The 19 best personal finance books for 2023

October 2024 · 15 minute read
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  • I Will Teach You To Be Rich
  • Finance for the People
  • The Automatic Millionaire
  • The Simple Path to Wealth
  • Get Good With Money
  • Cashing Out
  • Retire Before Mom and Dad
  • When She Makes More
  • You Are a Badass at Making Money
  • The Millionaire Next Door
  • Spend Well, Live Rich
  • Your Money or Your Life
  • Broke Millennial Takes On Investing
  • Get A Financial Life
  • The Financial Diet
  • The Money Manual
  • Clever Girl Finance
  • How I Invest My Money

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    These are the best personal finance books for 2023:

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    We've put together a list of 18 books for every stage of life and for every money goal, whether you want to retire early, invest in the stock market, start conversations about money with your family, or just see money from a different point of view. 

    These titles were handpicked by the Personal Finance Insider team: some of our personal favorites, some we're always talking about, and some with truly impressive Amazon reviews and ratings.

    From timeless advice to detailed budgeting breakdowns for millennials, here are Insider's top 18 personal finance books for 2023.

    Read more: The best investing apps for beginners

    'I Will Teach You To Be Rich,' by Ramit Sethi

    Personal finance author Ramit Sethi outlines a six-week plan for living out your "rich life" as you define it. ""I Will Teach You to be Rich" by Ramit Sethi" walks readers through how to use credit cards and maximize rewards, opening a high-yield savings account to earn interest, and even automating accounts to save with no effort every month. This easy-to-read and highly actionable book goes from reading to returns quickly. 

    Best for:

    "I Will Teach You to be Rich" by Ramit Sethi Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Finance for the People,' by Paco de Leon

    In "Finance for the People," former financial planner Paco de Leon explains how to take personal responsibility for our personal finances despite inequities out of our control, while providing the necessary tools to help you build a strong financial foundation.

    Best for:

    'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances' by Paco de Leon Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'The Automatic Millionaire,' by David Bach

    This book by financial writer David Bach teaches one simple principal: automating your finances. From saving to paying off debt, this book posits that setting up your finances to manage themselves could help grow wealth over many years. This book lays out a plan that can be put into action in an afternoon and make a lasting impact.

    Best for:

    The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life,' by JL Collins

    The principles of "The Simple Path to Wealth" were first laid out in a series of letters by the author to his daughter, and there's no shortage of accessible and actionable advice on investing throughout the book. It takes on a light and casual tone in some chapters, but doesn't shy away from explanations of more complicated topics, either. It's the highest-rated personal finance book on the list, with over 3,800 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars. 

    Best for:

    The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Get Good With Money: Ten Simple Steps To Becoming Financially Whole,' by Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche

    Tiffany Aliche, aka The Budgetnista, shares her own triumph over debt and financial hardships. "Get Good With Money" also includes worksheets to help you assess your financial wellness without shame or judgment.

    Best for:

    Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away,' by Julien and Kiersten Saunders

    Early retirees Julien and Kiersten Saunders, founders of the award-winning blog rich®ULAR, outline the exact 15-year plan they used to retire in their 40s. "Cashing Out" walks readers through the process of building a lasting wealth-building plan without sacrificing too many small pleasures that keep you going.

    Best for:

    "Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away" by Kiersten and Julien Saunders Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Retire Before Mom and Dad,' by Rob Berger

    For anyone considering early retirement through the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement, this book is a quintessential primer on the principles of getting started on this path. But, it also looks at principles that make financial independence and retirement attainable, even if retiring early isn't on your list.

    Best for:

    Retire Before Mom & Dad by Rob Berger Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'When She Makes More,' by Farnoosh Torabi

    "When She Makes More" author and personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi explores a reality she lives with every day: being a breadwinner and a woman in a different-sex relationship. She looks at the realities and the rules she's made with her partner, and discusses ways to maximize earnings and minimize conflict.

    Best for:

    When She Makes More by Farnoosh Torabi Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Financial Feminist: Overcoming the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love,' by Tori Dunlap

    In "Financial Feminist," entrepreneur and author Tori Dunlap teaches women how to advocate for their worth and channel their emotions to make smart money decisions. Dunlap offers a financial game plan that helps you build a career you love.

    Best for:

    'Financial Feminist: Overcoming the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love' by Tori Dunlap Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth,' by Jen Sincero

    Jen Sincero comes at money from a lighthearted angle in this book, and looks at the mindset it takes to earn and keep money. What it lacks in actionable financial advice it makes up for in inspiration. It's an ideal book for anyone wanting a new perspective on earning and a motivation boost. 

    Best for:

    You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'The Millionaire Next Door,' by Thomas J. Stanley

    Thomas J. Stanley's profile of America's wealthy citizens finds that they're more similar than they are different, and they're not all the people you'd expect. Stanley looks at millionaires and finds seven habits that they have in common, including living below their means and rejecting traditional consumerism. Stanley's insights have earned this book over 5,300 five-star reviews.

