100 books like Clever Girl Finance

Much of my financial nonsense was taught, indirectly and directly, by my parents, family, and community members. Coming from a low-income and blue-collar working-class family, I am armed with a mentality toward poverty.

This book was written in plain language about saving, budgeting, investing, and wealth building. The steps were practical and easy enough for me to implement. Because of this book, I have a plan for my money; I know exactly where it goes, and I am an investor. These are no longer things I thought were reserved for white people.  

Want to start investing but have no idea where to start? Get this book. I first read this book when I was about a year into my investing journey. I had started investing in my retirement through my company’s 401K plan but was stuck. I didn’t understand much of the investing lingo, lacked the confidence to buy and sell investments, and was unsure whether my strategy of balancing my student loan repayment with my investing goals was wise. Erin, Broke Millennial, provided exactly what I was looking for! Learning from a fellow millennial woman provided a fresh perspective on investing while making the topic interesting and approachable.  

This was one of the first money books I read because it was recommended by a friend. I liked how easy it was to read, and I learned a great deal.

Although, at first, it read a bit “bro-ey,” his humor grew on me. I like its direct approach to money without the jargon and confusion. I also learned that the updated version has changed a bit to reflect less in-your-face and more about giving us space.

Another book by Broke Millennial! When starting your journey to financial freedom, it’s necessary to learn the practical advice on the topics you may not have learned in school—budgeting, saving, investing, etc. But something else we’re not taught is how to talk about money. This book dives into everything from how to talk to your parents about how their retirement will be funded, how to talk to coworkers about salaries, how to talk about money with your partner, to how to set boundaries with friends. I have referenced this book on several occasions and strongly believe it’s a must-have for your bookshelf.   

I have recommended Clever Girl Finance to several of my coaching clients, and every one of them has reported that they found it very helpful—perhaps because Sukunbi starts by inviting readers to let go of past mistakes. (Regret is a frequent companion of financial anxiety.) Sukunbi is a wonderful storyteller, and she does a great job of breaking down financial concepts to make them clearer and more accessible. The book helps readers master concepts that build upon each other, and as such it is especially useful for women who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking charge of their money. 

Emotional Currency was the first book I read when I started making my way through the literature on women and money, and it has stayed with me. Levinson is a therapist, and her training shows through—not with jargon, but with her approach. She offers exercises that are equal parts psychological and financial, which is a gentle and affirming way of inviting readers anxious about their money lives to start digging in. Most of this book is, as the title suggests, about improving our emotional relationship to money, but really, isn’t that a necessary first step for all of us? Happily, Levinson mixes in practical/tactical advice and suggestions as well.  

As a financial coach, I have met many women who feel alone with their financial challenges, or unable to talk openly about their finances. Women With Money includes the voices of women Chatzky interviewed about their money challenges and goals, and their comments help to humanize the subject. Chatzky’s discussion of our money beliefs is very solid, as is her advice about putting our money to work. Some topics, like investing in real estate, won’t be applicable to all readers, at least not right away. But overall, Chatzky, a longtime personal finance journalist, deftly communicates core personal finance topics in a clear and accessible way. 

This is a practical and comprehensive guide to achieving financial independence and security.

The book offers a step-by-step program that covers everything from understanding your current financial situation to creating a budget, reducing debt, and investing for the future.

What sets this book apart from others in the personal finance genre is Orman's holistic approach to financial planning. She recognizes that money is deeply tied to our emotions and offers strategies for overcoming financial fears and building confidence in our financial decisions.

Overall, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is a highly recommended read for anyone looking to improve their financial situation and create a more secure and fulfilling life.

Why are women still struggling for equality in every area of society, from wages to leadership, and why are so many women allowing men to control their finances? How did we get here – especially when women own over half of the investible assets in the U.S.? Cindy Couyoumjian gives us a sweeping picture of women, money, and power in her new book and shows how women taking charge of their personal and economic power and directing their own financial future will revolutionize the world. Whether you know your way around investments or don’t even try to balance your checkbook, you’ll enjoy reading this book. It will open your eyes to the way you think about money and inspire you to change your financial future.

The number one fear for women in divorce tends to be money, since a woman’s standard of living often falls significantly post-divorce. Barbara Stanny, a journalist and the daughter of H&R Block founder Richard Bloch, found herself in financial straits after her then-husband gambled away their money, left her with a massive tax bill, and fled the country. She had to learn to make and manage her own money to support her three children and has since become a financial educator. This book is critical for any woman who is worried about her finances in divorce. Stanny tackles both financial literacy and the psychology of money in this powerful and practical read.