The Best Personal Finance Books on Money Skills, Investing, and Creating Your Best Life for 2024

Having a solid understanding of money management, investing, and wealth-building strategies is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re just starting on your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your existing skills, arming yourself with the right knowledge can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best personal finance books for 2024 to help jumpstart your financial future. 

From mastering the basics of budgeting and saving to diving deep into the world of investing and creating your best life, these 23 books offer a wealth of insights, strategies, and practical advice to empower you on your path to financial success. So without further ado, let’s explore the top picks recommended by Stash.

1. Get Good with Money, Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole

By Tiffany Aliche

Tiffany Aliche is a financial educator, author, and speaker who is well-known for her work in promoting financial literacy and empowerment. As a New York Times Best Seller, her book Get Good with Money provides a step-by-step guide to achieving financial wellness. She covers all things budgeting, saving, and investing, making it accessible for readers at any stage of their financial journey.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A practical and empowering approach to personal finance, emphasizing the importance of taking control of your money – because you deserve to.

2. The Automatic Millionaire, A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live Rich and Finish Rich

By David Bach

A financial author, speaker, and financial advisor, David Bach is well-known for his personal finance and wealth-building work. In his bestselling book The Automatic Millionaire, Bach introduces the concept of automatic wealth-building through simple and automated strategies.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Teaches the power of automation and consistent habits in building wealth. He emphasizes the impact of consistent, small actions over time for success.

3. Stock Market 101, From Bull and Bear Markets to Dividends, Shares, and Margins – Your Essential Guide to the Stock Market

By Michelle Cagan, CPA

Michelle Cagan is a financial writer, author, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  In her book Stock Market 101, Cagan provides a beginner-friendly guide to understanding the stock market while covering key concepts and terms.

Reason to add it to your reading list:  An accessible introduction to stock market basics for those looking to start investing.

4. The Power of Habit, Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

By Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg is an American journalist and author known for his work on productivity, habits, and the science of human behavior. In his book, The Power of Habit, Duhigg explores the science of habits and how they shape one’s personal and professional success. And while covering how exactly habits are formed, he also addresses how individuals can identify and modify the habits that may not benefit them.

Reason to add it to your reading list:  Understanding and changing habits can have a profound impact on financial behavior. This book can help you with that.

5. Bad With Money, The Imperfect Art of Getting Your Financial Sh*t Together

By Gabriel Dunn

Gabriel Dunn is an American writer, actress, comedian, and journalist. They’re known for their work in various mediums, including online content creation, writing, and podcasting. In Bad With Money, Dunn shares personal finance experiences and explores the challenges of managing money in a relatable way. The book encourages readers to confront their financial issues without judgment.

“It’s not about having a lot of money. It’s about having enough to not always worry.” – Gabriel Dunn

Reason to add it to your reading list:  An honest and humorous perspective on financial struggles, breaking down taboos around money discussions.

6. Money, The True Story of a Made-Up Thing

By Jacob Goldstein

Journalist and co-host of the popular podcast “Planet Money” on NPR, Jacob Goldstein covers a wide range of topics related to economics, finance, and business while keeping the topics engaging and accessible to all. In his book, Money, The True Story of a Made-Up Thing, Goldstein delves into the fascinating history and evolution of money and how this “made-up thing” has shaped human societies and economies.

Reason to add it to your reading list:  Understanding the history of money provides valuable insights into its impact on individuals and societies, offering a unique perspective on financial systems. 

7. The Intelligent Investor, The Definitive Book on Value Investing

By Benjamin Graham

Often referred to as the “father of investing,”  Benjamin Graham (1894–1976) was a renowned economist, professor, and investor whose ideas continue to influence investors and financial professionals today. Graham’s investing book outlines the principles of value investing and offers timeless advice on building a successful investment strategy. In fact, he taught Warren Buffett the ways of value investing. Enough said.

Reason to add it to your reading list:  Graham’s insights on long-term, value-driven investing provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.

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8. Think and Grow Rich

By Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill was an American self-help author who helped pioneer the genre of personal development. Hill’s classic, Think and Grow Rich, explores the power of mindset and positive thinking in achieving financial success and personal growth. He focuses on the aspects of personal achievement, including setting goals, developing a plan, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining enthusiasm.

Reason to add it to your reading list:  Emphasizes the importance of cultivating a success-oriented mindset, making it a motivational read for those seeking financial freedom and prosperity.

9. The Psychology of Money, Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness

By Morgan Housel

Financial author and former columnist for The Motley Fool and The Wall Street Journal, Morgan House often focuses on human behavior and the psychological factors that influence economic and financial decisions. And his book The Psychology of Money covers this while encouraging readers to adopt a long-term mindset when it comes to financial planning.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Understanding the psychological aspects of money can lead to more informed and rational financial decisions, ultimately contributing to long-term wealth. 

10. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money—That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

By Robert T Kiyosaki

Kiyosaki shares personal anecdotes and lessons from his “rich dad” to challenge conventional views on money and encourage a mindset shift towards wealth-building.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Prompts readers to rethink their approach to money, focusing on asset-building and financial education for long-term success.

11. Broke Millennial, Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together

By Erin Lowry

American personal finance expert, speaker, and author, Erin Lowry has been an advocate for financial education and empowerment, particularly among millennials. In the first book of the Broke Millenial series, Lowry offers practical advice on managing money, tackling debt, and building a solid financial foundation.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Provides relatable and actionable guidance for millennials, making it an essential read for those looking to improve their financial literacy.

12. The Barefoot Investor, The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need

By Scott Pape

Scott Pape is an Australian author, financial advisor, and media personality often referred to as “The Barefoot Investor” due to his laid-back and straightforward approach to financial matters. 

