The best 89 Personal Finances books

The Ascent of Money is an explanation of how different historical events led to the development of the current financial system.

It aims to show how, despite its proneness to crises and inequality, the financial system and money itself are drivers of human history and progress.

More Money Than God takes a critical look at hedge funds, the powerful and often mysterious organizations that have a huge impact on global finance and our day-to-day lives. By looking back at the history of this influential investment practice, it reveals how hedge funds developed and how they operate today.

Kevin Roose spent three years following eight young Wall Streeters in an attempt to find how the 2007 crash – and its aftermath – influenced the financial industry. Young Money paints a decidedly grim picture of junior analysts who find themselves on a non-stop rollercoaster of all-nighters and extreme stress, while earning six-figure incomes.

When Genius Failed (2001) follows the rise and fall of Long-Term Capital Management, the world’s largest ever investment fund. The book reveals uncomfortable truths about the nature of investment and the fragility of the models we use to assess risk.

Meltdown (2009) gives you a guide to understanding the government regulations which in effect caused the 2008 global financial crisis. These blinks will explain how government spending has and always will worsen economic recessions, and importantly, what needs to be done to save the world economy.

Makers and Takers (2016) investigates the role of finance in the 2008 crisis and subsequent recession. From the Great Depression onward, these blinks trace the history of loose regulation and blurred boundaries between commercial and investment banking, while highlighting the role of banks, businesses and politicians in the crisis. They also suggest actions the powerful can take to kickstart reform.

Investing With Impact (2015) explores how people have harnessed the power of capitalism to do good and improve society at large. As a number of ethical and philanthropic investors have shown, finance needn’t be a system of pure greed. Find out why the frequently demonized capitalist system may well be the secret to saving the world.

Other People’s Money (2015) offers a detailed breakdown of the financial sector: how it functions, the effect it has on economies and what its purpose should ideally be – as opposed to what its current purpose is. Find out why the international financial sector has become a ruthless mechanism made up of rotten parts, and discover how these parts can be eliminated and, eventually, replaced.

The Breakfast Club for 40-Somethings (2018) shines a light on the mistaken beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes about money that are standing between you and financial freedom. Making use of a colorful cast of fictional characters, these blinks present invaluable financial life lessons with a narrative twist.

Clever Girl Finance (2019) aims to help women take charge of their financial well-being without feeling judged or pressured. It shows the best ways to manage your finances, get out of debt, save money, and create wealth while staying true to your values and personality.

The Wisdom of Finance (2017) demonstrates that the world of finance has much to teach us, despite its reputation for avarice and irresponsibility. And likewise, there is much that finance can learn from our wider human endeavors, like literature, art, and philosophy.

The Behavioral Investor (2018) explores the subconscious thought patterns and emotions that influence financial investors. Author Daniel Crosby provides insight and guidance that will help you overcome your natural inclinations so that you can make better financial decisions.

How to Make Money in Stocks (1988, new edition 2008) is a guide to building wealth in the stock market, with proven tips for finding winning stocks and avoiding losers. By learning from the past, How to Make Money in Stocks shows us how to spot telltale patterns in unpredictable markets and profit from them. 

Rich Dad’s Retire Young Retire Rich (2012) unpacks entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki’s unique approach to personal finance. If you want to get rich, he argues, you need to understand how to leverage your mind, plan, and actions. Whether it’s cultivating simple habits conducive to success or using debt to buy income-generating assets, Kiyosaki demonstrates that making money is easier than you might think.

Know Yourself, Know Your Money (2021) tackles personal finance from a novel perspective. Rather than simply showing you how to create a budget or telling you to save more each month, it unpacks the psychology behind decision-making. If you want to improve your financial health, you have to understand why you make the mistakes you do. Get a handle on that and you can start changing your money mindset and build a better future.

Dropshipping (2018) is a handy, straightforward guide to setting up your own e-commerce empire with minimal investment and overhead. This brief manual gives a detailed overview on operating an online retail business and the benefits of doing so.

Get Good With Money (2021) is a ten-step guide to developing a healthy, happy relationship with your money. It focuses on building wealth through the concept of financial wholeness, which embodies constructive spending and saving habits – leading to financial security and peace of mind.

The Price You Pay for College (2021) is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about choosing a college and financing your education. Exploring mentorship, financial aid, and graduate salaries, it clarifies an often confusing world, aiming to ensure that students’ momentous decisions are informed ones.

