If you want to change your life, then I recommend that you start reading personal finance books. Yes, money is not everything, but improving your financial situation can help you gain control of your life.
The personal finance books below may help you:
- Pay off your debt
- Find side hustles
- Manage your money better
- Communicate more effectively in your relationship
- Figure out retirement
- Live well on a budget
- Deal with the delicate world of increasing college expenses
- Overcome difficult financial situations, such as when someone is hiding money from you
And more!
Below are some of my favorite personal finance books.
All of authors of these personal finance books also have amazing websites that you should check out!
The Broke and Beautiful Life by Stefanie O’Connell
The Broke and Beautiful Life is a personal finance book written by my friend Stefanie. And, I think it’s the best title ever for a personal finance book!
Stefanie’s personal finance book is a great, fun read that won’t leave you bored. You will learn about many topics related to personal finance, and you will take away several actionable tips that will help you improve your life and financial situation.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich By Ramit Sethi
I Will Teach You To Be Rich is a great book for beginners. It would make a great gift for a recent high school or college graduate.
Ramit’s I Will Teach You To Be Rich is packed full of great lessons, and it is written in a fun way. He covers the basics of personal finance such as budgeting, saving money, investing, and more.
31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses by Kalyn Brooke
Kalyn’s 31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses is a great read that will help you cut your costs dramatically so that you can save more money. She teaches readers how to never again pay full price for gas, how to get a refund on unused phone data, how to have a smaller mortgage payment, how to watch your favorite shows without cable, and more!
Frugality for Depressives by Abigail Perry
Frugality for Depressives is a book written by my friend Abigail Perry. The description says it all, “It’s no secret that depression makes life harder. Sometimes it takes everything you have just to get through the day. The thought of frugality might seem daunting or even impossible. It’s not.”
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? by Todd R. Tresidder
Determining how much money you should save for retirement can be a difficult task. In his book How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?, Todd makes it easy.
You will learn all about topics such as improving your financial security, how to reduce the amount you need to retire, how to calculate your retirement amount, and more.
Next Round’s On Me by Martin Dasko
Martin has written several books including I Like You As a Friend: How You Can Avoid The Friend Zone Forever. If that doesn’t make you want to learn more about him, then I don’t know what will!
Martin’s book, Next Round’s On Me: How-to Achieve Financial Freedom in Your 20s, is a great read for young adults who don’t want to be broke but also don’t want to miss out on life. Yes, you can have a great life and reach financial freedom!
Real Life on a Budget by Jessi Fearon
Jessi’s book, Real Life on a Budget, is a great personal finance book that will help you learn to manage your money better. She includes real budgeting advice, challenges that will help you to improve your financial situation, and actionable steps so that you can live well on a budget.
Real Money Answers for Every Woman by Patrice C. Washington
Patrice’s book, Real Money Answers for Every Woman, is a must-read for women! Her book teaches readers valuable lessons such as how to plan for the future, how to manage credit cards, homeownership, and more.
Money Talks by Talaat and Tai McNeely
Money Talks: The Ultimate Couple’s Guide to Communicating about Money is a great guide that will help couples better manage their money together. I believe this is a big problem with relationships. Not many people discuss money in their family, and this needs to stop today! Read this book ASAP, especially if you do not communicate regularly with your family about money.
The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement by Doug Nordman
The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement is a great book for anyone in the military or those with military family members. You will learn how you can happily semi-retire or retire completely in your early 40s.
Degrees of Desperation by Bobbi Dempsey
It’s no secret that college costs are increasing, and more and more people are having to take out student loans in order to afford it. Many people are even raiding their retirement funds in order to pay for their children’s education.
Degrees of Desperation: The Working Class Struggle to Pay for College is a great personal finance book packed full of valuable advice for anyone with children.
Train Your Way to Financial Fitness by Shannon McLay
Shannon is an amazing woman, and she has a fun podcast that I recommend you check out. Her personal finance book, Train Your Way to Financial Fitness, is just as great! Shannon’s book helps readers become financially fit and is packed full of great advice and exercises.
Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads by Valerie Rind
Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads won the 2015 Plutus Award for Best New Personal Finance Book, so you know it’s good!
