The Best Personal Finance Books to Read in 2025

Managing your money doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, invest smarter, or simply gain a better understanding of your finances, the right book can be a game-changer. To help you navigate the world of personal finance, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best personal finance books for 2025. These picks cover everything from budgeting and investing to mindset shifts and financial independence.

Let’s dive in!

1. Get Good with Money by Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche

Tiffany Aliche, aka The Budgetnista, shares her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and offers a 10-step plan to achieve financial wellness. This book is packed with actionable advice, from building an emergency fund to improving your credit score. It also includes helpful worksheets to track your progress.

Best for: Beginners, debt management, and young professionals.

2. Retire Before Mom and Dad by Rob Berger

If early retirement is your goal, this book is a must-read. Rob Berger breaks down the principles of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, offering practical tips to build wealth and achieve financial independence—even if retiring early isn’t your ultimate goal.

Best for: Aspiring early retirees and wealth builders.

3. How I Invest My Money by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy

Ever wondered how financial experts manage their own money? This book features insights from 25 finance professionals, sharing their personal investment strategies. While it’s not a beginner’s guide, it’s perfect for those ready to take their financial game to the next level.

Best for: Intermediate investors seeking inspiration.

4. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

Originally written as a series of letters to his daughter, JL Collins’ book is a straightforward guide to achieving financial independence. It covers everything from investing in index funds to navigating market fluctuations, making it a favorite among readers (with over 3,800 glowing Amazon reviews).

Best for: Long-term investors and early retirement enthusiasts.

5. Wealth Warrior by Linda Garcia

Linda Garcia’s Wealth Warrior is a powerful guide for communities of color looking to conquer the stock market. With eight actionable steps, this book simplifies investing and empowers readers to take control of their financial futures.

Best for: First-time investors and people of color.

6. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about behavior. Morgan Housel explores how emotions, habits, and personal experiences shape our financial decisions. This book is a thought-provoking read that will help you rethink your relationship with money.

Best for: Shifting your money mindset and understanding behavioral finance.

7. Finance for the People by Paco de Leon

Paco de Leon’s book is a holistic guide to personal finance, addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of money management. With a focus on overcoming systemic barriers, this book is perfect for socially conscious millennials and Gen Zers.

Best for: Visual learners and those seeking a comprehensive financial wellness guide.

8. Broke Millennial Takes On Investing by Erin Lowry

Erin Lowry, the voice behind the Broke Millennial series, is back with a beginner-friendly guide to investing. This book breaks down complex concepts into digestible advice, helping you align your investments with your values and goals.

Best for: Socially conscious investors and young professionals.

9. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi’s six-week plan is a roadmap to living your “rich life.” From optimizing credit card rewards to automating your savings, this book is packed with actionable steps to build wealth effortlessly.

Best for: Creating systems to manage and grow your money.

10. Financially Lit! by Jannese Torres

Jannese Torres’ guide is tailored for Latinas looking to level up their financial game. With practical advice on money management and entrepreneurship, this book is a powerful resource for women of color ready to take control of their finances.

Best for: Latinx readers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Why Personal Finance Books Matter

Personal finance books are more than just guides—they’re tools to help you build confidence and take control of your financial future. Whether you’re learning the basics of budgeting, exploring investment strategies, or seeking inspiration to overcome financial challenges, these books offer valuable insights tailored to your needs.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re hungry for more, here are a few additional recommendations:

• The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

• Get a Financial Life by Beth Kobliner

• The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

• Rich AF by Vivian Tu

• Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Final Thoughts

No matter where you are on your financial journey, there’s a book out there for you. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. Pick up one of these titles, take notes, and start applying what you learn. Your future self will thank you!