With all the resources online, it can be easy to overlook financial literacy books. However, books allow you time to reflect as you read.
Because they’re long-form, books are a great way to dive into topics you care about. That said, you can use some of the best finance books to achieve financial wellness. Check out this list!
Table of contents
- Financial literacy basics
- Why reading financial literacy books is helpful
- 23 Top financial literacy books
- Expert tip: Read books related to your financial situation
- What books do I need to read for financial literacy?
- Where do I start with financial literacy?
- What are the 5 pillars of financial literacy?
- What is the best book to read on finance?
- Related articles on financial literacy
- Start reading these top financial literacy books today!
We have put together a great list of personal finance books to help you get the knowledge you need. Additionally, these books will help women take control of their financial situations.
Financial literacy basics
Before we talk about the best books to help you, let’s discuss what is financial literacy.
Financial literacy is essentially is knowing how to make smart money choices and decisions. The more you know about money, the more you’ll feel confident and stable in your financial situation.
The three basics to practice for financial literacy are earning, saving, and growing. Earning involves simple money management, such as budgeting and debt management. Once those foundations are established, you can focus on other aspects, such as saving an building an emergency fund. Once you’ve built good savings, you can focus on growing your money through investments.
While these concepts may be simple, much effort is required to navigate the different areas of financial literacy successfully. Fortunately, our list of books can help you learn and master new skills regarding your money.
Why reading financial literacy books is helpful
A basic understanding of financial literacy will set you on the right track for financial stability. However, if your long-term goals are to be more secure with your money and gain financial freedom, then books are necessary.
Financial literacy books go into the details, give examples, and better explain financial literacy concepts. In addition to providing helpful information, many books offer real-life insights and guidance from finance professionals. Books can help you humanize, simplify, and apply the different concepts of financial literacy.
23 Top financial literacy books
That said, here are 23 of the best financial literacy books you should check out. Note: These financial literacy books are linked via affiliate links that help us grow Clever Girl Finance! Please see our disclosures for more information.
1. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi
Clever Girl Finance’s Founder, Bola Sokunbi, has spent her career helping women achieve financial independence. In Clever Girl Finance, Sokunbi focuses on the three personal finance pillars money-savvy women must master.
Bola is a self-made money expert and finance influencer who shares real-world examples from her own life.
In addition, she also shares proven financial wellness processes. They include how women can leave debt behind, start saving, and invest in ways that build wealth for the rest of their lives. These ideas make it one of the best financial literacy books you can read.
The book aims to teach and empower women. It helps them identify their needs, challenges, and relationships with money. There are also stories from other women’s journeys that make financial security feel accessible.
2. Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner
Written by financial journalist Beth Kobliner, the Get A Financial Life financial literacy book is for millennials wanting to explore their financial prowess.
Today’s young adults are faced with managing their money through societal challenges. We’re in the age of student loan debt and a nationwide housing crisis.
So Get A Financial Life gives concrete, actionable tips. The book promotes healthy financial habits that will benefit readers now and in the future.
3. Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man by Patrice C. Washington
Patrice C. Washington draws from her own experience with student debt and overspending. She shares how women can dig themselves out of bad money habits in Real Money Answers.
Using a Q & A format, Washington covers how to truly own your finances. Additionally, she covers building credit, buying a home, and negotiating higher pay.
Whether readers are new to money management or need a financial reset, Washington’s advice shows how freedom comes with financial security
4. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry
Broke Millennial shows that being young doesn’t mean you have to be broke. It’s among the best financial literacy books for women who want to become better with money.
Erin Lowry writes in a relatable style that encourages action in readers. In fact, her philosophy is “Get Your Financial Life Together” (#GYFLT).
So beyond the budgeting and debt repayment basics, Erin dives into the mindset and a practical approach. For instance, if you’re planning a life with a partner and controlling your money habits in social situations.
5. On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar
Co-authored by Harvard Business School graduates and investment experts Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar, On My Own Two Feet provides a roadmap for money management.
Thakor and Kedar guide their readers through all the personal finance basics, from spending and saving habits to big-purchase goals and safeguards. With the aim of relieving money stress, this book is packed with useful advice.
6. You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero
Motivational writer Jen Sincero dedicated this book to the internal work needed to earn and grow the money you deserve. Therefore, it’s useful for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and women wanting to negotiate their salaries.
You Are A Badass focuses on the psychology of money. It identifies and addresses the barriers to earning that you’ve created in your own head.
In addition to humor and moxie, each chapter uses personal anecdotes of transformation. And there are self-reflection exercises for you to reach your earning potential.
The book is for anyone with a financial scarcity money mindset who wants to feel abundant with their money.
7. The 21-Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom by Michelle Singletary
This financial literacy book by Michelle Singletary is perfect to read if you need a clearly defined game plan for finance.
