One of the best decisions I made as a single woman in my thirties was to get serious about my finances.
Over the last few years, I have been learning and implementing great personal finance tips and ideas. Many of these tips have allowed me to spend less, save more, and earn more.
I owe much of this to the incredible books I have read. You may have heard the saying that “When the student is ready, the teacher arrives.”
In my case, once I was ready to get serious about managing my money, I was opened to a whole new world of personal finance and money management.
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Why you should take your personal finance seriously.
Our 30’s and 40’s are some of the best decades to save and invest. In fact, I have heard that the decisions we take in these two decades will often have the greatest impact on our future wealth.
It is a time where we get to try new ideas and build on successful ideas and initiatives.
Knowing this, I have curated this list of personal finance books that I believe will help you cultivate the right mindset and habits to build your wealth and legacy.
Remember that to win with your finances, you must first take responsibility for where you are and where you are going.
Next, you must invest in the right resources, particularly in the areas where you struggle.
For example, during a conversation with a mentor late last year, I realised that I had certain money blocks and limiting beliefs around earning more. He then gifted me one of the books on this list, which has absolutely revolutionized my mindset about money.
I have read most of the books on this list, and almost every single one of them has changed my life in profound ways.
I hope they will do even more for you.
Enjoy!
Ten Best Personal Finance Books for the Woman in her 30’s
If you’re tired of always battling money worries, never knowing where your money is going, or just plain tired of living paycheck to paycheck then this list of books will be a great resource for you.
I have divided this list into three areas, which will help in your book selection:
A: General Personal Finance Books
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This is one of the best personal finance books of the 20th century.
It is one of my favourites, and it was the book that engineered some of the life-changing decisions I made in the last few years.
In this book, Robert Kiyosaki shares many unpopular ideas and tips through the story of the life and financial decisions of his two fathers. His biological father (poor dad), and his best friend’s father (rich dad).
Key takeaway: He makes an important distinction between an asset and a liability. He believes we should focus on cashflow generating assets to build wealth. According to him, the home we live in is a liability since it doesn’t generate income for us.
2. The Psychology of money by Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money is the most recent book on this list and a refreshing take on many financial concepts.
I love that the author uses stories to analyse many stereotypes, myths, and beliefs about personal finance and investing.
Why you should read it: This book shares some new ideas about investing and the link between our emotions and investing.
3. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley
The Millionaire Next Door gives us a glimpse into the lifestyles of some millionaires in the United States. The author shares key character traits of wealthy vs. rich people, and some of the actions that allowed these people to build astronomical wealth.
Key takeaway: one thing that struck me was the legacy mistakes some of the millionaires he researched made. If you’re looking to build generational wealth, then you need to read this book.
4. I will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Ramit Sethi is a popular personal finance guru and one of the first PF gurus I came across in my search for finance resources.
I love his bold stance on how to get rich, particularly his belief that you can earn more without starving or denying yourself of everything like some personal
Basically, his idea about delayed gratification is more balanced, though his teachings tilt toward earning more (rather than spending less).
Key takeaway: the author shares great ideas about saving and earning money that are not depriving.
B: Books about Money Management
5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason
The Richest Man in Babylon was written in the style of a collection of stories that follows the financial journey of Akhad and a few other characters in ancient Babylon.
The author uses memorable storytelling to distil financial concepts especially around the importance of saving and compound interest.
Why you should read it: If you’re struggling with saving money and learning delayed gratification then this book is for you.
6. The One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards
Financial planning is a key part of money management, and one of those areas that tends to be complicated and convoluted. The author tries to simplify this concept by sharing key things that should be in a financial plan.
The One Page Financial Plan is particularly helpful for those who may not have a financial advisor or don’t really understand what financial planning entails.
Why you should read it: at the end of this book, you will have the tools to create a simple financial plan.
7. Your Money or Your life by J. Dominguez and V. Robins
This book brings much needed heart to the subject of money. The authors highlighted the importance of having a value system and not missing out on life in our pursuit of money or financial relevance.
Why you should read it: wealth is not just about money but also about the things that make our lives worth living. Staying centred and focusing on the things that matter through the journey of life must remain non-negotiables.
8. The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey
The Total Money Makeover is the only other book on this list that I haven’t read, but I have followed the work of Dave Ramsey for almost a decade, and I know he is one of the best financial advisors of our time.
This book, as the name suggests, provides a comprehensive framework to manage your money effectively. One thing I like is that he delves into getting out of debt much more than the other books.
Why you should read it: This book provides an all-round outlook to help you manage your money.
C. Books about our Money Mindset
9. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich reveals that ‘we are the architects of our lives’ and must intentionally choose the path we wish to follow.
The author believes that our brains are magnetised by the dominating thoughts in our minds. And it is these thoughts that attract us to the people and forces that align with our thoughts.
Which means when we want riches, we need to become money conscious to such degree that it drives us to create plans to acquiring it. And for this to work, we must have a definite income goal and a systemised plan to acquire it.
Key takeaway: building wealth is not a one-off action but a daily practice of repetition and action. We must continually have our income goal in mind and take the necessary “daily” required in achieving our desired goal.
10. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, PhD
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is my most recent read and it was the best book I read last year. The funny thing about this book and the one above is that they are not my usual choices, but I tried them on the back of recommendations from people I respect, and I can safely say that they didn’t miss the mark.
Why you should read it: This book will have you rethinking many of your long-held beliefs not just about money but also about other areas of your life.
I believe every single woman who is looking to transform her life must read this book. More so, this is not a book you read once, but must be a constant resource you go back to.
As a Christian, I love that the author examined how the principles in the book align rather than conflict with the Bible. In fact, he showed that many of these concepts originated in the Bible. I had so many mind-blowing moments while reading this book.
Tip: This is a pretty old book so you might be able to get a free copyright version on iBooks.
STOP STALLING AND START READING THESE GREAT PERSONAL FINANCE BOOKS
Now that you have gone through this list of books, what’s next?
I know there is a tendency to promise ourselves that we will get to them, we may even save the books to the Audible app or add them to our Amazon wish list but never take action.
Here’s what you can do:
Select one book from the list, and start reading it, not later but now. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. You can start with the Psychology of Money, the author’s style of writing will get you invested.
I read Rich Dad Poor Dad so many years ago, I think I might give it another read as getting my finances up to date is a great idea.
Please do. It is a phenomenal book and has so many unconventional yet helpful tips.
Super useful financial books for sure! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you, Hari. I am so glad you think so. 🙏🏽😊
For all my reading, I’ve never picked up a book about personal finance. I will have to check some of these out.
Hi Sarah. yeah, that happens. Hope you get to select some great ones. All the best!
This is a well curated list you have here. Will look closer to the list.
Thank you, Danoue. I am glad you think so and hope you find a great read from this list.
Great, helpful list of finance books. I should add a few to my reading list. Thanks for sharing!
That would be awesom, Ginger! Thanks for your comment.
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