Book Reviews
Top 10 Personal Finance Books to Get 2026 Off to a Good Start
As quickly as it came in, 2025 is nearly over — and 2026 is waiting to take over. In turn, millions of people are growing introspective and considering what they may want to achieve, change, or do in the new year. For many, money is at least a part or factor in many of these goals.
That’s why I figured now is a good time to highlight 10 (or so) personal finance books that I’ve read and reviewed. Plus, while any of these are great to read for yourself, it’s not too late to consider them as potential gifts for loved ones as well.
10 Money Books to Read in 2026
“Buy What You Love Without Going Broke” by Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
When I was at FinCon in 2024, Jen Smith noted that the book she penned with podcast partner Jill Sirianni would be released this year. So, when Buy What You Love Without Going Broke did hit book storeshelves, I was anxious to pick up my copy — and it did not disappoint.
Throughout this book, you’ll be introduced to the concept of values-based spending. Using this method, you’ll be able to identify what expenses bring you the most benefit, joy, etc., allowing you to cut out the purchases that don’t give you fulfillment. In other words, you can buy what you love without going broke (hey, that’s the title of the book!).
Personally, I also loved that Smith and Sirianni discuss embracing nuance and operating in the “radical middle.” In all, I’d say that this book, more than any other on this list, best fits my money outlook, which is why it’s at the top of my list.
“The Year of Less” by Cait Flanders
Switching gears, The Year of Less by Cait Flanders is less of a “how-to” guide and more of a memoir about minimalism. However, Flanders’ anecdotes convey some important lessons and themes that I think anyone can benefit from.
If nothing else, I found the author’s stories about her year-long shopping ban to be fascinating. That said, there are also chapters providing advice for those who might be inspired to live with a little less after hearing Flanders’ experiences. Between the shopping overload of the holiday season and the fresh start that a new year brings, it seems like a perfect time to give The Year of Less a read and see what parts of this fascinating story spark joy.
“The Great Money Reset” by Jill Schlesinger
Speaking of the new year, if you’re looking to make some big changes in 2026, then The Great Money Reset by Jill Schlesinger is for you. Although the book clearly advises against readers doing anything rash, it does help them plan for making major shifts by also having them consider what their ultimate goals really are.
Like other books on this list, I appreciated that this one includes plenty of first-hand stories from Schlesinger alongside those from friends of hers and even readers/viewers.
Another highlight was the author giving her own spin on FIRE called “FINE” (Financial Independence, New Endeavor). All of this is accompanied by the straightforward personal finance advice you’d expect from such a book, making it a good one to check out yourself or gift to a friend.
“Cashing Out” by Julien & Kiersten Saunders
I was first introduced to authors Julien and Kiersten Saunders at past FinCon events, so I was excited when their book Cashing Out hit store shelves. Sure enough, it didn’t disappoint.
Now, while the book makes it clear that it’s particularly crafted for members of the Black community, I don’t believe that means that those outside of said community (such as myself) can’t learn from Cashing Out.
Speaking of community, one of my favorite quotes in the book is about the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people as you pursue financial independence: “The math is the math but the magic is in the community.” Basically, whether you’ve ever considered pursuing financial independence or are just being introduced to the concept, you will find motivation and plenty of resources in Cashing Out.
“Stacked” by Joe Saul-Sehy and Emily Guy Birken
There are many reasons why I love Stacked from co-authors Joe Saul-Sehy and Emily Guy Birken. For one, I found the book to have literal laugh-out-loud moments and loved the interplay between the authors. But, in addition to being quite funny, it’s also chock full of useful advice and lessons.
Even though this book covers a lot of the personal finance basics that others do, in my opinion, it makes some unique points and observations. For example, the authors highlight the difference between tracking and actually budgeting. I should also note that, while I review a lot of books in audio format, this is one that might be the best fit for the medium as it includes clips from the Stacking Benjamins podcast among the written material. Perhaps that’s my subtle suggestion to consider an Audible membership and getting Stacked as your first download.
“My Money My Way” by Kumiko Love
With the subtitle “Taking Back Control of Your Financial Life,” you know that My Money My Way by Kumiko Love is one for those truly looking to get their money right. And while Love notes that the book is especially aimed at women, once again, I’d argue you don’t need to be a woman or mother to learn from this Budget Mom.
