Moving country is daunting! So we have put together a list of the top books to help you prepare.

1. Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape    

 What better time to get your finances in order than when you are starting with a clean slate?  Scott Pape has become a trusted household name in Australia selling close to 2 million copies you can be assured of trusted advice.  We highly recommend his book as a starting point to get your finances in control. The book is described as follows:

You’ll get a step-by-step formula: open this account, then do this; call this person, and say this; invest money here, and not there. All with a glass of wine in your hand.

This book will show you how to create an entire financial plan that is so simple you can sketch it on the back of a serviette … and you’ll be able to manage your money in 10 minutes a week.

• Saving up a six-figure house deposit in 20 months
• Doubling your income using the ‘Trapeze Strategy’
• Saving $78,173 on your mortgage and wiping out 7 years of payments
• Finding a financial advisor who won’t rip you off
• Handing your kids (or grandkids) a $140,000 cheque on their 21st birthday
• Why you don’t need $1 million to retire … with the ‘Donald Bradman Retirement Strategy

Sound too good to be true? It’s not.

This book is full of stories from everyday Aussies — single people, young families, empty nesters, retirees — who have applied the simple steps in this book and achieved amazing, life-changing results.

And you’re next.

2. Third Culture Kids, Ruth E. Van Reken and David C. Pollock

 I discovered this book when I lived in France and I can’t tell you how many little post-it notes it has sticking out.  At that time, I did not even know there was something called TCK’s (Third Culture Kids) and TCA’s (Third Culture Adults). The book helps you navigate the world of living in a culture and country not your own, or for those who are perhaps parents from different parts of the world and you are bringing up children within two cultures.  

Third Culture Kids speaks to the challenges and rewards of multicultural childhood: the joy of discovery and heartbreaking loss,

its effect on maturing and personal identity and the difficulty in making the transition home. The authors investigate the child’s expanded worldview with benefits but also the complex nature of loyalty, values and patriotism. Third Culture Kids is an easy and very interesting read, with interviews and life stories to learn from.

Widely recognized as The TCK Bible. Emphasis is on the modern TCK and addressing the impact of technology, cultural complexity, diversity & inclusion and transitions. Includes new advice for parents and others on how to support TCKs as they navigate work, relationships, social settings and their own personal development.

Highlighting dramatic changes brought about by instant communication and ever-evolving mobility patterns, Third Culture Kids reveals the hidden diversity in our world and challenges traditional notionsof identity and “home” – and shows us how the TCK experience is becoming increasingly common and valuable.

3. Being a Distance Grandparent, Helen Ellis

All too often we forget to set up new ways of connecting with parents and grandparents. Once you have left you will across this challenge that would have been less complicated if dealt with prior to your departure.  Helen Ellis will be releasing a series of three books for you to look out for, do follow her on social media to keep updated. 

If you are a Distance Parent or Distance Grandparent, all those how, why and what-if questions will find answers in these pages. You’ll realise, perhaps for the first time, that you’re not alone on your journey. Helen Ellis, researcher, writer, anthropologist and a veteran of Distance Grandparenting, examines everything from smart ways of tweaking your communication routines to tips for nourishing precious family relationships. These moving stories will soothe and inspire you, and more importantly, help you embrace your everchanging Distance Family role. Are you a Distance Family daughter, son or grandchild living a globalised life? Do you worry about the folks back home? Is that you? Taking time to learn about Distance Family-ing from your parent’s or grandparent’s perspective is a heartfelt act of love. With knowledge comes understanding… with understanding comes empathy… and that is a good thing for Distance Families. Being a Distance Grandparent – a Book for ALL Generations will make a difference to your Distance Family.

Helen was a guest on our FB Live interviews, so you may want to look out for her fascinating, thought-provoking research.

4. 
   

   Cultural Chemistry, Patti McCarthy

Australia is very multicultural, in fact, it is what surprises most people about Australia when they arrive. This book is on our top 5 because not only will it help you become more aware of your culture and how it might differ, but for those who will be working in Australia, you will, without doubt, be in a multicultural environment. This book will be a game-changer and your success.  Put it in your aeroplane bag or download it, but don’t leave home without it.

Working across cultures can be very challenging, both professionally and personally, but these cultural gaps can be bridged. Cultural Chemistry combines strategy with knowledge, introducing you firstly to the Four R’s – an easy, four-step process for simplifying and improving your cross-cultural partnerships – and then exploring cultural differences, by meeting people and hearing stories from all over the world. 

Whether you are a business traveller, an expatriate, have global clients, work in a multi-cultural team or are simply a holidaymaker who wants to dig deeper, Cultural Chemistry will teach you;

• Why reflecting on our own culture is so important

• How to make a great first impression 

• Why our assumptions about people are often completely wrong 

• Why what we say isn’t always what is heard

• How to be an effective manager and motivator, whatever the culture 

Cultural differences don’t have to be difficult.

 By learning more about cultural variances and being prepared to turn off our cultural cruise control, we really can make our international encounters both more rewarding and more enjoyable.

Patti always welcomes your stories and input. Follow her on LinkedIn or Twitter or email her: [email protected]

5. Your DIY Move Guide to Australia, Robyn Vogels and Hendrika Jooste

 Well of course this makes the list because it is the first step to your relocation.  

Research, Planning, Documentation, Packing, Moving; Truth be told, this is just the beginning of the long roller-coaster journey you have embarked on. The real ride, however, starts after you arrive in Australia. Thorough preparation with realistic expectations and the right advice can save you a ton of stress and anxiety. And this is what the book is all about.

This book is a step-by-step guide that tells you:

•what you need to know about Australia in a nutshell,
•how to plan your logistics and smartly move your stuff,
•how to understand the suburbs before you start looking for a house,
•what to expect whilst moving with children and pets,
•what to do if you want to save some money,
•how to compare schools suitable for your child/children’s age,
•how to equip yourself with insider knowledge,
•how to deal with culture shock, and
•how to cope with unforeseen emotional moments.

However, it is not your average guidebook. The tone is friendly, quirky and informal with easily understandable English. You will bump into some funny “faux pas” immigrant moments and real-life stories that you could relate to. By the end of the book, you would have also picked up some Australian etiquette, humour and slang.

Spare yourself from outdated information, unprofessional advice and misleading help. The authors, inspired by their own relocation experiences and many immigrant stories, have researched for you and packed this guide with reliable information from authentic sources. Take help and make the most out of your endeavour!

All readers of YOUR DIY MOVE GUIDE can also enjoy the private VIP Group that the authors have created along with other experts to help you on your relocation journey.