best finance books for personal statement

The 23 Best Personal Finance Books to Read In 2024

Dillon Jacobs is a passionate value investor who believes in the fundamental principles of investors like Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Ben Graham, Peter Lynch, and many more.

The basics of personal finance are simple, but it is also a subject you can study for a lifetime. If you’d like to expand your knowledge, this list of the best personal finance books is a great place to start.

This collection features a diverse range of titles, including works by financial gurus such as Dave Ramsey, Robert Kiyosaki, and Tony Robbins, as well as value investing classics like ‘The Intelligent Investor’, ‘The Tao of Charlie Munger’, and ‘A Random Walk Down Wall Street’.

Dive into the world of personal finance through these insightful reads!

How We Chose These Books

We considered several factors when selecting books for this list, such as the author’s expertise, awards, critical acclaim, and online reviews. We also included new and noteworthy titles to provide readers with a diverse range of options and keep up-to-date with the latest trends.

1. Unshakeable

by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins, who has coached more than fifty million people from 100 countries, is the world’s #1 life and business strategist. In this book, he teams up with Peter Mallouk, the only man in history to be ranked the #1 financial advisor in the US for three consecutive years by Barron’s. Together they reveal how to become unshakeable—someone who can not only maintain true peace of mind in a world of immense uncertainty, economic volatility, and unprecedented change, but who can profit from the fear that immobilizes so many.

Here’s what is covered in this book

• How to  put together a simple, actionable plan  that will deliver true financial freedom.
• Strategies from the world’s top investors on  how to protect yourself and your family and maximize profit from the inevitable crashes  and corrections to come.
• How a few simple steps can add a decade or more of additional retirement income by discovering what your 401(k) provider doesn’t want you to know.
• The core four principles that most of the world’s greatest financial minds utilize so that you can maximize upside and minimize downside.
• The fastest way to put money back in your pocket: uncover the hidden fees and half truths of Wall Street—how the biggest firms keep you overpaying for underperformance.
• Master the mindset of true wealth and experience the fulfillment you deserve today.

Read key ideas on Blinkist →

2. Rich Dad Poor Dad

by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the #1 selling Personal Finance book for all time. In this book, Robert Kiyosaki shares the story of his two dad: his real father, whom he calls his ‘poor dad,’ and the father of his best friend, the man who became his mentor and his ‘rich dad.’ One man was well educated and an employee all his life, the other’s education was “street smarts” over traditional classroom education and he took the path of entrepreneurship… a road that led him to become one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. Robert’s poor dad struggled financially all his life, and these two dads – with two very different points of view of money, investing, and employment – shaped Robert’s own thinking about money.

Rich Dad Poor Dad will:

• Explode the myth that you need to earn a high income to become rich
• Show parents why they can’t rely on the school system to teach their kids about money
• Explain the difference between good debt and bad debt
• Teach you to see the world of money from different perspectives
• Discuss the shift in mindset that can put you on the road to financial freedom

Robert has challenged and changed the way tens of millions of people, around the world, think about money and investing. Maybe it will change the way you think, too?

Read our full book review  |  Read key ideas on Blinkist →

3. The Millionaire Next Door

 by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko

The Millionaire Next Door is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to grow their wealth. Stanley and Danko break down 7 common traits that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth. By the end of the book, you’ll understand that wealth in America is more often the result of hard work, diligent savings, and living below your means than it is about inheritance, advance degrees, and even intelligence.

The authors use over two decades worth of surveys, personal interviews with millionaires, and data to reveal the secrets for building wealth in America.  The Millionaire Next Door reveals the common denominators that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth.

4. How to Make Your Money Last

by  Jane Bryant Quinn

This book will teach you how to turn your retirement savings into a steady paycheck that will last for life.

One of people’s biggest fears is running out of money in their older age. Luckily you can use a few tricks for squeezing higher payments from your assets, like:

• Your Social Security account (find the hidden values there),
• Pension (monthly income or lump sum?),
• Home equity (sell and invest the proceeds or take a reverse mortgage?),
• Savings (should you buy a lifetime annuity?),
• Retirement accounts (how to invest and—critically—how much to withdraw from your savings each year?).

The right moves will not only raise the amount you have to spend, they’ll stretch out your money over many more years. At a time when people are living longer, yet retiring with a smaller pot of savings than they’d hoped for, this book will become the essential guide

5. The Total Money Makeover

by Dave Ramsey & Thomas Nelson

Build up your money muscles with America’s favorite finance coach.

Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people. There’s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with  The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition.

By now, you’ve heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you’re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this—it’s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. And it’s based on results, not pie-in-the-sky fantasies. With  The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition,  you’ll be able to:

• Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt —meaning cars, houses, everything
• Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths  (these will kill you)
• Secure a big, fat nest egg  for emergencies and retirement!

Includes new, expanded “Dave Rants” sidebars tackle marriage conflict, college debt, and more. All-new forms and back-of-the-book resources to make Total Money Makeover a reality.

6. Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not)

by Beth Kobliner

Beth Kobliner is the author of the bestselling personal finance bible  Get a Financial Life .   Make Your Kid a Money Genius  is a new, must-have guide showing parents how to teach their children (from toddlers to young adults) to manage money in a smart way.

This book is a easy to understand, step-by-step guide to help parents of all income levels teach their kids—from ages three to twenty-three—about money. It turns out the key to raising a money genius isn’t to teach that four quarters equal a dollar or how to pick a stock. Instead,  it’s about instilling values that have been proven to make people successful—not just financially, but in life: delaying gratification, working hard, living within your means, getting a good education, and acting generously toward others.

More specifically, you’ll learn why allowance isn’t the Holy Grail when teaching your kid to handle money, and why after-school jobs aren’t always the answer either. You’ll discover the right age to give your kid a credit card, and learn why doling out a wad of cash can actually be a good parenting move.

7. The Truth About Your Future

by Ric Edelman

New York Times  bestselling author and legendary investment guru Ric Edelman reveals his forward-thinking guide on how science and technology will reshape the way we save , invest, and plan for the future.

The traditional paradigms of how we live, learn, and invest are shifting under our feet. Edelman explains how smart investors can adapt and thrive in today’s changing marketplace and offers sound, practical investment advice through the lens of recent scientific and technological advancements.  He illustrates how discoveries in robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, solar energy, biotechnology, and medicine will redefine our life expectancies, careers, and retirements. As we live and work longer, Edelman provides clear advice on how to recalibrate the way we save for college, invest during our careers, and plan for retirement.

The Truth About Your Future , featuring Edelman’s proven advice and trademark humor, is a timely, must-have guide for anyone serious about successfully adapting to the ever-evolving financial landscape.

8. The Automatic Millionaire

by David Bach

The Automatic Millionaire  is one of the most popular financial books of our time.  It was a runaway hit when it was first published in 2004, spending thirty-one weeks on the  New York Times  bestseller list and appearing at at number one simultaneously on the  New York Times ,  USA Today, BusinessWeek,  and  Wall Street Journal  business bestseller lists. It has sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated around the world in over a dozen languages.  This is the first update since 2005 and includes updated information on taxes, investments, technologies and apps to automate your financial life as well as David’s latest systems for making the entire process even easier.

This book starts with the powerful story of an average American couple (he’s a low-level manager, she’s a beautician) whose joint income never exceeds $55,000 a year, yet who somehow manage to own two homes debt-free, put two kids through college, and retire at 55 with more than $1 million in savings. Through their story you’ll learn the surprising fact that you cannot get rich with a budget!  You have to have a plan to pay yourself first that is totally automatic, a plan that will automatically secure your future and pay for your present.

David gives you a realistic system, based on timeless principles, with everything you need to know, including phone numbers, websites and apps, so you can put the secret to becoming an Automatic Millionaire in place from the comfort of your own home. This powerful little book has the potential to secure your financial future. Do it once – the rest is automatic!

9. Pogue’s Basics

by David Pogue

• Want to know where you can buy $100 iTunes gift cards for $85?
• Did you know you can pay your taxes by using a cash-back credit card?
• Why are you still paying $235 a year to rent your cable box?

You’re leaving money on the table every day, with every transaction you make: changing your oil, withdrawing ATM cash, booking flights, buying insurance, shopping for clothes, squirting toothpaste. But in  Pogue’s Basics: Money,  the third book of this  New York Times  bestselling series, David Pogue proves that information is money.  Each of his 150 simple tips and tricks includes a ballpark estimate of the money you could make or save.

Okay, you won’t use every tip in the book―but if you did, you’d come ahead by $61,195 a year.

10. The Intelligent Investor

by Benjamin Graham

If you only ever read one investment book, then let it be The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham.  There’s a reason why Graham is called the “Godfather of Value Investing.” Benjamin Graham was probably the most influential investing figure of the 20th century, and The Intelligent Investor is probably the most influential investment book of all time. The Intelligent Investor is the value investor’s bible… keep this one on your bedside table.

“By far the best book on investing ever written.” – Warren Buffett “If you read just one book on investing during your lifetime, make it this one” – Fortune “The wider Mr. Graham’s gospel spreads, the more fairly the market will deal with its public.” – Barron’s

11. Money Master the Game

  by Tony Robbins

This is the second book on this list by Tony Robbins .  Based on extensive research and one-on-one interviews with more than 50 of the most legendary financial experts in the world – from Carl Icahn and Warren Buffett, to Ray Dalio and Steve Forbes – Tony Robbins has created a simple 7-step blueprint that anyone can use for financial freedom.

Robbins has a brilliant way of using metaphor and story to illustrate even the most complex financial concepts—making them simple and actionable. With expert advice on our most important financial decisions, Robbins is an advocate for the reader, dispelling the myths that often rob people of their financial dreams.

Tony Robbins walks readers of every income level through the steps to become financially free by creating a lifetime income plan. This book delivers invaluable information and essential practices for getting your financial house in order.

12. Ageproof

by   Jean Chatzky & Michael Roizen

In this book, two of the world’s leading experts explain the vital link between health and wealth that could add years to your life and dollars to your retirement savings. Learn about how to rollover your HSA funds, etc.

All the money in the world doesn’t mean a thing if we can’t get out of bed. And the healthiest body in the world won’t stay that way if we’re frazzled about five figures worth of debt. TODAY Show financial expert Jean Chatzky and the Cleveland Clinic’s chief wellness officer Dr. Michael Roizen explain the vital connection between health and wealth – giving readers all the tactics, strategies, and know-how to live longer, healthier, more lucrative lives.

The same principles that allow us to achieve a better body will allow us to do the same for our investment portfolio. For instance, physical and financial stability comes down to the same equation: Inflow versus outflow. Do we burn more calories than we ingest? Likewise, are we making more money than we spend? The authors detail scientific ways to improve our behavior so that the answers tilt in the readers’ favor. They also offer ways to beat the system by automating how we do things and limiting our decisions in the face of too much food or too much debt.  Chatzky and Roizen provide a plan for both financial independence and biological strength with action steps to get you there.

13. A Random Walk Down Wall Street

by Burton G. Malkiel

Burton G. Malkiel’s classic and gimmick-free investment guide is now more necessary than ever. Rather than tricks, what you’ll find here is a time-tested and thoroughly research-based strategy for your portfolio . Whether you’re considering your first 401(k) contribution or contemplating retirement, this fully updated edition of  A Random Walk Down Wall Street  should be the first book on your reading list.

In  A Random Walk Down Wall Street  you’ll learn the basic terminology of “The Street” and how to navigate it with the help of a user-friendly, long-range investment strategy that really works. Drawing on his own varied experience as an economist, financial adviser, and successful investor, Malkiel shows why, despite recent advice to the contrary from so-called experts in the wake of the financial crisis, an individual who buys over time and holds a low-cost, internationally diversified index of securities is still likely to exceed the performance of portfolios carefully picked by professionals using sophisticated analytical techniques. In this new edition, Malkiel has provided valuable new material throughout the book on exchange-traded funds and investment opportunities in emerging markets, and in a brand-new, timely chapter, Malkiel authoritatively assesses the pitfalls and prospects of the latest investing trend, “smart beta.”

With the prevailing wisdom changing on an almost daily basis, Malkiel’s reassuring and vastly informative volume remains the best investment guide money can buy.

14. How to Retire With Enough Money

by Teresa Ghilarducci

This is a short book (144 pages) that you can read in a single sitting – but it can change the course of your retirement. It begins with acknowledging what a person or household actually needs to have saved—the rule of thumb is eight to ten times your annual salary before retirement—and how much to expect from Social Security. And then it delivers the basic principles that will make the money grow, including a dozen good ideas to get current expenses under control. Why to “get rid of your guy”—those for-fee (or hidden-fee) financial planners that suck up valuable assets. Why it’s always better to pay off a loan or a mortgage.

There are no gimmicks, no magical thinking—just an easy-to-follow program that works:

• A comfortable nest egg is eight times your annual salary
• “Fire the guy!”  Now’s the time to move investments into low-cost index funds —you’ll beat the experts and save a ton of money
• How to get the very most out of Social Security —and why it’s a healthy and dependable system
• The incalculable advantage of paying down debt , starting with your mortgage
• The dual benefit of downsizing before retiring , including  ten proven strategies for cutting back on spending

15. The Tao of Charlie Munger

by David Clark

Words of wisdom from Charlie Munger  – Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner and the visionary Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway – collected and interpreted with an eye towards investing by David Clark, coauthor of the bestselling Buffettology series.

Like  The Tao of Warren Buffett  and  The Tao of Te Ching, The Tao of Charlie Munger  is a compendium of pithy quotes including, “Knowing what you don’t know is more useful than being brilliant” and “In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time—none, zero.” This collection, culled from interviews, speeches, and questions and answers at the Berkshire Hathaway and Wesco annual meetings, offers insights into Munger’s amazing financial success and life philosophies.

Described by  Business Insider  as “sharp in his wit and investing wisdom,” Charlie Munger’s investment tips, business philosophy, and rules for living are as unique as his life story.

16. Mindful Money

by Jonathan K. Deyoe

Is it possible to be a conscientious citizen of the world and grow wealth? Jonathan DeYoe, a Buddhist and a financial planner, says yes and explains exactly how.

Money drives many of our decisions. We all worry about earning it, spending it, and saving it — regardless of our income level or spiritual perspective. Yet few of us understand money’s true nature.  Mindful Money  helps you create a unique financial plan that is guided by your deepest beliefs, and shows you how to save, invest, pay off debt, and fund your retirement and dreams by building a lifetime income stream.

With a foreword by Pulitzer Prize–winner Alice Walker,  Mindful Money  does all this while emphasizing that money is a tool you can use to support your lifestyle, reach your goals, and earn the “happiness dividend” everyone deserves.

17. The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need

by Andrew Tobias

For nearly forty years,  The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need  has been a favorite finance guide, earning the allegiance of more than a million readers across America.  This completely updated edition will show you how to use your money to your best advantage in today’s financial marketplace, no matter what your means.

Using concise, witty, and truly understandable tips and explanations, Andrew Tobias delivers sensible advice and useful information on savings, investments, preparing for retirement, and much more.

18. How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free

by Ernie J. Zelinski

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free  offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life – interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support.

This book guides you to:

• Gain courage to take early retirement ; in fact, the earlier the better.
• Put money in proper perspective  so that you don’t need a million dollars to retire.
• Generate purpose  in your retirement life with meaningful creative pursuits.
• Follow your dreams  instead of someone else’s.
• Take charge of your mental, physical, and spiritual health .
• Better envision your retirement goals  — including where you want to live.
• Above all, make you retirement years the best time of your life.

19. The Index Card

by Helaine Olen & Harold Pollack

TV analysts and money managers would have you believe your finances are enormously complicated, and if you don’t follow their guidance, you’ll end up in the poorhouse.

They’re wrong.

When University of Chicago professor Harold Pollack interviewed Helaine Olen, an award-winning financial journalist and the author of the bestselling  Pound Foolish , he made an off­hand suggestion: everything you need to know about managing your money could fit on an index card. To prove his point, he grabbed a 4″ x 6″ card, scribbled down a list of rules, and posted a picture of the card online. The post went viral.

Now,  Pollack teams up with Olen to explain why the ten simple rules of the index card outperform more complicated financial strategies. Inside is an easy-to-follow action plan that works in good times and bad, giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to seize control of your financial life.

20. What Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling You

by Liz Davidson

It seems like a foolproof decision: if you want to be smart about protecting and growing your wealth, you should seek guidance from a trained financial advisor.

However, you can never blindly trust that your advisor has your best interests at heart. There are many benefits to working with a financial pro, but there are some things you should know first.

That’s where this book comes in. Drawing on her insider’s knowledge of how the financial advice profession really works, Davidson reveals how to judge whether an advisor is going to help or harm your savings. How should you decide if you really need an advisor? What financial moves can you make without their help? What important questions should you ask before trusting them with your money? What are the red flags you should run from? And what does all their jargon really mean?

This friendly, no-nonsense guide is a must-read if you want to finally take control of your financial well-being, either with a financial advisor or without one.

21. Worth It

by Amanda Steinberg

From the founder and superstar CEO of DailyWorth.com—the go-to financial site for women with more than one million subscribers—comes a fresh book that redefines the relationship between women, self-worth, and money.  Worth It  shows women how to view money as a source of personal power and freedom—and live life on their terms.

Worth It  outlines the essential financial information women need—and everything the institutions and advisors don’t spell out. Steinberg gets to the bottom of why women are stressed and anxious when it comes to their finances and teaches them to stay away from strict budgeting and other harsh austerity practices. Instead, she makes money relatable, while sharing strategies she uses herself to build confidence and ease in her own financial life. Through her first-hand experiences and the stories from other women who’ve woken up, Steinberg’s powerful and encouraging advice can help women of any age and income view money as a source of freedom and independence—and create bright financial futures.

22. The Opposite of Spoiled

Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money

by Ron Lieber

Written in a warm, accessible voice, grounded in real-world experience and stories from families with a range of incomes,  The Opposite of Spoiled  is both a practical guidebook and a values-based philosophy.  The foundation of the book is a detailed blueprint for the best ways to handle the basics:  the tooth fairy, allowance, chores, charity, saving, birthdays, holidays, cell phones, checking accounts, clothing, cars, part-time jobs, and college tuition.  It identifies a set of traits and virtues that embody the opposite of spoiled, and shares how to embrace the topic of money to help parents raise kids who are more generous and less materialistic.

But  The Opposite of Spoiled  is also a promise to our kids that we will make them better with money than we are. It is for all of the parents who know that honest conversations about money with their curious children can help them become more patient and prudent, but who don’t know how and when to start.

23. Investing 101

by Michele Cagan

A crash course in managing personal wealth!

Too often, textbooks turn the noteworthy details of investing into tedious discourse that would put even Warren Buffett to sleep.  Investing 101  cuts out the boring explanations, and instead provides a hands-on lesson that keeps you engaged as you learn how to build a portfolio and expand your savings.  From value investing to short selling to  risk tolerance , this primer is packed with hundreds of entertaining tidbits and concepts that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.

So whether you’re looking to master the major principles of investing, or just want to learn more about stocks and bonds,  Investing 101  has all the answers–even the ones you didn’t know you were looking for.

Did you like this article? Chances are someone you know would like it too! It would make my day if you shared this with a friend, and it might just make their day too 🙂

The Ultimate Guide to Value Investing

Do you want to know how to invest like the value investing legend Warren Buffett? All you need is money to invest, a little patience—and this book. Learn more

By Dillon Jacobs

Contributing writer.

Dillon Jacobs is a passionate value investor who believes in the fundamental principles of Superinvestors like Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Ben Graham, Peter Lynch, and many more. His career has taken him to many destinations around the globe, and he has lived in both Asia and Europe.

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Best Personal Finance Books to Read in 2024

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Introduction to the Best Personal Finance Books of 2024

• "Get Good with Money" by Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche
• "Retire Before Mom & Dad" by Rob Berger
• "How I Invest My Money" by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy
• "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins
• "Financial Feminist: Overcoming the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love" by Tori Dunlap
• " Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF" by Chloe Elise
• "The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money" by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage
• "Cultura and Cash: Lessons from the First Gen Mentor for Managing Finances and Cultural Expectations" by Giovanna González
• "Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances" by Paco de Leon
• "Broke Millennial Takes On Investing " by Erin Lowry
• "The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey" by Tonya B. Rapley
• "The Poverty Paradox: Understanding Economic Hardship Amid American Prosperity" by Mark Robert Rank
• "Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away" by Julien and Kiersten Saunders
• "I Will Teach You to be Rich" by Ramit Sethi
• "Spend Well, Live Rich" by Michelle Singletary
• "Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money" by Bola Sokunbi
• "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley
• "When She Makes More" by Farnoosh Torabi

Diving into a book can be a great way to learn more about personal finance. Business Insider's personal finance team put together a list of 18 of the top personal finance books for 2024. 

