For most of us, money is a problem; the chief problem is that we simply don’t seem to have enough of it. We work all week, play only when we can afford it, and yet, somehow, come the end of the month we’re still struggling to make ends meet. This doesn’t have to be the case, however.
No matter what your circumstances are, these are some of the best personal finance books; they’re filled with countless inspirational tips to help you turn your financial situation around and reap the rewards.
#1 The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness – Dave Ramsey
Ramsey’s book is filled, from cover to cover, with success stories and offers readers clear-cut, no nonsense advice. Not only does he advise us how to boost our income, but he also explores the money market debunking some all too common money myths along the way.
Ramsey looks in depth at the dangers of everyday issues such as cash advances, rent-to-own situations, and debt consolidation ensuring his readers know how to avoid the common pitfalls of the financial market.
#2 The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed – Joseph D’Agnese and Denise Kiernan
In this day and age, a full-time job can be hard to come by. To save money, business are employing more and more staff part-time, on a flexible-contract basis, ultimately making it harder for us to live. D’Agnese and Kiernan show those of us with not-so-regular jobs how to make money work for us.
They teach us how to take control of our finances, how to plan for our own retirements, our own health insurance, and how to make the financial system work in your favor no matter how low your income is.
#3 Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents – Zac Bissonnette
A college education is expensive. Fact. Yet, it’s something most of us want and arguably ought to have. Whether you’ve already been through college and are struggling to pay back your loan or you’re considering applying but are being put off for financial reasons, Zac Bissonnette can teach you how to take control and get the education you deserve without mounting up a lifetime worth of debt (and how to pay it back smartly if you already have).
Perhaps slightly controversially, he also asks if we really need a diploma and a few fancy letters in front of our name and urges readers to look at all their options instead of jumping in at the deep end because of a pressuring society.
#4 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! – Robert T. Kiyosaki
Growing up, Robert T. Kiyosaki had two dads – his real dad (his poor dad) and his best friend’s dad (his rich dad). This insightful book explores how his dads’ mindsets shaped his own financial life and how to avoid these common pitfalls with your own kids.
Kiyosaki also takes a look at the myth that you have to have a high income to be rich and the vast difference between working for money and making money work for you.
#5 Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Lastly, we come to Think and Grow Rich, which, having been named the ‘Granddaddy of all motivational literature,’ is perhaps the greatest personal finance book of all time. Within its pages, Hill boldly asks, ‘What makes a winner?’ and answers in a way that has helped millions of people turn their financial situations around.
The book was first published in 1937, but don’t worry about stumbling over any archaic wording or out-of-date anecdotes. Over the years, the book has been lovingly updated to reflect today’s financial market and continues to be of use to readers in need.
From cover to blurb, Think and Grow Rich is filled with useful tips and clever anecdotes on how some of the most successful people of our time gained their riches and how you could follow in their footsteps!
No matter your current financial situation, these five books will certainly give you some food for thought as well as some truly inspirational tips on how to make money work for you. The first step in turning your finances around is choosing to take the chance, so take a deep breath and choose to take control.
This is a great list. I have actually read all of those and they would definitely make my list too. Most recently I read The Millionaire In The Next Cubicle from Chip Mendez and was very impressed. The writing style is so well considered and carefully constructed and the lessons to be learned from this book are priceless. Well worth taking a moment to check that one out.