All about Money - 5 must read books

Information is power, and when it comes to personal finances, we can’t get enough of it.

More and more people are educating themselves on getting ahead financially, and even savvy investors are turning to personal finance books to learn more.

We’ve trawled the best-sellers lists across the globe to bring you our Top 5 recommended books, and there’s something for everyone. Money is universal, and no matter where you’re from or what age you are, most of the principles are the same when it comes to saving money, spending money and investing money. 

Get ready to turn pages (or turn up, if audiobooks are your thing) and become more financially savvy. Your future self will thank you. 

Penned by trusted Australian finance expert Scott Pape, The Barefoot Investor gives easy-to-understand advice on how to set up your finances and grow your wealth over the long term. There’s a reason this book has found its way onto the shelves of 1 in every 20 Aussie homes. It’s playfully written, and gives real-life advice with clear examples on how to dig yourself out of debt, create an achievable budget, set and reach goals, and invest for the future.

Scott wrote the book after losing his home and possessions to a raging bushfire, and doesn’t want anyone to experience the same devastation and uncertainty when it comes to finances, or insurance. He wants everyone to have what Aussies call ‘a fair go’, and breaks down the basics. This is a great book for people who are starting from scratch, want to learn the basics quickly, stop feeling guilty about spending money and make moves that will set them up for success in the long run. 

Those who really get taken in by Scott’s advice and friendly tone can sign up for more: there are communities on social media platforms dedicated to following his method, and he has a free newsletter loaded with up-to-date advice and ideas that can be subscribed to. 

Rich Dad, Poor Dad was written in 1997, but its #1 position as a Best Seller on Amazon in 2023 confirms the advice it holds is just as relevant today as it was 26 years ago. The book is based on Kiyosaki’s upbringing, where he was exposed to high net worth individuals and modest income earners, and breaks down the myth that you need a high income job to become wealthy.

There are six key lessons in Rich Dad, Poor Dad that will shore up the reader’s confidence in gaining control of and then managing their own finances, and investing in money-generating assets. The goal is a comfortable future, which takes time, patience and the know-how of using money for wealth development. 

This personal finance bible is easy to read and understand, and its author has been lauded for breaking down complex financial concepts into bite-sized pieces, so the everyday person can apply them to their own situation. 

The book includes ‘Study Sessions’ at the end of each chapter that encourage reflection and pose questions for the reader, helping them to gain a solid understanding of cash flow, real estate, business building and investing money. 

You wouldn’t think that a how-to guide about crypto could come with a side-serve of sharp humour, but here we are. Former technologist at Credit Suisse in Singapore and London, Antony Lewis, left his banking job behind to join what he calls the ‘wild west of Bitcoin’.

The book has nine chapters that cover off digital money, cryptography, cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and blockchains, often accompanied by visual aids to really drive the point home, and ensure the reader has a solid understanding before moving on to the next concept. 

While Lewis declares a love for Bitcoin and other crypto assets, the romance and rose-coloured glasses are removed as he warns against the inevitable volatility, scams, Ponzi schemes and other swindles that’ll break your heart and your bank balance. Investors venturing into the sometimes murky waters of crypto should undertake thorough research and be careful.  

When you’ve read the book, you’ll be in an informed position with an understanding of cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and associated regulations, as well as learning all about blockchain platforms and their function in the evolving cyber-economy.

Not everyone has had a financial education or the chance to build wealth during their lives as children and other serious life milestones have drained any extra cushioning cash from the account. The great news is, it’s never too late to start.

Getting a solid sense of where you’re at financially will put you in the driver’s seat of your finances, and this book has been written to show you how. Turn the pages to learn how to make decisions and set goals that will benefit you as you enter your next stage of life. 

This is also a great read for younger people who want to help their aging parents get a hold on things, and build confidence around how best to manage saving money, protect assets and sail into a comfortable retirement. 

There’s something in this book for everyone, from beginners just starting to gain control of their finances, to seasoned and wealthy investors. And the fact it’s a million-copy best-seller shows its been making waves across the planet. 

The book encourages you to make miniscule changes that will grow into life-altering habits. Just like compounding interest, the benefits of atomic habits will compound and reward you in all sorts of ways. Examples range from texting your partner when you’re running late, which will earn a more positive and respectful relationship, to performing two push-ups after getting out of bed, which will inevitably increase and build physical and mental strength. 

Applying atomic habits to money management is where this book really pays off. Building finance checks into your day or week, spending money responsibly and saving money as part of a routine, eliminating the habit of online shopping and putting restraint into practice when it comes to impulse buys will instill better financial habits – even in those who think they’ve got things sorted.