20 of the Best Personal Finance Books to Add to Your Reading List

In a world of misguiding money advice, how do you find the right personal finance book for you? Covering everything from saving money to the consistent habits of the wealthy, these personal finance books offer a wealth of tried and true advice. Listed in no particular order, each book offers sound council rooted in experience; no frills, no tricks, just the honest truth about getting your finances in order.  So, if you’re looking for a list of the best personal finance books to read in 2017, here you are.

1. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham

“The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” — which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies — has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.” If investing is your game, start off with Graham’s essential work. Updated and revised to apply to modern markets, this text offers everything you need to know to make smart investment choices, and thus has earned a spot on our list.

2.The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

“Acclaimed as a modern-day classic, this celebrated bestseller offers an understanding of—and a solution to—your personal financial problems that will guide you through a lifetime. This is the book that holds the secrets to keeping your money—and making more.” Included for its classing standing, Clason’s parable-style novel is rich with all the right solutions to your financial problems.

3.Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life by Gail Vaz-Oxlade

“Make no mistake: Getting out of debt isn’t easy. But in Debt-Free Forever, Gail gives you a clear strategy and the steps needed to implement it. So if you’re finished with excuses, overdue notices, and maxed-out credit cards, pick up this book, follow Gail’s plan, and start becoming debt-free forever.” In this remarkable book, Vaz-Oxlade makes the path to becoming debt-free look like the yellow brick road: long and difficult, but also clear, straightforward, and definitely possible. We selected Vaz-Oxlade’s book for its unique yet universally applicable problem solving.

4. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Michael LeBoeuf, and Mel Lindauer, with a foreword by John C. Bogle

“Invest like a Boglehead, and let their grassroots investment wisdom guide you down the path of long-term wealth creation and happiness, without all the worries and fuss of stock pickers and day traders. If you face a financial crisis or problem, or simply want to know what is prudent to do with the money you save, the Bogleheads will have the answers you need to help you gain your financial footing and keep it.” In keeping with John C. Bogle’s investment advice, this witty and clever guide has all you need to know about investment. We chose this guide for its all-around, easy to follow, and thorough information on investing.

5. Pirates of Financial Freedom: A Novel by Joey Fehrman

“Through the financial advice they receive and the other characters they meet along the way, you will learn how to take control of your destiny and start achieving the thriving life of financial success you deserve!” Told through the eyes of fictional pirates, this entertaining read offers essential lessons on the most essential personal finance skills. This is the perfect book for learning those essential healthy financial habits through the experience of relatable characters.

6. The Wealthy Barber: Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent by David H. Chilton

“David Chilton simplifies the complex puzzles of personal finance and helps you achieve financial independence. With the help of his fictional barber, Roy, and a large dose of humor, Chilton shows you how to take control of your financial future–slowly, steadily, and with sure success.” See also: The Wealthy Barber Returns. Selected because it is one of the top-rated financial books ever, Chilton’s plan makes it possible to achieve financial independence, no matter your salary.

7. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt

“Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.” While this book does not offer twelve-step plans for financial independence or a six week get-rich-quick program, it is essential in transforming your worldview. Understanding the freakonomics mindset will allow you to make smart and beneficial financial decisions.

8. Your Money: The Missing Manual by J.D. Roth

“Guides readers with practical advice for getting — and keeping — their finances in order, covering all the money-management bases, from saving and spending to getting out of debt to investing, and planning for retirement.” Roth’s sensible advice on money management is important in any financial journey. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive and simple guide to an essential aspect of financial health: taking control of your money.

9. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker

“According to T. Harv Eker, it’s simple. If you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you’ll get rich too!” Finances start with the person, and Eker’s approach to thinking like a millionaire will get you in top shape to begin your financial journey. We selected Eker’s book for the way it will transform your mindset on wealth.

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10. Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey

“With practical and easy to follow methods and personal anecdotes, Financial Peace is the road map to personal control, financial security, a new, vital family dynamic, and lifetime peace.” A radio host and best-selling author, Dave Ramsey is a giant in the personal finance world. His advice for achieving financial peace comes from real experience grappling with gaining — and losing, and regaining — wealth and financial health. His financial plans are hailed for their honesty and effectiveness, which is why we had to include one of his works on our list. Ramsey’s acclaimed work focuses not only on financial peace, but also on peace in your life.

11. Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller by Napoleon Hill

<“In the updated version, Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D., a nationally known author, lecturer, and consultant in human resources management and an expert in applying Hill’s thought, deftly interweaves anecdotes of how contemporary millionaires and billionaires, such as Bill Gates, Mary Kay Ash, Dave Thomas, and Sir John Templeton, achieved their wealth.” We included this classic in motivational literature as it offers an updated version of Napoleon Hill’s 1937 work with a modern perspective on success.

12. Effortless Savings: A Money Management Guide to Saving Without Sacrifice by Richard Syrop

“Effortless Savings is the ultimate guide to saving without sacrifice. Perfect for readers of any income level or household size, it contains hundreds of ways to save money that are easy and manageable.” We chose Syrop’s guide to saving money because it offers a wealth of ways to save money without having to make sacrifices.

13. On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar

“Succinct, straightforward, and visually appealing “On My Own Two Feet” will redefine “personal finance 101” for women in their 20s and 30s.” If you want a go-to guide for personal finance, look no further. Included because it meets the need of a modern target audience, Thakor and Kedar cover the basics of personal finance in fun and simple way.

14. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns by John C. Bogle

“Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing will show you how to incorporate this proven investment strategy into your portfolio. It will also change the very way you think about investing. Successful investing is not easy. (It requires discipline and patience.) But it is simple. For it’s all about common sense.” Bogle’s common sense approach to basic investing from the man himself is sure to offer the best advice out there for those looking to polish their investment game. We chose to include this book for its standing as an essential investment read, as well as for its short and sweet length.

15. Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan for Getting Your Financial Life Together… Finally by Nicole Lapin

“In RICH BITCH, money expert and financial journalist Nicole Lapin lays out a 12-Step Plan in which she shares her experiences—mistakes and all—of getting her own finances in order. She talks to you not like a lecturer but as your friend. And even though money is typically an “off-limits” conversation, nothing is off-limits here.” Included for its spunky yet expert perspective, Lapin’s 12-step plan is offered in a fun and funky style, perfect for those seeking a bit of pizzazz in their financial advice.

16. Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner

“From tackling taxes to boosting credit scores, Get a Financial Lifecan show those just starting out how to decrease their debt, avoid common money mistakes, and navigate the world of personal finance in today’s ever-changing landscape.” Since Finance 101 is not a class offered in high school, Kobliner’s guide to finances for young people offers the best and most thorough advice for young adults starting out in the scary world of finance. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive basic guide to beginning your financial journey.

17. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

“Personal finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences – his two fathers.” Kiyosaki’s honest observations of his and his friend’s fathers was chosen for its unique perspective on wealth and what it takes to make it financially.

18. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

“A completely practical approach delivered with a nonjudgmental style that makes readers want to do what Sethi says, it is based around the four pillars of personal finance— banking, saving, budgeting, and investing—and the wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship.” Perfect for young adults seeking structure, Sethi’s 6-week financial plan will have you starting on the right foot.

19. Money: Master The Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Anthony Robbins

“Based on extensive research and one-on-one interviews with more than 50 of the most legendary financial experts in the world – from Carl Icahn and Warren Buffett, to Ray Dalio and Steve Forbes – Tony Robbins has created a simple 7-step blueprint that anyone can use for financial freedom.” Robbins’ guide follows advice of financial greats and was included for its merit as a well-rounded first read for anyone looking to learn the ins and outs of the financial game.

20. The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach

“David Bach gives you a totally realistic system, based on timeless principles, with everything you need to know, including phone numbers and websites, so you can put the secret to becoming an Automatic Millionaire in place from the comfort of your own home.” Centered around an anecdote about an average American couple, Bach’s insights into financial health will change your world. We selected this book for its comprehensive information on how to make modern technology work for you.

Personal finance books offer a wide range of advice. While these twenty personal finance books cover a range of topics and financial situations, one thing remains true: their advice is the best of the best. These authors have proved their worth in the financial game, and now they are passing that wisdom on to readers like you. With all these topics out there, you are sure to find the right one for you! Have you read any great personal finance literature? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: Christopher