Our top picks cover a wide range of money topics. So whether you want to retire early , invest in the stock market, start conversations about money with your family, or just see money from a different point of view, we have options for you to discover.

Our list of must-read personal finance books includes our personal favorites and some with truly impressive Amazon reviews and ratings.

'Get Good With Money: Ten Simple Steps To Becoming Financially Whole,' by Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche

Tiffany Aliche, aka The Budgetnista, shares her own triumph over debt and financial hardships. "Get Good With Money" also includes worksheets to help you assess your financial wellness without shame or judgment. This book also covers a wide range of personal topics like how to build an emergency fund from how to improve your credit score.

• People who want to pay off debt
• People who like worksheets
• Young professionals

'Retire Before Mom and Dad,' by Rob Berger

For anyone considering early retirement through the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement , this book is a quintessential primer on the principles of getting started on this path. But, it also looks at principles that make financial independence and retirement attainable, even if retiring early isn't on your list.

• People who want to retire early
• People who want to build wealth

'How I Invest My Money,' by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy

If you've ever wondered how your financial advisor, a venture capitalist, or that money expert on the internet invests their money, Brian Portnoy and Joshua Brown have answers.

With pithy stories from 25 financial experts, this book advances on basic personal finance topics, giving readers ideas to implement as they take the next steps on their financial journeys.

It's not the best choice for anyone who's new to managing money, as it lacks enough explanation of the basics to be a stand-alone guide. But for readers who are ready to make new financial moves, this book will prove helpful.

• Strategies for how to save money , and build wealth
• People who are looking for inspiration to take the next step with their money

The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life,' by JL Collins

The principles of "The Simple Path to Wealth" were first laid out in a series of letters by the author to his daughter, and there's no shortage of accessible and actionable advice on investing throughout the book.

It takes on a light and casual tone in some chapters but doesn't shy away from explanations of more complicated topics, either, like the nuances of investing in a bear or bull market . It's the highest-rated personal finance book on the list, with over 3,800 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars.

'Financial Feminist: Overcoming the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love,' by Tori Dunlap

In "Financial Feminist," entrepreneur and author Tori Dunlap teaches women how to advocate for their worth and channel their emotions to make smart money decisions. Dunlap offers a financial game plan that helps you build a career you love.

• Socially conscious millennial women

'Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF' by Chloe Elise

In "'Deeper Than Money" Chloe Elise offers an approachable, insightful perspective on personal finance. Elise takes into account that everyone's situation is unique. It's important to build your own relationship with money rather than following set rules and guidelines. Elise shares moments from her own journey to show readers how they can adjust their mindset.

• Changing your money mindset and building confidence around money management
• Millennial women

'The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money,' by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage

A great book for beginners, "The Financial Diet" lays a groundwork for anyone wanting to learn more about money and life. Best for young adults, Fagan dives into starting to invest and saving for retirement, as well as budgeting and debt repayment plans. The advice here is no-frills and easy to put into practice.

• Personal finance beginners

'Cultura and Cash: Lessons from the First Gen Mentor for Managing Finances and Cultural Expectations' by Giovanna González

Giovanna González acknowledges that cultural expectations and first-generation experiences can impact a person's money management in "Cultura and Cash." Latinx and first-generation readers can relate to a lot of the experiences González writes about — something you won't see in other personal finance books.

Ultimately, this book does a great job of teaching you how to embrace the best of two different cultural systems— the individualist nature of the U.S. and the family-oriented view of Latinx cultures — so you can learn how to manage your money.

• Women of color
• Latinx learning about personal finance
• First gen in the U.S.

'Finance for the People,' by Paco de Leon

In "Finance for the People," former financial planner Paco de Leon explains how to take personal responsibility for our personal finances despite inequities out of our control, while providing the necessary tools to help you build a strong financial foundation.

• Visual learners
• Socially conscious millennials and Gen Zers
• Holistic financial wellness advice

'Broke Millennial Takes On Investing: A Beginner's Guide To Leveling Up Your Money,' by Erin Lowry

"Broke Millennial" took the world by storm with great budgeting tips written specifically for avocado-toast-brunching millennials. Erin Lowry is back at it again with a practical, easy-to-read guide to investing. Packed with tips for beginners, "Broke Millennial Takes On Investing" will teach you how to navigate the market in alignment with your beliefs and values.

• Socially conscious investors

'The Money Manual' by Tonya B. Rapley

"The Money Manual" is a guidebook to the basics of managing money, from saving to building credit . Written by the blogger behind Myfabfinance.com, this book is both engaging and approachable, with money lessons that are applicable no matter how much you're earning.

This book is more interactive than most, with sections of questions and space for writing. The book starts with a simple money check-in, and from the beginning gives actionable advice that can help you understand where you are and where you want to go.

• Young adults and millennials
• Re-learning the basics of budgeting and saving
• Hands-on learners

'The Poverty Paradox: Understanding Economic Hardship Amid American Prosperity' by Mark Robert Rank

"The Poverty Paradox" is technically a social science book.  Still, it's a great book to read if you're learning about personal finance because it helps you realize how systems in the U.S. can create wealth inequality .

This may help you shift your money mindset because you'll gain a better understanding of how external factors contribute to poverty. Rank is an expert in this area, and shares research in the book to support each of his points.

• Understanding wealth inequality and poverty in the U.S.
• Shifting your money mindset

'Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away,' by Julien and Kiersten Saunders

Early retirees Julien and Kiersten Saunders, founders of the award-winning blog rich®ULAR, outline the exact 15-year plan they used to retire in their 40s. "Cashing Out" walks readers through the process of building a lasting wealth-building plan without sacrificing too many small pleasures that keep you going.

• Anyone experiencing burnout in a high-stress job
• First-time investors

'I Will Teach You To Be Rich,' by Ramit Sethi

Personal finance author Ramit Sethi outlines a six-week plan for living out your "rich life" as you define it. "I Will Teach You to be Rich" by Ramit Sethi walks readers through how to use credit cards and maximize rewards, opening a high-yield savings account to earn interest, and even automating accounts to save with no effort every month. This easy-to-read and highly actionable book goes from reading to returns quickly.

• Making a plan
• Strategizing with your money
• Setting up systems to build wealth

'Spend Well, Live Rich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have,' by Michelle Singletary

Author Michelle Singletary reflects on her life with her grandmother, who raised five children (including the author) on a modest salary. Singletary looks into the principles that her grandmother used with her own finances to make the most of what she had. It's best for anyone wanting inspiration on making the most of the money they already have.

• Inspiration

'Clever Girl Finance,' by Bola Sokunbi

This easy-to-read guide to money doesn't make assumptions — it starts with the very basics of building wealth and builds on them. This book roots its lessons in reality with real-life anecdotes, including from the author herself.

It doesn't require any prior knowledge, either. It covers the basics of organizing money and how to budget , then explains the credit system, debt, investing, and even asking for a raise.

It's an excellent choice for anyone who is just getting started with personal finance, or simply wants a refresher on the basics.

• Anyone searching for a crash course on managing money and building wealth

'The Millionaire Next Door,' by Thomas J. Stanley

Thomas J. Stanley's profile of America's wealthy citizens finds that they're more similar than they are different, and they're not all the people you'd expect. Stanley looks at millionaires and finds seven habits that they have in common, including living below their means and rejecting traditional consumerism. Stanley's insights have earned this book over 5,300 five-star reviews.

'When She Makes More,' by Farnoosh Torabi

"When She Makes More" author and personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi explores a reality she lives with every day: being a breadwinner and a woman in a different-sex relationship. She looks at the realities and the rules she's made with her partner, and discusses ways to maximize earnings and minimize conflict.

• Starting a conversation about money

The Importance of Personal Finance Literacy

If you're just starting your financial journey or struggling with certain aspects of managing your money, a personal finance book can be a great way to learn fundamental concepts.

For example, the best books on investing can help you learn the difference between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA , as well as how to invest in the stock market.

Personal finance books for budgeting can teach you different budgeting strategies like the pay-yourself-first method or the 50/30/20 rule so you can learn to manage spending and save money over time.

Some personal finance books also cater to specific audiences. For instance, there are several books that include personal experiences the writer has faced, and how they've overcome these issues. Personal finance books for people of color often acknowledge systemic barriers people of color face and include nuances in culture when framing money strategies.

Benefits of Reading Personal Finance Books

The main benefit of reading personal finance books is that you can learn about different approaches to money management.

While there are similar jargon and fundamental concepts that you'll find across many personal finance books, you'll also find that many experts share different opinions, experiences, and strategies regarding money concepts. You get to take these nuggets of wisdom and shape your own ideas to cultivate a system that works for you and helps you achieve your savings goals . 

Want to Read More? Try These:

Not every book we wanted to mention made the top 18. Here are a few more good choices to continue your reading:

• "The Intelligent Investor," by Benjamin Graham
• "Girl, Get Your Credit Straight!," by Glinda Bridgforth
• "Financially Fearless: The LearnVest Program for Taking Control of Your Money," by Alexa Von Tobel
• "Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School," by Andrew Hallam
• "The Automatic Millionaire," by David Bach
• "You Are a Badass at Making Money," by Jen Sincero
• "Your Money or Your Life," by Vicki Robin
• "Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" by Beth Kobliner

Personal Finance Books FAQs

Our must-read personal books for beginners are "The Financial Diet" by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage, "Finance for the People" by Paco de Leon, "The Poverty Paradox" by Mark Robert Rank, and "I Will Teach You to be Rich" by Ramit Sethi. 

Some of the best personal finance books for investing include "How I Invest My Money" by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy, "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins, "Broke Millennial Takes On Investing" by Erin Lowry, and "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley.

Yes, there are personal finance books specifically for women. The best personal finance books for women include "Financial Feminist" by Tori Dunlap, "Deeper Than Money" by Chloe Elise, "Cultura and Cash" by Giovanna González, and "When She Makes More" by Farnoosh Torabi.

"Retire Before Mom and Dad" by Rob Berger talks about the FIRE movement. "Cashing Out" by Julien and Kiersten Saunders is another option people can read if they want to retire early.

For budgeting tips, you should read "The Money Manual" by Tonya B. Ripley, "Spend Well, Live Rich" by Michelle Singletary, and "Clever Girl Finance"  by Bola Sokunbi.

Yes, there are personal finance books with tips and strategies for paying off debt . Our top reads for people who want to pay off debt are "Get Good With Money" by Tiffany Aliche, " The Financial Diet" by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage,  and "Deeper Than Money" by Chloe Elise.

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The 10 best personal finance books of 2022

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If you’re looking for a practical book for your summer reading, Bankrate’s list of the best personal finance books for 2022 offer insightful and trustworthy expertise on what to do with your money.

‘The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy,’ by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

Whom this book is best for :

Anyone who wants to learn from the financial behavior of millionaires.

Why the book made Bankrate’s list :

Being rich doesn’t mean being flashy. In fact, it’s the opposite. “The Millionaire Next Door” reveals that many affluent individuals shy away from buying the most expensive cars and taking the most over-the-top vacations, opting instead for a disciplined approach to their money. It turns out that being a millionaire relies more on being thrifty.

‘How to Make Your Money Last: The Indispensable Retirement Guide,’ by Jane Bryant Quinn

Retirees looking to build wealth through solid investment advice.

Why the book made Bankate’s list :

If you have questions about how to sustain your investments through your retirement, “How to Make Your Money Last” has the answers. With thoughtful details on ways to supplement income from Social Security, investments and more, Quinn shows how to create a recurring paycheck that will have you living comfortably through retirement .

‘A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing,’ by Burton G. Malkiel

Anyone (specifically business students) who wants to understand how the stock market works.

If you’re new to investing , “A Random Walk Down Wall Street” lays out a solid blueprint for success. Malkiel goes into detail on a variety of investing strategies including smart beta investing (which combines the benefits of passive investing and the advantages of active investing strategies) and finding opportunities in emerging markets. In the process, the reader gains an understanding of the complex world of investing.

‘The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing,’ by Benjamin Graham

Readers who want a deeper understanding of the risks and rewards of investing.

”The Intelligent Investor” is the gold standard of investing, teaching the importance of value investing , which enables investors to develop long-term strategies. And with updated insight from financial reporter Jason Zweig, readers will gain an understanding of long-term values and how they can incorporate them into the current financial landscape.

‘Bunny Money (Max and Ruby),’ by Rosemary Wells

Children looking to learn the basics of personal finance.

The story in this children’s book is about bunnies Max and Ruby who are trying to buy their grandma a gift for her birthday. As they set out, they encounter a series of adventures that deplete their money supply. In the process, children discover how their decisions impact the money they have.

‘Spend Well, Live Rich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have,’ by Michelle Singletary

Readers who want practical advice on how to manage their money.

Singletary chronicles the “7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life” she learned from her grandmother. These mantras may be simple in nature, but they provide a firm foundation for anyone hoping to strengthen financial behavior. The book differentiates between wants and needs and why you should sweat the small stuff.

‘Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together,’ by Erin Lowry

Millennials who want to understand the basics of money management and how to avoid common financial errors.

Lowry creates a blueprint millennials (ages 26-41) can use to go from living from paycheck to paycheck to achieving financial goals. She delves into the thought process behind making financial decisions, such as, “Do you treat your money like a Tinder date or a marriage?” By providing applicable insight and relatable stories, Lowry gives those in their 20s, 30s and early 40s the basics they need to make better money decisions.

‘Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties,’ by Beth Kobliner

Those in their 20s and 30s seeking guidance on managing their finances.

Why this book made Bankrate’s list :

“Get a Financial Life” covers all aspects of personal finance from how to file taxes and investing, to strategies for improving your credit scores . Kobliner creates a guide that encompasses every aspect of your financial life, with practical suggestions for achieving financial goals.

‘When She Makes More: 10 Rules for Breadwinning Women,’ by Farnoosh Torabi

Female breadwinners looking to balance the health of their relationships and finances.

Torabi tackles a relevant topic to today’s social and financial climate: An increasing number of wives are making more money than their husbands. In 2020, women made more than their male partners in 29.9 percent of marriages, according to the Census Bureau. Twenty years earlier, the percentage was more than 6 percentage points lower (23.3 percent). In “When She Makes More,” Torabi highlights that there are significant financial but also psychological effects the changing role of the breadwinner has on those in committed relationships. Her advice is directed at women to make the most of their financial circumstances and keep their relationships healthy, but it can help men to understand relationship dynamics as well when their partner is the breadwinner.

‘Simple Wealth: The Practical Guide to Transform Your Relationship with Money and Live in Abundance,’ by Holly Morphew

Consumers looking to have more confidence in their financial decisions.

Making a change in your financial life means making a change in your personal life, too. “Simple Wealth” shows how personal life decisions and financial decisions go hand in hand, providing practical advice in terms that are easy to grasp. Morphew, a financial counselor, breaks down not only how to escape the “shame cycle of money,” but also how to make affirmative moves toward financial independence and success.

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The 10 Best Personal Finance Books

Get your money on track with our picks

Personal finance books help you manage your money better. At the most basic level, you can learn personal finance basics—like why paying yourself first pays off or how to manage and pay off debt—so you'll become smarter and more confident with handling your money. But it doesn't stop there. They can also teach you how to invest, manage a mortgage, create a nest egg, save for retirement, and ultimately help you overcome common money pitfalls. Sure, it’s not light reading, but your wallet—and your investment portfolio —will thank you.

Here are our picks of the best personal finance books to help foster a healthy relationship with your money.

Key Takeaways

• Our choice for best overall personal finance book is “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?” by Carey Siegel.
• “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey gets our nod as the best choice for debt management.
• The best memoir on our list is “Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki.
• Our top choice for millennials is “Broke Millennial” by Erin Lowry.

Best Overall: Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?

Courtesy of Amazon

Ask anyone what they wish they’d learned more about in school, and the answer is likely money. More specifically, how to properly handle one’s finances—enter Cary Siegel’s title, “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?” Siegel, a retired business executive, divides the book into 99 principles and eight money lessons that you should have learned by high school or college but didn’t. This book was initially intended for his five children when he realized they didn’t learn important personal finance principles before entering the real world, but it grew into a well-reviewed read full of money lessons, as well as firsthand experience and advice from Siegel. This easy-to-read book is ideal for new grads or anyone looking to start their personal finance journey on the right foot.

Best Memoir: Rich Dad Poor Dad

You’ve probably heard of Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad," but there’s a reason it’s stuck around for more than two decades. In one of the most popular personal finance books of all time, Kiyosaki shares what he learned growing up from his father and his friend’s father, the latter of which is the “rich dad” in the title. Those lessons include how you don’t need to make a lot of money to get rich and how to think about assets and liabilities . He also explains to parents why schools won’t teach their kids what they need to know about personal finance. This 20th-anniversary edition includes an update from the author on all things money, the economy, and investing.

Best for Debt Management: The Total Money Makeover

Debt management plays a major role in the state of your personal finances. Need a little help in that area? Take a look at Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover.” This New York Times bestseller explains, without mincing words, how to get out of debt and improve your financial picture by avoiding common pitfalls like rent-to-own, cash advances, or using credit. It also offers solid advice on starting an emergency fund, saving for college and retirement, and how to succeed at Ramsey’s famed “Snowball Method” for debt payoff.

Best for Building Wealth: The Automatic Millionaire

Who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? David Bach’s “The Automatic Millionaire,” a New York Times, USA Today, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Wall Street Journal business bestseller, shows you how to do just that. The book kicks off with the story of a couple earning about $55,000 combined annually, and how they achieved their financial dreams. Think: owning two homes, putting their children through college, and retiring at 55 with a $1 million retirement nest egg. The secret? Setting up a financial system that not only pays yourself first but one that is automatic. Bach has also written "Smart Women Finish Rich," "Smart Couples Finish Rich," and "Start Late, Finish Rich."

Related: The Best Investing Books

Best for Beginners: Broke Millennial

If you can decipher #GYFLT, then this is the personal finance book for you. (Hint: #GYFLT stands for “get your financial life together” in social media speak.) Erin Lowry’s “Broke Millennial” explains in her signature conversational style how 20- and 30-somethings can get in control of their personal finances. From understanding your relationship with money to managing student loans to sharing the details of your finances with a partner, this book covers the biggest money challenges facing millennials today. 

Related: The Best Investing Books for Beginners

Runner-Up, Best for Beginners: The One-Page Financial Plan

Courtesy of Walmart

Confused when it comes to your money, whether it’s how to properly invest or how to deal with unexpected financial challenges? Carl Richards’ “The One-Page Financial Plan” takes the mystery out of how to effectively manage your finances. This book helps you not only figure out what your financial goals are, but also how to get there in a simple, one-page plan. Richards is a Certified Financial Planner and a columnist for The New York Times. 

Best for Spenders: I Will Teach You to Be Rich

Being rich isn’t about not spending money at all. In "I Will Teach You to Be Rich," a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, financial expert Ramit Sethi explains that you can spend your money guilt-free as long as you have it invested and allocated properly. This title talks about how to deal with all the common money pitfalls, from paying off student loans to how to save every month, and even how to talk your way out of late fees. This 10th-anniversary edition includes updated views on technology, money, and psychology, as well as some success stories of readers who have actually gotten rich from reading—you guessed it—Sethi’s book.

Best for Women: Clever Girl Finance

Women still earn just 83 cents to a man’s dollar, and average earnings are even lower for women who are older or belong to certain race and ethnicity groups, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In short, women still have to work harder when it comes to their money. Bola Sokunbi’s “Clever Girl Finance” aims to empower and educate a whole new generation of women, sounding off on things like how to keep an eye on expenses, create and stick to a budget, manage your credit, build a nest egg, and take responsibility for your own financial well-being. Sokunbi is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and the founder and CEO of the website Clever Girl Finance.

Best Psychology: The Psychology of Money

This read is an interesting delve into the psychology of money and how your ego, preconceived notions, and even your pride can affect your decisions around money. As expected, this isn’t exactly the best way to manage your investment portfolio, and Morgan Housel’s “The Psychology of Money'' gives readers tips and tools for combating these biases in the form of 19 short stories that focus on the same topic. Housel is a partner at The Collaborative Fund and has worked as a columnist at The Wall Street Journal.

