One of the big characteristics of successful people is they are usually avid readers. Are your finances in trouble? Causing you stress? Do you have negative opinions on money that you may have picked up from your childhood? Pick up a book. Here are five potentially life-changing personal finance books that will change how you think about money.
Not a big reader?
Don’t let that keep you from learning and growing. Listen to the audiobook instead!
Check out Audible or the free Hoopla digital app, where you can stream for free, listen to free audiobooks or borrow eBooks; all you need is a library card.
Must-Read Money Books
Grab one of these books today and expand your financial horizons!
The Richest Man in Babylon
by George S. Clason
This classic was written in 1926, yet its principles still hold true today.
If you’re not a fan of “self-help” type books, this one should be on the top of your list.
It’s written in more of a lesson-teaching-story-style (ok, I know that’s not really a thing) based on stories from ancient Babylon and is a very easy read!
The Richest Man in Babylon will help you build a solid strategy to save money by teaching simple financial lessons and forming good money habits that will stand the test of time, just like this book has.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki is a financial genius – he is smart, funny, and brutally honest. Rich Dad Poor Dad tells the story of Kiyosaki’s “two Dads” as he was growing up.
His “rich dad” is his friend’s father, and his “poor dad” is his own father.
He teaches the valuable yet very different lessons he learned from each Dad and how they affected the trajectory of his life and his financial future.
This book presents some very interesting and thought-provoking ideas about money you may not have heard anywhere else.
The Millionaire Next Door
by Thomas J. Stanley
This popular personal finance book opened many peoples’ eyes to the surprisingly frugal way that many millionaires actually live.
Many people assume that all millionaires live lavishlifestyles because that’s what our society advertises these days, but that’s simply not the case.
The Millionaire Next Door outlines seven common traits that most millionaires possess. Some of them might shock you.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich
by Ramit Sethi
If you’re younger or just recently interested in your finances, this might be a great place to start.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich is jam-packed with solid financial information but written in a very laid-back, easily understood tone.
If you find too much investment chatter and retirement talk confusing, then you will be pleasantly surprised by how relatable this book is.
It also includes lots of step-by-step instructions, so be sure to grab your highlighter.
The Total Money Makeover
by Dave Ramsey
Yes, Dave Ramsey is very polarizing. Yet, love him or hate him, you can’t discount the success of his teachings.
I credit his Financial Peace program with helping us pay off $54,500 of debt in only 20 months, and his books are very easy reads.
The Total Money Makeover lays out Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps to financial freedom and gives you a framework to pay off your debt, save money, and achieve financial peace in your life.
Dave fan or not, this this book is still a must-read.
Bonus Book: Smart Money Smart Kids
by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruze
As you are learning how to re-train your own brain in how you think about money, it’s also important to learn helpful and positive tips on how to teach our kids about money.
Many of us are raised with warped views on money, and once we learn how to shift our money mindsets, the next step is to be sure we don’t plague our children with the very same limiting beliefs.
Smart Money Smart Kids offers many suggestions and solutions to common money issues surrounding adolescents: how to save money, buy their first car, and even how to put them through college without taking out student loans. If you are a parent, you need to read this.
These books also make great gifts for your teen or grown children or any friends/family that may need some gentle financial guidance.
More From Cents + Purpose
Kristin Stones is the owner of Cents + Purpose, an online community dedicated to sharing practical personal finance content. Her mission is to equip women with the necessary tools and knowledge to take back control of their money and live a more purposeful life. She creates actionable content to help her audience achieve financial wellness using her simple approach to managing money - all learned through her personal experience of paying off almost $55,000 of debt in under two years.
