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Written by Apple Crider on December 10, 2022
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13 Best Personal Finance Books For Beginners In 2023

Personal finance can be an intimidating topic for most. It's very similar to talking about fitness or weight loss.

Truth be told, we all start out at a different point based on our past decision making. However, I encourage you to put all of that aside and instead focus on the future.

You don't get to where you are going by looking in the rearview mirror.

If you are a complete beginner looking to improve your finances, here is a roundup of some of the best books to get started. You can probably find most of these at your local library, as they are all quite popular.

So, here's the best personal finance books for beginners.

1. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad

"Rich Dad Poor Dad" is a personal finance book written by Robert Kiyosaki that offers advice on how to become financially independent. The book argues that traditional financial advice, such as getting a good education and working hard to get a high-paying job, is flawed and that building wealth requires a different approach.

  • Kiyosaki's "rich dad" is his friend's father, who is financially successful and teaches him valuable lessons about money.
  • His "poor dad" is his biological father, who is educated but not financially savvy.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal finance, including the importance of financial literacy, the differences between assets and liabilities, the power of investing, and the dangers of consumer debt.

It also encourages readers to take control of their financial future and make smart decisions about their money.

Overall, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" offers a unique perspective on personal finance and provides valuable advice on how to build wealth and achieve financial independence.

Check the price of Rich Dad Poor Dad on Amazon Here!

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

I Will Teach You To Be Rich

"I Will Teach You To Be Rich" is a personal finance book written by Ramit Sethi that offers advice on how to manage your money and build wealth.

The book argues that becoming financially successful is not about making a lot of money, but rather about making smart decisions with the money you have.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal finance, including how to automate your finances, how to negotiate a raise, and how to invest your money.

It also includes practical tools and tips for managing your money, such as templates for creating a budget and a savings plan.

Overall, "I Will Teach You To Be Rich" offers a practical and approachable guide to personal finance, and provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial future.

Check the price of I Will Teach You To Be Rich on Amazon Here!

3. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover

"The Total Money Makeover" is a personal finance book written by Dave Ramsey that offers a plan for getting out of debt and achieving financial freedom.

The book's central strategy is called the "Baby Steps," which is a seven-step plan that guides readers through the process of getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, and investing for the future.

  1. First step in the Baby Steps plan is to save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund. This money will be used to cover unexpected expenses and to help keep you from going into more debt.
  2. Second step is to pay off all of your debts (except for your mortgage) using the "debt snowball" method, which involves paying off your smallest debts first and working your way up to your largest debts.
  3. Third step is to save up a full emergency fund of three to six months' worth of living expenses. This money will be used to cover unexpected expenses and to help you weather any financial storms that may come your way.
  4. Fourth step is to invest 15% of your income into retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA.
  5. Fifth step is to start saving for your children's college education.
  6. Sixth step is to pay off your mortgage early.
  7. Final step is to build wealth and give generously to others.

Overall, "The Total Money Makeover" provides a comprehensive and practical plan for getting out of debt and achieving financial freedom.

It offers a step-by-step guide to managing your money and making smart financial decisions.

Check the price of The Total Money Makeover on Amazon Here!

4. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

The Millionaire Next Door

"The Millionaire Next Door" is a personal finance book written by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko that explores the habits and characteristics of wealthy individuals in the United States.

The book is based on a study of over 1,000 millionaires, and it offers insights into how these individuals became wealthy and how they maintain their wealth.

The book's main thesis is that many people have misconceptions about what it means to be wealthy, and that the average millionaire is not who most people think they are.

The authors argue that the typical millionaire is not a flashy, high-income earner, but rather a hard-working, frugal individual who has built their wealth over time through disciplined saving and investing.

The book covers a range of topics related to wealth building, including the importance of having a long-term financial plan, the power of compound interest, and the dangers of overspending and consumer debt.

It also offers practical advice for building wealth, such as setting financial goals, tracking spending, and investing in assets that generate income.

Overall, "The Millionaire Next Door" offers a unique perspective on wealth building and provides valuable insights into the habits and characteristics of successful investors.

Check the price of The Millionaire Next Door on Amazon Here!

5. The Richest Man In Babylon by George Clason

The Richest Man In Babylon

"The Richest Man in Babylon" is a classic personal finance book written by George S. Clason that uses parables set in ancient Babylon to teach readers about money and wealth.

The book's central message is that wealth is created through hard work, careful planning, and the wise use of money.

The book consists of a series of short stories and parables that follow the lives of various characters in ancient Babylon. Each story presents a different lesson about money and wealth, and many of the stories center on the character of Arkad, the richest man in Babylon.

