J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List Explained: Wealth Planning Insights for Gen Z and Millennials

Several books on the list centre around curiosity and self-discovery, including Life In Three Dimensions by Shigehiro Oishi and Becoming You by Suzy Welch.

In money terms, curiosity isn’t about “finding yourself”, it’s about making better long-term decisions.

Modern wealth planning isn’t linear, which means people are switching careers more often, diversifying their income sources earlier, and taking the paths less taken (because traditional “safe paths” aren’t always safe).

Curious people:

The book Becoming You by Suzy Welch focuses on values-aligned careers, not just climbing ladders.

This matters for young professionals because burnout is expensive:

Wealth isn’t only about earning more; it is about earning sustainably.

Modern financial planning increasingly considers:

💡 Takeaway, a career that drains you will eventually drain your bank account too. 

Dan Heath’s book Reset appears on the list with the message that when things aren’t working, redesign the system. Don’t just work harder.

If you are constantly overspending, saving inconsistently and relying on willpower… it’s not a discipline issue. It’s a systems issue.

Example of systems reset: 

💡 Financial health improves when systems do the heavy lifting; not self-control. 

Amy Griffin’s The Tell memoir on radical truth-telling and Melinda French Gates’ reflections on transitions in The Next Day speak to emotional resilience and self-awareness.

This a recurring concern among family offices and next-generation wealth holders, according to J.P. Morgan insights.

Money amplifies who you already are. If you do not understand your triggers, your motivations and your fears around money… wealth can increase anxiety instead of freedom.

💡Psychological health is a core pillar of sustainable wealth, not an afterthought. 

Books like Raising AI (by De Kai) and The Technological Republic (by Alexander C. and Nicholas W.) explore how technology reshapes power, work, and opportunity.

For the youngsters and working professionals, AI isn’t optional literacy anymore:

The reading list reflects a key wealth lesson: Future wealth belongs to those who understand shifts early, not those who resist them.

💡Learning tech trends is part of modern financial literacy; whether you code or not. 

The J.P. Morgan reading list blends a collection of topics from finance, psychology, art, longevity, and purpose.

"Our 2025 Summer Reading List is a celebration of curiosity's boundless power," said Darin Oduyoye, Chief Communications Officer of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management. "This year's selections challenge us to think and explore boldly. With topics ranging from personal values to innovative frontiers such as AI, electric vehicles and the universe's wonders — this list is designed to inspire growth and forward-thinking."

This aligns with modern wealth planning trends that go beyond net worth and look at: 

💡Money is a tool, not the end goal.