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these are the best personal finance books for 2022:
- “i will teach you how to be rich” by ramit sethi
- “the automatic millionaire” by david bach
- “the easy road to riches” by jl collins
- “be good with money” by tiffany “the budgetnista” aliche
- “retire before mom and dad” by rob berger
- “when he earns more” by farnoosh torabi
- “you’re a great guy to make money” by jen sincere
- “the millionaire next door” by thomas j. stanley
- “spend well, live rich” by michelle singletary
- “your money or your life” by vicki robin
- “broke millennials take on investing”, by erin lowry
- “get a financial life”, by beth kobliner
- “the financial diet”, by chelsea fagan and lauren ver hage
- “The Money Manual”, by Tonya B. rapley
- “smart girl finances” by bola sokunbi
- “how do i invest my money” by joshua brown and brian portnoy
We’ve put together a list of 16 books for every life stage and money goal, whether you want to retire early, invest in the stock market, start money conversations with your family, or just see money. from a different point of view.
You are reading: Best personal finance books
These titles were handpicked by the personal finance insiders team: some of our personal favorites, some we always talk about, and some with truly impressive Amazon reviews and ratings.
From timeless advice to detailed budgeting breakdowns for millennials, here are the 16 best personal finance books for 2022.
‘i will teach you to be rich’, by ramit sethi
Personal finance author Ramit Sethi outlines a six-week plan for living your “rich life” as you define it. “I’ll Teach You To Be Rich By Ramit Sethi” guides readers through how to use credit cards and maximize rewards, open a high-yield savings account to earn interest, and even automate accounts to save effortlessly every month. This easy-to-read, highly actionable book goes from reading to reading quickly.
ideal for:
- make a plan
- strategize with your money
- establish systems to build wealth
‘the automatic millionaire’, by david bach
This book by financial writer David Bach teaches a simple principle: automate your finances. From saving to paying off debt, this book posits that setting up your finances to manage yourself could help build wealth for years to come. This book presents a plan that can be implemented in an afternoon and have a lasting impact.
ideal for:
- make a plan
- establish systems to generate wealth
‘the simple path to wealth: your roadmap to financial independence and a rich and free life’, by jl collins
The principles of the “Simple Path to Riches” were first expounded in a series of letters from the author to his daughter, and accessible, practical investment advice is not lacking throughout the book. it acquires a light and informal tone in some chapters, but it does not shy away from explanations of more complicated topics either. It is the highest rated personal finance book on the list, with over 3,800 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.8 stars.
ideal for:
- investors
- people who want to retire early
‘getting better with money: ten easy steps to financial integrity’, by tiffany ‘the budgetnista’ aliche
tiffany aliche, aka budgetnista, shares her own triumph over debt and financial hardship. “get good with money” also includes worksheets to help you assess his financial well-being without shame or judgment.
ideal for:
- people who want to pay off debt
- people who like spreadsheets
- young professionals
‘retire before mom and dad’, by rob berger
For anyone considering early retirement through the fire movement (financially independent, retiring early), this book is a quintessential primer on principles to get you started on this path. but it also discusses the principles that make financial independence and retirement possible, even if early retirement isn’t on your list.
ideal for:
- people who want to retire early
- people who want to accumulate wealth
‘when he does more’, by farnoosh torabi
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“When You Earn The Most” author and personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi explores a reality she lives with every day: being the breadwinner and a woman in a different-sex relationship. she analyzes the realities and the rules that she has established with her partner, and discusses ways to maximize profits and minimize conflicts.
ideal for:
- Start a conversation about money
‘you’re a tough guy to make money: master the wealth mentality’, by jen sincere
Sincere Jen takes on money from a light-hearted angle in this book and explores the mindset it takes to make and keep money. what it lacks in actionable financial advice it makes up for in inspiration. is an ideal book for anyone who wants a new perspective on income and a motivational boost.
ideal for:
- inspiration
‘the millionaire next door’, by thomas j. stanley
thomas j. Stanley’s profile of wealthy US citizens finds that they are more similar than different, and not all the people one would expect. Stanley looks at millionaires and finds seven habits they have in common, including living below their means and rejecting traditional consumerism. Stanley’s insights have earned this book more than 5,300 five-star reviews.
