Where are you in your financial journey? Maybe you’ve just landed your first job or your company has offered a 401(k). Whatever your journey is, there are tons of books that can help make it easier. Here are some of the best personal finance books of 2018 that can change your financial life.
The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey
If being debt-free is your goal, it’s hard to go wrong with Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover. His tried-and-true approach is touted for its simplicity and effectiveness, and his brutally honest style doesn’t sugarcoat anything.
Not only can this book help you work your way out of debt, but it also gives you skills for avoiding it in the future. Ultimately, if you are struggling with debt and can only choose one book, this should be the one.
Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin and Others
Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence extols the benefits of frugal living, and not just from a financial perspective. It also shows how, by budgeting and saving, you can lead a happier life by having access to more choices.
The book focuses on learning to live within your means while planning for the future. Many people consider it a personal finance must-have. Just make sure you look for the most recent release (currently a 2018 update), as there have been multiple versions of this book over the years.
Personal Finance for Dummies – Eric Tyson
If you don’t know the basics of personal finance, starting with Personal Finance for Dummies is a smart move. Terms are clearly explained throughout, and the concepts are simplified to assist with learning. Plus, a broad selection of categories is covered, making it great for those who need a solid foundation.
The Index Card – Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack
The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, is another book that focuses on the essentials. The tips are highly actionable, giving you clear direction for improving your financial life.
Additionally, the book avoids being long-winded so that you can derive value from it quickly. Plus, its very easy to digest, making it great for personal finance beginners and beyond.
The Automatic Millionaire – David Bach
For those who appreciate simplicity, The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich is actually a one-step plan to help you achieve success. While it almost seems too good to be true, it includes success stories focusing on individuals with modest incomes. Plus, it avoids headache-inducing steps like hardcore budgeting. Even better, you can get started without a six-figure income.
While the original version came out in 2004, it has since been updated. Just make sure to find a recent edition if you want the most valuable information.
Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
Part memoir, part money guide, Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! was updated in 2017. The book includes money management tips for adults. It also offers information on helping your kids thrive financially.
Even if you don’t have a substantial income today, or are living paycheck to paycheck, this book can help you start on the path toward wealth.
You Are a Badass at Making Money – Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth is an exceptional book for learning how to evaluate your habits, such as things that may be hindering your financial success. It is filled with anecdotes and easy to understand concepts. It’s a candid and even humorous read that is chocked full of wisdom and insight.
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? – Cary Siegel
A great book for teens and young adults, Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By covers information that many kids don’t receive while they are growing up. The content is easy to digest and focuses on learning to manage money, ensuring it doesn’t control your life.
The Behavior Gap – Carl Richards
The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money, makes it easy to understand why so many people make mistakes with money. It shows how bad habits can develop, and helps the reader step away from the trappings that may have them stuck. Plus, it makes adopting a healthier mindset about money easier, which is something that can serve the reader for years to come.
The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
When most people picture millionaires, they imagine a glamorous lifestyle. However, the reality is actually quite different in many cases.
In The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy, you learn about the habits that helped people cross into millionaire territory and achieve financial freedom. Most of their techniques can apply to any person’s life, making this a great personal finance book for any collection.
All the Money in the World – Laura Vanderkam
All the Money in the World: What the Happiest People Know About Wealth, takes on the personal finance topic a bit differently. Instead of stressing pure frugality, the book discusses how to get the most personal value from your money by spending in alignment with your priorities.
Admittedly, it shouldn’t be the first book on most people’s list, especially those who are battling significant debt loads or lack any savings. But, if you have the basics in order, it’s certainly worth reading.
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing – John C. Bogle
Another option for those who have the personal finance basics down, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing explains why index funds are such valuable options. Plus, the information is very easy to understand, making it a great choice for those who are new to investing and want it to feel more accessible.
Money A to Z – Scott Alan Turner
Money A to Z is actually a children’s book. It uses the alphabet to teach kids about personal finance concepts, giving them a solid foundation in their earlier years.
Anyone with a young child should consider picking it up. After all, it’s never too early to start teaching your children good money habits.
What have been your best personal finance books of 2018? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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