In this book, you will read stories about people who were presented with financial struggles caused by another person and were able to overcome these difficult times. This includes things such as those who co-sign loans for others, finding out that your significant other has hidden debt, family members who are taking advantage of elderly parents, and more. You will also learn tips to prevent these horrible mistakes, as well as what to do if you are currently dealing with them.
Hustle Away Debt by David Carlson
David’s book, Hustle Away Debt, just came out last month and it’s a great one! This personal finance book will help you get rid of your debt by making extra income. As you all know, that’s one of my favorite topics!
Soldier of Finance by Jeff Rose
Jeff is a Certified Financial Planner and army veteran. “Soldier of Finance is a no-nonsense, military-style training manual to overcoming financial obstacles and building lasting wealth.”
His book will help you get rid of your debt, create a budget, invest, and more.
One Bed, One Bank Account by Derek and Carrie Olsen
Talking about money is something that should take place in every marriage. In One Bed, One Bank Account, you will learn to effectively communicate with your partner, whether you are just starting out, if you are currently having a financial problem, or if you are doing great.
You Only Live Once by Jason Vitug
This book was just recently released. Jason is a blogging friend of mine, and I just KNOW that this will be a great book.
You Only Live Once is a book that will help you make smarter money moves, while also thinking about the future and how it may impact you.
What are your favorite personal finance books?
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Amanda-LivingFullyandFree says
June 27, 2016 at 5:36 amSuch a great post Michelle! I am going to be coming back to this as my goal is to read one personal development book each month! I strongly recommend Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki as another great book to read. It’s less of a how to and more of a what mindset you need to have.
Thanks Michelle!
Amadna
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:09 amThanks Amanda!
giulia says
June 27, 2016 at 6:13 amWow all of these books seems great for people are going to have a budget, how to talk with your partner about money and finances…thanks for suggestions:D
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:09 amWelcome 🙂
Kate @ Cashville Skyline says
June 27, 2016 at 6:16 amGreat list, Michelle! Love seeing so many authors from the FinCon community. The Millionaire Next Door totally changed my perspective on wealth and material possessions!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:09 amYes, I love that the FinCon community is so awesome!
Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor says
June 27, 2016 at 6:49 amI love book lists. The book that changed me was Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. It really put spending in perspective for me when I read it as a college student.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:10 amI’ll have to check that one out. Thanks!
The Green Swan says
June 27, 2016 at 7:14 amLove the list of books! I’ll be pinning this to keep as reference for when I need a new read!
The Green Swan
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:10 amThanks!
Natalie @ Financegirl says
June 27, 2016 at 7:36 amI LOVE these books! A game-changer for me (and one that I always recommend to my readers) is I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit. It’s so simple and concise that it’s hard not to learn from.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:11 amYes, that’s a great one!
Melissa says
June 27, 2016 at 8:39 amThanks, Michelle, for this list! I really like Dave Ramsey’s books such as “The Total Money Makeover.”
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:11 amThank you!
Kim says
January 18, 2017 at 10:24 amThe Total Money Makeover was a game changer for our family! A must read!!
Ree Klein says
June 27, 2016 at 8:41 amHoly smokes…I can see that there are new personal finance books out there that I’m not aware of. Back when I was gobbling up every PF book I could lay my hands on, there were a few that hit me like a ton of bricks and caused me to make some significant behavior changes.
~ The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason (Every parent should read this to their kids and it’s a good read for adults, too!)
~ Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez (This book blew my mind)
~ @Amanda mentioned Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (I also love his Cashflow Quadrant)
~ @Kate mentioned Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley (Who knew they could be next door!?!?!?)
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:11 amGreat list!
Michelle Rudge says
June 27, 2016 at 1:59 pmThe Richest Man in Babylon was the book that changed our financial lives. I’ve always hated debt but my husband took a little while longer to come around. When he read ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’ he was determined to kick our small debt, especially when you see how easy and stress-free it can be, when you have a system.
Rachel @ The Latte Budget says
June 27, 2016 at 8:44 amThanks for the list! Dave Ramsey books were the first thing that sparked my interest and grew my knowledge in personal finance. I will definitely be checking out some of these next!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:11 amThanks!
