12 Books That Taught Us About Finance
From classics to recent bestsellers, here are some of the best money and personal finance books you can find on Amazon, according to Kiplinger's editors and writers.


Amazon started as an online bookstore in 1994, and while it's grown exponentially in the last 30 years to include almost everything under the sun, books (and audiobooks) are still a key part of its offerings.
Recently, I asked Kiplinger editors and writers to share some of their favorite money, personal finance, business and retirement-related books, as well as a little about why they like them. All the books mentioned are available on Amazon today, many at discounted prices.
For me, the Michael Lewis classic Liar's Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street was my introduction to the world of business books, as it read more like gripping literary fiction than whatever I thought business non-fiction was supposed to be. It's available on Amazon in various formats, as are his later books, including 2023's acclaimed Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, about the surge and collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and its chairman Sam Bankman-Fried (usually $19.99, the Kindle edition is available for $9.20).
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The Millionaire Next Door and Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Two books changed my thinking about money. The Millionaire Next Door is about rejecting a heavy-consumption lifestyle in favor of more financial security. The authors, two academics, researched wealthy Americans and were surprised to find many of them lived relatively simply, consumed less than average, and saved and invested more, giving them financial independence (usually $18.95, the Kindle edition is available for $8)
Rich Dad, Poor Dad teaches principles of growing rich. The chief one is to spend less on liabilities and start buying income-producing assets, with the goal of getting out of the rat race (usually $9.99, the Kindle edition is available for $6.82).
-- Liz Whitehouse, copy chief, Kiplinger Newsletters
I second Millionaire Next Door. Best personal finance book I ever read.
-- Jim Patterson, managing editor, The Kiplinger Letter
I Will Teach You to Be Rich
One of my favorites is I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi. The author’s take on guilt-free spending gave me a new and valuable perspective on budgeting and saving vs. living what you or your family decide is a “rich” life (usually $16.99, the Kindle edition is available for $12.99).
-- Kelley R. Taylor, senior tax editor, Kiplinger Digital
In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work
I recently read and enjoyed In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work by Kyla Scanlon. In similar fashion to her videos for the various social media platforms, her book breaks down some key complex economic concepts including the Fed and inflation in simple, easier-to-understand terms (usually $29, the Kindle edition is available for $13.99).
-- Karee Venema, senior investing editor, Kiplinger Digital
The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder
Ed Slott, one of the country's preeminent IRA experts, has a new book out. It's titled The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder. It really is a great source of advice on IRAs and other retirement plans (usually $19, the Kindle edition is available for $13.99).
-- Joy Taylor, editor, Kiplinger Tax Letter
The Real Estate Game and Money Out Loud
The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide To Decision Making and Investment was a really helpful read on real estate investments, whether it's to actually make a profit or to make your own home. I find it provided helpful concepts and invoked confidence (usually $32, the hardcover edition is available for $18.39).
Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us is a good buy for the young person in your life looking for basic financial literacy (usually $19.99, the Kindle edition is available for $8.99).
-- Alexandra Svokos, senior editor, Kiplinger digital
Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More
I can recommend Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life, the first book by Matt Schulz, the chief credit analyst at LendingTree. The book has tips on managing credit card debt, lowering your mortgage bills, healthcare debt, and saving on shopping, travel and other expenses (usually $19.99, the Kindle edition is available for $9.99).
-- Gabriella Cruz-Martinez, tax writer, Kiplinger digital
The Savage Truth on Money
The Savage Truth on Money is particularly good at showing anyone at any age how to take responsibility for their financial future by using technology to improve decision-making, control spending and deal with debt. Savage gives practical ways to protect your assets and grow your savings. Unfortunately, as finances change with the wind, it is impossible to keep up with everything needed to survive in today’s financial landscape but this book gives you a good foundation to grow on (usually $16.95, the Kindle edition is available for $10).
-- Kathryn Pomroy, contributing writer, Kiplinger digital
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
You can't go wrong with A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel (usually $21.99, the Kindle edition is available for $11.70).
-- Kim Clark, senior associate editor, Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Alexandra is Kiplinger.com's senior retirement editor. A financial news journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Alexandra has covered stock markets, the economy, wealth management and personal finance. She has previously written/edited for CNNMoney, Institutional Investor, and Investopedia, among others. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Michigan.
-
Stocks Slide to Start September: Stock Market Today
Seasonal trends suggest tough times for the stock market as we round into the end of the third quarter.
-
Here's What You'd Have If You Invested $1,000 Into Sherwin-Williams 20 Years Ago
Sherwin-Williams stock has clobbered the broader market by a wide margin for a long time.
-
The Unsung Hero of Aisle 5: A Tale of Forgotten Change and Compassion at the Supermarket
This supermarket manager went above and beyond to help when a child forgot her change at the checkout counter. You might be surprised at some of the complications that supermarkets face when it comes to customers' forgotten change.
-
Train, Integrate, Retain: A Strategic Playbook for Adviser Onboardings
Build a thriving practice by training new advisers with clear goals, structured processes and consistent mentorship for strong team growth.
-
11 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Retirement
More than a travel trend, the road trip is a quintessential American tradition, with millions of us taking them each year. Here's a guide to helping you choose your next adventure.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: Here Are Four Ways You Can Use Debt to Build Wealth
Using debt strategically, such as for homeownership, education and more, can lead to greater financial stability and growth.
-
4 Career Moves to Make Now if You're Worried About a Recession
Worried about a recession? These steps to protect your job prospects will help you professionally whether a downturn develops or not.
-
How StoryCorps Works and How You Can Tell Your Story
StoryCorps has recorded conversations between thousands of people, and anyone can participate. National facilitator Alan Jinich explains how to share your story.
-
Vacation Couture: Why Wealthy Americans Are Flying to Europe to Save on Luxury
Tariffs are making high-end shopping in the U.S. pricier — so savvy travelers are heading overseas, where VAT refunds and favorable exchange rates can offset the extra cost.
-
Think Twice Before Getting a Credit Card Cash Advance
A credit card cash advance can be a quick solution when you need emergency help with money. But you'll pay for the convenience with high interest and fees.