10 Best Books On Personal Finance You Should Read In 2024
Read these books if you want to learn how to save, invest, and enjoy financial stability.
1. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Who should read it: People who are looking for effective strategies to clear their credit card debt and personal bank loans.
Why you should read it: This book is great for beginners who want to learn the basics of budgeting, saving, and debt reduction. You should read this book if you want to learn how to manage your money better and achieve financial peace. Ramsey provides practical steps and inspiring stories to help you achieve your financial goals.
2. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
Who should read it: For those curious about how wealthy people, especially those affluent folks from the US, save and invest their money.
Why you should read it: The Millionaire Next Door is a book that reveals the surprising secrets of America's wealthy. It is based on extensive research by the authors, Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, who interviewed many millionaires and analysed their spending and saving habits. For us Malaysians, this book has plenty of ideas on how you can learn to accumulate wealth by living below your means, investing wisely, and avoiding consumer traps.
3. Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
Who should read it: Broke Gen Zs and millenials.
Why you should read it: Although this book is aimed at young adults who struggle with money management, Lowry offers plenty of advice on how to handle student loans, budgeting, investing, and other financial challenges that Gen Zs and millennials face. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how to handle their money better and achieve their financial goals.
4. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Who should read it: People who are looking for simple and effective strategies on personal finance.
Why you should read it: If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to personal finance that covers topics such as banking, credit cards, investing, saving, and negotiation strategies to earn more money, this is the book. I feel reading this one book itself will get you from a beginner to an intermediate level pretty quickly.
5. Get a Financial Life by Beth Kobliner
Who should read it: Anyone in their twenties and thirties who wants to take control of their money.
Why you should read it: Kobliner covers everything from taxes, insurance, retirement, and home buying to student loans, credit scores, and online banking. The book offers a step-by-step guide to managing your money better to reach your financial goals, regardless of your income level or background, which is defined by the author as being able to spend money on the things you love, without feeling guilty or stressed.
6. The Money Class by Suze Orman
Who should read it: People who are facing financial challenges or uncertainties due to the changing economy and need some guidance and motivation to adapt and thrive.
Why you should read it: The Money Class is a masterclass on personal finance from one of the most trusted experts in the field. Orman teaches you how to create a realistic budget, pay off your debts, invest for the future, and protect your assets, all in one book. The book is for people of all age groups, regardless of their financial background.
7. Personal Finance For Dummies by Eric Tyson
Who should read it: Anyone who wants to improve their financial literacy based on selected topics.
Why you should read it: Tyson covers the basics of personal finance, such as saving, investing, budgeting, taxes, and estate planning, in an easy-to-understand way. However, what's fun about this book is that you can learn at your own pace by picking and reading the topics that interest you most.
8. The Budgeting Habit by SJ Scott and Rebecca Livermore
Who should read it: People who struggle with budget creation and need an in-depth, step-by-step guide.
Why you should read it: Scott shows you how to create a budget that works for you, track your spending, and save more money. He also provides tips and tools to help you stick to your budget and achieve your financial goals. If you're looking for a book that shows you how to create efficient and effective systems for managing your money, this is the one.
9. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Who should read it: Those interested in understanding the psychological factors that influence our financial behaviours and success.
Why you should read it: Housel reveals the common mistakes and biases that people make with money, and how to overcome them. He also shares the timeless principles and lessons that can help you achieve financial success. The book is especially helpful for those who want to improve their financial literacy and mindset, as well as learn how to make better choices with their money.
10. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
Who should read it: People who can grasp specific knowledge through parables and stories.
Why you should read it: Clason initially wrote the book as a series of pamphlets during the Great Depression before compiling them into a book. To date, the 90-year-old book has sold more than two million copies, with many praising it for its simplicity in delivering financial wisdom.