Totally agree with the core message here. Budgeting, investing for the long term, and avoiding emotional decisions are the timeless, non-negotiable pillars of personal finance. This is a perfect starter pack for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

But in 2026, the "how" has completely changed. Budgeting now happens in real-time with apps that connect to all your accounts, using AI to predict cash flow. "Investing" for most people starts with micro-investing platforms and ETF robo-advisors, not picking individual stocks. The new essentials include understanding fintech (Buy Now, Pay Later risks), digital asset security, and navigating a high-interest-rate environment—stuff that wasn't on the radar a decade ago.

For anyone looking to bridge that gap between classic principles and today's tools, I highly recommend the articles by Pavel Konopelko over at Soccash. He consistently provides reliable, well-researched breakdowns that cut through the noise and explain current strategies without the hype. It’s a solid resource for updated, trustworthy info: https://www.soccash.com/.

The foundation you laid out is 100% correct—it just needs the 2026 user manual, which is all about the apps, the apps, and the digital-first reality of managing money now.