Over the last decade or so I've read a lot of financial books. Listed below are, in my opinion, the best books out there covering the subjects of personal success and personal financial success. Those two things, I now believe, cannot exist independent of one another.
The first book — an overall guide to personal finance from the publishers of Money magazine — is wonderfully basic, yet manages to cover just about every possible aspect of a person's financial life. It was a fantastic book to have handy when my wife and I were just starting out. It's out of print now, but you can still find used copies available for sale, and at very reasonable prices. For years, The Money Book of Personal Finance was our "financial encyclopedia." I've yet to find anything better.
After that, the books are listed in the order that they affected me personally.
For more reading ideas on money-oriented topics, you might wish to check out my book reviews.
NOTE: Before buying any of these books brand new, you might wish to check Amazon.com for used and almost-new copies, as described at my Saving Money Online page. You can save a nice little chunk o' change.
Publisher: Warner Books (1996)
ISBN: 0446519812
Publisher: Penguin Books USA (1992)
ISBN: 0670843318 (hardcover) 0140286780 (pbk.)
» Read my Your Money or Your Life Review for more info!
Publisher: Bantam Books (1988) // Revised 2003
ISBN: 0553283960
» Read my How To Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously Review for more info!
Publisher: DPL Press (2005)
ISBN: 0976079119
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (2007 / 2003)
ISBN: 0785263268
» Read my Total Money Makeover Review for more info!
Publisher: Pocket Books (1996)
ISBN: 0743420373
» Read my Millionaire Next Door Review for more info!
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (1999)
ISBN: 0684859386
» Read my Why Smart People Make ... Review for more info!