Alaya @ Hope+Cents says
June 27, 2016 at 9:26 amThanks for compiling this list, Michelle. I’ve got some reading to do! I echo adding Dave Ramsey’s books as well as David Bach’s.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:12 amThanks Alaya!
Apathy Ends says
June 27, 2016 at 9:29 amThe Automatic Millionaire by David Bach is my #1 recommendation for beginners
Quite a few I have not read on this list, and a few titles that are intriguing
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:12 amI’ll have to check this book out 🙂
Elliot @ Our Growing Wealth says
June 27, 2016 at 9:30 amThank you so much for the list Michelle! Definitely going to have to get all of these and have a good read! Rich Dad, Poor Dad was the starting point for my journey as it really made me think in a way I’d never done before! Also excited for the next eye opening book though. Excuse me will I nip over to Amazon…
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 amI’ll have to read that one. I know it’s super popular!
Lisa says
June 27, 2016 at 9:36 amI really liked Elizabeth Warren’s “All Your Worth.” I’m also looking forward to reading JL Collins’s “The Simple Path to Wealth”!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 amI’ll have to look into these two!
Ree Klein says
June 27, 2016 at 10:16 amI just bought JL Collins’ book and can’t wait to dive it!
Lisa says
June 27, 2016 at 10:19 amI requested it be added to my library’s collection so I’m waiting for them to get it on the shelf. I’m checking the catalog daily hoping for an update!
Lindsey says
June 27, 2016 at 9:38 amThis is a great list! From time to time I read some personal finance books, but I haven’t read any of these yet! I can’t wait to get some.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 amThanks!
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
June 27, 2016 at 9:47 amThanks for including my book on this list Michelle!! This is a great resource you created! Looking forward to seeing you soon in San Diego!!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 amYes, can’t wait!
Stefanie O'Connell says
June 27, 2016 at 10:03 amTHANK YOU for the love Michelle! I try to keep it fun 🙂
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 10:14 amThanks 🙂
Aliyyah @RichAndHappyBlog says
June 27, 2016 at 10:23 amI sadly haven’t read any of these books yet. I’ll definitely have to check them out in the future.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 12:16 pmYes, do it!
Kalyn Brooke says
June 27, 2016 at 11:29 amThanks so much for including me in this list, Michelle! I’m honored! I also have a lot more books to add to my TBR list now. 😉
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 12:16 pmWelcome 🙂
Vicki@Make Smarter Decisions says
June 27, 2016 at 11:34 amThat is a great list! I tend to be a blog reader but not as much of a book reader. I just gave up my full-time job, so this is a terrific place to start! I would add Jim Collins’ The Simple Path to Wealth that just came out too! I read it – a quick couple hour read! (And funny too!)
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
June 27, 2016 at 12:16 pmThanks!
Abigail @ipickuppennies says
June 27, 2016 at 12:29 pmThanks for the mention!
As for PF books, I’m partial to anything by Liz Weston. She’s written a great deal about money (including in syndicated columns), so she’s knowledgeable but her style is approachable.
Latoya @ Life and a Budget says
June 27, 2016 at 1:05 pmI’ve read a few of these and several are on my to read list. This is certainly a great round-up, Michelle!
Holly S says
June 27, 2016 at 1:27 pmI just read “The Spender’s Guide to Debt-Free Living” by Ann Newell Jones and loved it!
Kelsey @ Tealmama says
June 27, 2016 at 6:29 pmOh man! I just realized I need to make time to read more. 🙂 I read a ton of online articles and signup for newsletters, but there is nothing that beats a good book. Thanks for the list. 🙂
Katherine Blaney says
June 27, 2016 at 9:45 pmI found Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach to be an excellent resource and helped develop some great systems for keeping track of everything too! Another great author on the topic is Lesley-Anne Scorgie – they are directed at younger people which is great!
Danielle Encinas says
June 28, 2016 at 11:26 amThese sound great! I can’t wait to add them to my reading list. 🙂
“What Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling You: The 10 Essential Truths You Need to Know About Your Money” which I highly recommend for anyone who wants to better understand how to improve their whole financial picture and how to guard themselves from bad financial advice!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
June 28, 2016 at 10:45 pmThanks so much for including my book, Michelle! I really appreciate it! So many other great books on the list, too.