The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb (2021) is a practical handbook to achieving your retirement goals. This level-headed guide provides an easy-to-follow plan for cultivating a nest egg even during turbulent times.

Your Money or Your Life (1992) is a nine-step guide to taking control of your finances – so you can enjoy your life rather than just make a living. You’ll learn how to adjust your attitude toward your money and time, get out of debt, start saving, and ultimately reach Financial Independence. 

Crypto Wars: Faked Deaths, Missing Billions, and Industry Disruption (2021) lifts the lid on some of the cryptosphere’s most audacious scams and notorious scandals. From the missing cryptoqueen, Dr. Ruja Ignatova, to the tech whiz kid who – according to his creditors, at least – faked his own death, Crypto Wars shares this secretive industry’s most compelling stories.

We Should All Be Millionaires (2021) shows how women can attain financial success by casting off impostor syndrome and demanding that they be paid what they’re really worth. Here, you’ll learn how the ability to earn, save, and manage money has been denied to women – and why that’s a bad thing for the world as a whole.

Smart Money Smart Kids (2014) guides parents – or anyone helping raise children – in teaching those kids to become financially smart. Review basics like the relationship between work and money and find actionable advice for instructing toddlers through teens to gain confidence with money.

Million Dollar Habits (2017) is the manual to your brain and your life that you never got in school. It explains the “secrets” of success and what you need to do to unlock your full potential.

Good Money Revolution (2022) is your guide to making more money – so that you can give more away. Earning money with a purpose benefits everyone, including you.

Tax-Free Wealth (2012) takes the mystery out of taxes. It offers priceless insights on taxes and tax planning that you can use to ultimately build your wealth. Drawing from professional experience and a deep understanding of tax law, it breaks down the principles and rules underlying the best financial planning, and shows you how the laws are there to help you save your money.

The NFT Handbook (2022) is your go-to guide to “non-fungible tokens” – a new kind of digital asset that’s changing the way we think about ownership in the internet age. Written by two leading experts on NFTs, this explainer covers everything from how NFTs work to how you can enter this booming global market.

Just Keep Buying (2022) is a no-nonsense guide to personal finance that delights in busting myths and dispelling old clichés. Tackling all-important questions like saving and investing, it digs into the psychology behind money and provides a realistic guide to making sound financial decisions. 

Financial Feminism (2022) debunks the money myths and exposes the systemic oppression that keeps many stuck in toxic jobs or cycles of debt. Offering practical solutions that everyone can start today to close the wage gap, ramp up financial fitness, and build the life of their dreams.

Buy This, Not That (2022) is your ultimate guide to achieving financial independence and freedom. It tells you what to buy, how much to spend, and how to make the most of your money.

Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard (2013) is a guide to the SEPA (Specific Entry Point Analysis) investment methodology. It navigates you through managing risk, maximizing profits, and, most importantly, having faith in your own ability. You don’t have to be a professional to get started in the stock market – in fact, your status as a lay investor might actually be your biggest strength. 

The Five Core Conversations for Couples (2020) examines the five important topics every couple should talk about. It offers expert guidance on the core facets of a relationship that can help you strengthen yours. 

Getting Good With Money (2022) combats common money struggles by demystifying the often complicated world of personal finance. Following one family’s journey to financial freedom, it equips readers with practical strategies and helpful tips to develop better money habits and build their dream life.

Smart Women Finish Rich (1998) is a guide to financial empowerment. The personal finance classic walks readers through everything from saving to investing to – ultimately – building a values-based life and funding your dreams. 

The Millionaire Fastlane (2011) challenges conventional wisdom about accumulating wealth and presents an alternative roadmap to financial independence. As opposed to taking the “Slowlane” approach of saving and investing over decades, it argues that investors should instead seize opportunities in entrepreneurship that can lead to rapid wealth accumulation. It covers key principles such as creating scalable businesses, taking calculated risks, and leveraging time to achieve financial freedom more quickly.

Baby Steps Millionaires (2022) is a straightforward, practical guide to how anyone can become a millionaire. It lays out seven simple steps that you can follow to get yourself out of debt, grow your net worth, and improve your life. 

My Philosophy for Successful Living (2011) examines the secrets of how to lead a financially successful and personally fulfilling life. Drawing from the author’s experiences, it presents nuggets of wisdom on topics such as finances, personal development, and goal setting.

How to Attract Money (1959) is a classic handbook on how to grow your wealth and enrichen your life spiritually, mentally and materially. It shows how, by training your mind and your subconscious, you can gear yourself toward a life of abundance and fulfillment.

