Money Books
Ah, money management content. Other than the people who live in my house, finance books are my favorite. Ever since I was fresh out of college I’ve been consuming books about money.
I have a memory from my early 20s of hanging by the pool on vacation with family, not a drop of sunscreen in sight. My sisters and cousins were all relaxing on loungers with their novels, and I was reading a self-help about money management and wealth building. They pointed and laughed at my choice. But I have no regrets. Except for skipping the sunscreen.
I’ve been searching most of my adult life for the formula that works for everyone. And I’ve yet to find it (because personal finance is personal, of course). Along the way though I read some remarkable stories about climbing out of crippling debt, saving like a squirrel, and effective strategies for building wealth. And I find encouragement, enlightenment, and value in nearly every one.
So without further ado, five of my all-time favorite books on personal finance. You’re welcome.
Money Out Loud by Berna Anat
If you’re young and hip (or oldish with a hip that hurts just from sitting too long like me), Berna Anat’s book Money Out Loud is speaking your language. Berna calls herself a financial hype woman (omg yessss) and encourages teens through 30-something’s to change the script and do the thing we’re socialized NOT to do - talk about money. Her writing voice is sympathetic and encouraging with sass and spunk, and she presents money concepts in a fun and humorous way. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. I loved it.
Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
My goodness I love Tori’s perspective. She tackles hot money topics like the patriarchy, gender roles, and race with straight-forward tact and vindication. With compassionate directives, she fights on the front lines for equity through education and calls for systemic change. This is a beautifully enlightening read, and I really enjoyed it.
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
In his signature straight-to-the-point style, Ramit tells it like it is with a unique blend of directness and empathy. He breaks down the psychology of individual money mindsets and provides proven step-by-step methods for improving personal finances and achieving wealth. This is the ultimate guide to living a rich life and finding joy in it!
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
My brother in law recommended this book to me. It’s a deceptively easy read, despite the text book sounding title. Learning the connections between behaviors with money and beliefs about money blew my mind. In fact, immediately after finishing it I made my husband read it and bought a copy for my dad. It’s a book I want to personally put in the hands of every person I know.
Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche
Tiffany is a former preschool teacher, a fact that shines through in the best possible way as she breaks down complex concepts into digestible terms. Through ten simple but thoroughly explained steps Tiffany (the Budgetnista, to her followers) compassionately teaches ways to achieve financial wholeness and control your money rather than letting it control you. Beautifully written and clearly presented, this is easily my all-around favorite financial book.
I’ve curated this list for a wide range of readers, but I think everyone - regardless of age or stage - could get something helpful or valuable from any of these five books. Did I agree with every single word of all five? Definitely not. Are there other fantastic finance books out there? Absolutely!
Let me know your favorites in the comments! Do we have any in common? I’d love to hear and share.