10 Top Personal Finance Books by Black Authors (2024)

If you are on an economic empowerment journey to financial freedom and love a good read, there are thousands of personal finance books that provide useful strategies. However, it is important to read books written by experts who understand our uniqueness and challenges as African Americans. In the midst of the well-known personal finance books, here are the top 10 personal finance books by black authors you should add to your reading list and library.

“The 21-Day Financial Fast” by Michelle Singletary

Fasting is good for the soul and body, but who knew it was also good for financial health as well. Michelle Singletary, award-winning columnist for The Washington Post, gives a tested financial challenge in her book “The 21-Day Financial Fast.”

For twenty-one days, readers eliminate excessive spending habits, stop using credit cards, and only buy the bare necessities. Singletary gives guidance for the three-week challenge, as well as practical ways to achieve financial freedom, financial peace, and prosperity.

Regardless of your income level, this book is a great tool to help you make better financial choices.

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“Perfect Credit: 7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating” by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox

Having poor or no credit will inhibit the ability to obtain loans and credit cards or make interest on credit extremely high if approved. If you need or are ready to improve your credit, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox teaches simple steps to take in her book “Perfect Credit: 7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating 2nd Edition.”

“Around 220 million Americans have their credit information maintained and shared through three major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.” states Khalfani-Cox. So what information is being reported about you, and how does it affect you financially?

Khalfani-Cox provides an easy-to-follow blueprint on how to get excellent credit, as well as how to sidestep many credit traps and pitfalls along the way.

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“Live Richer Challenge: Learn how to budget, save, get out of debt, improve your credit and invest in 36 days” by Tiffany Aliche – The Budgetnista

Are you ready to live richer, but your finances are a mess? Tiffany Aliche, known as The Budgetnista, teaches how to make the shift from messy money to financial freedom in her book “Live Richer Challenge: Learn how to budget, save, get out of debt, improve your credit and invest in 36 days.”

Through simple daily financial tasks, readers learn about money mindsets, budgeting, saving, debt versus credit, insurance, and investing.

Even if you don’t have a budget, a savings account, or investments, Aliche’s five-week challenge is ideal for beginners who want to achieve financial success.

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“The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey” by Tonya Rapley – My Fab Finance

Who said you needed degrees or certifications to master money management? Tonya Rapley, known as My Fab Finance, proves that all we need is the right information to empower us to take action in her book “The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey.”

Many people feel anxious and overwhelmed when thinking about money management. Rapley addresses these emotional challenges and gives the readers the skills and knowledge they need to improve their financial situation within six months.

If you are looking for the best way to tackle financial basics such as budgeting, saving, improving or building credit, and eliminating debt, this book will help you move from financially insecure to secure.

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“Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man” by Patrice C. Washington – Money Maven

Whether you are single or married, if you are ready to get out of debt, rebuild your credit, and fulfill your financial dreams, Patrice C. Washington, known as the Money Maven, gives practical strategies in her book“Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man.”

Women face unique challenges when it comes to finances not just because of poor spending habits, but because women make less than men, contribute more to care-giving of children and aging parents, live longer, and most live in a single income household because they choose to stay single.

Washington uses a Q & A format to provide relatable and easy to understand and implement advice from everything from managing credit cards, home ownership, student loans, affordable childcare, and even negotiating a higher salary.

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“#MoneyChat THE BOOK: How to Get Out of Debt, Successfully Manage Your Money and Create Financial Security” by Dorethia Conner-Kelly

Have you ever read a financial book and nothing changed in your financial life? That is because the application of principles learned is essential for success. Financial coach Dorethia Conner-Kelly’s provides how-to strategies to fill the gap between the financial information and application in her book “#MoneyChat THE BOOK: How to Get Out of Debt, Successfully Manage Your Money and Create Financial Security.”

Conner-Kelly shares simple strategies with a sense of humor to explain complex financial concepts in easy to understand language.

If you are wondering about the best place to put your savings, how to come up to extra money when you need it without going to a payday lender, or how to save towards college in under ten years, this book is the missing link to help you change your #MoneyChat.

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“The Frugal Feminista: Unmasking The Strong Black Woman” by Kara Stevens

Feeling the pain of the superwoman syndrome? Sometimes, it is best to take off the cape, put your oxygen mask on first, and practice self-care. Kara Stevens, known as “The Frugal Feminista,” shares the importance of self-care to improve your finances in her self-titled book “The Frugal Feminista: Unmasking The Strong Black Woman.”

Many women are exhausted from being the woman everyone expects them to be, and it is negatively affecting their finances. Stevens shares secrets of financial and emotional self-care that every woman needs to live in her greatness.

If you are sick and tired of playing small and ready to claim a deliciously prosperous life you deserve, this book gives down-to-earth money and life advice.

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“4 Financial Languages: The Secrets to Communicating About Money” by Tarra Jackson – Madam Money

Are you sick and tired of arguing about money with your partner? There is a logical reason why savers and spenders argue about money, and it is not what you think. I explain this as well as the solution in my latest book, “4 Financial Languages: The Secrets to Communicating About Money.”

Financial fights are the leading cause of divorce. The reason most money misunderstandings occur with couples is that they are speaking in different financial languages. I use relatable stories and conversation examples to teach the four dominant financial languages:Saving, Spending, Investing, and Giving. I also teach how to communicate in the different financial language for a fun, sexier, and healthier financial relationship with your partner.

If you never want to argue about money again, this book will teach you how to go from having budget battles to enjoying fun cash conversations about your financial dreams together.

