If so, then I can’t wait to share these inspiring reads with you.
Some of them educate, some inspire, some talk about parenting, some about investing. All of them left me changed.
Oscar Wilde used his gift for words so well when he explained the power of a good book:
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.
Top 5 Books That Promote a Frugal Family Life
Even if you’re an on-the-go type (so that’s basically all of us), the links included here offer audio books as well as Kindle and paperback. I love playing my audio books in the car or when I’m cooking dinner. Even having books like this fresh in my mind when my husband and I are facing a financial decision is so helpful.
1. “The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness” by Dave Ramsey
Ramsey’s best-seller, “The Total Money Makeover,” takes the number one slot on this countdown because of the impact it made on our transition to a frugal family life. Each chapter lays out a highly relevant financial topic and how to make wise, healthy, and informed decisions. Some of those topics include:
- Debt
- Investing
- Insurance
- Real Estate
- Budgeting
- Saving
- Giving
My copy of “The Total Money Makeover” was a wedding gift from a married couple who’d seen, firsthand, the change that came from the book’s principles. Since then, my husband and I have given copies of it as wedding gifts to others.
One couple even said they read the whole thing together on their honeymoon!
2. “The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back” by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen
If you crave inspiration when you read a book (especially when it’s about money), then check out “The Power of Half.”
This is the true story of the Salwen family as told by the father and his teenage daughter. After realizing they were drowning in consumerism and discontent, they sold their house and gave half the money away. This beautiful story is so powerful because it really could be any family.
3. “The RichLife: Ten Investments for True Wealth” by Beau Henderson
What’s great about “The RichLife” is that it targets the very heart of meaningful wealth. The more I study personal finance, the more I realize it’s enmeshed with the rest of life. To have a frugal family life is to live out healthy financial principles AND make wise life decisions.
One reviewer of this book said, “Life coach meets Financial Advisor.” What better way to study the wealthy future of a frugal family?
4. “Money Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference” by Crystal Paine
I’ve noticed a pretty significant trend in frugal families today. Many have multiple income streams. More and more stay-at-home parents are earning side incomes from home. I’m one of them.
That’s why I love “Money-Making Mom.” Crystal Paine is ON POINT with this subject and covers a wealth of ideas for moms in every walk of life. You are bound to reach the end of this book with fresh ideas for a business and encouragement to step into new territory as you help build your frugal family life.
5. “Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money” by Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey
What better way to conclude this countdown than with building up the hope for our next generation? I bought “Smart Money Smart Kids” very soon after it came out and was not disappointed. I have two young children and already began conversations with them about money.
The great thing about the topics discussed in this book is that they aren’t about indoctrinating your kids to get rich and buy whatever they want. As I said before, they’re interwoven with life skills, ethics, and behaviors that will create financial freedom.
What’s your favorite way to read a book? Audio, eBook, or paperback?
Image Credit: Mikhail Pavstyuk (UnSplash)
This post contains affiliate links.