8 finance books that will make you better at managing wealth and maintaining financial wellbeing

Sep 16, 2025

Cover Upgrade your money mindset with finance books that break down wealth, spending and saving into clear, practical steps. (Photo: Freepik)

Upgrade your money mindset with finance books that break down wealth, spending and saving into clear, practical steps. (Photo: Freepik)

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These finance books can help you understand wealth, money habits and smarter financial decisions

Managing personal wealth is rarely taught formally, yet it shapes much of our daily reality. Most people learn to handle money through trial, error and a patchwork of advice from family, colleagues or social media. While that can work, it often leaves gaps in understanding. Finance books offer a structured way to build that missing foundation. They distil lessons from professionals, economists and behavioural experts who have spent years thinking about how money works. Whether you are rethinking how you invest or growing your wealth, these finance books can help clarify the mechanics behind money and show how to use it more deliberately.

‘Finance for the People’ by Paco de Leon

Above ‘Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances’ by Paco de Leon (Photo: Penguin Life)

‘Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances’ by Paco de Leon (Photo: Penguin Life)

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De Leon uses approachable language to explain core financial concepts, from budgeting to debt management. It's one of those finance books that encourages readers to look at the emotions and habits tied to spending and earning, which makes it useful for anyone trying to understand their financial behaviour. It frames money as a system that can be redesigned to support personal goals.

‘The Psychology of Money’ by Morgan Housel

Above ‘The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness’ by Morgan Housel (Photo: Harriman House)

‘The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness’ by Morgan Housel (Photo: Harriman House)

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Housel examines how attitudes toward risk, luck and time shape financial outcomes. Through short essays, he shows how personal finance decisions are often driven by psychology more than spreadsheets. The book offers context on why people make certain choices, which can help readers approach money matters with greater clarity.

‘The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money’ by Jill Schlesinger

Above ‘The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money: Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs’ by Jill Schlesinger (Photo: Ballantine Books)

‘The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money: Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs’ by Jill Schlesinger (Photo: Ballantine Books)

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Schlesinger outlines common missteps such as poor insurance planning or chasing investment fads. Each chapter breaks down a mistake, explains why it happens and suggests a more sustainable approach. This practical guide can help readers spot and avoid errors that erode long-term wealth.

‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich’ by Ramit Sethi

Above ‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich’ by Ramit Sethi (Photo: Yellow Kite)

‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich’ by Ramit Sethi (Photo: Yellow Kite)

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Sethi presents a six-week programme that covers saving, investing and automating finances. It is structured around action steps that can be applied gradually, which makes it accessible to readers building their personal finance system from the ground up. The book focuses on habits rather than drastic overhauls.

‘The Financial Diet’ by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage

Above ‘The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money’ by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage (Photo: Holt Paperbacks)

‘The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money’ by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage (Photo: Holt Paperbacks)

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Fagan and Ver Hage offer straightforward advice for managing money in everyday life. They cover budgeting, credit, investing basics and the lifestyle trade-offs tied to financial decisions. The book serves as a starting point for readers who want to build financial stability without being overwhelmed by technical terms.

‘Financial Feminist’ by Tori Dunlap

Above ‘Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love’ by Tori Dunlap (Photo: Dey Street Books)

‘Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love’ by Tori Dunlap (Photo: Dey Street Books)

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Dunlap blends financial guidance with discussions about gender gaps in wealth building. She explains how systemic barriers affect financial opportunities and provides strategies to navigate them. It is both a guide to personal finance and a resource for understanding the broader structures around money.

‘Girls Just Wanna Have Funds’ by Emma Due Bitz

Above ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing’ by Emma Due Bitz (Photo: DK)

‘Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing’ by Emma Due Bitz (Photo: DK)

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Due Bitz focuses on helping women engage confidently with investing. The book breaks down asset classes, risk profiles and long-term planning without assuming prior expertise. It encourages readers to approach financial markets with curiosity and caution rather than fear.

‘The Algebra of Wealth’ by Scott Galloway

Above ‘The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security’ by Scott Galloway (Photo: Torva)

‘The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security’ by Scott Galloway (Photo: Torva)

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Galloway examines the principles behind wealth accumulation, including discipline, time and risk. He uses personal anecdotes alongside research to explain how financial security can be built incrementally. The book gives a clear framework for aligning financial choices with long-term goals.

These finance books offer a wide range of perspectives, from psychology and behavioural economics to practical budgeting and investing. By engaging with them, readers can build a clearer understanding of personal finance and create strategies that fit their own circumstances.

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Topics

Finance Wellness Lifestyle Books

Chonx Tibajia

Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor with Tatler’s T-Labs team. She covers a wide range of lifestyle topics, with a special interest in beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She was formerly a senior writer and columnist at the Philippine Star, and the founder of Pineappleversed.