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“The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44” by Ash Exantus – Ash Cash

Jay-Z’s 4:44 imparted several financial lessons that were undeniable. Ash Exantus, known as Ash Cash, brilliantly extracts these financial lessons in his book “The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44 + A Step by Step Guide on How to Implement Each Financial Principle.”

Exantus teaches African Americans how to manage money more effectively and how to build generational wealth. Cooperative economics and how to start a business, creating multiple streams of income, and how to pass down wealth to the next generation are just a few lessons taught.

If you love hip hop and are ready to move the next level with your money, this book will help you decipher all of the financial concepts you need to build generational wealth.

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“The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro

The Black community has faced and is still facing difficult financial times. “The weight of the continuing housing and credit crisis disproportionately impacts the African-American community.” explains Dr. Dennis Kimbro. To help break this cash crisis cycle, Dr. Kimbro shares the secrets of the financial success of 1,000 of the wealthiest African Americans in his book “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires.”

Kimbro uses these inspiring stories of men and women at every stage of life and in every industry to introduce the strategies that millionaires practice.

If you are ready to invest in your personal development growth to achieve your financial goals, this book will teach you what it takes.

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[RELATED:7 BLACK MILLENNIAL FINANCIAL EXPERTS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM IN 2019]

[RELATED: ‘Your Money, Your Life’ podcast with Alfred Edmond, Jr.]

Please note: Black Enterprise makes a small commission when you purchase one of these products via the embedded Amazon links.

Black Enterprise Contributors Network

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10 Top Personal Finance Books by Black Authors (2024)

FAQs

10 Top Personal Finance Books by Black Authors? ›

Which is the most sold finance book in the world? Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki is the best-selling finance book in the world. It has been translated into several languages and sold in many countries.

What is the most sold financial book in the world? ›

Which is the most sold finance book in the world? Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki is the best-selling finance book in the world. It has been translated into several languages and sold in many countries.

Which financial book should I read first? ›

1. The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, by Andrew Tobias. If you are truly just starting out in your investing journey, this book is a great place to start. You'll learn tips on how to save and invest for your future and get excellent advice on what to avoid in the financial world.

What is the best book for financial literacy? ›

10 Financial Literacy Books to Learn From
  • Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry.
  • Bye Student Loan Debt: Learn How to Empower Yourself by Eliminating Your Student Loans by Daniel J. ...
  • 365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money by Trent Hamm.
Nov 3, 2023

How to find black authors? ›

The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is home to our largest collection of materials by Black authors. Take as long as you'd like to browse this collection that features authors whose work impacts local, national, and global culture in literature, sports, business, politics, science, and music.

What is the #1 most read book? ›

The Holy Bible

The 'Holy Bible' holds the title for the most-read book in the world.

What is the top 10 most read book? ›

Which are the 10 most read books in the world?
  • The Bible. ...
  • Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-Tung (Mao Zedong) ...
  • Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. ...
  • The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. ...
  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. ...
  • The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. ...
  • The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.
Oct 30, 2023

What is the most financially successful book series? ›

Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling is the best-selling book series in history.

What is the best way to learn finance for beginners? ›

The Bottom Line

Listening to podcasts and reading books about specific areas of finance that interest you help break down more complex financial topics and speed up the learning process. There are also many paid and free courses out there that offer courses in different areas of finance and investing.

What are the best financial statements to read? ›

This article will provide a quick overview of the information that you can glean from these important financial statements without requiring you to be an accounting expert.
  • Statement #1: The income statement.
  • Statement #2: The balance sheet.
  • Statement #3: The statement of cash flows.

How to learn about personal finance? ›

How to Start Learning About Personal Finance
  1. Talk to a professional: Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) have a fiduciary responsibility, meaning they have to act in the best interests of their clients.
  2. Try a robo-advisor: For low-cost access to investing advice, try a robo-advisor.
Jun 28, 2023

How do you build wealth? ›

Here's a look at some steps that you might take as part of a wealth-building strategy.
  1. Understand net worth. ...
  2. Set financial goals. ...
  3. Earn income. ...
  4. Save money automatically. ...
  5. Spend money consciously. ...
  6. Pay off high-interest debt. ...
  7. Build an emergency fund. ...
  8. Invest your savings.

What are the 3 keys to financial literacy? ›

Three Key Components of Financial Literacy
  • An Up-to-Date Budget. Some tend to look at the word “budget” as tantamount to the word “diet,” but at its most basic, a budget is just a spending plan. ...
  • Dedicated Savings (and Saving to Spend) ...
  • ID Theft Prevention.

Who is the most famous black author? ›

James Baldwin

He is widely considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin essays in Notes of a Native Son explore racial and social issues as well as the experience of being Black in America. He was born the eldest son and had never known his biological father.

Why you should read Black authors? ›

The Importance of Reading Books Written by Black Writers

We learn by understanding the richness of human experience and by exposing ourselves to new perspectives. Stories that help break down barriers of inequality, stereotypes, and bias. It's stories that foster inclusiveness and generate empathy when they are told.

Which is the most buying book in the world? ›

The best-selling book of all time is the Christian Bible.

What is the number one trading book in the world? ›

The Intelligent Investor

This trading book is so revered that Warren Buffett said it was 'by far the best book on investing ever written'.

What book has sold 23 million copies globally? ›

Over 50 million John Green books are available in print worldwide. His most popular title, The Fault in Our Stars (2012), has sold more than 23 million copies.

What book holds the record for fastest selling? ›

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows” — the final novel of J.K. Rowling's series — currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest selling book of all time after it sold 8.3 million copies — or 345,833 books per hour — when it was released in July 2007.

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