In his book of the same name, Pape focuses on simplifying personal finance, offering practical steps for budgeting, investing, and achieving financial goals.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A straightforward and actionable plan for financial success, making it accessible to readers at various stages of their financial journey.

13. The Behavior Gap, Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things With Money

By Carl Richards

Carl Richards is a financial planner, author, and columnist who gained popularity for his ‘Sketch Guy’ column in The New York Times where he explained complex financial concepts through simple sketches.

In his book The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money, Richards explores common behavioral pitfalls in personal finance and offers simple strategies to overcome them.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Understanding and managing behavioral biases is crucial for making sound financial decisions, and this book provides practical insights to help readers avoid common mistakes.

14. The One-Page Financial Plan, A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money

By Carl Richards

In his book, The One-Page Financial Plan, Richards emphasizes the importance of simplicity in financial planning, advocating for a one-page financial plan that is easy to understand and implement.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Creating a clear and concise financial plan can lead to better decision-making and increased financial confidence.

15. The Total Money Makeover, A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

By Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is an American personal finance expert, author, radio show host best known for his radio program “The Dave Ramsey Show,” where he provides financial advice to callers and discusses various money-related topics.

In his book The Total Money Maekover, Ramsey provides a step-by-step guide to achieving financial fitness, emphasizing debt reduction, budgeting, and wealth-building.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Provides actionable steps that readers can follow to take control of their financial situation, regardless of income level or background.

16. Money: Master the Game, 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

By Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins provides a comprehensive guide to financial success, offering seven steps to achieve financial freedom. Drawing on insights from successful investors, Robbins covers topics like investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth accumulation. 

The book Money: Master the Game, emphasizes the importance of taking control of your financial destiny and making informed decisions to secure a prosperous future.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A helpful read for those seeking a holistic approach to financial well-being, offering practical advice and strategies for achieving long-term financial goals.

17. Your Money Your Life, 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence

By Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez came together in this one and created a now classic for the personal finance genre. 

The book Your Money Your Life outlines nine steps to achieve financial independence and emphasizes the importance of aligning your spending with your values. It offers a holistic approach to personal finance, focusing not just on wealth accumulation but on creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Reason to add it to your reading list: Valuable for those looking to break free from financial stress and build a life that aligns with their values, providing a roadmap to financial independence.

18. How To Invest, Masters on the Craft

By David M Rubenstein

David M Rubenstein is an American billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and financier. He co-founded The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, in 1987.

In his book How To Invest, Masters on the Craft, Rubenstein interviews prominent investors in the finance world. Through conversations, he extracts valuable insights and lessons on investing. The book covers various investment strategies and provides a unique perspective on the craft of investing.

Reason to add it to your reading list: For those interested in gaining wisdom directly from successful investors, this book offers a collection of interviews that can deepen your understanding of investment principles and strategies.

19. I Will Teach You to be Rich, No Guilt, No Excuses, No BS. Just a 6-Week Program That Works

By Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi is an American personal finance advisor, entrepreneur, and author whose philosophy revolves around automating finances, negotiating higher salaries, investing wisely, and focusing on living a rich life beyond just financial wealth.

In his book, Sethi provides a practical and no-nonsense guide to personal finance. Focused on actionable steps, the book offers a six-week program to help readers take control of their finances, addressing areas such as budgeting, investing, and debt management. 

Reason to add it to your reading list: A helpful read for those seeking a step-by-step program to improve their financial habits and build wealth without unnecessary complexity.

20. Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money

By Bola Sokunbi, Clever Girl Finance

Bola Sokunbi is a financial expert, author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, a platform aimed at empowering women to achieve financial independence and build wealth.

Sokunbi’s book Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money offers a beginner-friendly guide to investing, catering to women seeking to grow their wealth. The book covers fundamental investment concepts, and helps to demystify the world of finance. Sokunbi emphasizes the importance of financial education and provides practical advice for women looking to take control of their financial futures.

Reason to add it to your reading list: This book is beneficial for beginners, especially women, who want a clear and accessible introduction to investing, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.

21. The Only Investing Guide You’ll Ever Need, Revised and Completely Updated

By Andrew Tobias

Andrew Tobias is an American author, journalist, and financial commentator who has written extensively on topics related to money management, investing, and retirement planning.

Tobias’ book The only Investing Guide You’ll Ever Need provides a comprehensive guide to investing, covering a wide range of topics, from stocks and bonds to real estate. The book is updated to reflect more current market conditions and offers practical advice on building and managing a successful investment portfolio.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A valuable resource for those seeking a timeless guide to investing, offering a wealth of information and insights that can stand the test of changing market conditions.

22. You’re So Money, Live Rich Even When You’re Not

By Farnoosh Torabi

Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian-American personal finance expert, author, journalist, and podcast host known for her work in educating and empowering people to achieve financial independence and success.

In her book Your So Money, she addresses the financial challenges faced by young adults and provides practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing. The book explores ways to achieve financial success while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle. Torabi’s approach is relatable and geared towards those navigating the early stages of their careers.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A helpful read for young professionals looking to strike a balance between enjoying life and building a solid financial foundation, offering practical tips and guidance.

23. The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom, Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams

By Paris Woods

Dr. Paris Woods is an award-winning education leader, social entrepreneur, and advocate for financial empowerment, dedicated to driving positive change in education and economic mobility.

In Woods’ booko The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom, she focuses on financial empowerment for black women, offering insights into building wealth and planning for retirement while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Black women in their financial journeys.

Reason to add it to your reading list: A valuable resource for black women seeking financial empowerment, offering a tailored approach to building wealth and securing a prosperous future.

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