How much do you know about financial independence? If you’re like most people, the answer is “not a lot.” But that’s okay – because you can learn. And what better way to start than reading some of the best books on the topic?
Yes, you heard that right – there are entire books written on financial independence!
This blog post will explore the 26 Best Financial Independence Books To Read if you want to take control of your money and achieve financial freedom.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Financial Independence Books All About?
Financial Independence books are an excellent investment because they can provide insights and knowledge that you may not otherwise have access to.
These books can be about a lot of different things. Some might focus on helping you save money, while others might teach you how to invest your money so that it grows.
But ultimately, all of the best books on pursuing financial independence share one common goal: to help you achieve financial freedom.
These books can show you how to make intelligent decisions with your money to eventually reach a point where you no longer have to worry about money. And isn’t that the goal we all want to achieve? Of course, it is!
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Financial Independence Retire Early Books
“Financial Independence Retire Early Books” are about helping you achieve financial independence to retire early. And while that might sound like an impossible feat, it is possible – if you’re willing to make some sacrifices.
Many of these books will show you how to cut expenses and live a more FIRE lifestyle. Others will instruct you on how to invest your money for it to grow. And still, others will provide tips on how to increase your income to save more money.
But regardless of their approach, all FIRE books have one common goal: to assist you in achieving financial independence and retiring early.
Here are some of the best financial independence books to check out:
1. Your Money or Your Life
“Your Money or Your Life” is a personal finance classic initially published in 1992. The book was written by Vicki Robin and Joseph R. Dominguez and focused on helping people get their finances to gain financial independence.
“Your Money or Your Life” is a nine-step guide that helps you understand your connection with money and how to change it to attain financial independence.
One of the book’s central tenets is that you should view your money as a tool to help you live a better life rather than as something that rules your life. The book also encourages people to focus on living below their means to save more money.
Overall, “Your Money or Your Life” is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to get their finances in order and gain financial independence.
2. ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence
“ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence” is a book that is geared with straightforward tips, resources, and information to help the reader on their journey to attain financial independence and retire early (FIRE).
In this book, authors Jonathan Mendonsa, Brad Barrett, and Chris Mamula lay out a strategy for achieving financial freedom.
One of the book’s primary focuses is helping people live below their means to save cash. “Mendonsa and Barrett believe that living below your means is the key to achieving financial freedom.“
“ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence” is an inspiring and informative book that will show you how to take control of your finances and will ultimately help you in your financial independence journey. The book is packed with helpful information and is written in an easy-to-understand style.
3. Financial Freedom
If you’re looking for a roadmap to financial independence, look no further than “Financial Freedom“. Written by Grant Sabatier in 2019, who reached financial independence in his 30s, this book provides a step-by-step guide to creating wealth and achieving financial freedom.
The author covers everything from budgeting and saving to investing, entrepreneurship, and estate planning, providing clear instructions and real-world examples.
4. The Simple Path to Wealth
“The Simple Path to Wealth” is the perfect book for those who want a straightforward guide to financial independence. This book, written by J.L. Collins in 2016, provides a simple and to-the-point guide to building wealth and reaching financial independence.
J.L Collins lays out a proven path to wealth, starting with saving as much money as possible. He then recommends avoiding debt, investing that money in a diversified portfolio of index funds, and finally outlining how to withdraw that money in retirement.
What makes this book so special is its focus on simplicity. The author believes that the best way to build wealth is to keep things as simple as possible.
This is one of our personal favorites to share with those new to learning about personal finance.
5. Quit Like a Millionaire
“Quit Like a Millionaire” is a must-read for anyone who wants financial independence. This book, written by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, provides readers with a mathematical and evidence-based approach to achieving FIRE.
The book debunks some of the biggest myths about money and retirement. Shen and Leung then provide readers with a step-by-step strategy for reaching financial independence. This includes saving cash, investing that money wisely, and retiring early.
If you’re looking for a book that will provide the motivation and direction you need to reach your financial goals, then this is the book for you.
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6. The 4-Hour Workweek
“The 4-Hour Workweek” is a book written by Timothy Ferriss in 2007. The main idea behind this book is to help people work less, live more, and reach financial independence.
Ferriss believes that if you want to be successful, you need to find a way to do something you love and then delegate the rest.
Tim Ferriss lays out a comprehensive guide for ditching the 9-to-5 struggle in favor of a more balanced, productive lifestyle. He shows readers how to outsource tedious tasks, make more in less time, and finally achieve their dreams.
The “4-Hour Workweek” is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to achieve greater flexibility in their work schedule and live a more fulfilling life.
7. I Will Teach You to Be Rich
In 2009, Ramit Sethi wrote a book on personal finances, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” designed to help people in their financial independence journey.
The book’s primary focus is on teaching the reader how to be financially successful and independent through various means, such as investing, budgeting, and saving.
Sethi provides detailed instructions on how to earn more money, save money, and invest money. He also discusses the importance of automating one’s finances to live a “Rich Life.”
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” is worth picking up if you’re looking for a step-by-step plan to reach financial independence.