Related: The Best Economics Books

Best for Budgeting: Your Money or Your Life

With more than a million copies sold, Vicki Robin’s “Your Money or Your Life” lays out an easy-to-follow, nine-step plan to help readers change their relationship with money. Whether it’s how to get out of debt, get started investing , build wealth, or even save money by practicing Robin’s signature mindfulness technique, this read has you covered.

Final Verdict

Whether you're new to finances or just looking for more financial advice, the top overall personal finance book is "Why Didn't They Teach Me This In School?" by Cary Siegel ( view at Amazon ). It teaches eight important money lessons you should've learned by high school as well as a whopping 99 principles that will help you save, invest, and build your wealth.

Different methods might be best for different people. For example, many computer programs can help track income and expenses, and they even can be connected to your financial accounts to automatically import data. Others might want to handle the process manually. Regardless, the important thing to do is to set a budget so you can know exactly where you stand with your finances.

Be as detailed as possible when managing your personal finances . Sticking to a budget, paying down debt, and knowing exactly where every dollar is going can help make it possible to increase your savings. Having the details to find that extra $10 or $20 per week or month that you can save or invest today can add up to thousands of dollars years from now.

Budgeting is a big part of financial planning . To be successful, it is important to account for everything necessary to financial health. In addition to simply knowing your income and expenses, you have to think about where you will be in the future with income and expenses. Insurance, a good investment plan, and more can help you with expected and unexpected expenses that may arise.

Meet the Expert

Rachel Morgan Cautero has a master's degree in journalism from New York University and more than a decade of journalism experience, most in the personal finance sector. Most recently, she was the managing editor of DailyWorth, a finance-based media destination for women. She’s been published in SmartAsset, The Balance, The Atlantic, Life & Money, Parents, WealthRocket, and Yahoo Finance.

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The 10 Best Personal Finance Books

Last updated: 20 December 2021. Here's our popular shortlist of the best personal finance books available now. Through a combination of external ratings, our personal preferences and bestseller status, we've ranked our top titles below.

To keep things simple and accessible, we've only included personal finance books which are written for beginners. Therefore you can feel confident in picking up any of the titles featured on this page. They are carefully picked to suit financial experts and non-experts alike!

You don't always get what you pay for. That's why I've only included a book in this list if its price is between £7 and £25. We firmly believe that saving and investing knowledge should be affordable to all, so we don't see the point of recommending books which set you back on your saving journey!

It's worth also pointing out that all of the books below can be read from cover-to-cover for free under Amazon's Kindle Unlimited free trial. So I recommend seeing if that promotion would work for you. 

If you click through any book cover below, you'll see the latest price on Amazon. Personal finance authors understand their readers - so you'll find that the paperbacks are surprisingly cheap. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases which helps to support this site. This does not impact how I select books or rank them in my list.

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Personal finance books by Dave Ramsey

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Personal finance books by Tony Robbins

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My Top 6 Personal Finance Books for 2022

1. total money makeover - dave ramsey.

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

Financial Expert Rating:

"Build up your money muscles with America's favourite finance coach. Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people.

 By now, you've heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this it s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. 

Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt meaning cars, houses, everything.  Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!"

This personal finance book is for:

Dave Ramsey is a huge name in personal finance in the US, although he doesn't get much exposure in the UK. 

Dave has written five New York Times bestsellers which have sold over 7 million copies combined. Total Money Makeover is my favourite of his works.

His no-nonsense approach will help you make life changes and rid yourself of toxic debts. 

With over 10,000 five star reviews on Amazon, you'll join a cohort of thousands who have improved their lives through financial discipline using the Dave Ramsey approach. 

2. Money: A Users Guide - Laura Whateley

"Money: A User’s Guide cuts through all the panic of personal finances. It will teach you how to get a great credit score, how to save hundreds on bills, and offer practical advice on every difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding including:

• Housing (for renters and buyers) • Student Loans • Pensions • Paying off debt • Stocks and shares • Ethical investments • Money and Mental health • Money and Love

This essential book will give you the confidence and clarity to take back control of your bank account, enabling you to thrive in all areas of your life."

This concise and stylish Sunday Times Bestseller caught my eye with its interesting cover, but it's the content that kept me interested. 

Money: A Users Guide is an entry level personal finance book designed to be the first (and potentially last) personal finance book you'll ever need. 

Succinct chapters give the impression that this is a reference guide, rather than an essay to be read from start to finish. 

Jump in and learn what you need to know to kick your personal finances into shape, then close the book. Easy!

This book would also be an excellent gift for any young adult looking to save up a deposit for a house purchase. 

3. The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel

"Doing well with money isn't necessarily about what you know. It's about how you behave. And behaviour is hard to teach, even to really smart people.

Money investing, personal finance, and business decisions is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do.

But in the real world people don't make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together.

In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life's most important topics ."

Anyone who is curious about the financial world.

The psychology of money provides its readers with a new lens to view our financial problems. 

I absolutely loved Morgan's use of the short story format, which gave a very accessible way to dip in and out of this recently published title. 

The book has been reviewed on Amazon 1,600 times in just two months since release which serves as proof of the demand for this book.

Currently reviewed at 4.7/5 on Amazon.co.uk.

4. Investing (FT Guide) - Glen Arnold

"The Financial Times Guide to Investing is the definitive introduction to the art of successful stock market investing by debunking the myth that investing is only for the wealthy.

Bestselling author Glen Arnold covers the basics of what investors do and why companies need them, through to the practicalities of buying and selling shares and how to make the most from your money. Learn how to understand different types of investment vehicles, pick the right companies and understand their accounts so you can compile and manage a sophisticated portfolio.

The fourth edition of this investing classic has been thoroughly updated and will give you everything you need to choose your shares with skill and confidence. "

I couldn't resist including my top pick from my best investing book guide.

A comprehensive guide for those who are serious about immersing themselves in the financial markets. 

If you're new to investing, I personally recommend this book as the best resource for understanding:

• How the stock market works
• How companies report their results
• How shareholders fit in to this picture

Most investing books for beginners will focus on the experience of the individual; what do you need to buy, where do you buy it, and how long do you hold it for. 

This title flips the equation by also revealing the inner workings of the investments themselves. This knowledge will help empower you. As a confidence booster, you can't do better than to fully grasp the technicalities of shares themselves. 

5. The Path - Tony Robbins & Peter Mallouk

"Regardless of your stage of life and your current financial picture, the quest for financial freedom can indeed be conquered.

The journey will demand the right tools and strategies along with the mindset of money mastery.

With decades of collective wisdom and hands-on experience, your guides for this expedition are Peter Mallouk, the only man in history to be ranked the #1 Financial Advisor in the U.S. for three consecutive years by Barron’s (2013, 2014, 2015), and Tony Robbins, the world-renowned life and business strategist.

Mallouk and Robbins take the seemingly daunting goal of financial freedom and simplify it into a step-by-step process that anyone can achieve."

If you're looking for an author with a cult following, you've found it in Tony Robbins.

Tony is a worldwide circuit speaker who has been delivering energetic personal development courses for life and business coaching for decades now.

This book sees him teaming up with high profile financial adviser Peter Mallouk.

I've featured this book because it's bang up to date to the modern economy - it was published in 2020. This makes it the most current, and of Tony's titles, the more relevant book if you were to pick one as the ultimate personal finance guide.

6. The Money Diet - Martin Lewis

" What we all need is detailed, no-nonsense Money Saving advice about organising credit cards, finding the cheapest deals for utilities, getting the best mortgage deals and how to haggle with every shopkeeper - in other words, how to make sure we're not wasting money.

Now with 100 extra Money Saving pages, in this edition of the bestselling The Money Diet , Martin Lewis shows you how to be canny with your finances, and provides clear-cut advice on how to pay bills, ways to cut spending, which banks to use and how to choose the best deals on an even greater range of products. "

As I highlight in my guide on how to Retire at 50 , the amount of wealth you can accumulate will be capped by your ability to cut back on spending.

This is why I've included this excellent title from legendary money-saver Martin Lewis in this personal finance books list. 

This book serves as an excellent companion to the rest of the titles above. Most of all, it will help you increase the sums of money that you have available to invest in the first place! 

Martin Lewis found widespread fame in the UK by founding MoneySavingExpert.com. A site which stood up to the unscrupulous practices of banks and lenders, help find savers great deals, and encouraged us all to get more for our money. 

The Financial Expert™ Best Personal Finance Book Challenge

I challenge you to complete one book per month and watch as this upgrades your personal finance knowledge!

The Financial Expert™ Best Personal Finance Book Challenge is something this site is well-known for.

It's a personal challenge which you can begin at any time. The perfect point to start is... now! 

The book challenge is about creating a powerful habit which will in term create powerful knowledge. 

The way this challenge works its pretty straight forward:

The challenge is to complete a complete read-through of a personal finance book each month over the course of 12 months. 

The purpose of the challenge is to read so widely that you will encounter plenty of additional perspectives you were not anticipating. Use all of these viewpoints to create your own informed perspective on money, personal finances and wealth.

The Best Personal Finance Book Challenge was originally a personal goal. Like a new years resolution, I gave myself the challenge of exposing myself to new personal finance thoughts and strategies.

What did I find out from completing the challenge?

Well, I fell head over heels in love with some books - a couple of them feature on the list above. In contrast, I really resisted other things I read.

But that was the intention. I didn't set out with the mission of just drinking whatever Kool-Aid I stumbled upon. I applied the same critical thinking and scepticism which I would suggest you apply to all financial books, and media.

Some helpful tips if you're starting the challenge:

• I found it easier to batch small batches of books; 3-4 at a time, to ensure I was buying a mixture of sub-genres and writing styles, but also keeping my bookshelf well stocked.
• Pick a variety of authors. Some books could be more formal and technical, others could be lighter or auto-biographical. This will eliminate any sense of fatigue, as you'll always be moving onto something new. 
• Pick at least one book that you don't think you would enjoy, this book might be the one that surprises you the most!
• If you're time-starved, audio books work a charm and are perfect for the commute, or when you don't feel like you have the attention span for a book. 

Where to begin?

My ranking above of the best personal finance books above is probably as good a place to start as any. You'll notice that I have purposefully curated the list to include a variety of writing styles and 'mindsets', to ensure that it will appeal to a broad crowd. 

Personal finance books to avoid

"Using the secret blueprint contained in this book, I grew my wealth from $100 to $100,000 in just 28 days! Totally real testimonial

You may have already noticed that I have excluded one category of personal finance book from my rankings and groups of titles above. 

It's the attention-grabbing get rich quick type. 

You have probably seen these both online and in good book shops. 

I do believe that they can serve a purpose, and I rank some quality examples on this site. Get rich quick books are motivating and they can instil a sense of enthusiasm about your financial future which just can't be drawn from a table of inflation-adjusted house prices . 

It is in our very nature to enjoy reading or listening to an author explain that our futures will be bright, and we will see prosperity in our lifetime.

It's nice to hear this and believe this once in a while. If a book provides you with that feeling, then who am I to take it out of your hands?

The main issues I have with most books of this nature are that they:

• Focus on a single asset class (no diversification)
• Over-emphasise the importance of a novelty factor
• Do not disclose the risks, downsides and pitfalls of the methods and strategies included within.
• Dedicate too much ink to the 'mindset' of becoming financially successful, over the basic technical details. 

It's easy to understand why. The marketers behind get-rich-quick books are often trying to design a book which will appeal to the widest possible audience. 

It is smart to include a novelty factor to give a reason for the buyer to think; 'this is new and worth trying'. 

The book needs to focus on something generic such as mindset to have some relevance to everyone who opens the book.

I can't see a personal finance book selling well if it opened with 'Chapters 3, 4 & 8 probably won't apply to you if you are a home-owner, and chapters 9 & 10 will be too risky for most readers."

Explore the best books in more genres

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• Personal statement: finance and accounting

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Dr Fatimah Zainudin from the University of Southampton’s management school is looking for 'the "chemistry" that makes an applicant shine out,’ so try and demonstrate your enthusiasm about the course and the buzz you'll get from studying it.

'What we love to see is a passion for the subject itself. If you fall in love with the subject, that’s what will lead to success on the course; it will give you the right chemistry,' she says.

Demonstrate your enthusiasm

If you can demonstrate what's sparked your interest in finance and accounting, that's a good start – but it’s no good just saying you’ve got a passion for it, you have to show it.

If you’re not the kind of person who gets very passionate about things, don’t worry. But do still try to explain what it is that attracts you to studying it. Then back it up with evidence of your relevant skills, knowledge or experiences and show that you understand something about what’s involved. That should solve it.

See our in-depth guides to studying finance or accounting at university, from typical modules to career paths, for some inspiration.

Finance and accounting personal statement must-haves

• Get the basics right: good communication skills are essential to anyone working in the finance sector, so make sure your statement is well-written. Nobody is asking for a literary masterpiece here, just a well-structured and waffle- and error-free statement.
• Interest in the subject: Sheffield Hallam University is looking for you to demonstrate 'an interest in and awareness of accounting and finance, or some level of practical experience.' Similarly, Bristol is looking for 'interest and commitment to the subject.' This means conveying enthusiasm for studying it and showing that you understand something about it, whether that comes from reading, work experience, or studying relevant topics in your A level, BTEC, or Higher course.
• Business awareness: University of Bath selectors are expecting students to have an interest and aptitude for 'quantitative analysis of business issues.' Demonstrate this with evidence that shows your abilities for applying mathematical skills to the analysis of business problems.
• Beyond the classroom: The University of Bristol is looking for 'intellectual curiosity – reading or research beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus.’ This is always good practice in personal statements, provided you then reflect on what you learned from your wider reading or research – they don’t just want a list.
• Relevant outside interests: if you choose to include extra-curricular activities, make sure they are relevant or showcase appropriate personal characteristics, skills, or achievements. Apply the 'so what?' test: if you play the flute or basketball, can you make that relevant to your future success at university, or should other factors take priority in your 47 lines?

Make the most of any experience

If you’ve had some work experience , that’s great. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a couple of weeks spent shadowing an accountant, a couple of hours just talking to one, a part-time job in a financial, retail, or business environment, or a scheme like Young Enterprise. What does matter is that you write about something relevant that you have learned from it. But, as Sheffield Hallam and LSE say on their websites, experience is not essential, so don’t panic if you don’t have any.

Your commitment to studying accounting or finance as an academic subject is usually the key requirement. However, if you can also show that extra ingredient of passion and a glimpse of the ‘chemistry’ that exists between you and the subject, then your application really will stand out.

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The 13 Best Personal Finance Books, According to Money Experts

Welcome to Reading Lists , comprehensive book guides from the Strategist designed to make you an expert (or at least a fascinating dinner-party companion) in hyperspecific or newsworthy topics, from microdosing and psychedelic therapy to French cooking . Here, a selection of books on personal finance to help you get out of debt, design a budget, and make smart investments.

Right up there with exercising , eating healthy , and KonMari-ing your closet , saving money and sticking to a budget are two of the more popular New Year’s resolutions. And it makes sense. Between student loans, paying rent, and juggling everyday expenses, most of us haven’t taken the time to think about building an emergency fund, planning for retirement, or investing; and the world of finance, with its complicated terminology and mathematical formulas, can all feel a little overwhelming.

While there are lots of books out there on how to earn, save, and spend money, it’s not easy to know which ones are applicable to your own goals. To find the best personal finance book for wherever you are in your money journey — from making a budget for the first time to decoding stocks and bonds — we asked ten money experts (financial planners, journalists, podcast hosts, and authors) for their picks. To earn a spot on the list, each of these titles had to be recommended by at least two members of our panel.

Best books for beginners

If you feel clueless about budgeting or overwhelmed by student loans and other expenses, Broke Millennial by personal finance expert Erin Lowry came recommended by five of our experts as the best place to start. The book is aimed at 20- and 30-somethings who are dealing with both paying off debt and beginning to plan for the future. Gaby Dunn, author of Bad With Money and host of the podcast of the same name, says, “I like the focus on younger people because a lot of finance books are for upper-class, middle-aged people.” Personal finance expert and author of You’re So Money , Farnoosh Torabi says, “Every generation has its definitive money book, and in many ways, Broke Millennial captures the financial zeitgeist of this generation so perfectly.”

With chapter titles like “Paying Rent to Your ‘Rents” (about the financial benefits and pitfalls of moving back home), and “Retirement: Can It Ever Happen for Me?,” it makes sense that Jessica Moorhouse , a Canadian accredited financial counselor, recommends reading Broke Millennial “to learn all the basics of finance in a relatable way.” Personal finance bloggers Grant Sabatier , author of Financial Freedom , and Ashley Feinstein Gerstley , author of The 30-Day Money Cleanse , agree that the book’s approachable tone and practical tips make it a great starting point for learning about everything from our emotional relationship with money to investing and planning for retirement.

Best known for his financial advice radio show The Dave Ramsey Show , Ramsey’s book offers a simple plan for getting out of debt and saving for emergencies and retirement. Jonathan Mendonsa, co-host of the finance podcast ChooseFI , says it “tells a story, is engaging, not overcomplicated, and if you follow it, you’ll be able to keep up with your budget.” He says it’s best for readers in their early 20s looking to get started with financial planning. Nick Holeman, senior financial planner at Betterment , says “this book highlights [Ramsey’s] famous ‘seven baby steps’ to gain control of your finances and gives people a newfound sense of agency.” He calls it “a critical stepping-stone for anybody who is struggling with debt, which is most of America.”

Best books for achieving financial independence

Recommended by four of our experts, Your Money or Your Life encourages readers to take a step back and think about the their ultimate goals and how much money they’ll need to get there. Sabatier says, “The simple premise of the book is the question: How much money are you willing to trade your life for? Whenever you’re working, your trading your life and energy for money. What does that mean to you?” Once you’re clear on the “why” behind your saving and spending, making decisions about investing and budgeting becomes much easier. Torabi says author Vicki Robin is “the O.G. who put the ‘personal’ in ‘personal finance.’ She was among the first to inspire us to create a financial road map that aligned with our core values and goals.”

Moorhouse points out that the book is a good introduction to the “financial independence, retire early” movement, or FIRE, popularized by bloggers like Mr. Money Mustache who practice extreme frugality and smart investing to retire young and devote more time to their passions. According to Holeman, “That shift frees you to spend your time and money in a way that maximizes your happiness, something that surprisingly very few of us actually do.”

In Set for Life , another favorite in the FIRE movement, author Scott Trench, CEO of the real estate investing site BiggerPockets , outlines a plan of prioritizing saving over earning and making good investments. Mendonsa says it’s great “for helping someone go from a standing start to where working is optional in a relatively short period of time,” and Sabatier says he recommends it for “younger people who want to live life on their own terms as quickly as they can.” Instead of buying into the traditional American dream, which, as Sabatier says, “is actually built on debt,” Trench emphasizes figuring out your own values and how you really want to use your time and money. That could mean pursuing travel instead of home ownership or biking instead of buying a car to save for early retirement.

Best books on developing good money habits

If you’ve heard the advice that if you simply cut out buying a cup of coffee per day you could save more than $1,000 in a year, you’re already familiar with author and financial expert David Bach ’s signature “latte factor.” Aimed at women but applicable to anyone looking to take control of their finances, the book explains how simple tweaks can lead to big savings, how small investments now can pay off big later, and how to stop living paycheck to paycheck. Torabi says, “Bach’s book was my first okay-let’s-get-my-money-situation-figured-out-for-real read,” and Gerstley credits it with kickstarting her knowledge of financial planning. She personally embraced the latte factor and realized she’d rather skip her morning coffee and be able to afford a big trip.

Another book by Bach that was popular among our experts, The Automatic Millionaire describes how to take the hard work and willpower out of the saving equation by automating your saving and investing. Moorhouse says it’s “a classic read to learn why it’s so important to set up a cash-flow system that works and to be mindful of all those little expenses,” and Sabatier says Bach’s work is so influential that “automation now is the status quo.” Jean Chatzky , a financial journalist and the author of Women With Money , agrees that it’s “terrific,” and says Bach “has keyed into the fact that changing your habits in a way that you can stick to them, and knowing what’s meaningful to you in your own life and prioritizing that, is what’s going to help you succeed.”

Best books on the psychology behind money habits

Skipping your morning coffee run sounds easy in theory, but in practice we know there are a host of emotional and psychological factors getting in the way of our making such a simple change. The next two books, both favorites of Chatzky’s, delve into how we make decisions and how, by better understanding our reasoning, we can make better choices. Holeman says the book “does a brilliant job at pointing out the many behavioral and emotional biases human beings have, and real-world examples of how we can overcome them to make better choices with our money.” Co-author Richard H. Thaler won the Nobel Prize in economics for his work in behavioral economics.