    Best for:

    The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Spend Well, Live Rich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have,' by Michelle Singletary

    Author Michelle Singletary reflects on her life with her grandmother, who raised five children (including the author) on a modest salary. Singletary looks into the principles that her grandmother used with her own finances to make the most of what she had. It's best for anyone wanting inspiration on making the most of the money they already have. 

    Best for:

    Spend Well, Live Rich by Michelle Singletary Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence,' by Vicki Robin

    Financial independence is at the core of "Your Money or Your Life," and it lays out a plan to get to that goal. While the book is fairly long (368 pages long, to be exact) it does give advice for every aspect of becoming financially independent, from the mindset it requires to the investment moves you should be making. It offers specific advice that can be applied whether or not you're aiming to retire early. 

    Best for:

    Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Broke Millennial Takes On Investing: A Beginner's Guide To Leveling Up Your Money,' by Erin Lowry

    "Broke Millennial" took the world by storm with great budgeting tips written specifically for avocado-toast-brunching millennials. Erin Lowry is back at it again with a practical, easy-to-read guide to investing. Packed with tips for beginners, "Broke Millennial Takes On Investing" will teach you how to navigate the market in alignment with your beliefs and values.

    Best for:

    Broke Millennial Takes On Investing by Erin Lowry Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Get A Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties,' by Beth Kobliner

    Another book aimed at millennials and young adults, "Get a Financial Life" focuses on the basics. From doing taxes to debt repayment strategies, Beth Kobliner gives a thorough foundation for anyone wanting to establish a financial life for themselves. 

    Best for:

    Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money,' by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage

    Another great book for beginners, "The Financial Diet" lays a groundwork for anyone wanting to learn more about money and life. Best for young adults, Fagan dives into starting to invest and saving for retirement, as well as budgeting and debt repayment plans. The advice here is no-frills and easy to put into practice. 

    Best for:

    The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money by Chelsea Fagan & Lauren Ver Hage Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'The Money Manual' by Tonya B. Rapley

    "The Money Manual" is a guidebook to the basics of managing money, from saving to building credit. Written by the blogger behind Myfabfinance.com, this book is both engaging and approachable, with money lessons that are applicable no matter how much you're earning. 

    This book is more interactive than most, with sections of questions and space for writing. The book starts with a simple money check-in, and from the beginning gives actionable advice that can help you understand where you are and where you want to go. 

    Best for: 

    The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey by Tonya B Rapley Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'Clever Girl Finance,' by Bola Sokunbi

    This easy-to-read guide to money doesn't make assumptions — it starts with the very basics of building wealth and builds on them. This book roots its lessons in reality with real-life anecdotes, including from the author herself. 

    It doesn't require any prior knowledge, either. It covers the basics of organizing money and budgeting, then explains the credit system, debt, investing, and even asking for a raise.

    It's an excellent choice for anyone who is just getting started with personal finance, or simply wants a refresher on the basics. 

    Best for: 

    'Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money' by Bola Sokunbi Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Bookshop External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    'How I Invest My Money,' by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy

    If you've ever wondered how your financial advisor, a venture capitalist, or that money expert on the internet invests their money, Brian Portnoy and Joshua Brown have answers.

    With pithy stories from 25 financial experts, this book advances on basic personal finance topics, giving readers ideas to implement as they take the next steps on their financial journeys.

    It's not the best choice for anyone who's new to managing money, as it lacks enough explanation of the basics to be a stand-alone guide. But for readers who are ready to make new financial moves, this book will prove helpful.

    Best for: 

    How I Invest My Money by Joshua Brown & Brian Portnoy Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Barnes & Noble External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    Want to read more? Try these:

    Not every book we wanted to mention made the top 18. Here are a few more good choices to continue your reading:

    Leo Aquino, CEPF Leo Aquino (they/them) was a Spending & Saving Reporter. Before joining the Insider team, they covered relationships, sexual wellness, beauty, fashion and more, always uplifting stories of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. In 2022, Leo won The Curve Award for Emerging LGBTQ+ Journalists, presented by the NLGJA. Read more Read less Top Offers From Our Partners Betterment Cash Reserve Account New Customer Offer: Earn 5.50% APY when you open your first cash account with $10 deposit. Terms apply. A tooltip *Current promotional rate; annual percentage yield (variable) is 4.75% as of 7/31/23, plus a .75% boost available as a special offer with qualifying deposit. Terms apply; if the base APY increases or decreases, you'll get the .75% boost on the updated rate. Cash Reserve is only available to clients of Betterment LLC, which is not a bank, and cash transfers to program banks are conducted through clients’ brokerage accounts at Betterment Securities. **The national average savings account interest rate is reported by the FDIC (7/17/23) as the average annual percentage yield (APY) for savings accounts with deposits under $100,000. Start Saving

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