8. Early Retirement Extreme
“Early Retirement Extreme” is a book by Jacob Lund Fisker, published in 2010.
This book takes a different approach to financial independence than other books as it is based on the real-life experience of the author, who managed to retire at the age of thirty by following the strategies he lays out.
Fisker believes that the key to financial freedom is to minimize your expenses and maximize your savings. He provides detailed strategies for doing this through frugality, DIY, and minimalism.
This book is full of actionable advice and is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom.
9. Playing With FIRE
“Playing With FIRE” is a book by Scott Rieckens. It was published in 2019. In this book, Scott Rieckens shares his story and the lessons he learned from reaching FIRE.
He teaches us working 9-5 won’t get us to financial freedom; instead, cutting expenses, living below our means, and investing will do. The book covers various topics such as frugality, investing, and side hustling.
This book provides readers with a firsthand account of what it takes to achieve FIRE. If you’re looking for motivation and inspiration, this book is for you!
10. Set for Life
“Set for Life” is a book by Scott Trench. It was published in 2017. This book gives you the tools you need to build lasting financial freedom.
By adding a mix of practical knowledge and philosophy, “Set for Life” sets the reader up for financial success and a happier and more fulfilling life.
“Set for Life” is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take control of their finances. Trench’s clear writing style makes the concepts easy to understand, and his practical tips will help you implement them.
If you’re serious about financial freedom, this book is a must-read.
11. Retire Early With Real Estate
“Retire Early With Real Estate” is a book by Chad Carson. It was published in 2018. This book tells the story of how the authors were able to retire early by investing in real estate.
The book provides practical advice on how to leave the 9-5 grind behind and achieve monetary freedom through real estate investing. It covers various topics such as investment strategies, financial analysis, and risk management.
It also includes case studies of successful real estate investors so that you can learn from their experiences. This book is a great place to start if you’re interested in retiring early by investing in real estate.
12. The Bogleheads Guide to Investing
“The Bogleheads Guide to Investing” is a book by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, and Michael LeBoeuf, published in 2006. The book is based on the “Boglehead” philosophy, which espouses a value investing approach and passive index fund investing.
The book provides readers with a practical guide to Monetary freedom through investing. It covers various topics, such as asset allocation, portfolio management, and stock selection.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive philosophical and practical guide to investing that is easy to understand, this book is a great choice.
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13. How Much Money Do I Need to Retire
“How Much Money Do I Need to Retire” is a book by Todd Tresidder. It was published in 2012.
This book provides a clear and concise guide to retirement planning. It covers diverse topics such as Social Security, pensions, and retirement income sources.
Piper provides readers with a step-by-step guide to calculating how much money they will need to retire. Piper’s writing style is clear and concise, making the concepts easy to understand. His practical tips will also help you take action on what you’ve learned.
This book is a beautiful resource for anyone who wants to take charge of their retirement planning.
14. Retire Before Mom and Dad
“Retire Before Mom and Dad” is a book by Rob Berger published in 2019.
This book guides you to unlock the power inside you that is holding you back from attaining financial independence. It covers diverse topics such as frugality, investing, and side hustling.
Rob explains how you can get out of debt, save cash, and invest for the future. His relatable writing style makes the concepts easy to understand. If you’re looking for motivation and inspiration, this book is for you!
15. Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living
Elizabeth Willard Thames wrote “Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living,” published in 2018.
Frugalwoods is about a couple who became financially independent by living a frugal lifestyle. They share their story and provide practical tips on saving money and investing for the future.
This book teaches us how to control our finances and improve our financial life. This book is for you if you’re looking for motivation to start living a more frugal lifestyle.
16. Work Optional: Retire Early The Non-Penny-Pinching Way
Tanja Hester is the author of this book, released in 2019.
“Work Optional” is not just about achieving monetary freedom but also about finding meaning and purpose in life. It covers work-life balance, early retirement, and alternative ways to make enough money.
Tanja provides readers with a helpful guide on living a rich, happy life without depending on a traditional job. This book is for you if you’re looking for a different perspective on the FIRE concept.
17. Rich Dad Poor Dad
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” is a book by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, published in 1997. It is based on the story of Kiyosaki and his two “dads” – his biological father (the Poor Dad) and the father of his best friend (the Rich Dad).
The book looks at the two dads’ different approaches to money and work. It covers investing, starting a successful business, and financial literacy. And how you can use these concepts to achieve your financial dreams.
This book is a classic for personal finance books. It provides valuable insights that will change your thoughts about work and wealth.
18. You Need a Budget
In 2014, Jesse Mecham wrote the groundbreaking book “You Need a Budget.” This book provides a step-by-step guide to living a financially stress-free life.
It covers creating a budget, tracking how you’re spending money, and paying off debt. It will also help you change your mindset about money management.
Jesse’s writing style is down-to-earth and relatable. His advice is actionable and has helped many people get their finances in order.
Fun fact – He’s the founder of YNAB!
