Sometimes, I feel like money and I just don't speak the same language. I remember growing up, my mom worked so hard, juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. We didn't talk about investing or building wealth; it felt like a world away, something only "other people" did. It made me feel powerless, like I was just along for the ride.
But then I realized, knowledge is power. Understanding how money works, learning to manage it, and finding ways to build it—that’s not just for the wealthy; it’s a skill anyone can learn. It’s about taking control of your future and creating the life you want.
That's why I’ve put together this list of books. They’ve been carefully chosen to be approachable, practical, and inspiring—no confusing jargon, just real-world advice to help you feel more confident and empowered when it comes to your finances. This isn’t about getting rich quick; it's about building a solid foundation for a more secure and fulfilling life. Let’s unlock your financial power together.
Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required
This book is a bold and contrarian guide to achieving financial independence and retiring early, without relying on gimmicks or luck. The authors, who are leaders in the FIRE movement, share their own story of how they were able to retire early and live life on their own terms. They walk readers through a reproducible formula to achieve financial independence, which involves cutting down on spending without decreasing quality of life, building a million-dollar portfolio, and using strategies like the four percent rule and the Yield Shield to weather financial storms. The authors acknowledge that not everyone can become an entrepreneur or real estate baron, but they provide a mathematically proven approach that can help anyone retire decades before 65. What I love about this book is that it's not just about making a lot of money, but also about living a fulfilling life and having the freedom to pursue your passions. I've always been interested in the idea of financial independence, and this book provides a clear and actionable roadmap for achieving it. The writing is clear and concise, making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn about this topic, regardless of their background or experience. One of the things that resonated with me was the emphasis on living below your means and building wealth over time, rather than trying to make a quick buck or get rich quick. The authors' approach is refreshingly straightforward and down-to-earth, making it feel like a trusted friend is sharing their secrets with you. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future and live life on their own terms.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love
As someone who has witnessed firsthand the struggles of women when it comes to financial literacy, I must say that this book is a game-changer. The author's journey to overcome the patriarchal stereotypes that have held women back from achieving financial freedom is truly inspiring. She shares her personal story of growing up with a unique relationship with money, where she learned to save and invest, but also struggled to understand why her friends and peers didn't share the same level of financial knowledge. As she delves deeper into the world of personal finance, she discovers that girls are significantly less likely to receive a comprehensive financial education, and that women are often hounded by unrealistic expectations about spending and wealth. The author's approach is not about restriction, but about choice - the ability to live the life you want and make a difference in the world while doing it. Throughout the book, she shares practical exercises, journaling prompts, and expert insights to help women overcome common obstacles and achieve financial freedom. The author's shame- and judgment-free approach is a breath of fresh air, and her passion for empowering women to take control of their finances is infectious. By the end of the book, readers will have a clear understanding of how to pay off debt, spend mindfully, save without deprivation, and invest in their future. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to break free from the shackles of financial anxiety and build a life that truly reflects their values and aspirations.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams
Tired of feeling like you're stuck in a financial rut, struggling to follow advice that only seems to make things worse? You're not alone. Many of us, especially Black women, have been there, feeling like we're constantly being told what to do, but never really being given a clear path to financial freedom. This audiobook is a game-changer. The author, Paris Woods, spent years working in education, searching for a way to build wealth without making drastic changes to her life. She found a simpler path, one that works for anyone who wants to break free from the cycle of financial stress. With real-life stories and clear, actionable advice, you'll learn how to build generational wealth, avoid common financial traps, and achieve financial independence. You'll also discover how to pay off debt, earn a degree without taking on debt, and design a dream life that's within reach. This book is perfect for Black women of all ages, from young professionals just starting to set financial goals, to mid-career women who are ready to take control of their finances and live life on their own terms. With the right guidance, you can achieve true financial freedom and live the life you've always dreamed of. You'll be inspired by the author's journey and empowered to take the first step towards a brighter financial future.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Girls That Invest: Your Guide to Financial Independence through Shares and Stocks
I recently had the pleasure of reading a book that has left a lasting impact on me, and I just have to share it with all of you. The book is a step-by-step guide to financial independence through shares and stocks, written by the creator of a very popular investing education podcast. I have to say, I was blown away by how accessible and easy to understand the concepts were, even for someone like me who wasn't exactly sure what they were doing. The author teaches the essential principles of investing in stocks in a way that is both clear and concise, making it perfect for anyone who wants to learn but doesn't know where to start.
The author's passion for empowering women to take control of their financial futures shines through on every page. I was particularly struck by how this book has brought together a community of women who are building a better financial future for themselves and their families. The author breaks down the jargon around markets, diversification, earnings, and more, making it easy to understand what's going on.
What I love most about this book is that it's not just a list of tips or strategies - it's a holistic approach to investing that takes into account your goals, values, and risk tolerance. The author offers a range of different investor strategies to choose from, so you can find the one that works best for you.
One of the things that really resonated with me was the author's emphasis on the transformative power of money. She writes about how having financial freedom can be the key to saying yes to new experiences, to pursuing your passions, and to creating a life that truly reflects who you are.
As someone who has seen firsthand the impact that financial stress can have on a person's life, I can confidently say that this book is not just for "investors" - it's for anyone who wants to break free from the constraints of money and live a more fulfilling life.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Decolonizing Wealth (Second Edition): Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance
The world is out of balance, and it's clear that systemic racism and colonial structures are at the root of many of the problems we face. The $1 trillion philanthropic industry is a prime example of this, with its name meant to evoke love and generosity but actually perpetuating harm and exploitation. We tend to look past the glamour and altruism of philanthropy and instead see the shadows of white supremacy, savior complexes, and internalized oppression.
I think back to my own experiences volunteering with non-profit organizations, where I saw firsthand the ways in which well-intentioned efforts could end up perpetuating the very systems of oppression they were trying to challenge. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. But it was also a turning point for me, as I began to understand the importance of truly decolonizing our institutions and practices. That's what this book is all about: a call to action to shift our approach to healing and reconciliation.
The author offers a powerful analysis of the ways in which we're all connected and interdependent, and how our individual and collective suffering is tied to the suffering of others. He also provides practical advice on how to begin to repair the damage, through a series of seven steps that draw on native traditions and indigenous wisdom. These steps are not meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a starting point for a deeper conversation about how we can work together to create a more just and equitable world. The author's message is simple yet profound: all our suffering is mutual, all our healing is mutual, and all our thriving is mutual.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)