In the same vein as Nudge , journalist Charles Duhigg’s book examines what habits are, how they’re formed, and how we can leverage that knowledge to build habits that’ll benefit us in the long run. Ramit Sethi , best-selling author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich , says “habits form the very foundation of our behavior that drive[s] us toward our goals — with health, relationships, business, and yes, money, too. Building habits is absolutely crucial.” Chatzky adds that while it’s “not exactly a money book, if you take in what he’s trying to teach you, it’ll really revolutionize your financial life.”

Best books on the ‘millionaire mindset’

In The Millionaire Next Door , a top pick for three of our experts, business professors Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko reveal the seven common traits they’ve found among millionaires in their years of researching the behaviors of the wealthy. Holeman calls it “far and above my favorite book on personal finance,” and Sethi, who also recommends it, asks, “If you want to be rich yourself, what better way to learn than to study those who are rich?” Interestingly, the habits of the rich aren’t what you might expect. Sabatier, also a fan of the book, says, “The vast majority of millionaires in this country are the people driving the frugal cars and living in normal houses.” Instead of living flashy lives, the millionaires Stanley and Danko studied practice frugality and acquire wealth not through high-profile jobs but by managing their money in the right way.

Like The Millionaire Next Door , this book breaks down the mind-set that successful people share, but author Barbara Stanny’s exclusive focus on wealthy women yields a new set of lessons that anyone looking to boost their net worth can learn from. Kimberly Palmer, a financial writer and the author of Smart Mom, Rich Mom , says, “I find it super inspiring. The central message is that we have to believe in our own self-worth and that we deserve to earn a healthy income. She helps us overcome any confidence issues that are getting in the way of that.” Kristin Wong, author of Get Money , says “this book completely changed my career.” As a freelance writer, Wong says she didn’t feel comfortable asking for more pay until she read Stanny’s book. “To prove her wrong, I conducted a little negotiation experiment,” she says. “I vowed to ask every new freelance client for more money and negotiate with my existing clients. I thought they’d laugh in my face. But to my surprise, every single existing client I had agreed to pay me more”

Best books on investing

According to Holeman, “Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, made history with the first index fund.” Low-risk and tax-efficient, index funds track the rise and fall of the overall market and tend to outperform actively managed funds where individual investors decide whether to buy or sell. Holeman likes that Bogle’s book “arms investors with the knowledge of what they should be focusing on, and steers them away from what Wall Street wants them to focus on;” and Moorhouse says it’s “full of finance and investing lingo, but honestly the best book out there to learn about index investing.”

Bogle has also attracted a dedicated group of followers — who call themselves Bogleheads. For more on their philosophy, Sabatier recommends the Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing : “It’s the only investment book I think you’ll need,” he says.

Originally written as a series of letters advising his daughter, J.L. Collins’s book is also, as Mendonsa explains, a “compelling look at why you should be considering broad-based index funds.” Collins shares his philosophy of investing and why he’s wary of traditional strategies. Sabatier says it’s a good pick for those primarily seeking investment advice.

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17 Books for Economics Personal Statements 2022

Which books should you read for your economics personal statement?

After reading this post you will have some ideas for books to read, depending on your specific interests.

There are books for different areas of economics, including game theory, public economics, mathematics in economics, development and more.

First, for a complete guide to economics personal statements, including other supercurricular activities and how to write and structure your statement, click the blue button (paid resource):

Books by category

Economics Rules by Rodrik

• A good introduction about the uses and limits of economic models.
• Covers several different models and settings from the 2008 financial crisis to second best theory.

The Economist’s View of the World by Rhoads

• Another good introduction to economic thinking, this time about some of the ways in which economists think. 
• This includes opportunity costs, incentives, marginal economics, market failure and government intervention.

Game theory

Thinking Strategically/The Art of Strategy by Dixit and Nalebuff

• How you can apply game theory to lots of different settings, such as politics, sports and business.
• Examples of questions covered: When should voters vote for an enemy? Why might “burning bridges” be an effective strategy? How can it pay off to be unpredictable? Game theory attempts to answer these questions and more.
• My favourite chapter of Thinking Strategically is the chapter on “Brinkmanship”. By taking an enemy “to the brink”, in other words forcing the enemy to accept greater and greater risks on their current path, you may encourage your enemy towards a more acceptable, less risky outcome. This is a good starting point in explaining how nuclear war evolves and maybe, how we can reduce the likelihood of such a war. 

Co-opetition by Brandenburger and Nalebuff 

• How game theory can be applied in a business setting. Bringing together competition and cooperation.
• Particularly suited to those with interests in business economics and case studies of different businesses.
• A highlight for me is the “tactics” chapter of the book. What do job interview processes, peacocks and book publishers have in common? This chapter is about the importance of information or a lack of information. When might it be beneficial to obscure information? Information is a key consideration in game theory and there are important takeaways for business behaviour and the design of compensation schemes or interview processes, for example.

Mathematics in economics

Mastering Metrics by Angrist and Pischke

• An introduction to key econometrics techniques, such as the idea of regression.
• Natural experiment methods, such as difference-in-difference methods, instrumental variables and regression discontinuity design. This is the basis for a lot of undergraduate econometrics.

The Drunkard’s Walk by Mlodinow

• Mostly about statistics and probability (not about economics). 
• Learning about probability will be key for economics, for example for discussing stock price fluctuations or econometrics.

Development economics

Banker to the Poor: Micro-lending and the Battle Against World Poverty by Yunus

• Features the roots of the idea of microcredit – giving small loans out to those who cannot normally access funds from traditional banks. 
• Yunus is the founder of Grameen bank, one of the most well known examples of microcredit in action.
• I would also recommend supplementing this with reading about the evidence of the effects of microcredit. For example papers by Duflo and Banerjee on the effects of microcredit.

Development as Freedom by Sen

• A case for defining development in terms of freedom and that development is not just about increasing incomes.

Economic history 

The Ascent of Money by Ferguson

• Origins of money, banking, financial bubbles and panics.

Why Nations Fail by Acemoglu and Robinson

• A historical examination of why some nations are rich and others are poor.
• Focuses on the importance of “inclusive institutions” (such as enforcement of property rights) as opposed to “extractive institutions”.
• I also recommend looking into Acemoglu and Robinson’s (2000) paper on institutions as well as academic criticisms of their conclusions from other writers (for example by McArthur and Sachs).

History of economic thought 

The Worldly Philosophers by Heilbroner:

• Covers several key economists in history, from Adam Smith, Malthus and Ricardo to Keynes and Schumpeter.

Macroeconomics 

Austerity by Alesina, Favero and Giavazzi:

• Discusses the effects of fiscal austerity (reducing the size of the government budget deficit relative to GDP) and when this might be an effective policy.
• A good introduction to thinking and economic modelling in macroeconomics.

The Subprime Solution by Shiller

• Discusses causes of and solutions to global financial crises. Focusses on the importance of behavioural aspects of economics and finance.

Behavioural economics

Misbehaving by Thaler

• Covers key ideas in and the history of behavioural economics.

The Price of Inequality by Stiglitz

• Good discussion of the dangers of inequality, including how it affects living standards, politics and the economy, and what can be done about it.

Environmental economics and public economics 

Growth for Good by Terzi:

• How economic growth can mitigate, rather than exacerbate, the impacts of climate change.

Fragile Futures by Tanzi:

• How economists and governments should deal with uncertain events, including pandemics, climate change and other disasters.

Other questions

Why put books in the personal statement.

First of all there are personal benefits derived from reading. You can understand new ideas which you can apply to the real world and achieve personal enjoyment from reading.

For the purposes of personal statements, reading can act as a signal that you study beyond the standard curriculum. So you would be a motivated student at university.

How should I use books in a personal statement?

It is not a good idea just to name-drop the book, without any further discussion. How can the person reading your statement tell if you have actually read it?

The best way to discuss a book is to mention your own opinion of or takeaway from the book. Do you agree with the book? Did you find anything particularly surprising or interesting? Does the book help explain other phenomena you have observed, or link to something else?

So, when reading a book, I highly recommend making some notes on key ideas or points from the book and your own thoughts. You can then return to these points in the future or come back to them when writing your statement.

To read more about economics university applications (personal statement, supercurriculars and Oxbridge applications), click the link here .

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• 'Madoff Talks'
• 'Strategy Plain" and Simple'
• 'An Economist Walks into a Brothel'
• 'Undiversified'
• 'Life Centered Financial Planning'
• 'Complete Family Wealth'
• 'Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth'
• 'Advice That Sticks'
• Career Advice

The 8 Best Books for Financial Professionals in 2024

From the ultimate cautionary tale to managing risk and preserving family wealth

Michelle Lodge is a contributor to Investopedia, who is also a writer, editor, and podcaster.

Erika Rasure is globally-recognized as a leading consumer economics subject matter expert, researcher, and educator. She is a financial therapist and transformational coach, with a special interest in helping women learn how to invest.

As financial professionals, honesty, trustworthiness, skill, and knowledge matter to clients as you help them make important decisions about their lives and future. However, in your professional world, there’s also hype, bravado, criminal activity, and fraud, which may litter your journey. Our book choices help you navigate what’s before you. 

We begin our list with the best overall book, which lays out a cautionary tale of a once-respected financial professional who was leading a double financial life, duping his clients worldwide to the tune of $65 million. Jim Campbell’s "Madoff Talks: Uncovering the Untold Story Behind the Most Notorious Ponzi Scheme in History" tells the story of Bernard “Bernie” L. Madoff in Madoff’s own words. The book is part confessional and part an attempt by Madoff to rewrite his role in the narrative.

Ellen Carr and Katrina Dudley’s "Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management" makes the case for having more women in investment management .

Then, as you know, assets under management (AUM) rule the world of financial professionals. Mitch Anthony and Paul Armson make the argument for transforming your practice into one that considers the goals and lives of clients first in "Life Centered Financial Planning: How to Deliver Value That Will Never Be Undervalued."

Best Overall: Madoff Talks: 'Uncovering the Untold Story Behind the Most Notorious Ponzi Scheme in History'

“Bernie would never screw you,” or a variation of that phrase is what was often conveyed about Bernard L. Madoff, the largest Ponzi schemer of all time, whose swindle against often deep-pocketed and unwitting individuals, families, and organizations was worth about $65 billion. Often referred to affectionately as “Uncle Bernie” by his clients, Madoff defrauded thousands of people and institutions worldwide, who turned over millions to him, thinking he was investing it well for them.

Before Madoff’s 2008 arrest, he was known as a respected Wall Street financier who spearheaded the computerization of made markets, which led to the creation of Nasdaq and ran a successful broker-dealer firm headquartered in midtown Manhattan. Unbeknownst to those at that legitimate firm, an elaborate Ponzi scheme operation existed two floors down in the same building, which took in billions and pumped out false gains on paper to his “investors,” often reflecting better returns each year, even when the market was down.

Those who lost their money to their “financial advisor,” Madoff, failed to ask him if he was fiduciary , how he was investing their money, how he got paid, what their all-in costs were, what asset allocation he had selected for them, what investment benchmark he used, or what the tax cost was to them. It turned out that many other people and institutions skipped those critical questions, too—including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) , which performed two investigations and three examinations into Madoff’s legitimate business without uncovering his illegal operation.

Madoff, who died in federal prison in North Carolina in 2021, decided to talk candidly with radio host Jim Campbell and waived his attorney-client privilege to give the author more access after Campbell met with Madoff’s wife, Ruth, and son, Andrew. Campbell’s book is the only one that exposes the felon’s unfettered thoughts about his crime.

Best Quick Read on Strategizing Your Business: 'Strategy Plain and Simple'

Business writer Vaughan Evans slims down his message about strategy into three points in "Strategy Plain and Simple." He previously wrote the "Financial Times Essential Guide to Developing a Business Strategy: How to Use Strategic Planning to Start Up or Grow Your Business" and the "Financial Times Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan: How to Win Backing to Start Up or Grow Your Business."

In this 60-minute-or-so read, Evans outlines how to forecast and anticipate demand , target the strategic gap and bridge it, and balance risk and opportunity. The book features compelling examples of well-known businesses that faltered and then bounced back after instituting an effective strategic plan.

While Evans’ book is for a general business audience—not specifically those in the financial professions—the advice is relevant, actionable, and efficiently delivered.

Best on Managing Risk, with Humor: 'An Economist Walks into a Brothel'

Financial professionals are all about weighing risks for their clients to help grow their portfolios —and help grow their businesses for themselves. Economist, author, and journalist Allison Schrager has written a smart, joyful book with an irresistible title that explains how people in brothels and elsewhere make or avoid risky decisions and how to weigh risks.

As the book opens, Schrager is at the Moonlight BunnyRanch in Nevada to research the risks encountered by sex workers, of which there are many, including many life-threatening ones. She also interviewed a paparazzo who stakes out celebrities for hours and days in hopes of coming up with a well-paid shot, and surfers (“Big wave surfers are just like actuaries , only with better tans”) of giant waves, who at times must wait in shark-infested waters for the big one to come. There are many dangers in all of those situations, but potentially huge rewards.

“Using risk measurement and management when you make a decision, big or small, is similar to taking a road trip with a map,” Schrager writes. “The map certainly increases the odds of a successful journey, but it can’t tell you if a truck will smash into your car.” As a financial professional, you must take the trip anyway.

Best on Lack of Gender Diversity in Financial Services: 'Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management'

“Diversity is a core principle of investing,” write authors Ellen Carr and Katrina Dudley in "Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management." “Yet money managers have not applied it to their own ranks. Only about 10% of portfolio managers—those most responsible for investing your money—are female, and the numbers are even worse at the ownership level.” Throughout the financial services industry, women are in the minority.

These two experienced financial professionals draw on their own experiences, weaving in research to spell out the barriers to women in the field at every stage—education, recruitment, and promotions. They proffer the benefits for not only the women who want to thrive in the field, but also to the industry that caters to women now that they hold the majority of personal wealth in the United States.

Work-life balance is frequently cited as a reason women don’t thrive in financial services professions. Carr and Dudley disagree and cite a 2016 CFA Institute study that found that a majority of men and women (66% and 63%, respectively) maintained that it wasn’t difficult to take time off when working in investment management.

Best on Rethinking the Assets Under Management (AUM) Model: 'Life Centered Financial Planning: How to Deliver Value That Will Never Be Undervalued'

Financial consultants Mitch Anthony and Paul Armson argue that it’s time to reconsider whether the model of assets under management (AUM) is the best one for financial professionals to zero in on. Considering the whole of their clients as people and their goals is more effective, Anthony and Armson contend:

“How many times have we overhead advisers telling stories prefaced with, ‘I’ve got this $5 million client…’ and wondered to ourselves what would that client think if he or she were standing here and listening to that prefacing of the relationship? It’s difficult to see who clients are when our eyes are so pragmatically tuned to seeing what they have .”

The authors are co-founders of the consultancy Life Centered Planning, which recommends that financial professionals shift their focus so that their clients realize an abundant life. In three parts, the book:

• Advocates that financial advisors help ensure that clients have a richer life
• Promotes developing “ soft skills ”—empathy, listening, behavioral intervention techniques, and conflict management—as a way of getting to know their clients and what’s important to them
• Urges financial professionals to put the fulfilled life of their clients ahead of money

Best on Perpetuating Family Affluence Across Generations: 'Complete Family Wealth'

The experts who wrote this book are James E. Hughes Jr., a retired attorney and author of several books on preserving family prosperity; Susan E. Massenzio, a psychologist and co-founder of the consultancy and think tank Wise Counsel Research; and Keith Whitaker, an educator and co-founder of Wise Counsel Research.

The trio has merged strengths to develop a formula for advising wealthy families on how to retain their money over generations. While the book has been written for the wealthy client, it’s a foundational resource for the financial professional who hopes to develop family clients over multiple generations.

In the book’s three sections, it defines:

• What enterprise, family, and wealth are
• Who the family’s key, productive players are in managing its wealth
• How or what steps can families take to augment family holdings

This edition includes a new chapter that delves into measures, which are to learn, labor, love, laugh, and let go, that can enhance the lives of well-off family members.

This is an excellent instructional book about managing generational wealth. However, it lacks a discussion of the racial wealth gap in the U.S. and the structural inequality that has created it. Addressing this issue would have provided additional perspective on family wealth and the obstacles many Americans face in creating and preserving it. For more on that issue for Black Americans, check out "Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth" below.

Best Primer on Building Black Wealth: 'Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth'

in her practical, thought-provoking book "Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth," Esi Kagale Agyeman Gillo notes that after Native Americans, African Americans have the highest poverty rate, at nearly 21%, more than double that of Whites, who are at about 8%. Agyeman Gillo is the co-founder with her husband, Peter Markeeo Gillo, of DIFFvelopment, a nonprofit founded in 2015 that develops “unique ways to foster sustainable global Black empowerment,” the book explains.

Agyeman Gillo lays out how you can build wealth in chapters on economic and employment realities and create generational and communal wealth through what she calls “Afropreneurship,” in which she promotes working for yourself over being an employee, and “Afrophilanthropy,” in which she suggests you give to meaningful charities. She presents quizzes and charts throughout to help you determine where you stand and what needs to be done to expand your affluence.

Best for Advising Clients: 'Advice That Sticks'

Even when people pay for advice, some don’t heed it. Add money to the equation, and behavior can become even more unpredictable.

In Moira Somers’ "Advice That Sticks," the author, a practitioner of financial psychology and an executive coach, notes that “most people are at least mildly crazy when it comes to money.” With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that financial professionals have a high mountain to climb when dealing with clients. It isn’t helped by the fact that most in finance have no training on how to speak with clients effectively and may be unwittingly putting them off.

Clear communication is critical. For each client meeting, Somers recommends setting parameters that she calls “adherence boosters” so that clients know what to expect and have the chance to voice what they want to achieve. She also advises financial professionals to listen intently, speak plainly, connect warmly, and make sure that the client understands what you are proposing, so that they can decide whether to follow your advice.

Finally, Somers notes, “There can be no good advice without agreement from the advisee.” Only when there is agreement between the parties can discussions lead to deal-closing action.

Final Verdict

The world wanted to know why and how Bernard “Bernie” L. Madoff committed the largest Ponzi scheme. Our pick for best overall book, "Madoff Talks: Uncovering the Untold Story Behind the Most Notorious Ponzi Scheme in History," by radio host Jim Campbell, fits the bill in spades. Madoff gave Campbell carte blanche to interview him and his lawyer, resulting in revealing insights now covered by other books about the convicted felon. Finally, the book lays out the Madoff saga as a case study of how not to be a financial professional.

Why You Should Trust Investopedia

Michelle Lodge thrives in the book-reviewing world. She has been published in Publishers Weekly and was an editor and writer for Library Journal, both of which cover books and the industry. While a book review editor at Library Journal, which recommends books for public library collections, she selected a number of fine books on a range of financial topics for review. She was also the editor of the On Wall Street Book Club, in which she reviewed books and interviewed authors on a podcast on subjects important to financial professionals.

Seeking out a diverse field of books for financial professionals requires consultations with many experts. Lodge collected recommendations from Investopedia Financial Review Board members and Investopedia editors, business executives, and bestseller lists from the Financial Times, The New York Times, The Times of London, the London Review of Books, and others, as well as her own experience as a book review editor.

Lodge’s goal is to present the reader with factual, actionable books that are well-written and enjoyable to read, and that cover the bases in subject matter and expertise. She also aims to tap into a diverse pool of new writers, whose coverage reveals the many influences and perspectives on financial professionals.

Reuters. " Madoff Pleads Guilty, is Jailed for $65 Billion Fraud ."

Securities and Exchange Commission. " Investigation of Failure of the SEC To Uncover Bernard Madoff's Ponzi Scheme ."

Defender Services Office. " Bernie Madoff Dies In Prison At 82 ."

CFA Institute. " Gender Diversity in Investment Management ." Page 9.

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28 Best Personal Finance Books [2024 Update]

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Personal finance is the most valuable self-help topic. It is one of the few areas of your life where simple process improvement will directly affect your money. This makes personal finance books like the ones on this list incredibly valuable.

These books are designed for everyone. They can help those who make a lot of money get a better handle on their cash flow. But more importantly, they can help those of modest means get a better handle on their finances and perhaps even accrue enough savings to be truly rich.

Table of Contents

Why Read Books on Personal Finance?

Whether you earn in the top 10% of national incomes or struggle to get by from paycheck-to-paycheck, learning more about personal finance is the key to long-term success with money.

Understanding personal finance basics is foundational to financial success. They include the basics of budgeting and building a budget that works. They will teach you how to reduce debt and save money.

