in the S&P 500, or simply want to understand what your financial advisor is talking about, this book belongs on your reading list. It’s a great reminder that mastering money doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a willingness to learn, one lesson at a time.
Winchell House 
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