It’s been a wild year-plus. The pandemic’s toll on human life was exacerbated by its impact on employment, finances, and “normalcy” — a concept from the before-times that we collectively wish to return to. The financial stress was coupled with fluctuations in the market, fueled by uncertainty, but also by speculative day trading, cryptocurrency hype, and so-called meme stocks.
So, now feels like the right time to boost your financial literacy and take charge of your money by increasing your income, making smart investments, and saving for retirement. The eight books, audiobooks, and podcasts below are here to help. These works break down complex topics into digestible details that you can apply to your life. Pull one up on your couch, in the car, or even on a walk, and let these experts lead you toward better financial habits and planning.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Before you can learn to control your finances, it’s beneficial to understand your motivations and why people act the way they do. Because while money is often talked about in terms of math and data, it’s also mental and emotional — major purchase decisions can be driven by pride, fear, exhilaration, and even marketing. Author and investing pro Housel shares 19 short stories on wealth, greed, and happiness, exploring the ways people think about money, all while teaching readers how to make better sense of their finances.
The Latte Factor: Why You Don't Have to be Rich to Live Rich by David Bach and John David Mann
In this heartwarming parable, the authors tell the story of Zoey, a 20-something woman in New York City struggling to balance her demanding job with credit card and student debt and the desire to build a financial cushion. She befriends Henry, an elderly barista at her favorite coffee shop, who shares his three secrets to financial freedom. Initially hesitant to heed his advice, Zoey soon learns the small changes she makes today can have a big impact on the future. The book’s breezy format and narrative style demystifies the usual money-related wisdom, making it easy to follow and employ in your own life.
So Money podcast with Farnoosh Torabi
Award-winning financial strategist, TV host, and bestselling author Torabi graces the digital airwaves each week with her interview-focused podcast, So Money. She has candid conversations with some of the world’s top business minds, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and authors, including Arianna Huffington, Tim Ferriss, Queen Latifah, Jim Cramer, and Margaret Cho. She supplements the episodes with a Friday feature called “Ask Farnoosh,” in which she answers readers’ questions about money, careers, and investing.
7 Secrets to Investing Like Warren Buffett by Mary Buffett and Sean Seah
The man behind Berkshire Hathaway knows a thing or two about investing, so Warren Buffet is a sound role model for anyone interested in the market. Using best practices and concrete examples gained from the billionaire himself, the authors walk new investors through a seven-step plan that promotes smart decision-making and long-term wealth building. Tangible strategies are supplemented by questionnaires and worksheets to help readers build their own stock portfolio.
Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money by Bola Sokunbi
Sokunbi is a certified financial educator and money expert who founded Clever Girl Finance to help women take charge of their finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, and live the lives they want. In this accessible, straightforward audiobook, she teaches listeners the value of investing in their future — even when managing a modest salary — and the difference between making money and building wealth. After listening, you’ll have a better understanding of the market, what to prioritize, and the key pitfalls to avoid to become a successful investor.
Money for the Rest of Us by J. David Stein
Investors are often depicted as rich individuals who dabble in hedge funds, but the reality is, if you have money in the bank, a 401K, or a mutual fund, you’re an investor. In this helpful book, investment expert, and former institutional money manager J. David Stein uses a 10-question format to help you invest more confidently and avoid costly mistakes as you build a stronger portfolio and save for retirement. By following his template, you can invest your money and grow your wealth just like the pros.
Financial Independence Podcast with the Mad Fientist
Achieving financial independence is a worthy goal. Doing so decades before the traditional retirement age sounds even better. That’s where FIRE (financial independence, retire early) comes in. This movement promotes strategies that save money now so you can make early retirement a reality. In this podcast, the Mad Fientist covers investing and tax tricks, the benefits of entrepreneurship, travel hacking, and real estate. All topics are geared toward helping you achieve financial independence, so you can work less and live more.
Finance Secrets of Billion-Dollar Entrepreneurs by Dileep Rao
Starting a business is stressful and risky. It can also be one of the most rewarding personal and financial decisions of your life. In this audiobook, entrepreneurship professor Rao enlists startup success stories — people who’ve grown businesses from nothing into billion-dollar enterprises — to teach listeners how to turn their small business into the next big thing. Hear honest tales of mistakes and achievements, and walk away with lessons you can apply to your own journey.
For more inspiring reading recommendations on financial success, check out the Protect Your Investments by Understanding Market Forces list from our Scribd editors.
