By Catherine Martinez
Do you want to learn more about your finances, grow your side hustle, or better understand economic principles, but don’t know where to start? It’s time to grow your reading list! Not all money and finance books are created equal, so here are nine book recommendations for 2025!
1. Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
Author: Thomas Sowell
You don’t need to know everything about economics to manage your personal finances, but a broader understanding of what makes the economy work will help you make better financial decisions, invest wisely, and inform the way you vote. Check out this classic work by Thomas Sowell and learn more about how to navigate the economy.
2. Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam
Author: Vivek Ramaswamy
This book was recommended by Dr. OJ Oleka, President of the State Financial Officers Foundation, and is relevant to the current times. Ramaswamy details how “stakeholder capitalism” has taken over corporate America and how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental and Social Governance) policies are costing us money and excellence in the workplace.
3. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Peace
Author: Dave Ramsey
If you want to get your financial house in order, look no further than Dave Ramsey’s classic book, The Total Money Makeover. With this proven plan, you can start climbing out of debt, breaking bad financial habits, and saving for retirement. It’s helped countless people get their finances on track!
4. Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life
Author: Ruth Soukup
This book is a must-read for women who are managing their household expenses and want practical tips on everything from saving money at the grocery store to clearing clutter. Living Well, Spending Less has impacted how I manage my personal finances more than any other one in my collection.
5. The Seven Money Types: Discover How God Wired You To Handle Money
Author: Tommy Brown
If you’re looking for a faith-based approach to understand how you were wired to handle money, check out The Seven Money Types. Pastor Tommy Brown helps readers discover their money type, leaning into biblical examples such as Abraham (hospitality), Isaac (discipline), Jacob (beauty), Joseph (connection), Moses (endurance), Aaron (humility), or David (leadership). When you discover your money’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make a difference!
6. Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Author: Robert Kiyosaki
This book was recommended to me by a couple of the entrepreneurs I interviewed while writing for Smart Women Smart Money, and it did not disappoint. Learn what wealthy families teach their kids about money that middle-class families can benefit from for a better financial future.
7. Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers
Author: Laura D. Adams
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, this book is for you. Laura D. Adams, host of the popular Money Girl Podcast, takes readers on a journey to develop a personal finance system that will help them build their businesses with a sound financial foundation while providing practical tips and advice.
8. Women With Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve
Author: Jean Chatzky
Jean Chatzky helps real women open up about their money and gives them a three-part plan that helps women understand their relationship with money, take control of their money, and create the life they want with their money. This book was recommended by Maggie Murphy, a Smart Women Smart Money writer, who uses it to lead a small group for college students.
9. The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
Author: Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money tells the reader 19 short stories to explain how different people think about money. People don’t make financial decisions because of spreadsheets but often because of their personalities, family backgrounds, or life experiences. Smart Women Smart Money writer Ashley Ann Reich recommended this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine is a full-time copywriter for a nonprofit organization and a freelance writer. She spends her days writing, chasing toddlers and learning how to master her money. Catherine lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and their two young children.