How to Day Trade for a Living (2015) propels you into the exhilarating world of day trading, equipping you with proven strategies and insights for consistent income. This no-nonsense guide demystifies complex concepts, revealing how you can turn the stock market into your personal ATM.

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide To Money (2011) is a hands-on guide to personal finance. It details the best approaches to everything money – including budgeting, saving, investing, and getting insurance.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (1923) looks at the life and trading strategies of Jesse Livermore, a professional stock and commodities trader, through the pseudonymous character of Larry Livingston. It explores the psychological challenges and strategic complexities of trading, offering timeless insights into market behavior and the discipline required for success in the financial world.

Trading in the Zone (2001) is a deep dive into the psychological aspects of stock trading. It presents a view into a trader's mind, identifying how fear and overconfidence often lead to financial downfall. It also offers a practical framework to manage risk, navigate uncertainties, and develop a winning mindset – enabling anyone to overcome emotional barriers and make more consistent and profitable trades.

The Great Money Reset (2023) is a plain-talking, practically focused handbook aimed at empowering everyday people to take the financial steps necessary to build their dream lives. Simple strategies explain how to bring your financial life into alignment with your values, desires, and dreams, to put a truly fulfilling life within reach.

Love Your Life, Not Theirs (2016) looks at the pervasive issue of financial comparison, with a focus on personal values, informed spending and sustainable money habits. It encourages an authentic lifestyle, advocating for financial stability through debt-avoidance and saving for the future, rather than through striving to keep up with others’ expectations.

The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing (2023) is a wealth of knowledge and insights for beginner and intermediate real estate investors alike. Based on the podcast of the same name, and framed as a 10-step process, it guides you through the many considerations and choices needed to build a successful real estate investment portfolio.

The Business Of The 21st Century (2010) focuses on the transformative power of network marketing. It advocates for the creation of personal wealth through entrepreneurship, emphasizing the shift from traditional employment to innovative, individual-driven business models. It provides insights into leveraging networking and direct sales as tools for financial success and personal growth.

You Were Born Rich (2007) delves into the idea that every person is born with the potential and capacity to lead a rich life, not just in terms of financial wealth but in all areas of life. Inner beliefs and mindsets shape external experiences, and by transforming these inner structures, one can truly realize their innate potential. Every person has the innate capability to manifest their desires and create the life they dream of.

The Warren Buffett Way (2013) chronicles the unprecedented success of one of the world’s greatest investors. From his first $120 investment to his ultimate $120 billion net worth, it focuses on the history and strategies of the man who seemed to do the impossible: beat the market.

You Will Own Nothing (2023) challenges you to confront a possible future where global elites dictate what you do and don’t have. Dive into an investigation of the forces striving to reshape our very notions of ownership, and discover strategies to ensure your autonomy and assets aren't just safe but thriving. Brace yourself: it's time to redefine your future.

The Simple Path to Wealth (2016) navigates the intricate world of investing, presenting clear and direct strategies for financial success. By demystifying money's role it reveals the authentic mechanics of the stock market, and offers a straightforward method to avoid financial snares, all while emphasizing the power of simplicity in wealth building.

Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement (2019) is a roadmap to financial freedom through diversified income streams like real estate, stocks, and other forms of passive income. As traditional retirement plans become outdated, financial independence emerges as the new goal. Discover the tools to craft your prosperous financial narrative.

Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs (2008) provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing financial information effectively, specifically tailored for entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers without a financial background. Through practical insights and real-world examples, it demystifies complex financial terms and empowers nonfinancial professionals to leverage financial intelligence for business success.

Unscripted (2017) exposes societal norms and stories that often trap individuals in unfulfilling lives, mediocrity, and financial dependency. It emphasizes entrepreneurship as a vehicle for breaking free from these constraints, and provides principles for creating a business that generates explosive wealth and life-changing outcomes.

The Little Book of Market Wizards (2014) distills decades of wisdom from iconic traders, sharing key insights on strategy, risk management, and mindset. Based on interviews with hedge fund managers and commodity traders who've generated huge returns, this book is packed with engaging anecdotes to teach you how persistence, flexibility, and emotional discipline will let you excel like the pros. 

Finance for the People (2022) takes a novel approach to personal finance by focusing on the psychological aspects of money management. Encouraging readers to examine and reshape their beliefs about money, this guide offers strategies for debt management, mindful spending, and wealth building.

