This article contains a list of great personal finance books to add to your wish list this year.
By popular demand, I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite personal finance books, plus a few notable listener suggestions! I hope this list provides you with some inspiration for birthday and Christmas gifts, because books are such an educational and budget friendly present to give.
I haven’t linked directly to these books, but the vast majority are available from all the major booksellers available to us (aka Book Depository, Amazon, Booktopia and Dymocks).
Financial Autonomy – Paul Benson
I met Paul earlier last year and was impressed by his passion for high quality financial advice, which he provides through his financial planning firm and the Financial Autonomy podcast. I’d highly recommend giving this book to someone who’s already familiar with the basics of personal finance and is looking to take greater control of their financial future.
Shareplicity – Danielle Ecuyer
If you’re someone who is looking to learn more about investing directly in ASX-listed shares, I’d recommend giving Shareplicity a shot. From strategies to research new companies to the common errors new investors make, Danielle provides a concise overview on investing in Australian companies.
The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
I would have to say this would be my number one pick of the new releases from 2020! The Psychology of Money provides a perfect complement to something like The Barefoot Investor, because it talks about the stories and ideas behind money and investing, giving you new ways to think about your relationship and history with money.
Money School – Lacey Filipich
If you’ve got someone in your life that may be intrigued by the financial independence (FIRE) movement and becoming time rich, then Money School would be my pick. Lacey talks about the concept of financial independence through a uniquely Australian lens, and shares her own story candidly throughout the book. If you’re keen to hear from Lacey before you buy, I had the opportunity to speak to her earlier this year on The Australian Finance Podcast!
Budgets Don’t Work (But This Does) – Melissa Browne
Another recent guest of the podcast, Mel provides a book that stands apart from its peers. This book is less about the numbers and more about working out who you are and how that’s impacting your current relationship with money. I’d highly recommend taking the Money Type quiz she includes in her book, to better understand your own strengths, weaknesses and money stress points.
How I Invest My Money – Brian Portnoy & Joshua Brown
This is a listener suggestion that’s just been released, so unfortunately my copy hasn’t made its way across the ocean yet. From what I can see, How I Invest My Money contains stories directly from 25 financial experts on how they navigate markets with their own capital. The book details how they invest, save, spend, give, and borrow, and the “how” and the “why” of their investments. I’m looking forward to reading this one and expect it’ll make an excellent gift under the tree.
Motivated Money – Peter Thornhill
This is a classic Aussie finance book and an excellent listener suggestion. Motivated Money is probably the only book here that you won’t be able to find through major booksellers, as Peter sells it directly (so here’s his website). Peter Thornhill is an Australian investment veteran, known for his focus on building an income generating portfolio of Australian shares and LICs. If you need a gift for someone interested in the idea of building an income producing portfolio, this would be the book to grab.
Invested – Danielle Town & Phil Town
The final listener suggestion that I wanted to include was a noteworthy book by a father daughter duo that I stumbled on a few years back through their podcast, InvestED. Danielle shares her yearlong journey learning to invest, as taught to her by her father, who is an investor and bestselling author. It’s certainly less dry than some finance books and is an engaging read, so could be the perfect gift for a younger person in your life you want to open up the topic of investing with.
I hope there is something on this list that catches your attention. I would certainly like to hear your thoughts if you read one of these books or if giving someone a copy sparks a conversation!