Finally, these books will show you how to turn modest savings and investments into great saving and investments over time.

These books cover the basics of investing, but JUST the basics. If you have a lot of extra money and are looking for tips on what to do with the extra money these books on investing might be a better fit for you. 

Also to consider, if you have the cash flow, is investing in property. Property is an investment that always increases with time. These real estate investment books can give you some great guidance on that specific investment.

But remember, of all types of financial management books, the ones you see on this page are the most important. These books will truly move the line on your personal finance education.

Without further ado, let’s look at the best books on personal finance.

Best Personal Finance Books to Help You Budget and Save Money

1. the total money makeover by dave ramsey.

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• The book advocates for a systematic approach to financial fitness, emphasizing the importance of budgeting, debt reduction, and long-term wealth building.
• Ramsey provides a clear and actionable plan for achieving financial freedom, outlining the “baby steps” method to guide readers toward financial stability and independence.
• The author emphasizes the psychological and behavioral aspects of money management, addressing the mindset shifts required to break free from debt and build wealth.
• Practical strategies for living within one's means, avoiding consumer debt, and investing for the future are presented, offering a roadmap to financial security.
• Ramsey's emphasis on personal responsibility and discipline empowers readers to take control of their financial destinies, offering hope for a brighter financial future through intentional money management.

This personal finance book by Dave Ramsey is especially great for younger people who are just starting to really manage their money. Ramsey provides budget forms and worksheets for the reader to reference to make things simple.

While it may not be a very exciting book, The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness provides a lot of real-life success stories that can help inspire the reader to properly manage their own money .

It is like taking your own personal finance class in college. It may not always be “exciting” but the information presented is top-notch and essential to long term success with money and finances.

Ramsey helps readers relate to their personal finances in this book by asking the important question of “Would you fire yourself if you managed the money for a company like you manage your personal money?”

This helps the reader to reflect upon their own situation and apply the lessons in the book to their own life.

While it is not meant for retirees, this book lends a lot of knowledge to people in their early 40s and younger.

2. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

• The book challenges common perceptions of wealth, revealing that many millionaires live modest lifestyles and prioritize financial discipline and frugality.
• Stanley's research highlights the significance of hard work, perseverance, and smart financial choices in accumulating wealth, dispelling myths about lavish spending habits among the affluent.
• The author emphasizes the value of living below one's means, investing wisely, and prioritizing long-term financial security over conspicuous consumption.
• Practical insights into the habits and behaviors of self-made millionaires are provided, offering readers a blueprint for building wealth through prudent financial decisions.
• The book encourages a shift in mindset from consumerism to wealth accumulation, offering a new perspective on what it truly means to be financially successful.

The Millionaire Next Door looks at the seven common traits that continue to show up among people who have accumulated wealth. Most people picture wealthy people as living lavish lives, but a lot of truly wealthy people live right down the street, due to living below their means and investing well.

There is a lot of data and common sense in this book that proves to have surprising results. It is also full of information about both the emotional baggage and the freedom that money provides.

Regardless of your age when you begin to read this book, you will certainly be able to recognize people from your own social circles in it. Additionally, you will recognize a vision of yourself.

And if you are willing to do an honest assessment of your financial habits, you will be able to recognize some areas that could use improvement.

While some statistics in this book may be outdated (as it has been around for 15 years), the principles remain the same. If you are able to follow these principles and create a plan, you can be well on your way to financial success.

This book provides a lot of valuable information at an inexpensive price.

3. Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry

• The book offers practical financial advice tailored to the millennial generation, addressing common money-related challenges and providing actionable solutions.
• Lowry emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, empowering readers to take control of their money through budgeting, investing, and debt management.
• The author provides guidance on navigating complex financial decisions, such as student loans, renting versus buying a home, and negotiating salaries.
• Practical tips for building an emergency fund, understanding investment options, and planning for retirement are presented, catering to the specific needs of millennials.
• Lowry's approachable and relatable style helps demystify personal finance, making it accessible and engaging for readers looking to improve their financial well-being.

This smart guide to money helps people who are just getting started to take control of their finances. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to go from completely broke to financially secure.

This is different from other personal finance books because it not only addresses credit card debt, budgeting, and investing, but goes beyond the basic financial issues to look at tricky money matters and real-life situations that people face.

Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together is an easy read with real-life stories and simple advice. It might be right for you if you have poor money habits that have been passed down through the generations. This gives you everything you need to break that cycle of financial irresponsibility.

With a strong focus on the mental aspect of spending and finances, the reader is able to think about why they spend as they do, and perhaps consider what void in their life they are trying to fill, and how to do it in a less expensive way.

This is a great guide filled with personal finance tips for younger people who are just getting started.

4. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

• The book offers a comprehensive approach to personal finance, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and conscious spending to help readers achieve financial success.
• Sethi emphasizes the importance of automating finances and setting up systems for managing money effectively, reducing the need for constant decision-making and willpower.
• Practical advice on optimizing credit scores, negotiating for better deals, and identifying high-impact financial actions is provided to empower readers to take control of their finances.
• The author encourages readers to focus on increasing their earnings through strategic career moves and entrepreneurship, in addition to prudent money management.
• Sethi's no-nonsense, direct approach and actionable steps make personal finance accessible and engaging, providing a roadmap for readers to build wealth and live a rich life.

I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. Just a 6-Week Program That Works was created for 20- to 35-year-olds who are financially clueless, provides a practical and non-judgmental approach to making readers want to follow the advice that is given.

It is based on the four pillars of personal finance, including banking, budgeting, saving, and investing. It also discusses the wealth-building opportunities of personal entrepreneurship.

This is a logical, step-by-step handbook to help lead readers to financial success. One of the major takeaways from this book is the importance of automating your finances so you are able to save and invest money without putting in much thought or effort.

This helps leave you money to spend on everyday things without questioning your decisions or feeling guilty.

This book presents a six-week action plan that is easy and straightforward to follow. Each chapter goes through a task and why it is important and ends with a clear checklist of actions to be taken.

This is a great book for people who have not had the chance to optimize their finances yet, and are looking for a place to start.

5. Get a Financial Life by Beth Kobliner

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• The book serves as a comprehensive guide to personal finance, covering essential topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt to help readers achieve financial well-being.
• Kobliner provides practical advice on navigating major financial milestones, including buying a home, starting a family, and planning for retirement, offering actionable steps for each stage of life.
• The author emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and offers clear explanations of complex financial concepts, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their money.
• The book addresses the impact of technological advancements on personal finance, providing insights into managing online banking, investments, and protecting against cyber threats.
• Kobliner's accessible and relatable style makes the often daunting topic of personal finance approachable, offering a wealth of practical advice for readers at any stage of their financial journey.

This down-to-earth personal finance book speaks to people in their 20s and 30s who are just starting out. It addresses doing taxes, boosting credit scores, and decreasing debt. It also talks about how to avoid common money mistakes and effectively navigate the world of personal finance.

Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties also includes Cliff notes, in case you are jumping around and scanning the chapters. The fundamental concepts are great to come back to every now and then, so it is helpful to have such a well-organized book where you can find what you are looking for easily.

This personal finance book is a must-read for people who are about to graduate from college and go out on their own .

While it is great for people who are looking for general advice, this might not be the book for those who are more established in their financial lives and looking for ways to optimize their finances.

6. The Money Class by Suze Orman

• Orman offers practical advice for achieving financial stability and security, addressing common money-related challenges and providing actionable solutions.
• The book emphasizes the importance of understanding one's relationship with money and making intentional decisions to achieve financial well-being.
• Orman provides guidance on managing debt, investing for the future, and planning for retirement, catering to readers at various stages of their financial journeys.
• The author's approachable style and relatable examples make complex financial concepts accessible, empowering readers to take control of their financial destinies.
• Orman's holistic approach to financial well-being encompasses not only practical money management but also the emotional and psychological aspects of financial decision-making, offering a comprehensive guide to achieving financial success.

The Money Class: Learn to Create Your New American Dream is a great personal finance book for everyone, regardless of where you are in your life financially. It covers everything about taking care of your family, your career, your home, and your retirement. Using a very direct approach, Orman shows the reader how to manage the mix of money and family.

She also addresses how to avoid making common, costly mistakes when it comes to real estate and your career. This is a great book to help prepare for retirement as well, as it includes a comprehensive retirement resource with an attainable strategy that can be used at any age.

The tools and advice that are presented in this book can take the reader from financial fear to financial security with lessons on how to feel hopeful about the future.

To make things practical and easy to follow for the reader, the author breaks down the pros and cons of various financial decisions and situations that people often encounter.

Though parts of this book may not apply to you, there is definitely something in this book for everyone.

7. Personal Finance For Dummies by Eric Tyson

• The book provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.
• Tyson offers practical advice on managing debt, understanding credit scores, and making informed decisions about mortgages and insurance, catering to readers at various stages of their financial journeys.
• The author emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and provides clear explanations of complex financial concepts, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their money.
• Practical tips for building an emergency fund, understanding investment options, and planning for retirement are presented, offering a roadmap for achieving financial security.
• Tyson's straightforward and jargon-free approach makes personal finance less intimidating, providing readers with the knowledge and tools to take control of their financial well-being.

Personal Finance For Dummies offers tried and true financial tips on how to keep your financial assets growing in spite of the changing market and downturn in the economy.

This personal finance book acts as a guide through some of the major subjects in finance, including budgeting, paying off debt, saving, and making proper investment choices .

Tyson urges his readers to examine all of the aspects of their financial well-being and pinpoint the areas that need improvement.

While this is an entry-level book on home personal finance, it is very comprehensive. The author provides solid and practical information that can be applied to anyone's life right away.

With a bit of humor added throughout the book, there are smart lessons laid out that are always useful to keep around and refer back to in the future.

This book is easily broken down and very simple to follow. It is a great book to have on hand for anyone who wants to learn how to get out of debt and save money.

8.  The Budgeting Habit by SJ Scott

Full disclosure. I wrote this budgeting book with my writing partner Rebecca Livermore.

I may be biased, but I think it is a great resource for anyone looking to create a budget. It doesn't have a wide focus on personal finance but rather a narrow focus on the super important habit of creating a budget and how to stick to it.

The Budgeting Habit: How to Make a Budget and Stick to It! is a culmination of both research and personal experience.

Let’s face it. Budgets are boring. This is not a flashy topic, like making money, investing or starting a side hustle. It is drab and boring. Like brushing your teeth.

But what brushing your teeth is to personal hygiene, budgeting is to finance. It may be boring but doing it right is the lynchpin on top of which all financial success rests.

In this book, we tried to make budgeting as interesting as it possibly could be. But more importantly, we strive to give a practical step-by-step guide for how to properly create a budget .

9. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

• The book imparts timeless financial wisdom through a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon, offering practical lessons on wealth accumulation and financial prudence.
• Clason's parables emphasize the importance of saving, investing, and living within one's means, presenting fundamental principles for achieving financial success.
• The author advocates for the power of self-discipline and sound money management, illustrating how small, consistent actions can lead to lasting financial abundance.
• Practical advice on budgeting, debt management, and wealth building is presented in a relatable and engaging narrative, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
• Clason's storytelling approach provides a compelling and memorable framework for understanding and applying key principles of personal finance, offering valuable insights for readers seeking financial empowerment.

The Richest Man in Babylon: The Original 1926 Edition talks about how people in ancient times were able to be financially successful.

It often refers to the “ Babylonian parables ,” which are known as the greatest inspiring works on thrift, wealth, and financial planning, and includes fascinating and informative stories to help set the reader on a path to prosperity.

This is an inspiring book on personal success. It helps to strengthen the reader's faith in hard work, a positive attitude, and self-discipline. It also teaches the values of avoiding procrastination and taking advantage of opportunities.

While the old English language that pops up throughout this book may not feel right to some people, it only goes to show that these principles have been around for a long time with continued success.

​The downside of this book for many is that it deals with ideas. It is more about the thought process behind saving rather than actually giving you real-world personal finance tools to take action.

10. The 5 Years Before You Retire by Emily Guy Birken

• The book offers practical guidance for individuals approaching retirement age, outlining actionable steps to prepare financially and emotionally for this life transition.
• Birken emphasizes the importance of strategic financial planning, providing insights into retirement accounts, Social Security, and investment strategies to maximize retirement income.
• The author addresses healthcare considerations, long-term care planning, and lifestyle adjustments, offering a holistic approach to preparing for retirement.
• Practical advice on managing debt, creating a retirement budget, and aligning financial goals with personal values is provided, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their retirement.
• Birken's relatable and accessible style helps demystify the complexities of retirement planning, offering a roadmap for achieving financial security and fulfillment in the retirement years.

Despite the fact that many Americans put money aside throughout their careers for retirement, people often wait until they are in their sixties to realize they have not saved enough.

The 5 Years Before You Retire, Updated Edition: Retirement Planning When You Need It the Most aims to show the reader what needs to be done in the next five years to make the best use out of current savings and create a plan for the future.

Birken covers every aspect of retirement planning and provides straightforward strategies to explain how people can make the most of their last few years in the workforce while also preparing for retirement.

This is a great book for anyone, whether you have been saving for retirement since the beginning of your career or you are just getting started. It will show you what is important to do now so you are able to live comfortably in the future.

This book presents the information in a very clear way, which makes it quite easy to read. It is also great for people who are not clear on a lot of financial terminology but want to learn more.

11. The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

• The book advocates for a practical and automated approach to building wealth, emphasizing the power of consistent, automatic contributions to savings and investments.
• Bach highlights the significance of homeownership and provides insights into leveraging home equity as a wealth-building tool, offering actionable strategies for aspiring homeowners.
• The author emphasizes the concept of “paying yourself first” and automating financial processes, empowering readers to prioritize savings and investments in their budgets.
• Practical advice on retirement planning, tax-advantaged accounts, and debt reduction is provided, offering a roadmap for achieving financial security and abundance.
• Bach's straightforward and actionable approach makes wealth-building accessible to readers at any income level, offering a blueprint for financial success through automated money management.

This book is different from other personal finance books because it starts out with a story of an American couple whose joint income is never over $55,000 a year, yet they own two homes, put their children through college, and retire at the young age of 55 with over $1 million in savings.

The story goes to show that just having personal financial planning does not lead to wealth. Rather, it is important to automatically pay yourself first to secure your future while also paying for the present.

The Automatic Millionaire, Expanded and Updated: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich offers a realistic system for anyone to put into place, no matter what their income level is. Investing 10% of your income automatically will result in long-term savings without any extra effort.

This is a great book for teenagers and young adults who are just starting to manage their own money. It teaches them to think about their savings first and then focus on what they want to purchase in the present moment. This straightforward book leaves little room for confusion.

12. Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not) by Beth Kobliner

• The book offers practical advice for parents to teach their children about money management, introducing age-appropriate concepts and activities to foster financial literacy from an early age.
• Kobliner emphasizes the importance of open communication about money within families, providing guidance on discussing financial topics and instilling positive money habits in children.
• The author addresses various aspects of financial education, including saving, spending, investing, and charitable giving, offering tools and resources for parents to engage their children in these areas.
• Practical tips for navigating allowances, budgeting, and teaching the value of money are provided, empowering parents to raise financially responsible children.
• Kobliner's accessible and relatable style makes the often daunting topic of financial education engaging, providing a comprehensive guide for parents to help their children develop money management skills.

Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not): A Parents' Guide for Kids 3 to 23 provides a jargon-free, step-by-step guide for parents to use to teach their children about money.

While this is essentially a lesson on finances, it is actually so much more than that. Teaching kids how to spend their money properly involves teaching lessons on delaying gratification, living within or below your means, working hard, doing well in school, and being generous toward other people.

What's more, this book talks about why an allowance isn’t the best way to teach children how to handle money, and why after-school jobs may not necessarily be the answer either.

This well-structured book is candid and often funny. It is a great read for parents as well as people who do not have kids but want a better grasp on their own finances.

It is easy to relate to because parents have already been through their own childhoods and have seen how their financial lessons impacted them. This book shows the process in a new light that is more effective than one may think.

13. Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School? By by Cary Siegel

• The book fills the gap in traditional education by providing practical financial lessons for young adults, covering topics such as budgeting, investing, and managing debt.
• Siegel emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and offers clear explanations of complex financial concepts, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their money.
• Practical advice on building credit, understanding insurance, and navigating the job market is provided, catering to the specific needs of young adults entering the workforce.
• The author's straightforward and relatable approach makes personal finance accessible, offering a roadmap for young adults to navigate the complexities of managing their finances.
• Siegel's book serves as a valuable resource for young adults transitioning into independent financial decision-making, providing essential knowledge and tools for long-term financial success.

Unlike other personal finance books, Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By is not complicated or lengthy. It discusses eight important lessons that focus on 99 principles that will help enhance anyone's money management skills.

This quick and easily digested read focuses on the qualitative side of money management rather than the quantitative side. The author uses practical principles that are memorable and that generate deeper thoughts in the reader's mind.

This book is formatted in a way that it can be picked up and put down as needed. It is an easy read that can be appreciated by adults and teenagers alike.

It also provides a great starting point to discuss finances with teenagers so they are able to learn what they should and should not do in the future in order to accumulate wealth.

14. Pogue's Basics: Money by David Pogue

• The book offers practical and accessible advice on various money-related topics, providing valuable tips and tricks for managing personal finances effectively.
• Pogue covers a wide range of financial subjects, including budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding common financial pitfalls, catering to readers at different stages of their financial journeys.
• The author's straightforward and engaging style makes complex financial concepts easy to understand, offering actionable insights for readers seeking to improve their financial well-being.
• Practical advice on navigating technology-driven financial tools, protecting against scams, and optimizing financial decisions is provided, empowering readers to make informed choices about their money.
• Pogue's book serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their financial literacy and make the most of their financial resources, offering practical guidance for achieving financial success.

This book on money shortcuts shows that information is money. By using simple tips and tricks, readers are able to walk away from this book and start saving money.

Although a lot of information in Pogue's Basics: Money: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System is common sense, it is great to have it all put together in one place to show that a few changes here and there can add up to a lot of savings.

Pogue writes in layman's terms, so this is an easy read for anyone to breeze through. He offers really good insights into topics that a lot of people would not think to research on their own, so it is definitely worth the read.

15. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig

• The book emphasizes the principles of value investing, advocating for a long-term, rational approach to stock selection and portfolio management.
• Graham and Zweig provide insights into the importance of thorough analysis and risk management, offering a disciplined framework for making investment decisions.
• The authors highlight the distinction between investing and speculation, encouraging readers to focus on intrinsic value and margin of safety when evaluating investment opportunities.
• Practical advice on navigating market fluctuations, understanding market psychology, and avoiding common investment pitfalls is provided, offering a timeless guide for investors.
• The book's comprehensive approach to investment philosophy and strategy serves as a valuable resource for investors seeking to develop a sound and informed approach to the stock market.

The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed: The Definitive Book on Value Investing is a tougher read than some of the other books on finance, but it is full of very useful information.

Geared more towards those who have an interest in the stock market and investing , it offers commentaries to help the reader relate to the narrator, and give moments of the book a more lighthearted feel.

This book also addresses inflation, portfolio management, market fluctuation, stock selection, bonds, convertible issues, and other more advanced financial subjects.

While this might not be the best book on finances for younger people who are just starting out in the professional world, it lays the foundation in layman's terms by providing the reader with a sound approach to investments in common sense and simplistic way.

16. How to Retire with Enough Money by Teresa Ghilarducci

• The book offers practical guidance for retirement planning, addressing the financial challenges and considerations that individuals face as they prepare for retirement.
• Ghilarducci provides insights into the importance of saving, investing, and managing retirement accounts to ensure financial security in retirement.
• The author emphasizes the need for realistic retirement income goals and offers strategies for optimizing Social Security benefits and other sources of retirement income.
• Practical advice on managing healthcare costs, long-term care planning, and lifestyle adjustments is provided, offering a holistic approach to preparing for retirement.
• Ghilarducci's accessible and actionable approach makes retirement planning less daunting, providing readers with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial security in their retirement years.

How to Retire with Enough Money: And How to Know What Enough Is offers an easy-to-follow program that can change the course of one's retirement. It helps cuts through misinformation, confusion, and poorly executed policies that keep people spending or saving poorly.

How to Retire with Enough Money covers how much money should be saved for retirement, and gives the basic principles that will help the money continue to grow.

This includes ideas to help get any current expenses under control, including suggestions for getting rid of your financial advisor and take the reigns on your finances yourself, and even why it is best to pay off a loan rather than keep paying for it every month.

