The Best Personal Finance Books

We've updated our list of the best personal finance books, so there's something for everyone. Take a look, and you'll see best sellers from well-known financial experts and some newer books that might not be on your radar yet.

Our goal was to include books that addressed various financial needs. So, you'll find books on investing, budgeting, adjusting your money mindset, credit card use, and so much more. Whether you're a financial newbie, seasoned investor, or someone in between, we've got a book recommendation for you!

Best personal finance books overview

Since the extensive selection of personal finance books claiming to be "the best" can be somewhat overwhelming, we've narrowed it down to these titles for you.

Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the world of finance.

Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or well on your way up the ladder of investment success, you're sure to learn something new from the advice these authors have to give.

Reboot Your Portfolio

• Author: Dan Bortolotti
• Price: $26.95 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: Gives a simple guide to low-cost ETFs so people can create their own low-maintenance investment portfolio

Fans of the Canadian Couch Potato podcast will love the updates to traditional investing that Dan Bortolotti explains. Anyone feeling a little out of their depth with exchange-traded funds will appreciate the step-by-step way Bortolotti guides new investors to begin trading low-cost ETFs.

We also appreciate that the book is geared toward Canadian investors, although the principles can be applied globally. The author also does a great job of giving counterpoints to his suggestions, so people can determine whether or not the advice fits their unique situation.

Staff recommendation: "In this book, the creator of the popular Canadian Couch Potato lays out a clear 9-step plan for building a low-cost, low-maintenance, and diversified portfolio using exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It walks you through every stage of the process – setting financial goals, choosing the right ETFs, opening accounts, placing orders, and maintaining your portfolio – so you can stay on track with your investment plan for the long term. The book presents simple strategies for creating a heavily diversified, profitable investing strategy that focuses on securing long-term gains while staying as insulated as possible from potential losses." – Matt, Director of Growth

The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom

• Author: Suze Orman
• Price: $27.99 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: A guide to financial literacy based on emotional awareness of your needs

Suze Orman is well known in the financial space for her guides tailored to people in specific stages of their lives. With this early publication, she lays out financial basics but explores the influences that finances have on your emotions. Think of this as a self-help book that also happens to be a guide for managing your money.

Orman gives real-life examples that can help readers identify with their own situations. As you read about her money philosophy, you might find that your own mentality shifts and you're able to be honest, responsible, and informed about your money.

The Wealthy Barber

• Author: David Chilton
• Price: $37.98 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: A fictional account that highlights good financial habits as told to a group of friends

One of the oldest books on our list is also the most unusual. This Canadian favourite is a work of fiction that's designed to provide a blueprint for financial success. The book is centred around three friends who get sound advice about money from their local barber (who is rich due to his disciplined habits).

The friends learn about compound interest, investing, saving, end-of-life expenses, retirement, and taxes, so there's definitely something for everyone! The easy-to-read format makes this personal finance book a breeze to read.

Staff recommendation: "This book is a fictional story with someone giving advice to others who didn't know anything. It kept things simple and was told as a story, which made it more interesting to read." – Jon, Sr. Financial Product Specialist

I Will Teach You to Be Rich

• Author: Ramit Sethi
• Price: $22.25 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: Explains that we don't have to be experts to understand money management, but getting started ASAP is key

Here, we have a 6-week program geared towards millennials and young adults, teaching them how to invest in their financial futures by not investing endless hours on managing money. The first lesson is that getting started is both the most important and hardest step.

Author Ramit Sethi explains that everyone's perception of "rich" is different and that we can build our financial habits around what we value most. Every action has a reaction, but even the smallest and easiest money-related actions can result in huge rewards.

Balance

• Author: Andrew Hallam
• Price: $24.00 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: Redefine what success means to you and discover the tools to achieve it.

Money can't buy happiness, but Andrew Hallam's book can help you see how your relationship with your finances can work against your interests or towards your happiness. Readers will learn practical things like investment strategies and honest budgeting, while diving into the behavioural science behind people's spending and saving habits.

Hallam doesn't just want you to be financially literate; his book is a handbook for living well. You'll find sections on investing with deep purpose, spending with intention, and learning the science behind spending and saving.

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

• Author: Dave Ramsey
• Price: $33.00 (hardcover)
• Link
• Brief description: Whip your finances into shape with Ramsey's guide to paying off debt and creating significant savings for emergencies and retirement.

A well-recognized name in the world of personal finance, Dave Ramsey has followed up his Financial Peace book with The Total Money Makeover. While his first book provided principles for saving and investing, this one suggests seven simple steps for implementing these principles.

If applied with focus and determination, Ramsey's advice can lead you to freedom from debt in a surprisingly short amount of time.

Financial Feminist

• Author: Tori Dunlap
• Price: $27.00 (hardcover)
• Link
• Brief description: Designed with women in mind, this guide aims to empower women (or anyone) to take control of their finances

This isn't your average financial advice book. Tori Dunlap has distilled fairly standard personal finance advice, tailored it to women's experiences, and made it fun. If you've ever fallen asleep trying to read a book about budgeting, this book might be for you.

