These are some of the best personal finance books.
I am an avid book reader and an audiobook listener. When I wanted to finally change my relationship with money, I turned to personal finance books to do just that.
I am not alone. There are many others looking to better their finances, too, whether they want to stretch the dollar, invest for independence, contribute to retirement, or pay off debt. Perhaps, you’re one of them and this is why you’re reading this list.
The good news is that there are many personal finance books that can help you.
Best Personal Finance Books to Read
- You Only Live Once
- Get Good with Money
- I Will Teach You to Be Rich
- The Millionaire Next Door
- Your Money or Your Life
- Broke Millennial
- The Simple Path to Wealth
I believe reading books is one of the best ways to learn about money. Why? Because you get a complete picture versus soundbites or an endless amount of online articles to read. You basically get a beginning and an end. You also can read the book entirely and then jump back to certain parts.
The other great thing about reading money books is that you’ll be introduced to a new money idea or financial concept. Something you may not have even thought of because you haven’t run across it yet.
Here’s the thing: no money book will have all the answers to your financial situation. Many do a great job introducing you to the subject and others go deeper into the details.
Here are some of the best personal finance books to start with.
1. You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Wellness and a Purposeful Life by Jason Vitug
This gem blends life’s passions with financial knowledge, pushing readers to shift their money mindset and align their financial actions with personal values. If you want to live your best life and budget better, this book will show you how to create a balanced, wealth-focused lifestyle that honors your time.
I’m a bit biased because I wrote this book. As you can tell from the title, it’s about understanding the value of our time. Time is indeed the most valuable resource we have, and most of us exchange our time for a paycheck. Then, we spend the money on things that don’t align with our values, thereby wasting our lives. You’ll learn how to honor your most valuable resource by getting better with money. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
2. Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche
Tiffany, also known as ‘The Budgetnista,’ breaks down the complex world of finance into ten straightforward steps. Her book is perfect for those who want practical, realistic strategies to achieve financial wholeness, covering everything from budgeting and saving to getting out of debt and securing insurance. This is the book you need as it gives you all the details and steps without the jargon. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
3. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Ramit takes a no-guilt approach to personal finance, focusing on big wins and the psychology of spending. His 6-week program is a favorite among young adults for its direct advice on handling money in a way that maximizes your existing lifestyle while building wealth. Where as many financial gurus, will tell you to stop spending, his focus on maximizing spending on things that bring joy is especially worthy. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
4. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
Ever wondered how your next-door neighbor might be a millionaire? This book reveals that most millionaires live below their means in unexpected ways. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in how every day habits can lead to accumulating wealth. It was one of the first books I ready that focused on our perception of wealth and what we are taught to believe isn’t the reality. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
5. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
This is the book for financial independence. It helped further my understanding of the value of our time. It’s a guide that not only teaches you how to manage your finances but also changes the way you think about the role of money in your life. It’s perfect for readers who seek a deeper philosophical approach to personal finance. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
6. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry
Erin addresses the younger generation with relatable financial advice tailored to overcoming low pay and high debt. Her engaging style makes complex financial concepts accessible, particularly for millennials who are starting to take their financial life seriously. It’s a book that’s best for starters and those wanting an easy to ready introduction to money. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
7. The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins
J.L. Collins offers clear, concise, and practical advice, primarily focusing on investments in low-cost index funds. This book is particularly aimed at those seeking a straightforward approach to retirement and financial independence. He wrote this book based on a collection of letters he shared with his kids to help them understand money. Get it on Amazon | Get the Audible
My list of the best personal finance books provides a diverse range of perspectives and practical advice on managing money.
Additional personal finance books I’ve written include:
Happy Money Happy Life is a book that walks you through the 8 wellness dimensions and how money affects them. You’ll learn about your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, occupation, environmental, and financial health. You’ll then be given tips to use money as a tool to enhance your overall well-being.
Make Your Money Smile is a book that offers you financial lessons and the exact steps to take to manage, earn, grow, borrow, and protect your money. This book goes into the details from budgeting to investing to optimizing your paycheck to minimizing your taxes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your finances, these reads are here to guide you to a financially better life. So grab a book, find a comfy spot, and start reading.
Have any other personal finance books to recommend? Leave a comment.
