The 10 Best Personal Finance Books of All Time (2024)

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1
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Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki explains what rich people know about finance, money, and investing. The author compares advice from his real father (Poor Dad), who was well-educated but always struggled financially, with advice from his best friend's father (Rich Dad), who had little formal education but was a very successful entrepreneur.
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"Your Money or Your Life" by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez is about transforming your relationship with money to achieve financial independence and a meaningful life. The book introduces a nine-step program that encourages readers to examine their money habits, reduce waste, and align their spending with their values and life goals. It emphasizes mindfulness in finance, the importance of saving, and finding fulfillment beyond consumerism.
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Unshakeable is Tony Robbin's guide to simple investing. He shows us how to achieve financial freedom and security. You'll learn about smart investing tools like index funds, compound interest and diversification. You'll also see how to avoid losing money due to fees and fear.
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Think and Grow Rich is about more than money—it's about getting what we want in life. Napoleon Hill interviewed 500+ successful people (like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison), identifying a 13-step formula for achievement, which includes 1) a burning desire, 2) a definite plan, and 3) persistence past failure.
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Millionaire Teacher explains how to start investing as a middle-class person so you could retire a millionaire. Andrew Hallam, who was a Canadian English teacher, explains how to save more money through extreme frugality and where to put our savings for the most dependable growth. (Hint: index funds.)
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"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko uncovers the unexpected lifestyles and habits of America's wealthy, showing that they often live frugally and focus on financial independence rather than flashy spending. The book explains how typical millionaires build wealth, challenging common myths about what it means to be rich.
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The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins offers straightforward advice on achieving financial independence through saving, investing, and avoiding debt. It simplifies complex financial concepts, advocating for investing in low-cost index funds and the importance of financial freedom.
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"The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason offers timeless financial wisdom through parables from ancient Babylon, focusing on principles such as saving 10% of your income, living within your means, and avoiding get-rich-quick schemes. The book champions the concept of "paying yourself first" by setting aside at least 10% of your income before paying any expenses.
9
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"The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey is a step-by-step guide aimed at helping individuals overhaul their financial situation through debt elimination, savings, and investment. Ramsey introduces his seven "Baby Steps" to achieve financial health, emphasizing aggressive debt repayment, building an emergency fund, and investing for the future.
10
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"The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel is about how our money and financial decisions are often determined by psychological factors such as ego, emotions, and biases. He argues that making good financial decisions and building wealth is less about gaining financial expertise, and more about cultivating qualities like patience, humility, and long-term thinking.