Something I pointed out in my original review is just how much Love’s passion for the topics she’s writing about shines through. I was also taken with how well she explained topics I’ve seen described dozens of times before — namely Health Savings Account, which I think I learned more about from her than any other resource.
Plus, the book is incredibly inspiring as it not only includes personal stories from Love but also some from her Budget Mom community. With no pun intended, I have to say that I love this book and think you (or someone you know) will as well.
“Get the Hell Out of Debt” by Erin Skye Kelly
Debt is no fun. So, will 2026 be the year that you finally escape it? If that’s the goal, then my favorite book dedicated to the top is Erin Skye Kelly’s aptly named Get the Hell Out of Debt.
Personally, I loved the tone and humor the author employs throughout this book. To me, the supportive nature is a major upgrade over other “tough love” reads. For that reason, this is one I’d not only recommend to those struggling with debt but would also say is worth checking out if you’re just looking to better your relationship with money overall.
“The Psychology of Money” + “The Art of Spending Money” by Morgan Housel
When I first read The Psychology of Money, I fell in love with it. And it seems that I’m far from alone as I still see people talking about it more than five years later! Of course, it’s also been a massive bestseller.
I initially described The Psychology of Money as a collection of essays — and I think that mostly holds true. Throughout the 20 short-ish chapters, Housel covers a number of topics, each of which is even more mind-blowing than the last. Rather than highlighting those lessons for you now, I’ll just say that those looking for a different kind of personal finance book should absolutely check this one out.
On top of that, earlier this year, Housel released his latest book The Art of Spending Money. Similar to his breakthrough book, this one also looks at why we handle money the way we do and how we can make adjustments to them in order to achieve positive results. While I’d say it falls just short of The Psycho
“Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins
Another book I keep seeing pop up in conversation is Bill Perkins’ Die With Zero. That’s likely because, throughout the book, Perkins presents some big ideas that are sure to get you thinking. If it wasn’t clear from the title, he advocates that you should strive to use up as much of your money as possible while you’re still alive in order to maximize happiness and experience. Naturally, upon hearing this premise, you probably have some questions — which he also addresses quite effectively.
Even though I had a couple of minor criticisms of this book in terms of tone, its ideas have really stuck with me since. In fact, I’ve shared some of the lessons with loved ones in my life who have made major decisions as a result. Therefore, I’m definitely ready to declare Die With Zero a must-read in 2026.
“Quit Like a Millionaire” by Kristy Shen & Bryce Leung
Of all the titles featured on this list, this one might just be the best (although Die With Zero is also pretty hard to beat). Quit Like a Millionaire not only goes over some of the steps to becoming financially independent but also highlights some of the great things that can be enjoyed once this goal is reached.
Something else that makes this one unique is that Shen goes from offering money lessons she learned from growing up poor to those she’s now gained from being wealthy. I also particularly enjoyed the travel-centric chapters covering topics such as geo-abitrage. All in all, it’s another fascinating read that puts its own spin on well-worn topics.
Bonus: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
While it’s not exactly a personal finance book, I did want to be the one-millionth person to mention the book Atomic Habits. This is another one that’s been a massive bestseller for a good reason. In fact, given the subject matter, I highly suspect it will hit the top of the charts again as people set their New Year’s Resolutions.
As I mentioned, this isn’t a personal finance book. Nevertheless, applying the lessons from the book could certainly help you achieve your work, life, and, yes, money goals in 2026. Therefore, it only makes sense that I include it on this list.
Self-Promotional Bonus: “So You Are Thinking About Buying Your First Home”
Finally, this past spring, I compiled everything I learned through buying my first home and living in it over the past two years, putting it into an ebook. Titled You Are Thinking About Buying Your First Home, this guide not only highlights some of the basics of shopping, buying, and owning a house, but also discusses some things no one told us before we became homeowners (that I wish they had).
If becoming a homeowner is on your 2026 goal list, the good news is that you can download this guide for free by visiting Money@30. Consider it a new year’s gift from me!
Whether you download these titles as audiobooks (as I often have), add them to your e-reader, or curl up with a good old-fashioned paperback, I sincerely think you’ll find something to learn from each of these books. Come to think of it, why not add them all to your 2026 reading list? If you do, come 2027, you’ll be glad you did.
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