People are always asking us for personal finance book recommendations, so our team of CFP® Professionals curated this 2021 reading list. Whether you’re new to finance and investing or an experienced investor looking for insights, you’ll find helpful resources on this list.
We’ve also included links to other educational resources, such as blog posts and lunch & learn sessions featuring the expertise of our CFP® Professionals. Please feel free to spend some time educating yourself on our site.
If you’re a Facet Wealth client, we offer free lunch & learn sessions every week on a wide variety of financial and investing topics. Please watch your email eacdh week for an invitation. If you’re not a client, recordings of each session are posted here, and you’re welcome to view as many as you wish.
Enjoy!
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
John Bogle: 304 pages
John Bogle, the late founder of Vanguard, shares his principles on achieving success in the stock market. In the most recent version of this classic work, which was revised and updated on its 10th anniversary, he shares his expertise on asset allocation, diversification, low costs, and tax-efficient investing.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants to learn more about investing and the stock market.
Facet Resources: Stock Market, Financial Terms, Facet Philosophy, Stock Market History
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The Automatic Millionaire
David Bach: 288 pages
David Bach shares his “secret” to getting rich. In reality, there is no secret to getting rich. He teaches readers how to create an automatic system for building wealth while explaining basic investment and financial management strategies that anyone can understand. This author also has written a companion workbook.
Who is it for: Those looking for tips on how to make building wealth easier and more systematic.
Facet Resources: Budgeting I, Budgeting II
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Nudge — Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness
Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
312 pages
Nudge takes readers on a journey through how we make decisions and how we can make better ones when it comes to improving our health, creating wealth, and finding happiness. Thaler received the Nobel Prize in 2017 for his work in behavioral economics (the intersection of economics and psychology). Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants to better understand their mindset and how it impacts their life and decision-making.
Facet Resources: Financial Health, Financial Fitness in 2020, Financial Health & Wellness
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The Heart of Money
Deborah Price: 224 pages
Money issues have historically been a top cause of disharmony in relationships. Deborah Price provides strategies and tools to help couples create better financial intimacy. Also recommended for business partners, who face some of the same emotional/financial issues.
Who is it for: Couples that want a book that helps them navigate the often complicated nexus of relationships and money. The author is the founder and CEO of The Money Coaching Institute.
Facet Resources: Couples and Finances
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The One-Page Financial Plan
Carl Richards: 224 pages
OK. So this book may not help you build a financial plan that is one page long, but it will help you better understand the big picture with your money and small steps to take to improve your finances.
Who is it for: Anyone who’s ever looked at their finances and said or thought, “Just tell me what to do.”
Facet Resources: Stock Market 101, Budgeting 101, 401(k) 101, Tax Planning 101, Credit 101
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Your Money or Your Life
Vicki Robin: 368 pages
Vicki Robin, who has been on the forefront of the sustainable living movement, shares her nine-step plan for living life more intentionally, how your finances can support your life, and how to create financial independence.
Who is it for: Those looking for a good combination of life planning and financial planning.
Facet Resources: Financial Terms
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The Simple Path to Wealth
JL Collins: 286 pages
This book finds its origin in a series of letters that JL Collins wrote to his daughter. The end result is a book that looks at many areas of personal finances and discusses simple strategies to building wealth and financial independence.
Who is it for: Anyone who craves wise, time-tested advice about finances with simple, actionable solutions and insights.
Facet Resources: Stock Market 101, Budgeting 101, 401(k) 101, Tax Planning 101, Credit 101
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Live Richer Challenge
Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche: 104 pages
A quick read for those looking to build their financial foundation. This book takes a “back to the basics” look at budgeting and savings, debt and credit, and insurance and investing, with a five-week plan to tackle and manage financial life. Part of a series that includes deeper dives into specific financial topics.
Who is it for: Those that are starting their financial journey and want to get it right. It’s an easy read that touches on key elements of your financial foundation.
Facet Resources: Stock Market 101, Budgeting 101, 401(k) 101, Tax Planning 101, Credit 101
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Mind over Money
Brad Klontz & Ted Klontz: 320 pages
Want to learn more about the psychology of money? Then this book is for you. This father and son duo talk about the 12 most common “money disorders,” how to understand the psychology behind them, and how to overcome them to live a healthier financial life.
Who is it for: We could argue this book is great for everyone, but those who may be facing financial challenges and want a new way to look at their money may find a bit more value.
Facet Resources: Children and Money I, Children and Money II, Couples and Finances
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The First National Bank of Dad
David Owen: 208 pages
David Owen shares his lessons as a father trying to raise financially responsible children. He established the Bank of Dad, with generous incentives for saving, then allowed his young children to make their own financial decisions and learn financial discipline. (Spoiler alert: it worked.)
Who is it for: This one is easy. Parents looking for ways to teach their children lessons about money at an earlier age.
Facet Resources: Children and Money I, Children and Money II