Providing the framework for securing your retirement, How to Retire with Enough Money looks at the risks of not saving enough money while you are working, and what other options you might have.

It provides stable, solid, conservative advice for people who are interested in learning about long-term financial security.

17. The Index Card by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack

• The book distills personal finance advice into a simple set of principles that can fit on an index card, emphasizing the power of straightforward, actionable guidelines for managing money.
• Olen and Pollack advocate for key financial principles such as living within your means, saving for the future, and avoiding high-interest debt, offering a clear roadmap to financial stability.
• The authors stress the importance of prioritizing low-cost, diversified index funds for investing, and highlight the impact of fees on investment returns.
• Practical advice on managing debt, maximizing retirement savings, and avoiding common financial pitfalls is provided, offering a concise and accessible guide to personal finance.
• The book's straightforward and actionable approach makes personal finance less intimidating, providing readers with a simple yet powerful framework for achieving financial security and well-being.

The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated is meant to be a quick and easy guide to personal finance. It is geared toward middle-class Americans and lays out for them the best money habits they can adapt in order to stay financially comfortable throughout life.

Everything covered in this book was once fit on a single index card. With 10 tips ranging from how much money one should save to supporting government programs, this book takes these tips and expands on them so people can see the reason behind each one.

A lot of the advice that is given in this book may seem to be easier said than done, especially for people who are not financially stable.

For example, the first tip is to save a percentage of your income, but some people are unable to do so because they live off of every penny that they make. However, there are some very useful tips in this book for people who have a bit of a head start.

This book is great for people who are just starting to learn about money, or who are about to enter the workforce and need a plan for their earnings.

18. Mindful Money by Jonathan K. DeYoe

• The book promotes the practice of mindfulness in managing personal finances, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in money-related decisions.
• DeYoe provides insights into the psychological and emotional aspects of money management, offering tools and practices to cultivate a healthier relationship with money.
• The author encourages readers to align their financial decisions with their values and priorities, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their financial journey.
• Practical advice on budgeting, investing, and charitable giving is provided, offering a holistic approach to mindful money management.
• DeYoe's approachable and relatable style helps demystify the intersection of mindfulness and money, offering a comprehensive guide for readers seeking financial empowerment and well-being.

Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend is a great book for young adults about how to live comfortably while also being able to manage money and resources. The author uses a Buddhist approach to talk about money and personal finance, and the lack of guidelines that people are presented with when they are growing up.

Mindful Money works to dispel the money myths that people live with that are taught by self-proclaimed money experts.

It simplifies strategies and goals for the reader by asking them to determine their financial priorities as well as their limitations on saving. It also addresses meaning through relationships, working toward goals, and being generous.

The author often urges the reader to notice their good fortune in what they do have and gives them a way to work towards their well-intended financial goals. This is not an extremely religious or spiritual text, but it is compatible with readers who feel connected to Buddhism in general.

19. The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias

• The book offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to personal finance, covering a wide range of topics including investing, saving, and retirement planning.
• Tobias emphasizes the importance of simple, low-cost investment strategies, advocating for long-term, diversified portfolio management to achieve financial security.
• The author provides insights into the impact of fees, taxes, and inflation on investment returns, offering practical advice for optimizing investment performance.
• Practical tips for managing debt, understanding insurance, and navigating the complexities of the financial industry are presented, catering to readers at various stages of their financial journeys.
• Tobias' straightforward and engaging style makes personal finance less intimidating, providing readers with a timeless and practical resource for achieving financial well-being.

This finance guide shows readers how to use their money to their best advantage in the current financial marketplace. It is not aimed towards the rich or the poor specifically; rather, its lessons can be used by people of all financial backgrounds.

The author uses concise, understandable, and witty tips to explain his advice on savings, making proper investments, saving for retirement, and other financial happenings throughout life.

The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need is a great financial book for people who are just getting started with earning money because it is comprehensive yet simple.

Along with everyday tips, the author addresses investing in index funds, which is very helpful for those who have not done so already. But the book may not provide very much new information for people who have already mastered their index funds.

With a bit of humor scattered throughout this book, many people can enjoy and learn from its practical and timeless advice.

20. The One-Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards

• The book advocates for a simplified approach to financial planning, emphasizing the importance of clarity, purpose, and aligning money decisions with personal values.
• Richards provides insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of money management, offering a framework for understanding and addressing financial behaviors and biases.
• The author encourages readers to focus on creating a clear and concise financial plan that reflects their goals and priorities, simplifying the often overwhelming process of financial planning.
• Practical advice on budgeting, investing, and managing financial goals is provided, offering a straightforward and actionable approach to personal finance.
• Richards' accessible and relatable style helps demystify financial planning, offering readers a practical and empowering guide to achieving financial well-being.

The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money does a good job of addressing the amount of money that people should invest every year, and how to allocate it. It also talks about life insurance and other more complex financial issues that arise throughout life that are not necessarily cut and dry.

It is important for people to step back and look at the big picture so they have the ability to deal with unexpected financial burdens. Whether it is the loss of a job or an unexpected disaster, life always hands people things to pay for that they haven’t planned for.

No matter what financial twists and turns life takes, this book helps the reader bridge the gap between their current financial situation and their goals.

This simple and straightforward money management guide urges the reader to reflect on their own personal relationship with money , and what having money means to them.

This helps readers understand their own values and goals so they know what they are working toward. There is more to planning one's financial future than just money. People must also consider their time, their skills, and their energy.

While this book doesn't cover all of the nuts and bolts of making investments, it goes over the basics very well. It may be slightly basic for people who are longtime investors, but it is perfect for a younger family member who is taking a late interest in their financial success.

21. The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco

• The book challenges traditional notions of wealth accumulation, advocating for a mindset shift from consumerism to value creation and entrepreneurship.
• DeMarco emphasizes the importance of building scalable and impactful businesses as a path to financial freedom, encouraging readers to prioritize wealth acceleration over slow wealth accumulation.
• The author provides insights into the limitations of traditional wealth-building methods and offers a framework for leveraging the principles of leverage, control, and time to achieve rapid financial success.
• Practical advice on identifying market needs, creating value, and leveraging business systems is provided, offering a blueprint for building wealth through entrepreneurial endeavors.
• DeMarco's no-nonsense and contrarian approach to wealth creation offers a compelling and actionable guide for individuals seeking to escape the conventional slow-lane approach to financial independence.

While the title of this book may make it seem like a get-rich-quick scam, it is actually about altering your perception on life and your long-term goals .

This may not be the best book for people who want to live their lives working a steady job, receiving a predictable paycheck, and saving some money to eventually live off of.

Instead, The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime is for people who have higher ambitions and want to take risks in their business ventures.

The author does a good job explaining the difference between two different paths of life—one being the fast lane, and the other being the slow lane.

The fast lane that he talks about involves working very hard for about 10 years and then finding an exit strategy once you're finished. There are no promises made about specific investments in this book, but the author does point out some key aspects that your business needs to have in order to be successful.

This book offers a great approach to life that can help guide people in a positive financial direction.

22. MONEY Master the Game by Tony Robbins

• The book offers a comprehensive guide to personal finance, covering topics such as investing, retirement planning, and wealth management in a detailed and accessible manner.
• Robbins provides insights into the psychology of wealth and offers strategies for mastering money, emphasizing the importance of financial education and empowerment.
• The author advocates for low-cost, diversified index fund investing and provides actionable steps for optimizing investment returns and minimizing fees.
• Practical advice on retirement planning, tax strategies, and wealth preservation is provided, catering to readers at various stages of their financial journeys. Robbins' engaging and motivational style makes complex financial concepts accessible, offering readers a roadmap for achieving financial security and abundance.

MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom (Tony Robbins Financial Freedom) provides real information through interviews with various people about finance. Tony Robbins ‘ message is helpful, despite the fact that it is not necessarily new information.

The advice given is useful to hear again, especially with expanded reasoning to back it up. This book also includes the stories of many people in situations that either have used the principals presented or ignored them, along with their end results.

Some of the advice that is given in this book requires money to get started, and some even requires a decent amount of money. But overall, the author does an excellent job of going over the basics of investments and giving an overview of the common fees that actually destroy a lot of investor's attempts to save money for their future.

This book sets the reader up to be able to ask the right questions of future financial advisors and other people who they will be working within regards to their money.

This is an eye-opening book that will help readers to further understand the investments they are making and create partnerships with their financial advisors rather than taking a back seat to their directions.

23. Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide To Money by Dave Ramsey

• The book offers a comprehensive roadmap to financial wellness, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and getting out of debt in a practical and actionable manner.
• Ramsey emphasizes the importance of living on a budget, avoiding debt, and building an emergency fund, providing a step-by-step plan for achieving financial peace.
• The author advocates for the debt snowball method and provides insights into the psychological and behavioral aspects of money management, offering tools and resources for readers to take control of their finances.
• Practical advice on retirement planning, insurance, and wealth building is provided, catering to readers at various stages of their financial journeys.
• Ramsey's straightforward and no-nonsense approach makes personal finance less intimidating, providing readers with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial freedom and security.

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide To Money: The Handbook of Financial Peace University covers anything that one might need to know about Dave's money lessons, including the best ways to create a reasonable budget, how to effectively save money, how to pay off debt, and how to wisely invest money.

This is a great book for people who are looking for someone who is able to answer their practical and cut-and-dry questions regarding finances.

Further, there is information in this book about insurance, marketing mortgages, looking for bargains, and giving to other people. Although there is not a lot of new information in this book for people who are familiar with Ramsey's work, it is a great overview of his teachings.

This is a great financial book for the common person who is looking to either get out of debt or set up their savings wisely to secure a positive financial future. This book does a good job of changing ones perspective on money, and changing the reader's approach to debt.

24. The Wealthy Gardener by John Soforic

• The book presents a unique perspective on wealth accumulation, using gardening as a metaphor for cultivating financial success and personal growth.
• Soforic emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and consistent effort in building wealth, offering timeless principles for achieving financial abundance.
• The author provides insights into the mindset and habits of the wealthy, encouraging readers to focus on personal development and value creation as pathways to prosperity.
• Practical advice on saving, investing, and leveraging time and resources is provided, offering a holistic approach to wealth building and life fulfillment.
• Soforic's storytelling approach and philosophical insights offer readers a thought-provoking and inspirational guide to achieving financial success and personal well-being.

The Wealthy Gardener: Lessons on Prosperity Between Father and Son is great for everyone searching for information that lays down the foundation for a prosperous life. Soforic combines fiction and non-fiction in a parable-style narrative to share ideas about financial freedom.

This guide to prosperity is a refreshing find in a genre where most books tell you how to make budgets and where to invest your money. Instead, it gently directs the reader to see that the pursuit of wealth is a noble adventure, imbuing the book with an air of spirituality.

The book is organized in such a way that the topics can be easily sought out according to the reader’s specific needs.

Each chapter starts out with a parable and the author’s personal stories on his way to financial freedom, which is related to the topic of that particular section. These anecdotes prime the reader for the information found in the chapter.

Soforic gives an in-depth discussion of the way to gain and keep wealth, with an almost encyclopedic presentation of topics such as the 15 virtues of wealth and the 55 powers for wealth.

25. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

• The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness delves into the psychological and behavioral aspects of money management, offering insights into the human side of financial decision-making.
• Housel emphasizes the impact of emotions, biases, and social influences on financial choices, providing a deeper understanding of how individuals relate to money.
• The author explores the concept of financial resilience and offers perspectives on risk, patience, and the importance of long-term thinking in wealth accumulation.
• Practical advice on managing expectations, embracing uncertainty, and reframing the narrative around money is provided, offering a nuanced approach to financial well-being.
• Housel's engaging and relatable style makes complex behavioral finance concepts accessible, offering readers a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the psychology of money.

26. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

• Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence (Fully Revised and Updated) challenges conventional views on money and life, advocating for a holistic approach to financial independence and fulfillment.
• Robin and Dominguez emphasize the concept of “enough” and offer a framework for aligning spending with personal values and life purpose, fostering a sense of contentment and freedom.
• The authors provide insights into the impact of consumerism and offer practical steps for achieving financial independence through mindful spending, saving, and investing.
• Practical advice on budgeting, debt reduction, and redefining the relationship with money is provided, offering a transformative path to financial well-being.
• The book's holistic and thought-provoking approach offers readers a comprehensive guide to reevaluating their relationship with money and reclaiming their lives.

27. The Simple Path to Wealth by J L Collins

• The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life advocates for a simple and effective approach to wealth building, emphasizing the power of low-cost index fund investing and long-term financial independence.
• Collins provides insights into the principles of financial independence and offers a straightforward path to achieving and maintaining financial security.
• The author emphasizes the importance of frugality, investing in broad stock market index funds, and avoiding debt, offering a timeless strategy for building wealth.
• Practical advice on asset allocation, portfolio management, and navigating the complexities of the financial industry is provided, catering to readers seeking a no-nonsense approach to investing.
• Collins' accessible and relatable style offers readers a clear and actionable guide to achieving financial independence and a secure financial future.

28. Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam

• Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School advocates for a disciplined and low-cost approach to investing, emphasizing the power of index funds and long-term wealth accumulation.
• Hallam provides insights into the pitfalls of active investing and offers a compelling case for the simplicity and effectiveness of passive investing strategies.
• The author emphasizes the importance of financial education, frugality, and consistent saving, providing a clear roadmap for individuals to achieve financial independence.
• Practical advice on asset allocation, portfolio diversification, and retirement planning is provided, catering to readers seeking a prudent and sustainable approach to wealth building.
• Hallam's engaging and relatable style offers readers a compelling and actionable guide to achieving financial security and long-term prosperity through sound investment principles.

More Personal Development and Finance Books

Investment is wonderful but before you should consider ANY major investments, getting your personal finances in order is essential.

If you are broke, the idea of saving money may seem foreign to you. However, this should be the most important time to start building the financial habits that will last you a lifetime.

There are many ways to save money while broke, and many good books that will help you meet a budget with some frugal living and a bit of effort.

Best Budgeting and Frugal Living Books

I hope you enjoyed the financial tips in this list of personal finance books. If you enjoyed this list, why not check out some more great related lists of great books.

250+ Best Self Help Books

Final Thoughts on the Best Personal Finance Books

Reading personal finance books is crucial if you want to attain financial literacy and make informed decisions about money. These books provide valuable insights into various aspects of personal finance, offering practical advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

Hopefully, these books will help you avoid common financial pitfalls, develop a solid financial plan tailored to your unique circumstances, and take control of your financial well-being.

And if you're looking for more resources on books to read, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 25 Best Self Help Books for Women to Read
• 7 Best Books to Learn and Master Speed Reading
• 22 Free Budget Printables to Track Your Family's Expenses
• 18 Retirement Planning Books to Help You Achieve Success When You Retire

4 thoughts on “28 Best Personal Finance Books [2024 Update]”

Very informative post, I can’t wait to get Millionaire fastlane. I have heard so much about it. We can all do that little bit extra every day to become more financially aware.

Over time this can bring in big returns, goodluck!

This is a great list and you have mentioned all my favorites. One of my other favorite for financial planning genre is a recently released book, The Money Queen’s Guide by Cary Carbonaro. I personally like this book as this book has mentioned the fears, the problems women face. She has written the whole book quoting her own life examples which make it a delightful read. Do read it and let me know if you like it.

Really great post.

The Millionaire Next Door is the best book on personal finance I have read so far.

Looking forward to getting some of the other books listed above.

This was a great article, however Head Start 2 Riches must be added to this list. Read the book and see for yourself. It’s a phenomenal little book that offers a simple look into life insurance and financial education without all of the industry jargon. It will definitely help someone who wants to get a better understanding of life insurance without falling asleep mid-way through the book. Personally, I loved it! The author has the book available for free on his website HeadStart2Riches.com Get it if it’s still available!

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The 17 Best Personal Finance Books for Newbies

Simon Litt is the editor of The CFO Club, specializing in covering a range of financial topics. His career has seen him focus on both personal and corporate finance for digital publications, public companies, and digital media brands across the globe.

Everyone starts somewhere... but winners start here. These are my picks for the best finance books to start managing your money effectively.

I love helping people learn about personal finance. My mum was a banker, so fortunately, I learned the language of money really young—unfortunately, if this wasn't your upbringing, you're never really taught about personal finance.

I've taken to teaching people about financial concepts, whether by editing this publication or writing about it on my own... but I recognize that some authors are much better teachers than I am.

These are some of the best finance books you can find out there. Tuck in, and let's get started.

17 Best Finance Books For Beginners Shortlist

A brave claim, but I think these 17 books are the best personal finance books for beginners, full stop.

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig
• The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley
• The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle
• A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
• Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
• The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
• The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
• Unshakeable by Tony Robbins
• The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman
• The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
• Nudge by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
• Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson
• The Index Card by Helaine Olen & Harold Pollack

Overviews Of The 17 Best Finance Books For Beginners

Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote from the book where applicable.

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki

"Rich Dad Poor Dad" is a book that contrasts the mindset and financial knowledge of Kiyosaki's “Rich Dad” and “Poor Dad.” It illustrates the fundamental financial principles and illustrates the importance of investing in assets and starting entrepreneurial ventures to achieve financial independence.

What You'll Learn:

You will gain insights into the importance of financial education and wealth-building strategies. The book provides fundamental concepts on the difference between assets and liabilities, emphasizing the significance of making money work for you to avoid the rat race of life.

Why You Should Read It:

This book is essential for beginners as it lays down the foundational principles of financial intelligence. It is an enlightening read that offers a new perspective on money, work, and life and is crucial for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of earning and spending.

Quote From The Book:

“The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money to work for them.”

About The Author:

Robert Kiyosaki is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and educator, championing the cause of financial literacy. Connect with him on LinkedIn , and Twitter , or explore more about his works and philosophies on his company website .

2. The Intelligent Investor Rev. Ed: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig

"The Intelligent Investor" is a comprehensive guidebook on value investing. Benjamin Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies, making this book an invaluable tool in the world of investing.

You will learn the principles of value investing, risk management , and the development of long-term strategies. Graham's philosophy will guide you on avoiding substantial error and teach the art of "value investing" to achieve consistent, long-term success.

This book is a beacon for individuals desiring to refine their investing skills and decisions. It delves into the psychology of investing, which is crucial for avoiding the pitfalls that emotions can lead to, making it an indispensable read for anyone serious about attaining success in investing.

“In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.”

Benjamin Graham was a notable economist and professional investor.

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3. The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover" provides a bold and straightforward approach to money management . Dave Ramsey provides a comprehensive plan to get out of debt, save money, and invest wisely, aimed at those who seek financial fitness and stability.

You’ll learn the steps to eliminate debt, build an emergency fund, and invest wisely. Ramsey provides actionable advice on budgeting, saving, and avoiding debt, enabling readers to achieve financial stability and wealth.

Dave Ramsey’s proven money-making strategies and debt-reduction methods have transformed the financial lives of millions. This book is for anyone desiring to attain financial fitness and avert the common pitfalls related to debt and spending.

“We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.”

Dave Ramsey is a financial guru and best-selling author focusing on personal finance. Explore more about his financial wisdom on LinkedIn , and Twitter , or visit his website for more resources and insights.

4. Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial MORE by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez

"Your Money or Your Life" is a groundbreaking book that redefines the relationship one has with money, emphasizing living a more deliberate and fulfilled life. It presents a systematic program for transforming your relationship with money and achieving financial independence.

You’ll absorb strategies for debt-free living, saving money, and making conscious spending decisions. This book helps readers understand the value of money in correlation to time and life energy, redefining how to approach earning and spending.

This book is a treasure for those yearning to attain a life of financial independence and value-based living. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to transform their relationship with money and seeking a life of more freedom and fulfillment.

“Money is something we choose to trade our life energy for.”

Vicki Robin is a renowned author and speaker, advocating for financial independence and a sustainable lifestyle. Explore more about Vicki on LinkedIn , Twitter , or her personal website .

5. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

"The Millionaire Next Door" uncovers the common traits of those who accumulate wealth, debunking myths about the wealthy. It presents extensive research on millionaires and their lifestyles, breaking stereotypes and highlighting the path to building wealth.

Readers will learn about the seven common traits found among those who accumulate wealth, including living below one's means and allocating time, energy, and money efficiently.

This book is insightful for individuals aspiring to accumulate wealth by living purposefully. It reveals the real picture of wealth in America, offering a roadmap to becoming the ‘millionaire next door’ through disciplined and resilient wealth-building strategies.

“Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a good income each year and spend it all, you are not getting wealthier. You are just living high.”

Thomas J. Stanley was a bestselling author and a researcher on the affluent in America. For more insights and research, visit his website .