Pillars of Wealth (2023) outlines a proven strategy for accumulating wealth through real estate. With the right mindset and the strategies included in the three pillars of wealth – defense, offense, and investing – anyone can build a multi-million-dollar net worth. 

A Random Walk Down Wall Street (1973) looks at the unpredictability of stock market prices, linking their movements to a “random walk.” It dispels the generally accepted belief in discernible market patterns, suggesting that consistent gains are not a product of easily-chartered trends.

Increase Your Financial IQ (2011) is a guide to building financial intelligence and taking control of your financial future. It lays out key principles for protecting your money, budgeting, leveraging your assets, and continuously improving your financial knowledge.

Same as Ever (2023) invites you to identify the things that stay the same so you can successfully navigate this ever-changing world. Engaging stories, witty examples, and a whole lot of practical advice combine into a master class on assessing risk, seizing opportunity, and living your best life – and not just financially.

Accounting for Non-Accountants (2006) is a guide that provides a comprehensive, accessible introduction to key accounting principles and concepts, empowering readers with essential financial knowledge to confidently manage budgets, cash flows, financial statements, and more in their personal and professional lives. This valuable resource serves as an approachable reference for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and any individual seeking to enhance their financial literacy and unlock opportunities for success.

Rich AF debunks myths and imparts strategies for maximizing earnings, investing, and saving, all aimed at securing long-lasting wealth. Starting with the author’s mentorship on the trading floor, the narrative offers a wealth of practical advice for financial empowerment to the new generation.

Your Journey to Financial Freedom (2023) is a comprehensive guide designed to help you achieve financial independence through smart money management and investment strategies. It delves into the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing, providing practical tools and advice to create a solid financial foundation. 

Breaking Free from Broke (2024) details the financial philosophies author George Kamel used to move from $40,000 in debt to being a debt-free millionaire. Discover how, with a paradigm shift and the right financial practices, you can achieve your financial goals and start living the life you want.

Set for Life (2017) offers a strategic roadmap for achieving financial independence, emphasizing the importance of frugality, saving, and smart investment. It guides you through the process of accumulating wealth by spending less, earning more, and investing in income-generating assets, particularly real estate. Ultimately, it offers practical advice for creating a long-term financial plan that enables early retirement and financial freedom.

Your Best Financial Life (2024) charts a course through the complex landscape of personal finance, offering a map to navigate the twists and turns of saving, investing, and planning for the future. It unfolds the secrets of compound interest, the perils of financial pitfalls, and the art of adapting to life’s surprises, all while keeping your eyes on the prize: a secure and prosperous retirement.

Your First Million (2020) shines a light on the imperative of establishing multiple revenue streams to cultivate financial resilience. No matter the circumstances, it insists that wealth is accessible to everyone.

The Next Millionaire Next Door (2018) inspires readers of all backgrounds and income levels to build substantial wealth through frugal living and smart investing. Clear, simple strategies for living within your means and patiently growing assets show that economic success is truly accessible for all.

You Need a Budget (2017) is a practical guide to managing personal finances through a unique, four-rule method. It will teach you how to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, gain control over your money, and achieve your financial goals by giving every dollar a job. It emphasizes proactive budgeting, adjusting to financial changes, and building a healthier relationship with money to enhance your overall life satisfaction.

The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing (2014) lays out time-tested strategies for securing financial independence. You’ll learn how to navigate various financial behaviors, optimize investment strategies, and understand the critical role of emotional management in investing. This guide equips you to make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.

The Wealth Money Can't Buy (2024) is a groundbreaking guide that will hardwire in you a completely new way of measuring wealth. With proven tactics and methods, it will help you stop chasing the wrong kinds of riches, so you can get on the right track to making a life you absolutely adore.

Financial Literacy for All (2024) equips you to navigate the complexities of personal and community finances with greater proficiency and understanding. It reveals how financial education can transform your economic stability and unlock opportunities by managing credit more effectively. This guide is essential for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and make informed decisions that pave the way to personal and communal prosperity.

The Algebra of Wealth (2024) provides a guide to optimizing financial success in today’s economy. It emphasizes focusing on talent over passion for career decisions, leveraging economic trends, and making small financial moves with significant long-term returns. It also incorporates stoic principles to encourage better financial habits and reduced spending.

Beyond Getting By (2024) is a guide for those looking to integrate financial management with personal fulfillment, emphasizing the use of money as a tool to enhance life quality. It offers practical advice and exercises to help readers define their budget philosophy, negotiate for raises, and balance their personal and professional lives to avoid burnout​.