ZJ Thorne says
June 28, 2016 at 11:25 pmThis is an excellent collection. I hadn’t heard of the Depression book, but I am glad to know that it exists. I see my friends’ struggles and feel helpless to be of any use to them during these extra trying financial times in their lives. Definitely going to check that out.
Aja McClanahan says
June 29, 2016 at 1:31 amCool list of the FinCon Who’s-Who! I’ve read a few of these, so thanks for curating this list. I think the “Hustle Away Debt” is one I had been eyeing for a while….will have to check that out!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
June 29, 2016 at 7:17 amThis is a great list, Michelle! I have actually read a few of these.
DNN says
June 29, 2016 at 10:28 amLearning personal finance is always good for business and personal knowledge.
Becky@frametofreedom says
June 29, 2016 at 4:18 pmGreat list Michelle! I would be interested in reading Stephanie’s book as the title is great. I have only read a couple on this list so I better get moving! Thanks for the recommendations!
Finance Solver says
June 29, 2016 at 7:38 pmYess this was exactly what I needed, recommended books for future reading! Thanks Michelle, looking forward to reading these 🙂
ife@homeremediesbox says
July 1, 2016 at 3:27 amAwesome List! Mitchelle. My first will be I Will Teach You To Be Rich By Ramit Sethi. Thanks for sharing.
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
July 3, 2016 at 8:11 amMy favorite book is that of Hustle Away Debt by David Carlson. I just got a copy and learned so many possible ways/ideas to have more side hustles. Highly recommendable!
Milton Garcia says
July 4, 2016 at 5:52 amI love reading personal finance books.. They inspire me to achieve financial stability..
Samantha says
July 5, 2016 at 9:57 amI will definitely be checking out some of the books you shared! My personal favorite and the one that changed my life is Debt Free Forever by Gail Vaz-Oxlade and also Money Talks by the same author. She is a Canadian so I’m not sure if her books are available in the USA, but they are awesome.
Fit Saver says
July 5, 2016 at 3:05 pmI would recomend adding Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry by Helaine Olen (http://amzn.to/29medlu). If you have a good understanding of everyone’s motives, it’s easier to tell who is BS’ing you!
Peyton Floyd says
July 5, 2016 at 10:41 pmGreat fresh list of some new people to check out! With that said, The Millionaires Next Door is a must read!
kamran says
July 20, 2016 at 9:10 amI have definitely read out all the books because I have plenty of free time due to holidays. Thanks for Sharing!
David says
July 20, 2016 at 9:14 amI like all the books but I will read how to reduce your expenses one. Many Thanks
Jewel says
December 22, 2016 at 4:40 amDave Ramsey Total Money Makeover! Great read. Really helped me tackle my debt. I love his podcast too!
Cari Ouweneel says
January 23, 2017 at 10:45 amHi Michelle!
Great post and I love the new streamlined look of your website! The comment recommendations are great, too. My #1 fave is Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. It discusses how your time is given away to make money and time is the one resource we never get back. Eye opening for sure!
Can’t wait to check out some of these books…
Riches 2 Rags says
June 19, 2017 at 8:40 pmThese will be added to my summer reading list. The Millionaire Next Door was one of my favorites.
Sarah says
July 6, 2017 at 8:43 pmCan’t wait to dig into these books! Thank you for your recommendations!
Joy @ TheCafeScholar says
July 30, 2017 at 7:31 amOne of my favorites is Suze Orman’s The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke.
Dave Dally says
August 17, 2017 at 6:24 pmSo many good book options!! I read a few Dave Ramsey books and loved them!
Alex Cale says
February 14, 2018 at 2:34 amI liked a lot also another book about Finance: “Beating the Street” of Peter Lynch, the manager of the biggest investing fond ever created. He speaks of HOW to find the right stocks
Paul @ IFoundWork says
November 28, 2018 at 7:11 pmGreat article and list of books I haven’t read yet. The book that really changed my way of thinking was “The Richest Man in Babylon”.
Georgina says
November 11, 2019 at 4:46 amWhen I saw the title I thought for sure I would have read a majority of them, turns out I’ve only read one from your list. I think I just found my new reading list for the season.
The Dave Ramsey books are really good too