6 . The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns by John C. Bogle

John C. Bogle's book is a guiding light in the world of investing, providing the blueprint for owning a portion of a stock market portfolio. It emphasizes the benefits of low-cost index funds, highlighting the importance of simplicity in investment strategy.

You will understand the essence of simplicity in investing, the importance of focusing on the long term, and the value of relying on well-established, low-cost index funds to achieve reliable returns.

For anyone willing to navigate the investment maze, this book serves as a beacon, unraveling the importance of simplicity and long-term focus. It's a crucial read to make the most of your investments and avoid the pitfalls of complex, costly investing strategies.

“A low-cost index fund is the most sensible equity investment for the great majority of investors.”

John C. Bogle was the founder of the Vanguard Group and a major proponent of index investing.

7. A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing by Burton Malkiel

Burton Malkiel’s esteemed work offers a comprehensive guide to various investment opportunities, focusing on the ‘random walk’ hypothesis. It elucidates a myriad of investment strategies, advocating for the long-term buy-and-hold strategy.

You'll gain insights into the functioning of the stock market, the effectiveness of technical and fundamental analysis, and the foundational principles of a successful investment portfolio.

This book provides an extensive understanding of the complexities of the stock market, making it an invaluable resource for anyone aiming to navigate the ever-evolving investment landscape successfully. Its empirical wisdom is crucial for making informed and prudent investment decisions.

“The problem with gold is that it does not earn any return and its price is determined solely by demand relative to supply.”

Burton Malkiel is an economist and writer, specializing in the stock market and investment strategies.

8. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry

Erin Lowry's book is a practical and accessible guide, tailored to address the financial concerns and aspirations of millennials. It brings forth a plethora of real-life scenarios, advice, and actionable tips to manage money effectively.

You will learn the nitty-gritty of budgeting, investing, handling debt, and understanding your money mindset.

Erin Lowry’s practical advice and relatable narrative make this book a must-read for millennials struggling with financial dilemmas. It’s a step toward financial literacy and empowerment, helping the reader navigate their financial journey with confidence.

“It’s not about hitting a $1 million mark; it’s about managing the money you have in a way that helps you live your best life.”

Erin Lowry is a millennial personal finance expert, speaker, and author. You can follow her insights and connect with her on LinkedIn .

9. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi’s book is a bold, conversational guide to wealth creation, emphasizing no-guilt money philosophies. It offers a robust six-week personal finance program focused on banking, saving, budgeting, and investing.

Readers will learn the intricacies of banking, saving, budgeting, and investing, along with mastering the psychology of money to live a rich life.

With a relatable and unapologetic approach, this book is for anyone aiming to master their money without sacrificing entertainment and leisure. It offers a blend of wealth-building strategies and insights into leveraging money as a tool to achieve life’s riches.

“There is a limit to how much you can cut but there is no limit to how much you can earn.”

Ramit Sethi is a personal finance advisor, author, and entrepreneur. Connect with him on LinkedIn , or explore his philosophies on his company website .

10. The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life by JL Collins

JL Collins presents a succinct guide to financial independence and wealth-building, emphasizing the power of simplicity and consistent investments in low-cost index funds.

You'll uncover the principles of financial independence, the significance of savings, and the essence of sound investment in achieving a wealthy, free life.

This book is vital for those seeking a straightforward path to wealth, providing clear strategies and insights on managing money and investments to attain financial freedom. It's a guide to understanding money in its simplest form and using it as a tool to shape your future.

“Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.”

JL Collins is a renowned financial blogger and author.

11. The Richest Man in Babylon: The Original 1926 Edition by George S. Clason

George S. Clason’s timeless classic uses ancient Babylonian parables to impart fundamental financial lessons. It provides foundational wisdom on wealth accumulation, preservation, and sharing.

You’ll grasp essential financial principles such as living below your means, seeking wise counsel, and investing wisely for income through the enchanting parables from the wealthiest city of the ancient world, Babylon.

The allegorical tales in this book render timeless financial wisdom and are a beacon for anyone looking to establish a solid financial foundation. Its enduring lessons on wealth creation are as relevant today as they were in 1926.

“Start thy purse to fattening.”

George S. Clason was a soldier, businessman, and writer, best known for his instructive works on financial success. More about his life and works can be discovered through historical records and his lasting contributions to financial literature.

12. Unshakeable by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins’ “Unshakeable” serves as a financial freedom playbook, illustrating the strategies of the world's top investor, Warren Buffet. Robbins deciphers the codes to financial success, wealth management, and long-term financial freedom in this insightful read.

You’ll delve into the financial strategies and investment secrets from some of the world’s most successful investors and learn the keys to building long-term wealth even in the most uncertain economic times.

Robbins’ expertise, coupled with insights from financial giants, makes this book an essential read for those aiming to attain financial resilience and independence. It offers a holistic view of wealth creation, focusing on both financial strategies and the psychological aspects of money.

“The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”

Tony Robbins is a world-renowned life and business strategist, author, and entrepreneur. Connect with him through LinkedIn , or Twitter , or visit his company website for more resources and insights.

13. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman

Suze Orman’s book is a finance guide for the younger generation, addressing specific financial challenges faced by young adults and providing practical advice on credit, investing, and retirement.

Gain insights into managing debt, building credit, saving, investing, and achieving financial stability even with limited resources. Understand how to make informed financial decisions that lead to a secure future.

This book is a must-read for young adults struggling to navigate the complex world of finance. It offers practical, step-by-step guidance to overcome financial hurdles and build a robust financial future, making it especially pertinent to those who are young, fabulous, and broke.

“True financial freedom is not only having money but having power over that money as well.”

Suze Orman is a renowned financial advisor, author, and speaker. To learn more about her philosophies and get more financial advice, visit her website or connect with her on LinkedIn .

14. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

Scott Pape’s “The Barefoot Investor” provides Australians with a step-by-step guide to financial freedom, offering simple strategies for managing money, investing wisely, and securing a stress-free retirement.

Discover the principles of sound money management, debt reduction, and retirement planning with easy-to-follow steps and financial advice applicable to real-life situations.

This book’s no-nonsense approach to financial planning and its specific focus on Australian financial landscapes make it a valuable read for anyone, regardless of their financial knowledge or background, looking to gain control over their finances and live freely.

“Don’t follow the herd. It doesn’t end well.”

Scott Pape is a distinguished financial counselor and author specializing in personal finance. You can connect with him through his website for more financial strategies and advice.

15. Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein

“Nudge” explores how the design of choices impacts our decisions and how slight changes can significantly improve our ability to make better choices in health, wealth, and happiness.

Understand the concept of "choice architecture" and how it influences decision-making processes. Learn how to set up environments that nudge people towards decisions that are beneficial in the long run.

This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and decision-making. It provides insights into how subtle changes can lead to significant improvements in making choices, whether it’s about personal finance, health, or overall well-being.

“A nudge… is any aspect of the choice architecture that alters people’s behavior predictably without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.”

About The Authors:

Richard H. Thaler is a Nobel Laureate, and Cass R. Sunstein is a legal scholar. Explore more of their work on behavioral economics and law through their respective academic profiles and publications.

16. Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson

Eric Tyson’s book is a comprehensive guide to building wealth and securing financial stability. It covers a range of topics including budgeting, reducing debt, investing, insurance, taxes, and retirement planning.

This book offers extensive knowledge on managing money, building wealth, and planning for the future. It provides practical tips and advice to handle personal finance efficiently and make informed financial decisions.

“Personal Finance for Dummies” is suitable for those seeking to understand the basics of financial management and gain control over their financial life. Its detailed approach makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy.

“Taking control of your finances is a life-long skill—well worth the investment of your time and energy.”

Eric Tyson is an accomplished finance author and speaker. For more insights on personal finance and to connect with him, you can visit his company website .

17. The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen & Harold Pollack

Olen and Pollack demystify personal finance, asserting that all the financial information one needs can fit on a single index card. The book offers straightforward advice on spending less, saving more, investing wisely, and navigating the maze of financial products and services.

Learn the fundamental principles of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, and securing a robust financial future, all distilled into simple, actionable steps.

The simplistic yet profound approach of “The Index Card” makes it a must-read for anyone overwhelmed by the complexity of personal finance. It provides clarity and actionable advice to improve financial health without unnecessary complications.

“The best financial advice is simple, easy to understand, and inexpensive.”

Helaine Olen is a commentator on personal finance, and Harold Pollack is a public health researcher. For more insights and advice visit Helaine’s LinkedIn .

Which Best Finance Books For Beginners Do You Recommend?

I invite you to share any pivotal finance books you believe should be included in this list. Your insights are valued, and your recommendations are welcomed, as they can help enhance this collection and assist others on their journey to financial literacy and independence.

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The Best Finance Books to Help Get Your Money in Order

Graphic by KCM

According to financial experts from across the country. 

Just about every financial expert will tell you that the best time to get your finances in order was yesterday, but the second best time is right now. While it may be scary to look at your credit card statement, pile of bills, or bank account, facing those is the first step to reaching fiscal freedom . 

“One thing I hear from my community a lot is ‘It’s too late for me,’” Tori Dunlap, author of Financial Feminist , tells Katie Couric Media. “And I’m like, ‘No, it’s not!’ Would we have rather you started when you were 25? Yeah, but we can’t turn back time. And something is better than nothing.”  

Tonya Rapley , founder of My Fab Finance , financial educator for EarnIn, and author of The Money Manual, tells us that many people choose not to invest because they’re afraid to get started. “A lot of people overlook the fact that investing in your workplace retirement plan is, in fact, investing, so start here,” she says. “It’s never too late to start saving or investing, and the first step is outlining your financial goals and finding helpful resources [like books or reputable online content] to work alongside you to achieve them.”

With hundreds of personal finance books out there from a variety of voices, even the hunt for a financial guide can feel impossible, but that’s why we asked experts to share their favorites with you.

The Best Personal Financial Books

The money manual by tonya rapley.

Designed to cut through the clutter that leads to financial overwhelm, this guide encourages and helps you to create manageable, achievable goals for your money. Rapley breaks down the concepts of budgeting, saving, and credit in a way that’s easy for those just beginning to assess their own finances and plan their financial future. 

“When you can visualize your finances, you’re able to plan more effectively,” Rapley says. “It starts with small steps, like a simple budget planner that can help you write out current expenses and plan for future ones.” In her book, she helps you create a budget that works for you, your goals, and your desires around money.

Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

“I don’t want you to ever be financially dependent on anybody,” Dunlap says. And that was part of her inspiration for writing this book. “I want you to be able to have enough money to make your own choices and to be able to live comfortably.” By breaking down money myths, talking to a variety of experts in the money field, and exploring how and why our emotions directly impact our money decisions, Dunlap has created an easy-to-read conversational guide to getting your money together in a way that builds your wealth and sticks it to the patriarchy.

Rich AF by Vivian Tu

Tu believes in thinking of your money as a tool — instead of an obstacle  — can help you feel more confident and in control of your finances. After years of working on the trading floor on Wall Street, Tu noticed wealthy people intuitively knew the secrets to winning the “game” of finance. In an effort to level the playing field, Tu is sharing those secrets to hopefully make the game less “male, pale, and stale.”

The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth, Ph.D.

Money is emotional, which is part of what makes controlling your finances so difficult. Rapley recommends this book by Maria Nemeth, Ph.D. that explores the ways in which our emotions and beliefs about money can set us back, helping you unlearn behaviors that don’t serve you or your financial success. 

“Financial stress is a roadblock to taking control of your finances and building financial momentum,” Rapley says. “Focus on reducing it by planning ahead and budgeting. It’s a learned practice that can start with simply signing up for an app that tracks your income.”

The One-Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards

For those of us wishing someone would just tell us what to do with our money to make it grow, Rapley suggests this book by Carl Richards, a financial advisor. Richards was constantly hearing from friends, family, and clients that they felt hopeless and overwhelmed by money, paralyzed by options and a lack of understanding of complex financial jargon. So, he wrote a book that encourages financial progress over perfection. 

Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur

“I try to look for personal finance books that not only reflect my own goals, but also my experience and identity,” Tu says. “All of my favorites provide amazing, actionable advice, but also a nuanced and diverse perspective when it comes to personal finance, something sorely missing from the majority of financial education.” This book in particular, by investment columnist, TEDx speaker, and co-creator of the podcast Girls That Invest, Simran Kaur, is split into two parts: 1. Why should you invest? And 2. What type of investor are you? After answering these two questions, you’ll learn how to decode financial jargon with ease, gain knowledge about investment strategies, and hopefully, start and grow your own investment portfolio.

Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche

If you haven’t caught onto the theme yet, it’s that getting good with money doesn’t require you to have a degree in economics or mathematics. It just takes time and practice. Tu’s next pick by Tiffany Aliche breaks down how to build wealth through financial wholeness (which doesn’t include get-rich-quick schemes or overly complex money management tactics). After following advice from a shady financial advisor and losing her job, Aliche worked to dig herself out of a monetary hole, and she did so successfully. Now, through her book and the audience she’s built on social media as The Budgetnista , she’s helping over a million women do the same. 

Cashing Out by Julien and Kiersten Saunders

“ Rich and Regular have an incredible book called Cashing Out ,” Dunlap says. “They’re a Black couple out of Atlanta and are really great about reframing why we’re pursuing money and how we’re working, especially if you’re trying to get out of the rat race or trying to think strategically, ‘How do I use my money in a more powerful way?’” 

Keeping Finance Personal by Ellyce Fulmore

If you’re interested in hearing from the perspective of someone queer and neurodivergent, Dunlap recommends Ellyce Fulmore’s book. Told from the intersection of finance and identity, Fulmore works to break down the idea that being bad with money is the root of anyone’s financial issues — instead, it “has everything to do with how identity and lived experience affect financial behaviors.” Fulmore creates a shame-free, trauma-aware approach to money that explores the extremely complex and personal relationship between your identity and your money. Chapters cover topics ranging from finding safe spaces to personal values, relationship dynamics to family systems, and more. 

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17 Best Personal Finance Books to Read to Invest in Your Future

A Gallup poll found that slightly less than one-third of Americans have a long-term financial plan that includes savings and investment goals. Many people know it’s important to get ahold of their finances, but it can be challenging to get started and build the necessary long-term habits.

17 Best Personal Finance Books

1. total money makeover.

Description: This book is a step-by-step guide for getting out of debt and building wealth using Dave Ramsey’s famous “baby steps” approach. 

2. Rich Dad Poor Dad

Description: Kiyosaki uses personal anecdotes to teach the differences in thinking between the “rich dad” and “poor dad” mindsets, covering topics like the importance of financial education, investing, and real estate.

3. The Millionaire Next Door

Description: The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits shared by a large number of individuals who have accumulated wealth. 

Why You Should Read It: This book uses research to illustrate a typical millionaire’s lifestyle. Because the wealthiest people often don’t display their wealth in obvious ways, many people are unaware of what life as a millionaire looks like and how to achieve it. Stanley and Danko shed light on the strategies ordinary people can follow to become wealthy. 

4. Your Money or Your Life

Description: Robin and Dominguez share their nine-step program for becoming more conscious about spending, improving your happiness and well-being, and examining your values surrounding money.

5. I Will Teach You To Be Rich

Description: Sethi’s book offers simple steps for young adults to improve their financial standing by focusing on the four pillars of personal finance: banking, saving, investing, and budgeting.

Favorite Quote: “Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.” 

6. The Simple Path To Wealth

Description: This book explains simple personal finance concepts, emphasizing low-cost index funds and keeping a long-term perspective. 

7. The Intelligent Investor

Description: Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor is a guide to value investing, a long-term, rational approach to wealth-building. Graham, often considered the father of value investing, explains how to outperform irrational optimistic, or pessimistic investors by making data-based decisions. 

Favorite Quote: “The market is a pendulum that forever swings between unsustainable optimism (which makes stocks too expensive) and unjustified pessimism (which makes them too cheap). The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.”

8. A Random Walk Down Wall Street

Description: A Random Walk Down Wall Street discourages stock picking and market timing, presenting evidence that patient investors focused on long-term gains will have the best results in building wealth. 

9. The Psychology of Money

Description: Housel shares 19 short stories in this book that explore the emotional side of money and the ways people make financial decisions.

10. The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money

Description:  A former Wall Street trader, Schlesinger describes thirteen common financial mistakes that many people make, even those who consider themselves to be highly intelligent or financially literate. 

11. Confessions of a Street Addict

Description: In this book, Cramer describes his path from a middle-class background to becoming a top money manager and financial planner on Wall Street. He describes the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of working closely with the stock market.  

12. The Art of Money: The Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness

Description: The Art of Money is part personal finance guide and part self-help book. Tessler argues that understanding money is the path to building confidence, compassion, and self-worth.

13. The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success

Description: In this book, Hardy describes the “compound effect,” or the principle that a series of small, smart choices can reap huge rewards. He then provides a step-by-step guide for using those decisions to achieve the life you want. 

14. The 30-Day Money Cleanse

Description: This book teaches readers how to eliminate money stressors, understand where their money is going, break bad habits, learn how to invest, and build a sustainable financial plan in just 30 days. 

15. Talk Money To Me

Description: Keehn discusses common questions like how to build good credit, how to invest, how to talk about money with your partner, and how to splurge once in awhile while still maintaining good financial health. 

16. The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich

Description: The Latte Factor is a parable about a young woman living in New York City struggling to make ends meet. She meets a barista who reveals to her the secrets to financial freedom. 

17. This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order

Description: Schwartz describes his own journey to improve his financial situation alongside research about financial well-being. He describes how he learned about retirement planning, insurance, and wills.

Set SMART Goals to Continue Your Financial Education

An example of a SMART learning goal related to personal finance would be:  “I will read twelve personal finance books this year.”

Measurable: I’ll know I’m on track if I read one book a month.

Relevant: I’m working on improving my personal finances, so this goal will easily apply to my life. 

For more personal finance tips, check out these articles: 

How to Become a Millionaire: 5 Wealth-Building Tips

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Yahoo Finance

Understanding personal financial statements: a key skill for effective planning.

The best way to make the most of your money is to understand how you earn, spend and save . One of the best tools for this is a personal financial statement listing all the relevant information. If you’ve never done it, creating, reading and understanding a personal financial statement can seem like a big challenge.

Find Out: 5 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024

Learn More: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024

In reality, it’s really not that difficult, and it’s one of the most essential skills you can apply to managing your personal finances. Keep reading to learn more about personal financial statements, including a step-by-step guide and some tips on how to best use the information you’ll be collecting .

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

What Are Financial Statements?

The simplest way to understand financial statements is to see them as a report card for your specific financial situation.

Personal financial statements will generally be broken down into a balance sheet and an income statement. Reviewing that information lets you learn what to expect of your financial health, meaning where you stand financially.

Doing this will not only help you keep track of debt, savings and other financial goals, but it will also give you a solid basis to plan for the future.

The Balance Sheet

Typically, your balance sheet is made up of three parts: assets, liabilities and net worth.

Liquid cash and cash equivalents: Here, you’ll list all the money you can access quickly. You’ll want to include things like the amount you have in checking and savings accounts and any short-term investments you can easily convert to cash if needed.

Investments: If you have long-term investments like stocks, mutual funds, bonds and/or a 401(k) account you might have through an employer, you’ll want to record that under this heading.

Property: This doesn’t just mean a house or the land it’s on but can also include things like your car and how much you would realistically be able to sell it for. Though you wouldn’t want to have to convert these assets to cash, understanding where your money goes means knowing what you’re paying — or have already paid — for.

Other assets: Anything else you own that would be considered valuable would go here. This could be anything from art or valuable coin or card collections to things like jewelry and other belongings with a high resale value. You don’t need to list everything, but anything that represents a high price tag should go here.

Consider This: 6 Things the Middle Class Should Sell To Build Their Savings

Liabilities

Short-term liabilities: Anything you’re making monthly payments on and could conceivably pay — or is due to be paid in full — within a year of creating your financial statement should go here. This would be things with regularly recurring payments like subscription services or gym memberships.

Long-term liabilities: These are generally high-end items like a home mortgage, car payment and loans, including student loans, that will take you more than a year to pay off entirely.

Earnings : This is the amount you make from your job, whether wages or salary, and predictable work-related income like annual bonuses.

At the bottom of your balance sheet, you’ll want to put your net worth. This is the amount left over after subtracting your liabilities from your assets. Expressed as a formula, it would be “assets – liabilities = total net worth.”

If this turns out to be a negative number, don’t panic (and you’re not alone). Remember, the goal here is to understand your finances so you can plan more effectively.

