In writing Thriving in Sex Work: Sex Work and Money, I read dozens of personal finance books. This blog series consists of reviews of books I think sex workers could benefit from. I’m aware, however, that nearly all personal finance books aren’t geared towards the specific issues sex workers face. So I’ve done my best to provide a down-and-dirty roadmap of what to expect— the good and the bad, and why I think any particular book might be useful to you.

Financial Recovery by Karen McCall

I recommend this book to: Anyone struggling with debt and money mismanagement; anyone in a complicated money situation requiring more than an app.

Because: McCall has done her work and understands the intersection of emotional and practical concerns intimately.

Action Verbs: Debt Repayment; Budgeting; Tracking 

Heartfelt to Practical Ratio:    7/7

Key Takeaways: How to save your way out of debt; how to determine whether your work is working for you.

Strengths: Wide-ranging discussion of the emotional realities of money, plus in-depth practical plans to track, save, and pay down debt.

Trigger warnings: Clearly written by and for middle class, middle-aged folks, with an emphasis on stories about marriage, children, and aging parents. While you might not feel naturally connected to all the stories, you can learn A LOT about avoiding mistakes in your twenties and thirties that can haunt you later. 

Learn more at: www.financialrecovery.com