Personal Finance Books for Every Level of Understanding

If you’re looking to learn more about personal finance, getting started can feel intimidating. There are a lot of resources available, but combing through all of them can be a hassle.

That’s why we’ve broken down the top personal finance books on a variety of subjects, from managing money after college to saving for retirement.

No matter your age or skill level, there’s a book that can provide you with financial literacy in your area of choice. Keep reading to find the one that suits your needs.

Investing

Whether you want to learn the basics or become an expert investor, you can gain the knowledge you need with these books:

• • The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Mel Lindauer, Taylor Larimore, Michael LeBoeuf, and John C. Bogle

• A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton G. Malkiel

• The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner

Gaining Wealth

There might not be an exact science behind getting rich, but reading personal finance books can help. Here are some guides on becoming wealthy:

• Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan
• The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life by JL Collins
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Planning for Retirement

You may not have considered making retirement plans until much later in life, but your future self will thank you for starting early. How can you save enough money? Should you purchase an annuity? Find the answers to these questions and more in the following books:

• How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? by Todd Tresidder
• How to Make Your Money Last by Jane Bryant Quinn
• AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out of Money or Breaking a Hip by Jean Chatzky and Michael F. Roizen

Budgeting

Regardless of how much is in your wallet, learning how to use your money can help you make the most of it. Check out these books on managing your budget:

• The Financial Diet by Chelsea Fagan
• How to Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any by Erik Wecks
• The One Week Budget: Learn To Create Your Money Management System in 7 Days or Less! by Tiffany Aliche

Managing Money After College

Graduating from university is an exciting new chapter, but it also can come with financial hurdles. Learn how to earn and manage your income while paying off college debt with these books:

• Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich (Second Edition) by Ramit Sethi
• Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner
• The Next Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and Sarah Stanley Fallaw
• Your Money Life: Your 20s by Peter Dunn
• Spend Well, Live Rich by Michelle Singletary

Next Steps

Once you start reading up on personal finance, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned. To help you create goals and track your progress, use this printable worksheet for some guidance.

Although it might be a challenge to gain financial literacy, the right resources can make it easier. Reading these books can give you the knowledge and confidence to manage your own money.