I’ve read 112 money books - these 13 will make you RICH

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20 Feb 2025

After reading 112 books about money, wealth-building, and financial success, I’ve realized that not all personal finance books are created equal. Some offer repetitive advice that barely scratches the surface, while others contain life-changing insights that, when applied, can completely transform your financial future. The right books don’t just teach you about money; they change the way you think about earning, saving, investing, and spending. They equip you with the mindset and strategies that the wealthy use to build and sustain their fortunes.

In this article, I’ll share the 10 books that have had the biggest impact on my financial journey. These books cover everything from basic money management to advanced investment strategies, side hustles, and the psychology of wealth. If you read and apply the principles in these books, you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial freedom and building long-term wealth.

1. The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason

This classic book, written in the form of parables set in ancient Babylon, provides timeless financial wisdom that remains just as relevant today. It teaches fundamental money principles, such as paying yourself first, living below your means, and making your money work for you through smart investments. The simplicity of these lessons makes them easy to understand and apply.

One of the biggest takeaways is the concept of “saving at least 10% of your income before you pay anyone else.” This principle alone, when consistently applied, can set you on the path to financial security. If you’re new to personal finance, this book is an excellent starting point.

2. Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez

This book completely changes the way you view money and work. It introduces the idea that money is something you exchange your life energy for and that every dollar you spend represents time from your life that you’ll never get back.

By tracking your expenses, calculating your real hourly wage, and aligning your spending with your values, you can take control of your finances and start working towards financial independence. If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind and want a roadmap to early retirement, this book is a must-read.

3. The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko

Many people assume that millionaires drive luxury cars and live in mansions, but this book shatters that myth. Through years of research, the authors discovered that the majority of millionaires live modestly, save diligently, and invest wisely.

The book categorizes people into two groups: Under Accumulators of Wealth (UAWs) and Prodigious Accumulators of Wealth (PAWs). UAWs earn well but spend everything they make, while PAWs focus on growing their net worth. Learning how true millionaires think and behave can help you build sustainable wealth instead of falling into the trap of lifestyle inflation.

4. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel

This book focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of money, which are just as important as the technical strategies of saving and investing. Housel explains why we make irrational financial decisions and how understanding human behavior can lead to better financial choices.

One of the most valuable lessons is that wealth isn’t about how much you earn but how much you keep. The ability to delay gratification and avoid financial mistakes is often more critical than chasing high returns. This book helps you master the mindset required for long-term financial success.

5. I Will Teach You to Be Rich – Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi’s book is one of the most practical guides to money management available. It covers everything from automating finances and optimizing credit cards to negotiating salary increases and investing in low-cost index funds.

What makes this book stand out is its actionable, step-by-step approach. Sethi’s philosophy is that you should focus on earning more rather than obsessing over cutting small expenses like lattes. If you want a straightforward system for managing money without depriving yourself, this book is perfect.

6. The Automatic Millionaire – David Bach

David Bach emphasizes the power of automation in building wealth. His “Latte Factor” concept illustrates how small daily expenses add up over time, while his approach to automating savings and investments ensures that you build wealth without constantly thinking about it.

By setting up automatic contributions to your savings and retirement accounts, you remove the risk of human error and discipline yourself to invest consistently. This book is ideal for anyone who struggles with budgeting or wants an effortless way to grow their wealth.

7. The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey’s book provides a step-by-step plan to get out of debt and build wealth. His “Baby Steps” method starts with creating an emergency fund, followed by aggressively paying off debt, saving for retirement, and eventually building wealth.

While Ramsey’s approach is strict, especially regarding credit card usage, his no-nonsense strategy has helped millions of people regain financial control. If you’re drowning in debt and need a clear roadmap to financial stability, this book is a great place to start.

8. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

This book is often the gateway to financial literacy for many people. Kiyosaki contrasts the mindset of his “Rich Dad” (who focused on building assets) with that of his “Poor Dad” (who focused on job security and working for money).

The biggest takeaway is the importance of acquiring income-generating assets—such as real estate, businesses, and investments—rather than relying solely on a paycheck. If you’ve never thought about money in terms of assets vs. liabilities, this book will change your perspective.

9. The Wealthy Gardener – John Soforic

This book blends financial wisdom with personal philosophy, making it both practical and inspiring. It teaches the principles of passive income, frugality, and entrepreneurship in an engaging narrative format.

The key lesson here is that wealth-building is not just about making money but about creating freedom and security for yourself and your family. The storytelling approach makes the concepts easy to remember and apply.

10. Unshakeable – Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins distills insights from the world’s top investors, including Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio, into simple, actionable advice. The book explains how to invest wisely, avoid market panic, and build long-term wealth through index funds and diversified portfolios.

If the stock market intimidates you, this book will give you the confidence to invest intelligently and weather financial downturns.

Conclusion

These 10 books have had the biggest impact on my financial journey, providing me with the knowledge, mindset, and strategies necessary for wealth-building. By reading and applying the lessons from these books, you can take control of your finances, grow your wealth, and achieve financial independence. Remember, knowledge alone won’t make you rich taking action will. Start today, and your future self will thank you.