19. The Richest Man in Babylon
“The Richest Man in Babylon” is a personal finance classic by George Samuel Clason, initially published in 1926. It is set in ancient Babylon and tells the story of Arkad, a poor man who becomes the wealthiest man in Babylon.
The book is packed with financial wisdom and covers topics such as saving some cash, investing, and debt management. It also guides you on how you can build wealth.
Although it was written nearly a century ago, the advice in this book is still relevant today.
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20. Get Good With Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole
“Get Good With Money” is a book by Tiffany Aliche, published in 2021.
This book does not give you tips on how you can get rich quickly. Instead, it guides how you can manage your finances in a way that is aligned with your values and life goals.
It covers ten fundamental steps that will help you get good with money. These steps include creating a budget, building an emergency fund, improving credit scores, and investing for the future.
If inadequate finances have stressed you out and you don’t know where to turn, consider checking this one out!
21. Clever Girl Finance
In 2019, Bola Sokunbi’s book “Clever Girl Finance” was published and changed how many women view personal finance.
This book is geared toward women who want to take control of their finances. It covers topics such as money mindset, goal setting, and investing.
It urges women to take charge of their financial future without feeling guilty or ashamed. And it provides actionable steps that will help them get there. This book is perfect if you’re a woman looking to take your financial life to the next level!
22. The One-Page Financial Plan
“The One-Page Financial Plan” is a personal finance book by Carl Richards, published in 2015.
This book provides a simple yet effective way to manage your finances. It helps you create a budget, tracks your spending, and make intelligent financial decisions on one page.
Yes, you read that right. ONE PAGE!
This book is an enjoyable and easy read that will help you control your finances without feeling overwhelmed. This book is a great choice if you’re looking for a straightforward and practical personal finance guide!
23. The Millionaire Next Door
“The Millionaire Next Door” is another timely classic for personal finance books by Thomas J. Stanley, published in 1996.
This book will show you how to save funds and grow your bank balance by spending less than you earn and avoiding those mistakes that most people make.
It proves that you don’t need to be born into wealth or have a high-paying job to become a millionaire. You need to live below your means and make intelligent financial decisions. This one is great for teenagers as well!
24. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” is a book by T. Harv Eker, published in 2005. This book will help you change your money mindset and develop millionaire habits and thinking.
It covers topics such as goal setting, visualization, and taking action. These concepts are essential to take charge of your finances and building wealth. And it provides practical exercises that will help you implement what you’ve learned.
If you’re hoping to change your mindset around money and create more wealth in your own life, this one’s for you!
25. You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Wellness and a Purposeful Life
Jason Vitug’s book “You Only Live Once” offers advice for making the most of your life.
This book is about more than just money. It’s about finding financial wellness and living a purposeful life. It teaches you those intelligent moves with your finances that will lead to a more fulfilling and happy life.
It covers topics such as money mindset, goal setting, and creating a financial plan. But it also helps you figure out your life purpose and how to use your finances to support that.
This book is perfect if you want to find monetary freedom and live a dream life!
26. Broke Millennial Takes on Investing
“Broke Millennial Takes on Investing” is a book by Erin Lowry, published in 2019.
This book is perfect for millennials who want to learn more about investing. It covers topics such as asset allocation, diversification, and saving for retirement.
This book is written in a relatable and conversational style, making it an enjoyable and easy read. It provides actionable steps that will help you start investing and grow your wealth.
If you’re a millennial looking to start investing, this book is a great choice!
Related Article: Fat FIRE: Living Large in Retirement
Financial Independence Books FAQs
What Are the Best Financial Books for Beginners?
If you’re starting your own journey, a few books will teach you the basics of personal finance and help you develop good money habits. These are:
Your Money or Your Life, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Financial Freedom, and I Will Teach You to Be Rich.
What Are the Best Financial Books for Young Adults?
If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and looking for financial advice, there are a few books that can help get you on the right track. These include:
The Bogleheads Guide to Investing, The 4-Hour Workweek, Early Retirement Extreme, and Playing With FIRE.
Stock up With the Best Books on Financial Independence
These are 26 of the best financial independence books to read if you want to take your finances to the next level. These books cover various topics, from budgeting and saving money to investing and building wealth.
You can’t go wrong with any of these selections with advice from some of the most respected names in the business.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your journey to financial freedom today with one of these excellent books!
Samantha Hawrylack is a personal finance expert and full-time entrepreneur with a passion for writing and SEO. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Master’s in Business Administration and previously worked for Vanguard, where she held Series 7 and 63 licenses. Her work has been featured in publications like Grow, MSN, CNBC, Ladders, Rocket Mortgage, Quicken Loans, Clever Girl Finance, Credit Donkey, Crediful, Investing Answers, Well Kept Wallet, AllCards, Mama and Money, and Concreit, among others. She writes in personal finance, real estate, credit, entrepreneurship, credit card, student loan, mortgage, personal loan, insurance, debt management, business, productivity, and career niches.
Mark Besr
Friday 6th of January 2023
Wow thanks! I've been looking for a post like this for a long time! Probably only you and these guys on the entire Internet understand what they are talking about! Hehe