I’ll admit it—I’ve spent most of my life thinking that as long as I was saving a little each month, I was doing “finance” right. That was it. No need for anything fancy. But lately, I’ve been having a wake-up call. While saving is great (essential, even), there are smarter ways to grow our money. And the best part? You don’t need a finance degree or an intimidating spreadsheet habit to figure it out.
Talking about money can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s often treated like some exclusive club reserved for men in suits. But why should it be? We work hard, we make money, and we deserve to know how to make it work for us. So, in an effort to understand the basics, I started digging into personal finance books—specifically the ones that come highly recommended for beginners (a.k.a. people like me who have no idea what they’re doing).
In my search to learn more about personal finance, I came across six books that are repeatedly recommended for beginners. I haven’t read them yet, but each one seems to offer an accessible and practical approach to understanding money.
- The Financial Diet by Chelsea Fagan explains money in a way that feels like chatting with a friend. It covers budgeting, investing, and lifestyle adjustments to improve financial health.
- Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry is designed for those who feel lost when it comes to money. It breaks down financial concepts in a relatable, no-nonsense way.
- Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi focuses on women’s financial journeys, helping shift the mindset from financial stress to financial confidence.
- Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche lays out a 10-step plan to achieve financial stability, making personal finance feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
- On My Own Two Feet by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar is a beginner-friendly guide specifically for women, covering budgeting, credit, and investing.
- Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur simplifies investing, breaking down stocks and shares in a way that feels approachable, even for total beginners.
So, where do we start?
If this all feels a little overwhelming, The Financial Diet and Broke Millennial might be the best places to begin—both seem beginner-friendly, practical, and easy to digest. But honestly, I want to read all of them.
If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear what you think! Did one of them change how you see money? Or is there another book that completely shifted your perspective? Let’s swap recommendations—I have a feeling this is just the beginning. 💸
xo,
SheSpeaksBold
