Top 10 Must-Read Finance Books for Your Reading List
If you’re looking to supplement your reading list with a bit more personal finance knowledge, we’ve got some great finance reads for you. You don’t have to go back to school or invest loads of time into learning the ins and outs of finance, budgeting and beyond.
There are so many thought leaders who have done the work for you, and we’ve compiled our favorite must-reads in one place. From Babylonian parables to behavioral science findings or following your next-door neighbor, each of our finance book recommendations has a fun and interesting take on managing your money.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
A true classic, The Richest Man in Babylon uses ancient Babylonian parables to teach you about thriftiness, financial planning and personal wealth.
It’s a simple, informative and entertaining way to get answers to your most common financial problems. Though this book was published almost a century ago, it still rings true today.
Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
The Barefoot Investor will show you how to create a simple financial plan and is full of real stories from everyday Aussies. It goes over a range of topics from saving a house deposit, your retirement strategy, and how to pass money along to your children.
Written by Australian financial advisor and Herald Sun columnist Scott Pape, this book offers practical tips for anyone to execute. There’s a reason this book sold over 1 million copies.
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley Ph.D.
The Millionaire Next Door explores the seven common qualities of people with a net worth of at least $1 million. Stanley spent 20 years interviewing America’s wealthy, and discovers that the habits of many millionaires look quite different to how we might have imagined.
He dispels the myth that wealth has to be inherited or exists only in white-collar neighborhoods, and shows you how you can become the millionaire next door too. It might just be easier than you think.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Celebrating 20 years as the #1 personal finance book of all time, Rich Dad, Poor Dad is as relevant today as it was 20 years ago.
Kiyosaki shares the financial lessons learned growing up with two dads – his real father and his best friend’s father–his rich dad. The book challenges the idea that you need to earn a lot of money to be rich and teaches you how to make your money work for you rather than the other way around.
Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn
Written by two behavioural science professors, Happy Money explains how money can actually buy happiness by using the five core principles of smart spending.
From choosing experiences over things to spending money on other people, you’ll learn how to get the biggest happiness bang for your buck. Part self-help and part personal-finance, this is a must-read you won’t be able to put down.
Life & Debt: A Fresh Approach to Achieving Financial Wellness by Leslie Tayne
Tayne’s approach to debt is different to most, as she teaches you to love and embrace your debt. It’s an interesting take that teaches you to manage and take on debt that makes sense for your life.
Geared towards people going through major life transitions such as marriage, divorce and retirement, this book has a refreshing outlook on managing your debt even when life’s changes get in the way.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
If you’ve ever looked for a blueprint for living out your best “rich life,” this is it. I Will Teach You to Be Reach by Sethi shares a six-week plan for living life by your own definitions.
Learn how to maximise credit card rewards, open a high-yield savings account, and automate your own savings. It’s all about doing more by doing less.
The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins
Have you ever considered retiring early? It might not be as impossible as you think. In The Simple Path to Wealth, Collins starts with a series of letters he wrote to his daughter.
Beyond his own personal experience with investing and budgeting, this book isn’t afraid to go more in-depth when it comes to complicated topics. This must-read finance book is all about offering actional advice you can implement today.
When She Makes More by Farnoosh Torabi
Nowadays, money plays a large role in marriage and relationships. Many women are becoming the breadwinners, and this might leave some couples on unsure ground.
Torabi explores her own role as the breadwinner within her family as well as helpful boundaries she’s set with her partner. Finances are an important part of any successful relationship, and a bit of planning goes a long way.
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin
In Your Money or Your Life, learn how to lay out your own plan to get to your financial goal. From learning how to become financially independent to explaining key investment movies, this is perfect for anyone looking to ambitiously save and pay off debt.
Though this is a longer must-read than others on this list, it’s worth reading through Robin’s invaluable advice. If you want to build wealth, you need real systems.
Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
Lastly, here is a must-read financial book specifically for younger people. The younger generation has largely felt excluded from the financial conversation, but Lowry puts an end to that with Broke Millennial.
In this finance book, Lowry tackles the unique challenges young adults face today. From rising debt to increasing costs of living, she doesn’t shy away from the real-world picture and how to rise above.
Build Your Financial Knowledge
Reading is a great way to walk in someone else’s footsteps. In the case of these personal finance must-reads above, walk in the footsteps of someone who knows their stuff when it comes to saving and putting their money to work. You don’t need any complicated training or experience to feel confident with your own bank accounts. It’s all about having the right foundation, and these books get you there.
Whether you’re hoping to learn more about the basics or advanced investing strategy, there’s a book out there for you. It’s time to take the first step and start reading, no matter your current situation.
While books can be fantastic resources for managing your finances, sometimes you need a little more assistance. If you’re not sure how to get back on track, we’re here to help! Give one of our friendly personal finance experts a call today on 1300 368 322. Financial freedom is a life-long journey that begins with a single step.