100 books like A Boy, a Budget and a Dream

By Jasmine Paul, Jose Nieto (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that A Boy, a Budget and a Dream fans have personally recommended if you like A Boy, a Budget and a Dream. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Cooper Learns To Save

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

Cooper Learns to Save is such a good book to plant that seed of financial literacy early.

In a world where everything comes at a cost, whether it's Fortnight, electronics, or toys, teaching your kids the basics of saving to earn those things will always be a valuable lesson. Annisa gets that and is able to communicate that through her book along with tangible things you can implement to make saving fun. 

By Annisa Morgan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cooper Learns To Save as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank: A Book about Money, Budgeting, Entrepreneurship, and Persistence

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank is a family favorite.

Harmoney’s character reminds me so much of my little girl and she adores her piggy bank and is always checking it. I love that the story is easy to follow and talks to kids about a topic that so many of them can relate to, an empty piggy bank. 

By Crystal McLean, Dave Lentz (illustrator), Shawnon Corprew (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Harmoney is an adventurous young girl with one wish!


She wants a bike, but her parents give her the answer she does not want to hear, "No." Her persistence forces her to create a plan on how to make her wish come true! Follow the action-packed journey of Harmoney as she sparks conversations about money management, savings, spending, investing, donating, entrepreneurship, and planning for the future. This entertaining book is sure to teach kids healthy money habits through a fun adventure!


Grab your copy as the perfect gift for any home or classroom!



Book cover of Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

I really love Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income book.

Growing up I was not aware of multiple streams of income and I think as parents it's our job to ensure that the next generation is better off than we were. This book plants seeds of things that kids enjoy and can be turned into a way to make money and I love that!

By Andrea N Pope, Naomi Amevinya (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Every child should know the path to building wealth. Follow Sunny as she learns about the seven streams of income and how they can help her earn enough money to reach her dream goal.


Book cover of Owen Learns to Manage Money

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

Owen Learns to Manage Money is a great example of a real-life kid dilemma that teaches a valuable lesson.

Own encounters a challenge when the newest game system is released. He has to decide if he is willing to save his money, spend it, or invest his money. I love how relatable the topic is and my family reads it weekly. 

By D Preyor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Owen Learns to Manage Money as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Owen encounters a challenge when the newest game system is released. What will he do? Will he save money, spend it, or even invest his money? Follow us along Owen's journey. Owen Learns to Manage Money is a fun informative book that introduces financial literacy to children by focusing on topics such as saving, investing, spending, and entrepreneurship.


Book cover of The Barefoot Investor

Marlies Hobbs Author Of FLY: Financially Literate Youth

From my list on a financially savvy future.

Why am I passionate about this?

Jai and Marlies are a husband and wife team, originally from Cairns and now based in Noosa. Jai is a mortgage broker with over 18 years’ experience, and Marlies is a former property development lawyer with a passion for education and creative projects. They have two sons, Troy and Zac, a cavoodle, Ruby, and horses, Zoe and Twisty. Together they have built more than 10 properties, started, owned and operated several businesses, including a mortgage brokerage, retail shop and cafes, a franchise company, online shop, ready-made meal business, and property developments.

Marlies' book list on a financially savvy future

Marlies Hobbs Why did Marlies love this book?

Scott Paper is an enthusiastic and entertaining writer.

He has been involved in the financial industry as a financial commentator for many years and more recently as a financial counsellor. His book offers very simple and easy to follow steps to help people get a better hold of their finances with a practical and hands-on approach.

The book contains very important foundational knowledge which can then be built upon with more complex concepts, like those found in Join the Rich Club by Peter Switzer. I would recommend this book as a great starting point for people wanting to take charge of their financial future.    

By Scott Pape,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Barefoot Investor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**This Classic Edition has been updated for 2022 and beyond**

THE ALL-TIME #1 AUSTRALIAN BESTSELLER

This is the only money guide you'll ever need.

That's a bold claim, given there are thousands of finance books on the shelves.

Yet there's a reason this book is in one in every 20 Australian homes.

You'll find out how to create an entire financial plan that is so simple you can sketch it on the back of a serviette ... and you'll be able to manage your money in 10 minutes a week.

