Having a solid knowledge of personal finance is crucial to achieving financial freedom and living on your own terms. Over half of Americans believe they are nowhere near reaching financial freedom, with one in four having less than $1,000 in savings. People who are wealthy and have financial independence have several things in common. First, they know that being “free” is their ultimate goal. So, they put everything they can into achieving that goal. Here are six personal finance books that can help you get on track and empower you in 2025.
1. Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life
Amanda Frances’ Rich AF is all about changing the way you think about money. The book emphasizes the importance of adopting a winning mindset to attract financial abundance. Frances challenges traditional notions of scarcity, encouraging readers to redefine their relationship with money. Practical exercises help you confront limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. Her conversational tone makes complex concepts easy to grasp, making it a great choice for beginners. This book is as much about self-worth as it is about financial strategies, inspiring you to aim higher.
2. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together
Erin Lowry’s Broke Millennial is a guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by personal finance. Written with millennials in mind, it tackles common financial pain points like paying off debt, managing student loans, and negotiating salaries. The book combines practical tips with relatable anecdotes, making it approachable and engaging. Lowry covers budgeting apps, credit scores, and even how to discuss finances in relationships. Each chapter includes actionable steps to build a solid financial foundation. It’s a perfect resource for anyone looking to take the first steps toward financial independence.
3. Just Keep Buying: Proven Ways to Save Money and Build Your Wealth
Just Keep Buying: Proven Ways to Save Money and Build Your Wealth by Nick Maggiulli offers a data-driven approach to building wealth. The book breaks down financial principles into actionable advice, such as automating your savings and investing consistently. Maggiulli challenges conventional wisdom, debunking myths about timing the market and paying off mortgages early. Instead, he focuses on practical strategies backed by research, making it a reliable guide for long-term financial success. The writing is straightforward, avoiding jargon and making concepts accessible to all readers. This book is ideal for anyone looking to grow their wealth steadily over time.
4. How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World
Jake Cousineau’s How to Adult is a crash course in managing money for those new to adulting. The book covers everything from creating a budget to understanding taxes and insurance. Cousineau’s conversational tone makes it feel like advice from a trusted friend. Each chapter includes examples and exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios. The book also addresses the emotional side of money, like dealing with financial stress. If you’re entering adulthood and feeling clueless about finances, this guide will set you on the right path.
5. Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins flips traditional financial advice on its head. Perkins argues that you should focus on maximizing experiences and enjoyment during your lifetime rather than hoarding wealth for the future. The book introduces the concept of a “personal peak wealth age,” encouraging readers to spend strategically to create lasting memories. It also discusses the value of giving while you’re alive rather than leaving everything in an inheritance. Perkins provides practical tools to calculate how much you need to live fully. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to align their financial goals with a life well-lived.
6. You Don’t Need a Budget: Stop Worrying about Debt, Spend without Shame, and Manage Money with Ease
Emily Guy Birken’s You Don’t Need a Budget takes a refreshing approach to money management. The book debunks the myth that strict budgeting is the only way to financial freedom. Birken provides flexible strategies to pay off debt, save for the future, and spend guilt-free. Her advice focuses on finding balance, so you can enjoy your money without stress. Real-life examples and practical tips make the book relatable and actionable. If budgeting apps and spreadsheets overwhelm you, this book offers a stress-free alternative.
Start Your Journey to Financial Freedom Today
Each of these six personal finance books offers a unique perspective on how to approach money. While many lists will give you the same five or six finance books, these stand out because they note that there’s no “one size fits all” to managing your money. Whether you want to build wealth or establish a better mindset around your money, there is something on this list for everyone. Add these books to your reading list for this year. Who knows? One of them might change your life.
Read More
- 5 Money Lessons to Take With You Into the New Year
- New Year’s Resolutions for Kids That Build Financial Smarts
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
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