Money·4 min read

The 5 Best Budget Books to Read to Hit Any Financial Goal

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Design: theSkimm | Photo: iStock
August 18, 2022

If you want to create a budget you can stick to, but don't know where to start, this list is for you. ICYMI: We learn most of our money habits as kids. And those habits stick with us. Unless we grab a few tools to help us up our personal finance game. Enter: budget books. Which can help you change your money mindset and come up with a budget that works for you. 

Image: C.L.D. Financial Life Publishing

“The One Week Budget” by Tiffany Aliche

This book is your guide for building a budget from scratch. Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche breaks down how to manage money as a beginner. Plus, she teaches you how to create a system that will keep you on track without being glued to a spreadsheet...in just seven days. Spoiler: She says spreading your money across multiple bank accounts works wonders. And, as a bonus, the book comes with a budget template from The Budgetnista herself. (Amazon, Bookshop)

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Psst… Can’t wait? Here’s a budget template we like to use.

Image: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

“Money Honey” by Rachel Richards

Money Honey” is a book that will change how you think about money in seven simple steps — the first step being budgeting. Richards also walks you through investing, raising your credit score, and eliminating debt. Hello, financial freedom. And the best part is that she has a sense of humor about the process. Plus, tough love, too. (Amazon, Bookshop)

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Image: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

"You Need a Budget" by Jesse Mecham

Before Jesse Mecham and his wife, Julie Mecham, created the YNAB App to help us keep track of our finances through our phones, he wrote this book. And it’s based on all the same principles he used to create the app. TLDR: It’s a blueprint to get you to zero debt, less financial anxiety, and more travel. #Goals. Heads up: YNAB is great for budgeting pros but may be a little complicated for newbies. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with one of the other options on this list.  (Amazon, Bookshop)

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Image: TarcherPerigee

"Broke Millennial" by Erin Lowry

Introducing the beginner-friendly guide to getting your financial life together. This budget book will help you get a grip on your relationship with money and teach you how to manage your money. Without all the technical stuff. Lowry is known for her simple, conversational tone. So if you’re a millennial who’s ready to make major money moves, this is a great first read to #GYFLT. (Amazon, Bookshop)

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Image: Holt Paperbacks

"The Financial Diet" by Chelsea Fagan

The Financial Diet”  covers everything from how to negotiate your salary to how to grocery shop without overspending. It’s a worthwhile read even if you don’t care about finance. Plus, Fagan taps experts to give you advice on how to deal with money. You’ll come away with tools to help you create your budget, get your credit on track, and get started with investing. (Amazon, Bookshop)

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theSkimm

You can always find a budget book to help you crush your money goals. And whether you’re a beginner or a budgeting pro, we all need help through those bad money moments. 

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