6+ Favorite Books on Personal Finance and Wealth Building (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on personal finance and wealth building (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. National Bank of Dad by David Owen

   

   $10.58

   In The First National Bank of Dad, David Owen offers a fresh approach for parents wanting to teach their kids about money. Instead of the usual allowance model, he emphasizes letting children learn through their own mistakes, which I found really refreshing. The idea of setting up a family bank is a standout concept, making financial lessons engaging. Owen covers everything from budgeting to responsible credit card use, and I appreciated his practical tips. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about this book. It’s a must-read for parents with young kids!

   Pros:

   • Provides a revolutionary approach to teaching children about money
   • Encourages children to make mistakes and learn from them
   • Offers practical advice for parents on budgeting and saving

   Cons:

   • Nothing! Great book for anyone with young kids.

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   09/28/2025 10:00 am GMT
2. How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis

   

   $12.99

   In How to Get Rich, Felix Dennis shares his straightforward take on entrepreneurship, emphasizing that the wealthy see wealth as a necessity rather than just a desire. He lays out practical advice on overcoming fears, working harder than others, and sometimes risking personal relationships for success. While I found the writing sharp and direct, which I appreciated, the tone could be a bit off-putting. How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis is one of the most practical, useful business books I've read. The tone & style is grating, but the advice is right on. Ownership of assets always beats income. Excellent book.

   Pros:

   • The book provides practical advice and guidance on achieving financial success.
   • The writing is sharp, accessible, and realistic.
   • It is highly useful with no fluff typically found in business books.

   Cons:

   • The tone and style can be grating.

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   09/28/2025 02:02 pm GMT
3. Poor Richard's Retirement by Aaron Clarey

   

   $7.95

   In Poor Richard's Retirement, Aaron Clarey offers a down-to-earth guide to achieving financial freedom and planning for retirement without the usual fluff. I found his practical advice on budgeting, managing debt, and smart investing really refreshing. Clarey’s perspective is relatable, emphasizing that while we face challenges in America, we can take control of our financial situations. Although the book's independent publishing shows some rough editing, the straightforward approach and useful takeaways make it a solid pick for anyone looking to navigate their financial future. Overall, it’s a practical read that feels accessible and real.

   Pros:

   • Practical advice on retirement and finances
   • Accessible approach for everyday people
   • Unique voice in personal finance literature

   Cons:

   • Editing is a little rough around the edges.

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   09/28/2025 12:05 pm GMT
4. The Business Owners' Guide To Financial Freedom by Mark Kohler

   

   $9.99

   In The Business Owners' Guide To Financial Freedom, Mark Kohler focuses on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate long-term financial planning and wealth management without relying on Wall Street. I appreciated the practical advice on cash flow, debt management, and investment strategies. It’s a solid read for those looking to take control of their finances. However, I found it overly focused on real estate, which might not suit everyone. Overall, I’d recommend it, especially for those wanting to build wealth through their businesses, despite its narrow emphasis on real estate. Also, political side note - I have the world's tiniest violin for wealthy Americans and their personal tax complaints. I'm all for debating tax policy, but the number of completely legal, ethical, and open tax strategies that make sense only above a certain income or with certain employment status is mind-boggling. This is how Warren Buffet's executive assistant pays a higher effective tax than he does.

   Pros:

   • The book provides practical advice for small business owners.
   • It excels in explaining cash flows, business investments, and debt management.
   • I highly recommend it for its detailed insights on financial freedom.

   Cons:

   • The book is a bit heavy on real estate strategies.
   • It could have explored more diverse investment options.

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   09/28/2025 02:02 pm GMT
5. The Narrow Road By Felix Dennis

   

   $14.99

   In The Narrow Road, Felix Dennis shares straightforward advice on building wealth through 88 practical tips. He draws from his own experience as a self-made entrepreneur who built a media empire without formal education. I really appreciated how he emphasizes the importance of talent, preparation, and cash flow, while also reminding readers to stay adaptable and avoid getting too attached to any one project. I found the book engaging and concise, and even though I preferred his earlier work, this one packs a punch with valuable insights. Honestly, I didn't have many complaints—it's an excellent read!

   Pros:

   • Engaging storytelling from a successful entrepreneur
   • Concise and practical tips for starting a business
   • Combines personal wealth accumulation with effective writing

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot - excellent book.

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   09/27/2025 03:03 pm GMT
6. The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel

   

   $10.99

   In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel explores the intricate relationship between our minds and our finances. I found his writing engaging and relatable, making complex ideas easy to grasp. While the book isn't a step-by-step guide to managing money, it emphasizes understanding our behaviors and emotions around wealth. Housel’s anecdotes and insights resonate, reminding us that financial success is less about numbers and more about mindset. My only concern is that some readers might expect a traditional how-to approach. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that encourages a healthier perspective on money and investing.

   Pros:

   • Morgan Housel is an excellent writer with engaging stories.
   • The book is easy to read and accessible to a general audience.
   • The author shares personal money management experiences, highlighting hypocrisy in personal finance.
   • Charts and statistics support the stories without overwhelming the reader with numbers.
   • The book emphasizes the truth in cliches, which are often dismissed.

   Cons:

   • Some readers may expect a How To guide rather than a What and Why book.

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   09/28/2025 12:06 pm GMT
7. Magic Money by Lawrence Kotlikoff

   

   $11.99

   In Magic Money, Lawrence Kotlikoff takes a fresh look at personal finance from an economist's perspective, offering insights based on solid research. I really appreciated how specific he gets—no vague advice here. He tackles big topics like social security and long-term care that most books skip. However, his strong opinions can feel preachy, and I found myself rolling my eyes at times. While his recommendations are thought-provoking, they might not resonate with everyone. Overall, it's a worthwhile read for its unique approach and practical insights, despite a few shortcomings in delivery.

   Pros:

   • Written by an actual economist with unique insights
   • Provides specific recommendations rather than general advice
   • Covers important, often overlooked topics like social security and long-term care
   • Challenges readers to consider the trade-offs of their life choices

   Cons:

   • The author's extreme position may not resonate with everyone
   • The book is somewhat preachy and lacks engaging stories
   • Could have benefited from a better introduction to set the tone

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   09/28/2025 02:01 pm GMT
8. Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses

   

   $12.02

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   09/27/2025 03:02 pm GMT