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In our modern world, it seems like all of the information you need is easily available in a blog post or video. And while that may be true, the power of reading a good old-fashioned book shouldn’t be overlooked. Some of the best books about budgeting encompass much more information than you could squeeze into an article.
If you want to expand your money knowledge, consider diving into one of the best books on budgeting! You can start with the list of our favorites below.
But first, let's talk about when you might even want to read one of these best books for budgeting!
Why read a book about budgeting?
Budgets tend to bring out strong emotions in people. When you hear the word budget, you might get excited about the chance to redefine your financial future. Or you might have the urge to immediately skip past the information.
Regardless of your initial reaction to budgeting, the right budgeting book can help you transform your financial future. With the help of a budgeting book, you can hone in on a budgeting approach that works well for your finances.
Personally, I’m someone who loves reading. So, it might not be surprising that I’ve read several budgeting books. But it only takes one amazing book to change your finances forever.
Plus, when you are reading a book, the longer structure can help the messages really sink in. So if you are trying to decide about reading one of the best books on budgeting, know that your time will be well spent.
11 best books about budgeting
If you’ve started your search for a worthwhile book about budgeting, you’ve likely noticed that there is no shortage of options out there. Luckily for you, we’ve whittled down the list to include some of the best budgeting books on the market.
1. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, save money and build real wealth by Bola Sokunbi
Clever Girl Finance’s very own founder, Bola Sokunbi, translated her years of experience helping women achieve financial independence into a helpful book.
In the Clever Girl Finance book, you’ll find helpful tips and real-world examples on how to transform your finances for the better. Specifically, this book was created to help women take control of their financial futures. If that’s something that excites you, then this book could be the perfect fit.
2. Money Honey by Rachel Richards
If you want an engaging read, Rachel Richards delivers in Money Honey. Throughout the book, you’ll find easy-to-implement advice on topics ranging from budgeting to savings and everything in between.
The approachable style will make you want to keep reading this book from out list of best books on budgeting.
3. The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
For most of us, making the decision to constantly improve our finances is a challenge. After all, if I have the money in my checking account, why shouldn’t I splurge a little bit? If you struggle with this problem, automating your finances might be the perfect solution.
In The Automatic Millionaire, author David Bach takes a close look at the value of automating your savings and investing habits. If you want to use the power of technology with the helpful hand of automation, this is one of the best books about budgeting.
4. The One Week Budget by Tiffany Aliche
Tiffany Aliche, aka the Budgetnista, maps out a guide to help you build a budget that works within 7 days in The One Week Budget. So if you are looking to make a swift transformation, this book could be the ticket to a brand new budget.
At the end of each one of the chapters, you’ll find actionable steps to help you learn the ins and outs of budgeting.
5. The One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards
A financial plan goes hand in hand with budgeting. Without a financial plan, it’s difficult to create a budget that works for your long-term financial goals.
Carl Richards breaks down the details in The One Page Financial Plan without any jargon to hold you back. In addition, Richards is a well-known illustrator. With that, he includes some helpful illustrations that make this book a useful option for visual learners.
All in all, this is an approachable book to help you build a financial plan that works for you.
6. You Need A Budget by Jesse Mecham
The You Need A Budget book was written by You Need A Budget’s (YNAB) creator, Jesse Mecham. YNAB is a platform designed to help people budget their money with the help of a system.
According to the readers, the book offers a comprehensive guide on how to build a budget. In addition to building a budget, you’ll find tips on how to manage your household income and expenses as a couple.
Since YNAB offers a digital platform, this book might be best for those looking to dive deep into the details of their budget with YNAB’s help. But even if you don’t plan on signing up for the service, you’ll find plenty of helpful details packed into this book.
7. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover is perhaps one of the most popular budgeting books out there. It’s especially helpful if you are looking for a detailed guide to the cash envelope budgeting system or need a clear direction on how to pay down your debts.
There’s no denying that Dave Ramsey’s book has helped thousands of people over the years.
So, if you are looking for a complete transformation of your finances, Ramsey’s book offers solutions and is one of the best books about budgeting.
8. How To Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any by Erik Wecks
Erik Wecks’ book, How to Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any, offers a helpful perspective to those just getting started on their financial journey. If you think that budgeting might not be for you due to a lack of funds, this is among the best books for budgeting.
Wecks offers inspiration that shows the importance of budgeting on any budget. If you need to know how to make ends meet while moving your financial situation in a better direction, check out this option.
9. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
The best books about budgeting make the topic interesting, and I Will Teach You To Be Rich is an engaging read. The author, Ramit Sethi, offers an untraditional approach to making your finances work for you.
Within the witty read, you won’t find any advice that recommends cutting your expenses to the bone. Instead, Sethi encourages you to spend lavishly on what you care about.
He shows how a budget is a series of choices that reflects your priorities and offers guidance on how to make sure your budget matches your priorities.
10. How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck by Avery Breyer
Everyone has a money goal of some kind. So if yours is to stop living paycheck to paycheck, this book is a great place to start. Avery Breyer’s book How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck outlines a path to breaking this vicious cycle in just 15 minutes a week.
A core feature of this book is the focus on tracking your expenses. It gives you a place to start transforming your budget by determining exactly where all of your money is going.
The author even provides money-tracking resources to help you start building out your very own budget.
11. Spend Well, Live Rich by Michelle Singletary
Michelle Singletary, the Color of Money columnist for the Washington Post, offers straightforward financial advice in this book. Although there’s not a clear path to building a budget, the stories within the book Spend Well, Live Rich can convince you of the importance of budgeting.
If you aren’t sure that you really need a budget, give this book a read.
You might walk away with the inspiration you need to stick to a budget that works for you, which could lead you to one of the best books for budgeting above.
Pick up one of the best books about budgeting and make a change with your money!
The best books about budgeting can help you transform your finances.
If a new book isn’t in your budget, don’t forget to check out the options at your local library. Or consider checking out our free budgeting course if sitting down with a paperback isn’t your style.
No matter what, gaining new information about budgeting can only help you!