Income Statement

An income statement can be divided into three parts as well: income, expenses and net income.

Investment income: If you have investments that regularly pay you money, those go here. That doesn’t just mean stock dividends but also includes the interest you earn on bank accounts and capital gains from the sale of investments.

Other income: Any source of income that doesn’t fit in the above two categories would go here. This includes federal benefits, child support, alimony or rental income.

Fixed expenses: Any predictable, regular payment for necessities like rent, insurance premiums and other expenses you wouldn’t be able to easily change would go here.

Variable expenses: These costs might change from month to month, like transportation, groceries and things like dining out or entertainment.

Savings and investments: If you set aside money for savings each month or contribute a set amount to an investment portfolio, those expenses would be listed here.

Much like your net worth, your net income is the amount left over after subtracting your expenses from your income. If this is a negative number, you’ll need to see where you can make changes to be sure you’ll be able to cover the necessities. The formula for this would be “income – expenses = net income.”

Your Personal Financial Statement: a Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into your financial statement, here are steps you can take to create your own.

1. Gather Your Financial Documents

You’ll need to get all those numbers from somewhere. Gather your financial information from bank and credit card statements, investment accounts, loan agreements and anything else that lists financial data.

2. List all Assets and Liabilities

Start with your balance sheet and go down the list above, plugging in numbers. List assets, including their market value, and how much you owe in liabilities with brief descriptions.

3. Calculate Your Net Worth

After subtracting your liabilities from your assets, you’ll know where you stand and can decide how you want — or need — to allocate your resources.

4. Track Income and Expenses

Once you’ve done the above steps, list all your sources of income and your expenses broken down by category. This will help you understand where your money comes from and how you’re spending it.

5. Review and Adjust

Next, review your net income. If it’s negative, you’ll need to find a way to cut expenses or increase income. If you’re making more money than you’re spending, review your assets and liabilities. See if there are any debts you can pay down more quickly or if you have any investments or interest-bearing accounts you can allocate more money toward.

Planning Using Your Personal Financial Statement

Your personal financial statement is a great tool for long-term planning and setting reasonable, achievable financial goals.

You can use it to see where you might be overspending or to find opportunities to save more. You can even use this financial statement to help you set long-term goals such as funding your retirement accounts, purchasing a home or saving for college tuition.

One of the most useful things you can do is to set aside money for an emergency fund that could cover all of your expenses for several months if something unexpected should happen, like the loss of a job or expensive car repairs.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Understanding Personal Financial Statements: a Key Skill for Effective Planning

10 Best Personal Finance Books – Must Read

Personal finance is all about managing our own/family finances. An individual with sound personal finance knowledge can manage their financials like investments, insurance, savings, expenses etc., and establish stable growth.

Good personal finance management helps anyone to meet their short and long-term investment goals. If you have no idea about personal finance or would like to learn more, don’t worry. This article lists the 10 best personal finance books that can help you achieve your financial goals.

1. The Total Money Makeover (Author: Dave Ramsey)

The Total Money Makeover is a self-help book with many real-life examples of people who followed Dave’s baby steps and experienced results. The book is one of the best finance books that contain a lot of motivating aid, suggestions and guidance.

One of the most significant barriers to taking complete control of one’s money is a lack of desire and support to make the required lifestyle adjustments. This is one of the top personal finance books that can provide a fresh outlook on your goals and the rewards you can acquire by achieving those goals.

2. You’re So Money: Live Rich, Even When You’re Not (Author: Farnoosh Torabi)

This is one of Farnoosh Torabi’s most important works. She simplifies the complexities of finance and makes budgeting look easy. The author focuses on prioritizing one’s spending based on what one desires the most.

This humorous book encourages its readers to live life to the fullest. This book is the ideal combination of new ideas and a daring approach to educating a severely neglected generation about personal finance. Farnoosh’s writing style is engaging, direct, and powerful. She also advises readers not to be thrifty. You’ll chuckle as you read and discover how much fun it can be to live and die rich.

3. I Will Teach You to Be Rich (Author: Ramit Sethi)

This is one of the best personal finance books and a must-read book for people aged between 20 to 35. It focuses on wealth-creation strategies for personal entrepreneurship.

The book mainly focuses on the 4 foundations of personal finance – banking, saving, investing & budgeting. It is a step-by-step, practical guide to financial success. If you are a millennial, you should pick this book.

4. Rich Dad Poor Dad (Author: Robert Kiyosaki)

This book covers almost everything about personal finance. It is the story of two fathers; one is well-educated with a pile of certifications, and the other is a school dropout. The well-educated father left his son with nothing except debt when he died.

On the other hand, the school dropout left by handing over a business empire to his son. This book provides invaluable lessons about money by throwing light on how one can think like his school dropout rich dad and earn riches along the way. 

5. The Millionaire Next Door (Author: Thomas Stanley and William Danko)

This book throws light on the investing style of intelligent investors. It talks about how millionaires are thoughtful about generating wealth and live frugally in their daily lives. The author analyses the habits of many American millionaires who grew their money without even making it to the headlines.

According to the author, most wealthy individuals avoid displaying their riches and prefer to live far below their means. This enables them to accumulate money over time.

6. Your Money or Your Life (Author: Vicki Robin)

This isn’t simply a personal finance book. It is a book on life and how to organize it to reflect your ideals. It targets materialism, which ruins not only our money but also the planet’s finite resources.

Overall, the book conveys the concept that inexpensiveness is superior and that living a frugal life will make you much happier. The nine-step approach inside this book can be your way to achieving financial freedom.

7. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing (Author: John C. Bogle)

This book is written by John C. Bogle, the creator of the Vanguard Group, the world’s largest ETF business. The author emphasizes index investing, stock selecting strategies, and the fundamentals of investing. This book offers practical advice on how to incorporate tested investing strategies into your portfolio.

8. The One-Page Financial Plan (Author: Carl Richards)

The One-Page Financial Plan can assist you in determining your financial values and objectives. Carl Richard’s easy methods show you how to prioritize your life goals and find out how to achieve them.

The author has written this book in very straightforward language without complicated financial jargon and is suitable for all kinds of audiences.

9. You Need a Budget (Author: Jesse Meacham)

The technique outlined in this book helps one to live a little more freely and alleviates the anxieties that come with a lack of funds. The author’s tried-and-tested technique of four basic rules seeks to turn money management from a crippling burden to a strong weapon that puts one in complete charge of one’s life.

The book explains how to get out of debt and break free from a life of living paycheck to paycheck.

10. The Motley Fool. You Have More Than You Think (Author: David Gardner and Tom Gardner)

This book serves as a guide for anybody attempting to strike a balance between lifestyle goals and financial realities. This book provides a lighthearted approach that persuades the reader that investing is not all that difficult.

The book begins by encouraging readers to save money and pay off their credit card debt. Then it rapidly discusses several fundamental investment concepts, such as the fact that mutual funds do not outperform the market average, etc.

We hope these books, which are some of the best personal finance books to read, can help you with your finances. These books act as a base for saving, investing and budgeting.

Happy Investing!

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Understanding Personal Financial Statements: a Key Skill for Effective Planning

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The best way to make the most of your money is to understand how you earn, spend and save . One of the best tools for this is a personal financial statement listing all the relevant information. If you’ve never done it, creating, reading and understanding a personal financial statement can seem like a big challenge.

In reality, it’s really not that difficult, and it’s one of the most essential skills you can apply to managing your personal finances. Keep reading to learn more about personal financial statements, including a step-by-step guide and some tips on how to best use the information you’ll be collecting .

What Are Financial Statements?

The simplest way to understand financial statements is to see them as a report card for your specific financial situation.

Personal financial statements will generally be broken down into a balance sheet and an income statement. Reviewing that information lets you learn what to expect of your financial health, meaning where you stand financially.

Doing this will not only help you keep track of debt, savings and other financial goals, but it will also give you a solid basis to plan for the future.

The Balance Sheet

Typically, your balance sheet is made up of three parts: assets, liabilities and net worth.

• Liquid cash and cash equivalents: Here, you’ll list all the money you can access quickly. You’ll want to include things like the amount you have in checking and savings accounts and any short-term investments you can easily convert to cash if needed.
• Investments: If you have long-term investments like stocks, mutual funds, bonds and/or a 401(k) account you might have through an employer, you’ll want to record that under this heading.
• Property: This doesn’t just mean a house or the land it’s on but can also include things like your car and how much you would realistically be able to sell it for. Though you wouldn’t want to have to convert these assets to cash, understanding where your money goes means knowing what you’re paying — or have already paid — for.
• Other assets: Anything else you own that would be considered valuable would go here. This could be anything from art or valuable coin or card collections to things like jewelry and other belongings with a high resale value. You don’t need to list everything, but anything that represents a high price tag should go here.

Liabilities

• Short-term liabilities: Anything you’re making monthly payments on and could conceivably pay — or is due to be paid in full — within a year of creating your financial statement should go here. This would be things with regularly recurring payments like subscription services or gym memberships.
• Long-term liabilities: These are generally high-end items like a home mortgage, car payment and loans, including student loans, that will take you more than a year to pay off entirely.
• Earnings : This is the amount you make from your job, whether wages or salary, and predictable work-related income like annual bonuses.

At the bottom of your balance sheet, you’ll want to put your net worth. This is the amount left over after subtracting your liabilities from your assets. Expressed as a formula, it would be “assets – liabilities = total net worth.”

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If this turns out to be a negative number, don’t panic (and you’re not alone). Remember, the goal here is to understand your finances so you can plan more effectively.

Income Statement

An income statement can be divided into three parts as well: income, expenses and net income.

• Investment income: If you have investments that regularly pay you money, those go here. That doesn’t just mean stock dividends but also includes the interest you earn on bank accounts and capital gains from the sale of investments.
• Other income: Any source of income that doesn’t fit in the above two categories would go here. This includes federal benefits, child support, alimony or rental income.
• Fixed expenses: Any predictable, regular payment for necessities like rent, insurance premiums and other expenses you wouldn’t be able to easily change would go here.
• Variable expenses: These costs might change from month to month, like transportation, groceries and things like dining out or entertainment.
• Savings and investments: If you set aside money for savings each month or contribute a set amount to an investment portfolio, those expenses would be listed here.

Much like your net worth, your net income is the amount left over after subtracting your expenses from your income. If this is a negative number, you’ll need to see where you can make changes to be sure you’ll be able to cover the necessities. The formula for this would be “income – expenses = net income.”

Your Personal Financial Statement: a Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into your financial statement, here are steps you can take to create your own.

1. Gather Your Financial Documents

You’ll need to get all those numbers from somewhere. Gather your financial information from bank and credit card statements, investment accounts, loan agreements and anything else that lists financial data.

2. List all Assets and Liabilities

Start with your balance sheet and go down the list above, plugging in numbers. List assets, including their market value, and how much you owe in liabilities with brief descriptions.

3. Calculate Your Net Worth

After subtracting your liabilities from your assets, you’ll know where you stand and can decide how you want — or need — to allocate your resources.

4. Track Income and Expenses

Once you’ve done the above steps, list all your sources of income and your expenses broken down by category. This will help you understand where your money comes from and how you’re spending it.

5. Review and Adjust

Next, review your net income. If it’s negative, you’ll need to find a way to cut expenses or increase income. If you’re making more money than you’re spending, review your assets and liabilities. See if there are any debts you can pay down more quickly or if you have any investments or interest-bearing accounts you can allocate more money toward.

Planning Using Your Personal Financial Statement

Your personal financial statement is a great tool for long-term planning and setting reasonable, achievable financial goals.

You can use it to see where you might be overspending or to find opportunities to save more. You can even use this financial statement to help you set long-term goals such as funding your retirement accounts, purchasing a home or saving for college tuition.

One of the most useful things you can do is to set aside money for an emergency fund that could cover all of your expenses for several months if something unexpected should happen, like the loss of a job or expensive car repairs.

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7 best personal finance software for 2024.

When it comes to modern-day financial management, it’s always worth using all the tools you have at your disposal. One great example of tools is in the personal finance software category. Using such tools makes it easier to track profits and expenses, budget proactively, build your savings, and foster your overall financial security for the long term. But how do you choose the best personal finance software for you? In this guide, we’ll review the top 7 options for paid and free personal finance software, along with their pros, cons, pricing, and ideal use cases.

Table of Contents

Top 7 Best Personal Finance Software

What is personal finance software, personal finance apps comparison table, make your business finances easier with freshbooks.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the best software for personal finance comes down to factors like features, app integrations, pricing, and use cases. Here are the top 7 personal finance apps on the market.

1. FreshBooks (Best Overall)

Whether you’re tracking expenses for your monthly budget or looking for the best tax software for comprehensive tools to help you manage your business finances, FreshBooks has you covered. Our expense-tracking software is designed to give you all the insights you need on your personal financial management at a glance, helping you manage your money without the headache of endless spreadsheets or shoeboxes full of receipts. It integrates seamlessly with your bank and credit card accounts, making it simple to track expenses and profits in real time. It also supports mobile receipt scanning and cloud organization—everything is automatically categorized with your tax time needs.

Features 

• Auto-expense tracking, thanks to bank and credit card account connections
• Auto-receipt scanning and organization to cut down on paper files
• Secure, cloud-based storage for receipt scans and expense information
• Automated tax prep expense categorization to make filing simpler
• Easy-to-use feature for marking billable expenses
• Project-specific expense tracking

FreshBooks offers a free 30-day trial, after which you can access the expense tracking software with the Lite plan for just $19 a month.

Quicken is one of the most popular online personal finance software options, especially for home use and small businesses. Quicken offers an intuitive, highly customizable platform with an impressive feature list. It also boasts the ability to manage multiple finance accounts (e.g., one for home and one for business) and good scalability as your needs change.

Advantages 

• Regularly updated tax tables and regulation database
• Transactions are easy to enter and categorize
• Automated expense tracking and bill payments
• Useful budgeting tool
• Expensive compared to competitors
• Can be difficult to learn at first
• No integration with other accounting software—you’ll need to re-enter data if using any other platforms
• Occasional UI bugs and glitches

Quicken offers a free trial for 30 days. Home and business plans start at $5.99 a month when billed annually.

Empower (formerly Personal Capital) is a platform designed for investments and retirement planning. In addition to personalized financial advice, it offers one of the best free personal finance software programs. With a good mix of automated features and live, personalized financial planning, this is a great option for those looking to get proactive about wealth management and retirement planning.

• One of the best platforms for retirement planning
• Impressive feature list for a free platform
• Ability to access live financial planning (with paid plans)
• Individual stock trading features
• Limited use for budgeting and cost tracking
• Very high account minimum ($100,000) to access useful robo-adviser features
• High fees for account management services

Pricing 

Empower allows you to use many of their investment management tools for free. For other services, you can access a 14-day free trial, after which the base plan starts at $8 a month.

You Need a Budget (YNAB) is one of the longest-running and overall best software for personal finance. It centralizes your essential financial data to help you budget and make financial plans. It offers personalized budgeting tools, flexible data export options, good bank integrations, and other tools that many will find helpful in financial planning.

• Easy to learn and use
• Ability to track multiple separate budgets and all your accounts simultaneously
• Easy sync with multiple devices
• Useful financial tracking features
• Can invite others to share a budget or create their own
• No investing features
• Limited customer service
• Limited reporting features
• Can’t pay or track bills within the software

YNAB offers a 34-day free trial, after which you’ll have to spend $8.25 per month (paid annually) to keep using it.

5. FutureAdvisor

FutureAdvisor can be a very useful, free tool for those looking for software focused mainly on retirement planning and investment management. It’s technically classified as a robo-advisor, offering automated guidance on investment strategy and overarching financial planning.

• Free financial planning and portfolio analysis tools and advice
• Makes use of reputable online brokers
• Useful support from live financial advisors
• Great for a hands-off investing strategy
• Limited tracking and budgeting features
• High management fee compared to similar robo-advisors 
• Higher account minimum ($5,000)

FutureAdvisor offers a free portfolio analysis service, as well as a Premium Plan, which includes investment accounts management, which will run you an ongoing 0.5% management fee.

6. TurboTax

When it comes to personal finance software, reviews are in: TurboTax remains one of the best options for tax filing software for business owners and individuals. It’s unique in that it’s all about filing your taxes—so it’s not the right choice for those looking for other budgeting tools. But when it comes to tax prep, TurboTax is a great option.

• Very intuitive user interface 
• Comprehensive tax filing features, even on free plans
• Flexible platform allows for many filing scenarios
• Plans specifically designed for small businesses and individual filers
• Useful mobile app for filing on the go
• Live human support is mostly locked behind paywalls
• Free version is less feature-rich than some competitors
• Overwhelming amount of plans and price points

TurboTax offers a free filing service for simple tax returns. The price can range from $39 to $109.99 per return for more complex filing needs.

Buddy is an open-source personal finance software. It’s designed to simplify financial planning for individuals. It’s a lightweight option, making it suitable for people looking for a simpler solution to their personal finances and money management. It offers a solid features list, a semi-customizable interface, and good functionality overall.

• Simple but effective interface
• Flexible platform with an option to add budget categories, various finance accounts, and transaction receipts
• Some third-party integrations
• Budget sharing with others
• The interface can be tricky to learn at first
• Missing cloud-based support that you might expect from personal finance software
• Clunky software can make it easy to miss details at times

Buddy offers a free option, with premium functionality unlocked for $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year.

Finance software refers to any kind of finance platform that helps you track spending, manage budgets, handle your investment portfolio, and other aspects of your financial life. Features lists can vary greatly from platform to platform—some have automation features, credit score monitoring, integration with your bank accounts or other financial accounts, robo-advisors, or automatic receipt scanning. It’ll be easiest to choose the right one for you when you have a sense of the features you need.

Sometimes, it’s easiest to compare the best financial software at a glance. Here’s everything you need to know about the top software options.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of finance apps, tools, and software on the market. Choosing the right one begins by identifying your needs—do you need cost-tracking capabilities? Income management? Investment support? Identifying these required features, along with thinking about your budget, will help narrow things down. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a comprehensive solution with a great features list, useful integrations, and an affordable price, FreshBooks has you covered with our accounting software. Try FreshBooks free today.

FAQs about Personal Finance Software

More questions about choosing from the many personal finance apps? Here are a few frequently asked questions to help.

How do I keep track of my expenses with FreshBooks?

FreshBooks makes it simple to track expenses for all your financial accounts. It uses receipt auto-capture and integrates with your bank accounts for always-updated account statements and financial updates. This makes it easy to balance expenses with income for a more in-depth budgeting and financial planning process.

Can I use FreshBooks to keep track of receipts?

Yes! FreshBooks makes it very simple to scan receipts, log the transaction details, and categorize expenses for your business. Receipt records are securely stored on the cloud, making them easy to access without the need for a box of receipts. For further comparison of FreshBooks features with other apps, you can refer to our post on the Best Receipt Scanning Apps .

Can FreshBooks help me track expenses on the go?

Yes, our mobile app offers all the functionality to track expenses from both receipt scans and bank/credit card account information. Using the FreshBooks app, you can access reporting features and scan your receipts directly from your mobile device.

Can Excel be used to track personal finances?

Microsoft Excel can be used as a finance tracking tool, provided you know how to use it. However, it will require a fair amount of manual work to enter everything and keep track of figures, so it’s not recommended for those looking to save time on this important process.

What is the best way to keep track of personal finances?

The best way to track your finances is with a dedicated personal finance app or software. FreshBooks is one great example, best suited for both individuals and entrepreneurs. Look for something with expenditure tracking, receipt capture, bank integration, and solid reporting tools.

Sandra Habiger, CPA

About the author

Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

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In the 105-minute titanic showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday in Philadelphia, there were pointed barbs, missed opportunities and puzzling tangents — and a worrying number of animal mentions.

Here is a look back at the moments we’re still marveling over.

Unlikeliest flex that would have been inconceivable until recently. Ms. Harris, the Democratic nominee, bragging about “having the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Congress member Liz Cheney.”

Foggiest notion of an idea. Mr. Trump, responding to a question about what he would do about Obamacare: “I have concepts of a plan.”

Best Ivy League brag. Mr. Trump, while discussing his economic plan, mentioned his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. “Look, I went to the Wharton School of finance and many of those professors — the top professors — think my plan is a brilliant plan.”

Most niche swing-state electorate shout out. Ms. Harris, urging Mr. Trump to “tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania” how he would address the European territorial ambitions of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin.

Loudest record scratch. Ms. Harris, taking some viewers by surprise, said, “Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.” (She has previously said that she owns a gun for personal safety.)

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