ideal for:
- inspiration
‘spend well, live rich: how to get what you want with the money you have’, by michelle singletary
Author Michelle Singletary reflects on her life with her grandmother, who raised five children (including the author) on a modest salary. singletary discusses the principles her grandmother used with her own finances to make the most of what she had. it’s best for anyone who wants inspiration to make the most of the money she already has.
ideal for:
- Budgeting
- Personal Finance Beginners
- Inspiration
‘your money or your life: 9 steps to transform your relationship with money and achieve financial independence’, by vicki robin
Financial independence is at the core of “your money or your life” and lays out a plan to reach that goal. While the book is quite long (368 pages, to be exact), it provides advice on all aspects of financial independence, from the mindset it requires to the investment moves you need to make. offers specific advice that can be applied regardless of whether you want to retire early or not.
ideal for:
- people who want to retire early
- establish systems to generate wealth
broke millennial investment shots: a beginner’s guide to leveling up your money by erin lowry
broke millennial took the world by storm with great budgeting tips written specifically for millennials who eat avocado toast for brunch. Erin Lowry is back with an easy-to-read, practical guide to investing. Packed with tips for beginners, Broken Millennial Investing Insights will teach you how to navigate the market according to your beliefs and values.
ideal for:
- socially conscious investors
- young professionals
‘get a financial life: personal finance in your twenties’ by beth kobliner
Another book geared toward millennials and young adults, “Get a Financial Life” focuses on the basics. From doing taxes to debt repayment strategies, Beth Kobliner provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to establish a financial life for themselves.
ideal for:
- young professionals
- personal finance beginners
‘the financial diet: a total beginner’s guide to being good with money’, by chelsea fagan and lauren ver hage
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Another great book for beginners, “The Financial Diet” lays the groundwork for anyone who wants to learn more about money and life. Best for Young Adults, Fagan dives into getting started with investing and saving for retirement, as well as budgeting and paying off debt plans. The advice here is simple and easy to put into practice.
ideal for:
- young professionals
- budgeting
- beginners in personal finance
“the money manual” by tonya b. rapley
“The Money Handbook” is a guide to the basics of money management, from saving to building credit. Written by the blogger behind myfabfinance.com, this book is engaging and approachable, with money lessons that apply no matter how much you make.
This book is more interactive than most, with question sections and space to write. The book starts with a simple money log and right from the start provides practical advice that can help him understand where he is and where he wants to go.
ideal for:
- young adults and millennials
- re-learn the basics of budgeting and saving
- hands-on learners
‘smart girl finance’, by Bola Sokunbi
This easy-to-read guide to money makes no assumptions – it starts with and builds on the basics of building wealth. this book grounds her lessons in reality with anecdotes from real life, including from the author herself.
neither does it require any prior knowledge. covers the basics of organizing money and budgeting, then explains credit, debt, investing, and even how to ask for a raise.
is a great option for anyone just starting out with personal finance or just looking to brush up on the basics.
ideal for:
- young adults and millennials
- anyone looking for a crash course in managing money and building wealth
‘how i invest my money’, by joshua brown and brian portnoy
If you’ve ever wondered how your financial advisor, venture capitalist, or that internet money expert invests your money, Brian Portnoy and Joshua Brown have the answers.
With concise stories from 25 financial experts, this book breaks down personal finance basics and gives readers ideas to implement as they take the next steps in their financial journeys.
Not the best choice for those new to money management, as it lacks enough explanation of the basics to be a stand-alone guide. but for readers who are ready to make new financial moves, this book will come in handy.
ideal for:
- wealth building strategies, savings and retirement topics
- people looking for inspiration to take the next step with their money
do you want to read more? try these:
Not all the books we wanted to mention made it into the top 17. Here are a few more good options to keep you reading:
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- “the total transformation of money”, by dave ramsey
- “the smart investor”, by benjamin graham
- “girl, get your credit!”, by glinda bridgforth
- “no financial fear: the learnvest program to take control of your money”, by alexa von tobel
- “teacher millionaire: the nine rules of wealth you should having learned in school,” by Andrew Hallal