This book delves into the principles of success and the mindset needed to achieve it. Napoleon Hill shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to set and achieve goals, develop a positive attitude, and overcome obstacles. Drawing from interviews with successful individuals, the book offers a comprehensive guide to unlocking your full potential and achieving success in all areas of life.

In this book, Joel Greenblatt shares a simple yet effective investment strategy that aims to outperform the market. He introduces the concept of "magic formula investing" which focuses on buying good companies at bargain prices. Through clear explanations and real-life examples, Greenblatt provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced investors. Whether you're interested in stock market investing or simply want to understand how to make better financial decisions, this book offers practical advice and a unique perspective.

Women & Money by Suze Orman offers practical financial advice tailored specifically for women. The book addresses the unique challenges and opportunities women face when it comes to managing their money, providing valuable insights and tips for achieving financial independence and security. Orman advocates for women to take control of their finances and make empowered decisions to secure their future.

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz is a motivational book that challenges the reader to think bigger and aim higher in life. Through real-life examples and practical advice, the author shows how changing your mindset and believing in yourself can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavors.

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need (1978) by Andrew Tobias offers practical advice on how to make smart investment decisions. Written in an engaging and easy-to-understand style, the book covers a wide range of topics including stocks, bonds, real estate, and retirement planning. It aims to empower readers to take control of their finances and build a secure financial future.

Start Late, Finish Rich by David Bach offers practical advice for those who may feel behind in their financial goals. The book provides strategies for saving, investing, and building wealth later in life, showing that it's never too late to take control of your financial future.

Beating the Street by Peter Lynch and John Rothchild is a comprehensive guide to successful stock market investing. Drawing from his own experiences as a renowned fund manager, Lynch shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to identify lucrative investment opportunities, analyze financial statements, and navigate the complexities of the market. Whether you're a novice or seasoned investor, this book offers valuable strategies for beating the odds and achieving financial success.

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders is a memoir and self-help book that chronicles the author's journey towards minimalism. Flanders documents her decision to go on a year-long shopping ban and declutter her life, as she explores the deeper reasons behind her excessive consumption and seeks a more meaningful and fulfilling lifestyle. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, the book encourages readers to reconsider their own relationship with material possessions and embrace a simpler way of living.

Fail-Safe Investing by Harry Browne provides a straightforward and practical approach to investing. It emphasizes the importance of minimizing risk and focusing on long-term strategies rather than trying to beat the market. Browne offers valuable insights and actionable advice for both novice and experienced investors.

The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton is a personal finance book that offers practical advice on how to build wealth and secure your financial future. Through a fictional story about a barber who shares his financial wisdom with his clients, Chilton presents key principles such as saving, investing, and planning for retirement in an easy-to-understand and relatable way.

The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman provides a comprehensive guide to taking control of your finances and achieving long-term security. Orman outlines nine practical steps that cover everything from creating a realistic budget to investing wisely and planning for retirement. With real-life examples and actionable advice, this book empowers readers to make positive changes and build a solid financial foundation.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds by John C. Bogle provides valuable insights into the world of mutual funds and offers practical advice for investors. Through this book, Bogle challenges the prevailing investment practices and introduces his concept of low-cost index fund investing. It presents a compelling case for passive investing and empowers readers to make informed decisions about their investments.

Financial Peace Revisited, by Dave Ramsey and Sharon Ramsey, is a comprehensive guide to achieving financial stability and freedom. It offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as tips for getting out of debt. Through real-life examples and relatable anecdotes, the book provides a step-by-step plan for taking control of your finances and building a secure future.

Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School? by Cary Siegel is a practical guide to personal finance that covers essential money management skills that are often overlooked in traditional education. From budgeting and saving to investing and building credit, this book offers valuable advice for readers of all ages who want to take control of their financial future.

Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notion of retirement. Fisker presents a radical approach to achieving financial independence and early retirement through frugality, self-sufficiency, and smart investing. Packed with practical advice and real-life examples, this book offers a unique perspective on how we can break free from the conventional 9-5 work life and live on our own terms.

Suze Orman's Action Plan provides practical and empowering advice on taking control of your financial future. With step-by-step guidance, Orman helps readers create a personalized plan for managing debt, saving for retirement, and achieving their financial goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your current financial situation, this book offers valuable insights and strategies for long-term financial success.