The 21-Day Financial Fast takes you through a three-week spending hiatus (except for essentials). In addition, it gives you time to address bad spending habits. Also, the book helps you create a plan for paying down debt and prepare for future expenses.
Michelle recognizes that money can be a source of stress and limitations. Consequently, this 21-day “fast” promotes financial peace and freedom.
8. Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Vicki Robin and her co-author, Joe Dominguez, have sold over one million copies of this book.
Your Money Or Your Life teaches you to have agency over how you feel about and deal with money. You’ll work through a nine-step program. Robin explains everything from mindfulness and decluttering to side hustles and money conversations.
The book focuses on intentionality in your spending and investing. In addition, it explains how to make your money work for you and the world around you. So, much of the book’s content ties into Robin’s background in the sustainable living movement.
9. The Feminist Financial Handbook: A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Wealthy Life by Brynne Conroy
The Feminist Financial Handbook uses a feminist lens to approach personal finance.
We live in a society controlled by whoever can pay. Brynne Conroy argues that women can create a more fair world by building their own wealth.
It draws from stories of women of varying races, sexual orientations, abilities, and financial situations. Conroy provides motivation and resources to achieve personal success.
10. Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung
Quit Like A Millionaire was written by married couple Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung. It’s absolutely on the list of the best financial literacy books for wealth building. Both authors are champions of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement.
Basically, this unique approach advocates for retiring at any age. You do this by spending less and investing. Shen uses a numbers-driven system that readers can adapt to live life on their own terms and grow rich.
In addition, you can do this away from day jobs and standard retirement savings. Find financial freedom with the money lessons in this book.
11. We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers
We Should All Be Millionaires offers a powerful perspective on becoming rich. Rachel Rodgers shares ideas for earning more money. In addition, you’ll find advice for shifting your mindset about wealth.
Overall, it’s a refreshing look at why and how to be successful as a woman today.
12. Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money by Bola Sokunbi
Bola Sokunbi’s second book goes beyond everyday money management. Instead of focusing on budgeting and saving, it demystifies the investment world.
Likewise, it’s just as approachable as her first book. Learn How Investing Works guides novice investors to take action toward long-term financial gain.
Sokunbi also gives examples of the difference between making money and building wealth. In addition, she includes pitfalls to avoid and knowledge to use to become a successful investor.
Even on a modest salary, readers should feel confident enough to grow a nest egg for the future after reading this book.
13. The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams by Paris Woods
If you are tired of feeling broke, The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom will help you craft a plan to build wealth. Based on the author, Paris Woods’s personal experience, it outlines a simple path to creating financial freedom for yourself.
After years of working in education, Woods figured out her wealth-building blueprint without changing careers. As a result, she wrote a book to show you how to do the same.
Although the focus is on Black women, this book will resonate with women of all ages, especially young professionals just starting their careers.
14. Women with Money: The Judgement-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve by Jean Chatzky
In Women With Money, readers are encouraged to use money to build a more relaxed life that aligns with their values. It includes an organized system that helps you think through how you view money. In addition, you’ll learn to use your money to make strides toward the things you want most in life.
It features incredible research and sound advice. Jean Chatzky reminds us what money is really about.
15. Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche
If you want to live your best money life but need a system to help you, this book is for you. Tiffany Aliche explains in a 10-step plan how to assess, organize, and control your money. In addition, she shares her own money mistakes and recipes for success.
Get Good With Money advises those new to finance. You’ll learn all the basics and the best way to structure your money.
16. Rich Dad Poor Dad: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Author Robert T. Kiyosaki uses his book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, to tell his life story about how he learned to manage money well and build wealth. Based on Kiyosaki’s experiences growing up with his real dad and his friend’s wealthy father, the book highlights different perspectives on acquiring wealth.
The book focuses on risk management, investing in assets, and the importance of learning. Since it was published 20 years ago, Rich Dad, Poor Dad has become the #1 book in personal finance.
17. The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D., and William D. Danko Ph.D
The Millionaire Next Door will help you re-evaluate your spending habits and look at wealth obtaining and retention in a new way. The books show how greed or the need to demonstrate wealth can lead to financial disparity.
Written by Thomas J. Stanley and William Danko, who help you to see the benefit of saving for the long run. While many people may think there are secrets to getting rich, The Millionaire Next Door shows you that being rich is more about managing your money well than having a lot of money.
18. Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century By Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich was published in 1937, and in its updated version, it shares the classic insights from the original version with newer information. Author Napoleon Hill spent 20 years interviewing wealthy and successful people and sharing their wisdom.
Still, one of the best finance books because it focuses on mindset, staying focused on your goals, and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow. The book isn’t as direct as other financial books but includes timeless lessons you can use throughout your life.