The Barefoot Steps stand the test of time. In this…


Book cover of Money Made Easy: How to Budget, Pay Off Debt, and Save Money

Jannese Torres Author Of Financially Lit!: The Modern Latina's Guide to Level Up Your Dinero & Become Financially Poderosa

From my list on books about money written by Latina authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a 5x award-winning personal finance educator and money expert who specializes in helping Latinas reach financial freedom through entrepreneurship and investing. I have been fascinated by personal finance since 2016 when I realized that I hadn’t learned anything important about money after discovering personal finance podcasts. I’m a firm believer that financial literacy is the gateway to freedom, so my work involves educating women of color on how to use money to exercise their power. 

Jannese's book list on books about money written by Latina authors

Jannese Torres Why did Jannese love this book?

I love how Allison keeps things simple and explains things in a way that’s easy to understand. This book is to the point, with no fancy financial language that you do not understand.

She gives you options on how to budget in a human world and makes sure you understand that life will happen, and that's okay. She's been through it all with her finances and helps the reader not feel like a failure but a success in progress.

I highly recommend this book for women who want a no-nonsense money plan from an encouraging voice.

By Allison Baggerly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Money Made Easy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bust your debt for good with this results-based blueprint to financial freedom

In Money Made Easy: How to Budget, Pay Off Debt, and Save Money, renowned blogger, podcaster, speaker, and Founder of Inspired Budget, Allison Baggerly, delivers a powerful and effective blueprint to saving, budgeting, and investing your way to a brighter financial future. You'll discover saving, income, business, and debt-reduction tips as you identify your "money pattern" and break bad habits.

In the book, you'll find:

Checklists and templates you can use to put into practice the expert tips found inside Credit card balance-busting strategies that will put an…


Book cover of Whatever Happened to Thrift? Why Americans Don't Save and What to Do about It

Mark Varder Author Of It's Not about How Smart You Can Be. It's about How Wealthy You Can Be.: Make the Most of the Market

From my list on for first-time investors in the stock market.

Why am I passionate about this?

Investing in the share market appears to be a bewildering, constantly shifting, extremely noisy, and busy world – one best left to the experts. Fortunes can be made but, equally, fortunes can be lost – with devastating results for those on the receiving end. And yet there are a few, simple, timeless principles to investing in the market successfully – and, ironically, those principles – known collectively as index or passive investing – will be more successful than all the noisy, busy stuff put out by the industry. In writing our book, this is what we would like as many people as possible to know. It’s not about being smart.  

Mark's book list on for first-time investors in the stock market

Mark Varder Why did Mark love this book?

We all know we should save – and yet we don’t. Even the people living in the world’s richest nation – the USA – don’t save enough. Why? Plenty of research, plenty of anecdotes, and then some solid insights and recommendations by Ronal Wilcox make this book useful for individuals, employees, employers, and policymakers.  

By Ronald T. Wilcox,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Whatever Happened to Thrift? Why Americans Don't Save and What to Do about It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Not saving is more than just a problem that affects individual Americans and their families--it's a national problem

It is no secret that Americans save very little: every economic index confirms as much. But to solve the real myster


Book cover of The Barefoot Investor: Five Steps to Financial Freedom in Your 20s and 30s

Justine Crowley Author Of Saving Money Is Awesome

From my list on to save money, no matter what the economy is doing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since engaging in my own personal development since 2006, and in buying my first investment property at the time; I have always had an interest in saving money and building wealth. We live in an abundant universe, and it is our birthright to have money to enjoy, and to achieve our goals. In high inflationary times, having ample amounts of cash in the bank is a source of comfort. Writing books also came from my passion for writing, and from also working in therapy, where many patients experienced financial difficulties. Regardless of the current rate of inflation, you can stay on top of it with the right tools and knowledge. 

Justine's book list on to save money, no matter what the economy is doing

Justine Crowley Why did Justine love this book?

This is one book that will help people get their finances back on track.

There is a concept called the Barefoot Steps, and the idea of having an emergency savings account (mojo) is not only necessary; yet the author makes it inspiring to get this organised in the process of setting up your buckets. Strategies on eliminating debt are also covered. 

