If you are anything like me, then the idea of personal finance can be a bit overwhelming. Sure, I know to pay my bills on time and shuffle money over from my checking account to my savings as often as possible, but when it comes to investing, retirement accounts and loans, I’m a little lost. According to a recent survey conducted by GuideVine a company that helps connect interested parties with financial advisers, 55% of people polled said they felt lost when it comes to developing a long-term financial plan. If you are finance newbie looking to get a bit more savings savvy, you may want to check out one of these five books on personal finance.
“Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Have issues with managing your money? This book aims to change your relationship with money, encouraging frugal living without strict budgeting. It also touches on topics like freelancing, tracking your finances online and investing in index funds.
“The Truth About Money” by Ric Edelman
From investing and saving for retirement, to taxes and getting out of debt, to mortgages and leases, this book is a one-stop shop for all of your personal finance needs. And if you like the book (or if reading just is not your thing), you can listen to Ric Edelman’s weekly podcast of the same name for helpful personal finance advice.
“Why Didn’t They Teach Me This In School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By” by Cary Siegal
Written for those just entering adulthood, this book offers money management advice in an easily understood manner. From tips on how to pay off your debt to making the most of you 401K, this book is a great resource when it comes to personal finance basics.
“The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing” by Benjamin Graham
Called “…the best book by far on investing ever written,” by Warren Buffett, this stock market bible offers intelligent advice on portfolio management, rather than promising some sort of get rich quick scheme. Graham guides the reader in developing a sound plan for stocks and bonds that will lead to smart investments, even if they are not the most popular options. Originally published in 1949, the book was updated in 2006 to reflect more current market trends.
“How to Make Your Money Last: The Indispensable Retirement Guide” by Jane Bryant Quinn
This is a great read for anyone who finds the idea of planning for retirement daunting. If you ever want to leave the workforce, then you will need to start saving money (the earlier the better) that you can put toward living expenses during those job-less years. From retirement accounts to pension to savings, this book will show you how to get the highest payments from your assets so you can stop ensure that you won’t run out of money in retirement.
