The top personal finance books of 2024.
A curated list of 10 personal finance books for the year has been compiled by CNBC Select, taking into account Amazon bestseller rankings, consumer sentiment on social media, and editorial judgment.
Best for basic ways to organize your money
What is the focus of "I Will Teach You To Be Rich"? The book covers various aspects of personal money management, including debt payoff, banking, automating your money, and negotiating your bills. The author offers a unique perspective on achieving a "rich life" by being mindful of your spending and cutting out unnecessary expenses.
After each topic in the six-week book format, readers should assess their learning and apply the advice of author Ramit Sethi.
The book by Ramit Sethi has helped readers reflect on their financial values and take actions that align with them. The detailed advice is easy to understand and follow, and the book provides fresh insights on budgeting and managing money.
Best for a new take on retirement
"Die with Zero" is ideal for anyone seeking to challenge traditional retirement advice. Bill Perkins advocates for a different approach to retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest rather than over-saving for an uncertain future.
The advice in this book challenges traditional beliefs about passing down money to loved ones. Instead of waiting until the end of life to gift money to children, readers suggest giving it to them when they're younger and can use it for more experiences. This advice may be most actionable for those with disposable income and who plan to leave a significant inheritance for their next of kin.
Best for challenging the norm
What is the target audience for "Rich Dad Poor Dad"? The book challenges traditional notions of wealth and how to attain it, making it a captivating read regardless of one's financial status.
The book has altered readers' perspectives on financial independence, wealth building, and investing, as Kiyosaki emphasizes the significance of discipline and dedication in amassing wealth. He supports his argument with numerous anecdotes throughout the book. It is widely recommended as a suitable read for people of all ages.
Best for high schoolers and their parents
"The Price You Pay for College" is a comprehensive guide to the financial systems surrounding higher education. The author covers a range of topics, including financial aid, the value of education, and other challenging issues.
The book is a wealth of knowledge on paying for college, with author Ron Lieber sharing many previously unknown details. Reviewers also highlight that the book goes beyond just the cost of college and discusses the value of the experience. However, some readers note that the book lacks information on trade schools, which may be a missed opportunity for those considering this type of education.
Best for managing debt
"The Total Money Makeover" is a book written by financial expert Dave Ramsey, who is known for his approach to paying off debt and sticking to a strict budget. The book provides practical advice on this topic, which may appeal to readers looking for tips on managing their finances.
"The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey is an easy-to-read book with straightforward financial concepts. One reviewer finished the entire book in just one day. The book offers real-life examples for managing your money and outlines several steps (called baby steps) to build a budget and get out of debt.
Best for budgeting
"Get Good with Money" is a comprehensive guide for readers seeking to improve their financial management. Tiffany Aliche, a renowned financial influencer and entrepreneur, provides practical advice on creating a "noodle budget," which involves analyzing your current spending habits and adapting to unexpected life events such as job loss, home purchase, and more.
Tiffany Aliche's book is praised as a comprehensive guide to financial literacy that also offers advice on entrepreneurship. Readers appreciate her relatable character, clear language, and ability to address the challenges individuals face in managing and growing their finances.
Best for a classic
The book "Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, originally published in 1937 and co-authored by Rosa Lee Beeland, has a restored and revised version from 2015. The book provides 13 principles for achieving wealth and success through thinking and action.
The book emphasizes the use of philosophical principles in wealth-building, and many readers claim that it has helped them develop a better mindset. The focus is on enhancing one's mindset, setting financial goals, and maintaining discipline around money.
Best for financial psychology
This book, "The Psychology of Money," explores the mental motivators that influence our financial choices. If you're interested in understanding how emotions and biases impact your financial decisions, this book is for you.
Morgan Housel's timeless advice has caused readers to reevaluate their relationship with money.
Best for beginner investors
"Girls That Invest" provides a comprehensive guide for beginners to understand the stock market, various investment options, and how to build a portfolio. The book simplifies complex industry terminology to help readers comprehend the subject matter.
The book by Simran Kaur is written in a simple manner, making it easy for readers to comprehend the concepts and apply the information presented. Some readers have stated that they had no prior knowledge of investing or the stock market, but after reading the book, they feel more knowledgeable about these topics.
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Our goal at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and in-depth consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make informed decisions with their money. Each article is meticulously crafted by our team of expert writers and editors, who possess extensive knowledge of personal finance products. Although CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content independently, without any input from our commercial team or external third parties. We uphold the highest journalistic standards and ethics in everything we do.
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