One of the main themes of the book is the importance of saving and investing a portion of your income.

The book argues that by saving and investing wisely, you can create wealth and achieve financial security. It also emphasizes the importance of setting financial goals and making a plan to achieve them.

Other themes include the dangers of overspending and consumer debt, the importance of financial literacy, and the power of compound interest.

Overall, "The Richest Man in Babylon" offers a timeless and practical guide to building wealth and achieving financial success.

Its simple, straightforward advice and engaging storytelling make it an enjoyable and valuable read for anyone interested in personal finance.

Check the price of The Richest Man In Babylon on Amazon Here!

6. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

The Simple Path To Wealth

"The Simple Path to Wealth" is a personal finance book written by JL Collins that offers a straightforward approach to building wealth and achieving financial independence.

The book argues that building wealth is not about getting rich quick or making complex financial decisions, but rather about following a few simple principles and making smart choices with your money.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal finance, including the importance of saving, the power of compound interest, and the benefits of investing in low-cost index funds.

It also includes practical advice for managing your money, such as setting financial goals, creating a budget, and avoiding consumer debt.

One of the main ideas in the book is the concept of "financial independence," which refers to the ability to live off of the income generated by your investments without having to work for a paycheck.

The book argues that financial independence is achievable for anyone, regardless of their income or starting point, and that it is an essential step towards achieving true wealth and freedom.

Overall, "The Simple Path to Wealth" offers a practical and approachable guide to personal finance, and provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial future and build wealth.

Check the price of The Simple Path To Wealth on Amazon Here!

7. Money Master the Game by Tony Robbins

Money Master The Game

"Money Master the Game" is a personal finance book written by Tony Robbins that offers a comprehensive plan for achieving financial freedom.

The book is based on extensive research and interviews with some of the world's most successful investors, and it offers practical advice and strategies for building wealth and achieving financial success.

The book covers a wide range of topics related to personal finance, including the importance of setting financial goals, the power of compound interest, and the benefits of diversification.

It also includes advice on how to invest in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can derail your financial goals.

One of the main ideas in the book is the concept of "asset allocation," which is the practice of dividing your investments among different asset classes in order to balance risk and potential return.

The book argues that by properly allocating your assets, you can minimize your risk and maximize your potential for growth.

Overall, "Money Master the Game" offers a comprehensive and practical guide to personal finance, and provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial future and achieve their financial goals.

Check the price of Money Master The Game on Amazon Here!

8. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Think And Grow Rich Business Book

"Think and Grow Rich" is a personal development and self-help book written by Napoleon Hill that offers a formula for success and achieving wealth.

The book is based on Hill's interviews with over 500 successful individuals, including industrialists, inventors, and entrepreneurs, and it presents their stories and the lessons they learned on their paths to success.

The book's central thesis is that success and wealth are attainable by anyone who is willing to put in the necessary effort and develop the right mindset. It argues that success is not determined by external factors such as education or background, but rather by an individual's thoughts and beliefs.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal development and success, including the power of positive thinking, the importance of setting goals, and the role of determination and persistence in achieving success.

It also includes practical advice for putting these principles into action, such as how to overcome fear and doubt, and how to develop a positive mindset and a winning attitude.

Overall, "Think and Grow Rich" offers a powerful and inspiring guide to achieving success and wealth.

Its practical advice and real-life examples make it a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their life and achieve their goals.

Check the price of Think And Grow Rich on Amazon Here!

9. The Millionaire Fastlane by M.J. DeMarco

The Millionaire Fastlane

"The Millionaire Fastlane" is a personal finance book written by M.J. DeMarco that offers a different approach to building wealth and achieving financial independence.

The book argues that traditional financial advice, such as saving and investing for the long term, is flawed and that true wealth can only be achieved through entrepreneurship and building a business.

The book's central thesis is that the road to wealth and financial independence is not through the "slowlane" of traditional jobs and investments, but rather through the "fastlane" of entrepreneurship and building a business.

It argues that by starting a business and creating value for others, you can create wealth much faster and with less risk than by following the traditional path of saving and investing.

The book covers a range of topics related to entrepreneurship and wealth building, including the importance of creating value, the power of leverage, and the dangers of consumer debt and the "rat race."

It also includes practical advice for starting and growing a business, such as how to identify a profitable market, how to develop a unique selling proposition, and how to generate and manage revenue.

Overall, "The Millionaire Fastlane" offers a unique and controversial perspective on wealth building, and provides practical advice and strategies for achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Check the price of The Millionaire Fastlane on Amazon Here!

10. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle

The Little Book of common sense Investing

"The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" is a personal finance book written by John Bogle that offers a simple and straightforward approach to investing.

The book argues that the key to successful investing is to avoid trying to beat the market, and instead to focus on low-cost, diversified index funds that track the market as a whole.

The book's central thesis is that most professional investors and money managers are unable to consistently beat the market, and that the average investor is better off investing in low-cost index funds that provide broad market exposure.

It argues that by investing in index funds, you can avoid the high fees and expenses that are associated with actively managed funds, and you can also avoid the emotional pitfalls that can lead to poor investment decisions.

The book covers a range of topics related to investing, including the benefits of diversification, the importance of having a long-term investment horizon, and the dangers of trying to time the market.

It also includes practical advice for building a diversified portfolio of index funds, such as how to choose the right funds and how to allocate your investments among different asset classes.

Overall, "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" offers a simple and effective approach to investing, and provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to build a successful investment portfolio.

Check the price of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing on Amazon Here!

11. The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

The 4 Hour Workweek Business Book

"The 4-Hour Work Week" is a personal development and productivity book written by Timothy Ferriss that offers a different approach to work and success.

The book argues that traditional ideas about work, such as the need to work long hours and climb the corporate ladder, are outdated and that it is possible to achieve success and happiness by working less and living more.

The book's central thesis is that technology and globalization have made it possible for individuals to automate and outsource many of their tasks and responsibilities, and that by doing so, they can free up their time and energy to focus on the things that truly matter to them.

It argues that by adopting a "lifestyle design" approach, individuals can escape the 9-to-5 grind and build a business or career that is flexible, rewarding, and fulfilling.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal development and productivity, including the importance of setting goals, the power of automation and delegation, and the benefits of mini-retirements and travel.

It also includes practical advice for implementing these ideas, such as how to create a "muse" business that generates passive income, how to use virtual assistants to free up your time, and how to create a flexible and fulfilling lifestyle.

Check the price of The 4 Hour Work Week on Amazon Here!

12. A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel

A Random Walk Down Wall Street

"A Random Walk Down Wall Street" is a personal finance and investing book written by Burton G. Malkiel that offers a critical look at the financial markets and the strategies used by investors.

The book argues that the stock market is essentially unpredictable, and that investors are better off using simple and low-cost strategies rather than trying to beat the market.

The book's central thesis is that the stock market is largely random, and that it is difficult if not impossible for investors to consistently beat the market by picking individual stocks or timing their investments.

It argues that the best way for investors to achieve their financial goals is to diversify their investments and focus on the long term.

The book covers a range of topics related to investing, including the efficient market hypothesis, the role of luck in investment returns, and the dangers of overconfidence and overactive trading.

It also includes practical advice for building a diversified portfolio, such as how to choose low-cost index funds and how to rebalance your investments over time.

Overall, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" offers a thoughtful and critical perspective on the financial markets and investing, and provides valuable insights and practical advice for individual investors.

Check the price of A Random Walk Down Wall Street on Amazon Here!

13. Get A Financial Life by Beth Kobliner

Get A Financial Life

"Get a Financial Life" is a personal finance book written by Beth Kobliner that offers practical advice and guidance on managing your money and achieving financial independence.

The book is aimed at young adults and offers a step-by-step guide to building a solid financial foundation and making smart financial decisions.

The book covers a range of topics related to personal finance, including the importance of setting financial goals, the power of compound interest, and the dangers of consumer debt.

It also includes practical advice for managing your money, such as how to create a budget, how to save for the future, and how to invest wisely.

One of the main themes of the book is the importance of financial literacy, and it includes information on a wide range of financial topics, from credit and debt to taxes and insurance.

The book also emphasizes the need for young adults to take control of their financial future, and it provides practical tools and advice for doing so.

Overall, "Get a Financial Life" offers a comprehensive and practical guide to personal finance, and provides young adults with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their money and achieve financial independence.

Check the price of Get A Financial Life on Amazon Here!

Conclusion

Getting your personal finances in order involves many crucial steps:

  1. First, you need to reign in your spending in order to get control of your budget.
  2. Then, you need to come up with a plan to knock out any debt.
  3. After that, you build up a 6 month emergency fund.
  4. Then, you can begin investing.

Many of the books on this list will help you with various parts of this journey.

Above all else, be patient, as this usually takes most people a few years!

Article written by Apple Crider
Apple Crider is a YouTuber and Podcast host passionate about helping young people build good financial habits early on. Apple graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Personal Finance and has passed the CFP® exam. When he's not nerding out about personal finance he's probably traveling or swing dancing.

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