The most recommended personal finance books

Who picked these books? Meet our 98 experts.

98 authors created a book list connected to personal finance, and here are their favorite personal finance books.
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Book cover of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together

Jason Vitug Author Of You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Wellness and a Purposeful Life

From my list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a finance major who worked in banking, so I knew what I needed to do with money, but I found it challenging to follow through. The books I previously read were money books written by financial gurus who always used yelling and shaming as their teaching method. It never aligned with me. I started writing books with more compassion and an understanding that there are other variables affecting your financial health. I continue to read and recommend books written by people who aspire to help others by giving them knowledge and the space and grace to grow without the guilt trip.

Jason's book list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach

Jason Vitug Why did Jason love this book?

I really enjoyed reading this book because it was like sitting with a friend. I was quickly drawn in by Erin's first story about her Krispy Kreme donut, which started her financial journey.

She has a great way of explaining seemingly complex financial topics in easy-to-understand lingo. I think that’s what makes this book a great starter read on money. It’s simple yet impactful.

By Erin Lowry,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Broke Millennial as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WASHINGTON POST “COLOR OF MONEY” BOOK CLUB PICK

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck and Get Your Financial Life Together (#GYFLT)!
 
If you’re a cash-strapped 20- or 30-something, it’s easy to get freaked out by finances. But you’re not doomed to spend your life drowning in debt or mystified by money. It’s time to stop scraping by and take control of your money and your life with this savvy and smart guide.

Broke Millennial shows step-by-step how to go from flat-broke to financial badass. Unlike most personal finance books out there, it doesn’t just cover boring stuff like credit card debt,…


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 Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom: 8 Pillars to Build Wealth

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?

Cindy is a clear, realistic, and relatable personal finance expert! She walks you through every major aspect of managing your money as an adult. She is honest about the challenges of navigating finances as a first-gen professional and then shows you how you can still make the most of your cash flow, save, invest in the stock market, and build your credit. She also touches on how to avoid falling into the cycle of over-consumption and overspending.

This book is a comprehensive and actionable guide for anyone looking to set themselves up for long-term financial health.

By Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Transform your financial situation with easy-to-follow advice from a first-generation professional

In Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom: 8 Pillars to Build Wealth, lawyer, business owner, and first-generation professional Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez delivers a practical and actionable blueprint for financial independence. Full of easy-to-apply advice for young adults, students, and early-career professionals, the book is a holistic guide to responsibly managing money and debt while building your nest egg.

In the book, you'll explore how to be a responsible consumer, how to budget, save, invest, pay off debt, build credit, and increase your income. You'll also understand much of what school didn't…


Book cover of Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole

LaTonya M. Summers Author Of Black Again: Losing and Reclaiming My Racial Identity

From my list on restoring black women’s mental wellness.

Why am I passionate about this?

Black women's mental wellness is important to me because my racial identity was interrupted by racial assimilation. There was a period of time where I thought passing for white would lead me to the success I sought. I learned that adopting white norms and values as my own was psychologically harmful, and these books led to racial restoration and mental well-being. I am an associate professor of clinical mental health, and I teach my students to assess, identify, and promote healthy racial identity development. I hope readers who are on their journeys will find these books helpful. 

LaTonya's book list on restoring black women’s mental wellness

LaTonya M. Summers Why did LaTonya love this book?

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.  

By Tiffany Aliche,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Get Good with Money as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER • A ten-step plan for finding peace, safety, and harmony with your money—no matter how big or small your goals and no matter how rocky the market might be—by the inspiring and savvy “Budgetnista.”

“No matter where you stand in your money journey, Get Good with Money has a lesson or two for you!”—Erin Lowry, bestselling author of the Broke Millennial series

Tiffany Aliche was a successful pre-school teacher with a healthy nest egg when a recession and advice from a shady advisor put her out of a job and…


Book cover of The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying

André Stewart Author Of Epitome of the Mind

From my list on reboot your mindset and relationship with financial security.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in poverty in the deep south of Georgia in the 80s where heavy racism existed. We survived on food stamps, living in a 2 bedroom wooden house with a tin roof that my grandfather and uncle built. It was a town of three thousand people all living, acting, and believing the same beliefs. Everyone had a poor mindset and thought that life everywhere was the same as ours. By changing the way my mind thinks, I became a banker for 10 years with 15+ years in financial services. I'm now also a 3x author, bestselling author, a Certified Coach and Certified NLP Practitioner, owner of multiple businesses, and live in two countries.

André's book list on reboot your mindset and relationship with financial security

André Stewart Why did André love this book?

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.

By Suze Orman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Suze Orman has transformed the concept of personal finance for millions by teaching us how to gain control of our money -- so that money does not control us. She goes beyond the nuts and bolts of managing money to explore the psychological, even spiritual power money has in our lives. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is the first personal finance book that gives you not only the knowledge of how to handle money, but also the will to break through all the barriers that hold you back.

Combining real-life recommendations with the motivation to overcome financial anxieties, Suze…


Book cover of The Latte Factor: Why You Don't Have to Be Rich to Live Rich

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?

There is a quote that truly resonates, and inspires people to save money, regardless of what the economy is doing.

The author is not implying that you need to cut out a latte a day in order to become wealthy; yet he illustrates the value of your savings over time, if you just cut one latte a week. The power of compounding. The idea of fixing your finances has a creative angle here. Even buying his latte factor mug is a timely reminder that saving money feels really good. 