By Scott Pape,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Barefoot Investor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Barefoot Investor is about creating the financial freedom to live your dreams, whatever your age. It shows how getting your financial act together can be downright sexy, allowing you to achieve the things that mean the most to you - regardless of your income. Scott Pape, the Jamie Oliver of finance, writes for the young and hip who want to enjoy life now - not to wait on dead men's shoes. He shows you how to manage your money to do the things you want: whether it's to quit the job you hate to make a career of what…


Book cover of Retirement Income Redesigned: Master Plans for Distribution -- An Adviser's Guide for Funding Boomers' Best Years

Wade Pfau Author Of Retirement Planning Guidebook: Navigating the Important Decisions for Retirement Success

From my list on preparing you for retirement.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am economist who first started exploring retirement planning for my own personal situation. I became so captivated by the topic that I changed fields and was selected as the Professor of Retirement Income at the American College of Financial Services. I am a past curriculum director for the Retirement Management Analyst designation and past program director for the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation. More recently, I am the co-creator of the Retirement Income Style Awareness and co-host of the Retire with Style podcast. I enjoy learning and teaching about all topics related to retirement.

Wade's book list on preparing you for retirement

Wade Pfau Why did Wade love this book?

Harold Evensky and Deanna Katz bring together a collection of experts to explore many different facets of retirement income planning.

This book was ahead of its time in exploring retirement income as a distinct field of financial planning, and it laid important foundations in place. Readers can learn from leading experts about understanding sequence-of-return risk, spending from investments, using annuities, and much more.  

By Harold Evensky (editor), Deena B. Katz (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Retirement Income Redesigned as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Clients nearing retirement have some significant challenges to face. And so do their advisers. They can expect to live far longer after they retire. And the problems they expect their advisers to solve are far more complex. The traditional sources of retirement income may be shriveling, but boomers don't intend to downsize their plans. Instead, they're redefining what it means to be retired―as well as what they require of financial advisers. Planners who aren't prepared will be left behind. Those who are will step up to some lucrative and challenging work.

To help get the work done, Harold Evensky and…


Book cover of Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game By Walking Away

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin Author Of The Financial Anxiety Solution: A Step-by-Step Workbook to Stop Worrying about Money, Take Control of Your Finances, and Live a Happier Life

From my list on personal finance by people of color.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a licensed social worker, it struck me as bizarre that none of my training equipped me to talk to my clients about money. In grad school, the opening line from every professor was, “You didn’t choose this field to make money.” Yet? It’s something every single one of us needs and interacts with daily. So I started checking out personal finance books by the armsful. These books are different than novels: they deserve to be updated and modernized. But the same handful of personal finance books have been published and republished for decades, and most of them sound boringly redundant once you get past the intro.

Lindsay's book list on personal finance by people of color

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin Why did Lindsay love this book?

Julien and Kiersten Saunders paid off $200k in debt in five years and left their corporate jobs before turning 40.

In most personal finance books with an opening like this, you'd have to buckle in for a lot of talk about how easy it is to follow their lead if you just "worked harder," but they completely sidestep that trope.

Instead, they help readers reframe their relationship to corporate work, address how racism shows up in work and finances, and help people figure out how to get what they need from their job and leave the toxic rat race behind by creating a "15-year career."

The 15-year career starts by building a financial foundation, leveraging transferrable skills to find the highest-paying positions that need those skills, and creating an emotional and financial exit plan. 

By Julien Saunders, Kiersten Saunders,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cashing Out as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A revolutionary financial and career path to break free from corporate America's grasp, make peace with your finances, and build wealth on your own terms

When it comes to our finances, we’re told to follow the same script as our white colleagues: work hard, make money, save, and invest. Yet despite putting in twice the effort, you end up making less and are routinely passed up for career opportunities. Here’s the truth: financial freedom is within your reach, but playing by corporate America’s rules will only take you halfway there. To win, you must eventually walk away—and take up an…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in personal finance, childhood, and sibling?

Personal Finance 90 books
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Sibling 228 books