Best Personal Finance Books to Read in 2025

Navigating personal finance can be challenging, but books on the topic offer a wealth of knowledge to empower financial decision-making. Business Insider has curated a list of standout personal finance books for 2025, covering a spectrum of financial literacy topics—from budgeting and investing to wealth-building strategies and retirement planning. These books collectively cater to diverse readers, making them suitable for early career professionals, aspiring retirees, socially conscious investors, and even specific groups like women and underrepresented communities.

Tiffany Aliche’s “Get Good With Money” provides actionable advice, including worksheets to tackle debt and improve overall financial wellness. Rob Berger’s “Retire Before Mom and Dad” delves into principles behind achieving financial independence and could appeal to followers of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Then there's Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy’s “How I Invest My Money,” which offers insights into how various financial experts handle their own investments. This book isn’t for total beginners but is valuable for those ready to explore deeper financial strategies.

JL Collins' “The Simple Path to Wealth” spells out actionable investment methods, appealing to individuals who aim to achieve financial independence. For first-time investors from communities of colour, Linda Garcia's “Wealth Warrior” simplifies stock market concepts, advocating greater inclusivity in financial empowerment. Morgan Housel's “The Psychology of Money” explores the emotional and behavioural foundations of financial choices, cultivating a mindset conducive to wealth-building. For those seeking socially aware financial advice, Paco de Leon’s “Finance for the People” contextualises financial techniques amidst societal inequities. Additionally, Erin Lowry’s “Broke Millennial Takes On Investing” offers beginner-friendly investment advice, while Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” lays out a practical six-week roadmap to better money management. Finally, Jannese Torres’ “Financially Lit!” targets Latina women interested in expanding entrepreneurial skills and mastering financial literacy.

Beyond these recommended books, exploring complementary titles like Benjamin Graham's “The Intelligent Investor” or Beth Kobliner’s “Get a Financial Life” expands knowledge. Books such as Julien and Kiersten Saunders' “Cashing Out” delve into aligning personal values with financial decisions. Many of these reads celebrate personal empowerment and inclusivity, catering to a new generation’s demand for relatable, practical advice.

The overarching message is the importance of financial literacy to achieve goals such as financial independence, better debt management, and even early retirement. Whether focusing on behavioural changes, systematic investing, entrepreneurship, or community inclusivity, these books offer diverse pathways to financial success. Readers are encouraged to summarise key takeaways, adapt strategies that resonate, and build sustainable systems to reach their personal financial goals.