

When you have even less time than you have money, you've got to maximize both. For those who love reading (and adding that 100th book to their Amazon wish list) that means finding something to read that's not going to take six months or more to finish, especially if you're trying to improve your relationship with those hard-earned coins.
These books—with one good one coming in at just 104 pages—are the perfect quick reads that you can either finish in less than a month, binge during an international flight or listen and find yourself through with a couple loads of laundry. All of these reads are less than 300 pages and cover a range of personal finance topics for a range of lifestyles and goals.
'The Psychology Of Money' by Morgan Housel
Amazon
At 256 pages, you could easily knock out this book in about three weeks, especially if you set a goal of at least 12 pages a day.Through 19 short stories, exploring the “strange” ways people think about money, you can learn how to approach your own money mindset and decisions surrounding the mighty dollar.
'Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America' by Karen Arrington
Amazon
This book, at 104 pages, packs a mighty punch in a smaller package. The founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant and creator of the Next Level Women’s Summit gives all the tea on setting ambitious goals, connecting to the right people, and positioning yourself for your next level of success among other powerful women.
'The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated' by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack
Amazon
Written on the premise that “everything you need to know about managing your money could fit on an index card,” this pretty short read (another 256-page read) explains 10 simple rules that might basically be all you need to really understand personal finance. There’s a step-by-step action plan that empowers you to take better control of your financial life.
'The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams' By Paris Woods
Amazon
This book combines research and practical knowledge to take the complexity out of subjects related to generational wealth, investing, and debt reductions. And it’s 201 pages, making it a shorter read that’s easy to follow but with concepts that build a big impact if implemented consistently and with discipline.
'Money and Happiness (The Scientific Way): Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happy And Highly Effective Life Hacks For Financial Independence' by Dr LV George
Amazon
It’s 140 pages all about practical, evidenced-based techniques that ultimately lead to whatever happiness means for your life, and that includes what that version of your life might take when it comes to finances. It also explores age-old stereotypes connected to the “more money = more happiness” and “faking” it until you make it. If you want a bit of super-real honesty to shake yourself into change, this one is it.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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