5 Must Read Books about Personal Finance

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with money. We love it when we have it and we hate it when we don’t. Unfortunately, the latter is often the situation for many people. Did you know that the government is reporting that 50% of Americans are now living at or below poverty level? That means we need serious help. Numerous personal finance books attempt to teach us how to become financially savvy, but here are five I think are great for people like me who were not born financial wizards.

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko
When you think of millionaires, you probably picture beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes, driving luxurious cars and living in luxurious homes. In the book The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko, the authors draw a different image. It’s not about movie stars, wealthy heirs, or lottery winners. It is about everyday people who each built a net worth of more than one million dollars. It’s about their shared traits, habits, disciplines, and lifestyles. It’s about living within our means, no matter how minimal, and still being able to save and invest. It’s not a newly published book, but offers wise words to live by. Everyone seeking financial prosperity should read it.

The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying by Suze Orman
Written by Suze Orman, America’s most recognizable personal financial advisor, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying, also came on the market more than a decade ago, though the latest edition does have new information added. Orman analyses how money affects our lives in every aspect, including emotionally, and gives insightful tips for overcoming financial fears and barriers. Suze Orman is definitely a must read.


The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton
Believe it or not, not every book about financial management is dry and humorless. The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton is just the opposite. Chilton crafts an entertaining story starring Roy, a fictional barber who has only an average income but uses simple methods to untangle complex financial puzzles and build financial strength. It’s filled with sensible money management advice and is an excellent read as well.


The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey
Radio show host and author Dave Ramsey created The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness to help you become debt free and get on the track to financial health. Everyone should read this practical guide, especially those who are struggling with debt.



The Family CFO by K. Snider
This is a particularly good book for those who have little understanding of money management, but those who are presumed experts can learn from it as well. The Family CFO breaks down family money management into four steps that are practical and effective and will keep your family finances flourishing. Every parent or parent-to-be should read this book, but it’s helpful for singles and seniors, too.


It’s time to get past our love/hate relationship with money and take it to the next level. We need to find out how to make this lifelong liaison vibrant and successful, to put broken financial hearts behind us. Read these five books for some of the best advice on how to turn your love/hate relationship with money into a fulltime romance.

George Gallagher is a writer for researcher for literature, finance, and the economy. He is also an expert on student loan consolidation and puts his talents to use helping your professionals.

Also Read: Extremely Useful Personal Finance eBooks (Free)