Going further, Dunlap addresses the emotions behind spending, saving, and planning for a comfortable future. That said, if salty language isn't your thing, you may want to skip this one.

Staff recommendation: "It's a thought-provoking read that primarily encourages women to take control of their financial future. That said, it provides valuable insights and practical tips for everyone looking to improve their financial literacy." – Tom, Content Administrator

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence

• Author: Vicki Robin
• Price: $22.35
• Link
• Brief description: A 9-step program designed for those who want to change their relationship with money and take back control of their lives

Whether or not you value money or material possessions, you still need to be in control of your finances, says Vicki Robin.

She puts forth concrete ways to observe your connection to the material world that allow the reader to define the things that truly matter. This, in turn, allows you to become more intentional with your finances.

One particular concept Robin mentions is the benefit of saving money through mindfulness and good habits rather than working with a strict budget.

The Millionaire Next Door

• Author: Thomas J. Stanley
• Price: $24.95 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: Switch your mindset from spending to saving to think like a millionaire.

Ever wonder what character traits millionaires have in common? Stanley explores the traits and habits they share, like frugality, setting clear, actionable goals, financial discipline within their families, and starting businesses.

As the book reveals, wealthy people aren't necessarily the flashiest with their spending. By limiting your spending and managing what you do have, you'll set yourself up for financial success.

The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing

• Author: Benjamin Graham
• Price: $9.80 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: A classic, valued, inspiring read for investors everywhere, from the father of value investing

Benjamin Graham is considered one of the greatest investment advisors of the 20th century, and his strategies for value investing have stood the test of time. The updated version of this stock market bible includes commentary and examples from the modern world of finance, proving that Graham's principles still hold true.

You won't find any get-rich-quick tips within these pages. What is there, however, will teach you to analyze investment opportunities for the safety of principal and adequate returns.

It's an ambitious, engaging text that challenges readers to examine their investment techniques and mindsets.

The Rich Employee

• Author: James Altucher
• Price: $30.05 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: Enjoy strong financial growth without starting a business by focusing on the job you already have.

Read through several personal finance books and you'll definitely see a trend of encouraging people to become their own boss or start their own side business. Instead of suggesting this, Altucher gives practical advice to people who enjoy their jobs and want to grow within their line of work.

This is more than just a guide to finances; it's a useful handbook on how to enjoy your career and thrive in it.

Staff recommendation: "What I loved most about this book is how the author weaves his life story into a host of suggestions for changing your mindset about work and how you can reframe your relationship with your job using some great yet simple principles and daily tactics." – Chris, Managing Editor

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness

• Author: Morgan Housel
• Price: $16.00 (paperback)
• Link
• Brief description: 19 stories that explore how our unique worldviews shape how we think about money

Morgan Housel points out that the everyday person doesn't make decisions based on spreadsheets and formulas like many bankers and financial advisors would like us to. Instead, we make decisions around the family dinner table, combining knowledge with feelings.

Each lesson covered here is likely something the reader has experienced or thought about before:

• Luck and risk are all around us.
• It's hard to recognize when we have "enough."
• True wealth is found in the things we can't see.

Really, the author explains, we're all complicated creatures with complicated relationships with our finances.

Staff recommendation: "Mindset is one of the most important things, especially when it comes to money, and this book gives you new perspectives on how to think about money and how your thoughts about money influence your behaviours around money. I also found it to be an easy and engaging read!" - Nikita, Director of Operations

The creditcardGenius ebook: The Big Book of Smart Saving

• Author: Stephen Weyman
• Price: Free!
• Link

Brief description: A free ebook that includes more than 10 years worth of tips and tricks for saving money.

Our ebook, The Big Book of Smart Saving, has 8 sections that cover a variety of topics while providing advice on small changes you can make to save money and reap big rewards. You'll find tips on banking, spending, credit card use, even guidelines for travelling the world on a budget – and you won't have to pay a cent to read it.

To get this ebook, simply visit the creditcardGenius page, create an account, and start the download.

FAQ

What is the best book for beginners to personal finance?

We may be biased, but our ebook is a great starting point. It's free and available right now. Plus, it covers the basics of personal finance, including saving, budgeting, credit cards, and travel, which can help you get started.

What is the best Dave Ramsey money book?

The Total Money Makeover is one of Ramsey's bestselling books and has been in constant publication since 2003. That said, many recommend Breaking Free From Broke, which is a little less preachy.

Which finance book should I read first?

Skim through the blurbs or summaries of the books we've listed and see if any jump out at you right away. If you're instantly curious, you're more likely to enjoy the book and get something out of it.

What are the best books on personal finance?

We've listed the best – a great mix of well-established books by well-known financial experts and newer publications featuring newer authors with unique financial insight. The best book for you to start with is one that addresses your specific interest.