Before I started dating my partner, my interest in personal finance was limited to whether or not I could buy my groceries without my card being declined. Like me, my boyfriend has a serious problem with buying way too many books. But while I’m shopping for thriller novels, he’s all about his personal growth and finance books. After much pestering, I finally agreed to give some of his recommendations a chance.
As much as I hate to admit it, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how easy they were to understand. Not only that, I actually enjoyed reading them — thanks to the relatable and amusing anecdotes woven in by the writers. But most of all, the books changed the way I thought about money. While I had previously viewed it as boring, stressful and a total chore, I came to instead see it as something that allows you to design the kind of life you want.
Having personal wealth isn’t about buying flashy cars and handbags (unless that’s what you’re into.) It’s about being able to live comfortably while having the freedom to travel, pursue your passions and do the things you love. However, as amazing as that sounds, it can be really difficult to know where to start. That’s where these books come in. Written by financial gurus, they give you the tools you need to become financially savvy and, eventually, wealthy. They’re practical, straightforward and never preachy.
So, if you’re in the mood to bump up your bank balance, here are some great personal finance books to add to your reading list:
Barefoot Investor
The fact that, purely by coincidence, two people in the Amodrn office (and their partners) are currently reading this says a lot about how great it is for couples. But even if you’re not paired up, it’s a fantastic read. Rather than giving you vague money tips or a strict budget, Scott Pape gives you a step-by-step guide to creating a simple but super effective financial plan. In his matter-of-fact and sometimes hilarious style, he covers everything from setting up the right bank accounts to paying off debt and investing.
Buy The Barefoot Investor.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Think of this as more of a lifestyle guide than a traditional finance book. Written by entrepreneur and investment expert Timothy Ferriss, it’s all about setting up passive income streams that allow you to work less, live more and build your personal wealth at the same time!
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week.
Money and Mindfulness
Money and mindfulness aren’t two things you’d normally put together. But when you read this book from The Collective founder Lisa Messenger, it becomes apparent that there’s more synchronicity between the two than you’d think. Mixing advice from mentors and experts with lessons learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, it’s an inspiring guide to using money as a means to put your dreams into action.
Buy Money and Mindfulness.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
You may recognise this one as one of our 12 most life-changing books — but it would be remiss of us not to mention the best-selling personal finance book of all time here, too! Author Richard Kiyosaki uses the story of his two dads (his real father and friend’s dad) to make tricky financial concepts easy to understand. So, if you generally find money talk mindboggling, this is a great place to start.
Buy Rich Dad Poor Dad.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Don’t let Ramit’s funny, irreverent writing style fool you — there are some serious pearls of money wisdom in this book! Specifically tailored to millennials, his six-week personal program covers everything you need to get your financial sh*t together — including saving, budgeting and investing.
Buy I Will Teach You To Be Rich.
Financially Fearless
When you think about it, it’s strange how many people are scared of those little pieces of paper in our wallet (or lack thereof) we call ‘money.’ This guide by financial expert Alexa von Topel throws away that idea that money is something we should be fearful of. Instead, she shows you how to use it to create the life of your dreams — and gives you the tools you need to help you get there. It’s like having your very own, super cool financial planner!
Buy Financially Fearless.
You’re So Money
Yes, Farnoosh’s outfit on this cover is super 2008. But almost 10 years later, the money lessons in this book are just as relevant as ever. It’s all about making small sacrifices to afford the things you really want and need — so that you can live beyond your means, while spending within them. It’s also a great beginner’s guide to the often baffling world of stock investing.
Buy You’re So Money.
