Fans pick 100 books like The Barefoot Investor

By Scott Pape,

Here are 100 books that The Barefoot Investor fans have personally recommended if you like The Barefoot Investor. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Think and Grow Rich

Paula Swope Author Of Thought Snob: The Modern Spiritual Playbook for a Better Life

From my list on women who are ready for change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although each book is different, they have all been written for the same reason—to help people obtain the life they dream of. About twenty years ago, I was broke, miserable, and surrounded by toxic people who wanted to see me fail. I had no money or support, and my future looked quite dismal until a self-help book appeared out of the clear blue. A self-help book changed the trajectory of my life, and that’s why I am passionate about this topic. After studying self-help books and dedicating my whole existence to being better, I pivoted my work from fundraising to helping people find their life purpose the way I did. 

Paula's book list on women who are ready for change

Paula Swope Why did Paula love this book?

There’s a reason this book is the bestselling success book of all time. When I first read it, this sentence changed my perspective about my wealth ability: “Success comes to those who become success conscious” (p.11). So, if there’s a secret to accumulating wealth, that’s it. According to Hill, if you think it’s impossible to be wealthy, it is, but if you think it’s possible, it is. 

The bottom line is if you’re struggling financially, look no further. This book holds the information that will mold you into a wealthy person. You will learn how to use your innate powers to attract the amount of money you desire. I was broke when I bought this book with little knowledge about the power of my thoughts. After reading it, I was no longer clueless, and I was no longer broke.

By Napoleon Hill,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked Think and Grow Rich as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is one of the bestselling motivational books of all-time. Inspired by a suggestion from industrialist Andrew Carnegie, Hill explains the philosophy that helped the wealthiest and most accomplished members of society succeed.


Book cover of Join the Rich Club

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?

While this book is not aimed specifically at youth, it is a fantastic financial literacy resource for all ages. 

It has clear and concise explanations and case studies to help readers fully understand the complex Australian financial system and how to best make it work for them. The author uses very relatable language, so it feels more like a conversation than a lecture.

I would recommend this book for people in their early to mid-20s and beyond.  

By Peter Switzer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Join the Rich Club as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Making Money Made Simple

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?

Noel Whittaker is quite the guru when it comes to financial literacy and this book is his all-time best-selling title, with over 1 million copies sold around the world.

It was on the best-seller list for a record 9 years and was voted one of the Top 100 Most Influential Books of the 20th Century. It recently had a complete revamp and re-write to bring it up to date. It covers all the essentials when it comes to money and in Noel’s incredible no-nonsense, yet relatable style.     

By Noel Whittaker,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Making Money Made Simple Paperback by Noel Whittaker (Author)


Book cover of The Winner's Bible: Rewire Your Brain for Permanent Change

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?

When you understand that success is heavily dependent upon your mindset, you will unleash your true potential.

This powerful neuroscience-based book helps explain the inner workings of the human brain, what makes us tick, what holds us back, and proven strategies to permanently rewire your brain and transform your life.

Combining this knowledge of the brain with financial literacy is a true recipe for success in my opinion!  

By Kerry Spackman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Winner's Bible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

World-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Kerry Spackman shows you how to use and customize the groundbreaking tools he pioneered for elite athletes, Olympic champions, and upper-echelon businesspeople to permanently rewire your brain and transform your life.

THE WINNER'S BIBLE gives you mental and emotional tools that can change your natural desires and rid you of habits that limit your happiness or potential. Dr. Spackman provides practical, proven techniques for acquiring the strengths necessary to grow into a better, happier, and more powerful person. He's used these techniques to genuinely revolutionize the lives of normal people, sports stars, business people and even drug…


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 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 A Boy, a Budget and a Dream

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?

A Boy, a Budget and a Dream is easily one of my favorites because I related with the character first which made it so much easier to share with my son.

He is still too young to understand but it makes for a great bedtime story now. The book is easy to follow along and the illustrations are great. Jasmine does a great job in breaking down the connection between proper budgeting and having a plan to get what you want. 

By Jasmine Paul, Jose Nieto (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Boy, a Budget and a Dream 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.


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 Prince Charming Isn't Coming: How Women Get Smart about Money

Jen Lawrence Author Of The Designed Divorce: How to preserve your wealth and peace of mind in divorce

From my list on getting through divorce successfully.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Certified Divorce Coach and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, I work with clients during one of the most difficult stages of their lives. Clients often feel regretful about the past and fearful for the future, and the right book recommendation can really help them move forward. I often give clients reading assignments between coaching sessions that help them process their grief, figure out their goals, educate themselves about finances, feel less alone in the divorce process, and become more confident in making major decisions. I’m never not reading on this subject.

Jen's book list on getting through divorce successfully

Jen Lawrence Why did Jen love this book?

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.

By Barbara Huson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Prince Charming Isn't Coming as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A guide for women explains how to get smart about money by sharing the practical advice and insights that financially successful women use to get ahead. 15,000 first printing. Tour.


Book cover of Think and Grow Rich
Book cover of Join the Rich Club
Book cover of Making Money Made Simple

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