“When you fix your finances, you fix your life.” - David Bach

By David Bach, John David Mann,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling author David Bach's three secrets to financial freedom in an engaging story that will show you that you are richer than you think. Drawing on the author's experiences teaching millions of people around the world to live a rich life, this fast, easy listen reveals how anyone-from millennials to baby boomers-can still make his or her dreams come true.

In this compelling, heartwarming parable, Bach and his bestselling coauthor John David Mann (The Go-Giver) tell the story of Zoey, a twenty-something woman…


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 Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth

Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez Author Of Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom: 8 Pillars to Build Wealth

From my list on starting your journey to financial freedom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I graduated law school in 2015 with over $200,000 of debt. As the daughter of immigrants, born and raised in a low-income community in the Bronx, I was overwhelmed by how little I knew about money. I turned to books to build healthy money management habits, improve my credit, and, importantly, pay down my debt. I have since read dozens of personal finance books, built a community of over 60,000 on social media, and spoken to audiences nationwide about personal finance. Given the impact that books have had on my journey, I wrote my own from the perspective of a first-generation Latina that went from six figures of debt to a six-figure net worth. 

Cindy's book list on starting your journey to financial freedom

Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez Why did Cindy love this book?

When I started my financial freedom journey, I discovered the Clever Girl Finance platform and gained great value from their blog posts and resources. When their book was released, I immediately picked it up because I needed guidance and encouragement in my journey to pay off over $200,000 of debt. This book provides actionable tips on how to create a debt freedom plan and, importantly, how to stick to the plan. I appreciated its balanced approach, which emphasized rewarding yourself (even in small ways) during the journey and managing your debt-free goals alongside your other financial goals. 

By Bola Sokunbi,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Clever Girl Finance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Take charge of your finances and achieve financial independence - the Clever Girl way

Join the ranks of thousands of smart and savvy women who have turned to money expert and author Bola Sokunbi for guidance on ditching debt, saving money, and building real wealth. Sokunbi, the force behind the hugely popular Clever Girl Finance website, draws on her personal money mistakes and financial redemption to educate and empower a new generation of women on their journey to financial freedom. Lighthearted and accessible, Clever Girl Finance encourages women to talk about money and financial wellness and shows them how to…


Book cover of Happy Go Money: Spend Smart, Save Right and Enjoy Life

Sheena Yap Chan Author Of The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within

From my list on dismantling negative stereotypes of Asian and Pacific Island women.

Why am I passionate about this?

This is a topic that is very passionate for me since growing up in Toronto, and I never had any role models that look like me to look up to. I wanted to showcase powerful Asian women authors to show others what is possible and that we can also dismantle the negative stereotypes we still face. I want to be able to create better representation for Asian women in the media, and highlighting these amazing authors is a great way to showcase that.

Sheena's book list on dismantling negative stereotypes of Asian and Pacific Island women

Sheena Yap Chan Why did Sheena love this book?

For Asians, the relationship with money is complicated.

You are told to never accept money because you don't want to look greedy. Because of this, you become one of the extreme which is you save to the point where you don't live your life or you spend every penny and live paycheque to paycheque.

The author shares how to have a good relationship with money.

By Melissa Leong,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Featured on The Drew Barrymore Show Can money buy happiness? Maybe, but not like you may think … The Social’s finance expert gives practical advice on how to spend, budget, invest, and feel good about money With Happy Go Money, financial expert Melissa Leong cuts through the noise to show you how to get the most delight for your dollar. Happy Go Money combines happiness psychology and personal finance and distills it into an indispensable starter guide. Each snappy chapter provides practical, easy-to-understand advice on topics such as spending, budgeting, investing, and mindfulness, while weaving in research, interactive exercises, and…


Book cover of The Mindful Millionaire: Overcome Scarcity, Experience True Prosperity, and Create the Life You Really Want

Jason Vitug Author Of You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Wellness and a Purposeful Life

From my list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a finance major who worked in banking, so I knew what I needed to do with money, but I found it challenging to follow through. The books I previously read were money books written by financial gurus who always used yelling and shaming as their teaching method. It never aligned with me. I started writing books with more compassion and an understanding that there are other variables affecting your financial health. I continue to read and recommend books written by people who aspire to help others by giving them knowledge and the space and grace to grow without the guilt trip.

Jason's book list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach

Jason Vitug Why did Jason love this book?

I enjoy money books that go beyond calculations and numbers and can reach the heart and soul. Leisa’s book helped me think of money in a holistic way, using the chakras that I am familiar with through yoga.

It made me rethink my own relationship with money and how it affects not just my financial health, but my overall wellbeing. 

By Leisa Peterson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“Leisa has a truly unique gift and has designed a path that will transform your relationship with money.”―Grant Sabatier, author of Financial Freedom and creator of Millennial Money

In the world of personal finance the biggest challenge is the sense that there’s never going to be enough. It is this mindset of scarcity, and not the amount spent on lattes, that holds people back the most from achieving their financial dreams.

Using techniques she’s developed as a financial planner and spiritual coach, Leisa Peterson guides you to dig deeper and discover the root of your financial thinking to change not…


Book cover of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together
Book cover of The Barefoot Investor
Book cover of Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom: 8 Pillars to Build Wealth

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