19. I Will Teach You How to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Author Ramit Sethi teaches readers how to save money and have the freedom to spend money on desired things. This New York Times Bestseller will give you a realistic approach to saving money.
Reading I Will Teach You How to Be Rich, will help you take responsibility for your current financial situation and confidently move forward. In addition, it’ll help you start investing with very little money.
20. The Intelligent Investor Rev Ed.: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig
Benjamin Graham is a wealthy and famous investor whose book will teach you how to invest and think like an investor. The Intelligent Investor focuses on essential aspects of investing, such as diversifying and knowing which stocks to invest in and which to avoid.
With the revised edition, you still get Graham’s advice but with commentary from journalist Jason Zweig on today’s market. The book benefits anyone looking to make investing a part of long-term financial plans.
21. Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us by Berna Anat
Author Berna Anat called herself the financial hype woman. In her relatable and practical book, Money Out Loud, she simplifies personal money management, making it less scary for the average person.
Anat breaks down how to successfully and efficiently create a budget. But what makes Anat’s book a page-turner is that she takes serious money topics and makes them fun. Her book also tackles significant issues, such as how the wealth system is designed to keep many people from reaching financial success.
It’s a book that will have you feeling inspired to use money in a way that can help make the world a better place.
22. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime by MJ DeMarco
In MJ DeMarco’s book, The Millionaire Fastlane, he challenges conventional ways of obtaining wealth. He criticizes the traditional methods of relying on the stock market, relying on your savings or 401K to be rich. Ironically, he calls most conventional forms of wealth building the slow lane. This book emphasizes that if you continue on those paths, it’ll take years to acquire the wealth you desire.
Instead, DeMarco”s book introduces valuable insights into the different and faster ways of obtaining wealth. He helps readers reach their financial goals faster without sacrificing their free time or giving up buying Starbucks every day.
23. Money: Master the Game 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins
In his book, Money Master The Game, Tony Robbins takes financial advice straight from millionaires and shares it with average people. Over ten years of research was put into this book, along with the wisdom and guidance from wealthy professionals such as Warren Buffet, Ray Dalio, and Jacke Bogle.
The book includes the original transcripts to get the full knowledge and experience. In addition, Money helps you to create practical goals around your finances.
Expert tip: Read books related to your financial situation
While there are many bestselling financial books to choose from, it’s crucial you select the book that is right for you.
Consider your financial situation and the goals you want to achieve. Ask yourself which book will help you reach the success you desire. Just because a book is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right book for you.
What books do I need to read for financial literacy?
The best financial literacy books are often bestsellers, such as ” I’ll Teach You How to Be Rich,” ” Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” and our very own “Clever Girl Finance” book series.
In addition, the best financial literacy books should focus on different aspects of budgeting, saving money, money management, and investing. It’s best to choose books with practical advice and relatable content.
Where do I start with financial literacy?
The first step is understanding what financial literacy actually is. Reading the definition of the term is a great start, but to really understand, it’s best to read articles or watch videos on the topic. Once you understand what financial literacy is, you can start expanding your knowledge and applying what you learn by reading financial literacy books.
By reading financial literacy books, you gain a better understanding of the concept and are able to incorporate different elements of financial literacy into your life.
What are the 5 pillars of financial literacy?
The five pillars of financial literacy include earn, spend, save, borrow, and protect. Earn involves understanding how you make and understanding your gross vs. net income. Spending focuses on how you spend your money and is tied to budgeting. Saving focuses on saving money, such as having an emergency fund, a retirement, or a sinking fund.
Borrowing money is expected. Often, you borrow money for student loans or with credit cards. However, with financial literacy, you are paying attention to how much you are borrowing and making sure you are making regular payments on what you owe. Financial literacy helps you to borrow money in a responsible and manageable way.
Lastly, there is protection, which means you protect the money you’ve earned. Protection can look like monitoring your accounts regularly or having some insurance for your investments.
What is the best book to read on finance?
Determining which is the best book to read on finance can be tricky. While bestsellers such as our very own “Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money And Build Real Wealth” are a great option, or classics such as “Think and Grow Rich” are also helpful, the best book to read on finance depends on different factors.
Overall, the best book gives practical advice that can be applied to your situations and has insights from professionals. Usually, books that successful people highly recommend are some of the best books to read on finance.
Related articles on financial literacy
Start reading these top financial literacy books today!
Money management is different for every person because everyone’s lifestyles are different. Whether you are in your 20s with some debt or married and have an investment portfolio, it’s up to you to make an effort to succeed.
Fortunately, reading some of the best finance books and careful planning will help you reach financial freedom and independence.
Knowledge is the first step to taking charge of your journey. As you work on achieving financial wellness, consider joining the Clever Girl Finance book club and free financial courses.