Best selling books on Personal Finance. Rankings are based on the combined physical and digital book sales from a selected number of related subcategories on Amazon.
#1
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness
Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel explores the emotional and psychological factors that influence financial decisions. Instead of focusing on technical aspects of investing, Housel emphasises the importance of behaviors, habits, and attitudes toward money. Through 19 short chapters, he shares timeless lessons, such as the power of patience, the unpredictability of markets, and the role of luck and risk in financial success. The book highlights that financial success is less about intelligence and more about discipline, humility, and understanding one’s own relationship with money.
#2
The Barefoot Investor
Scott Pape
The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape is a practical and straightforward personal finance book that provides a step-by-step guide to achieving financial security and independence. Using simple language and real-life examples, Pape outlines his “Barefoot Steps,” which include setting up bank accounts, managing expenses, eliminating debt, building savings, and investing for the future. His approach emphasizes automation, long-term thinking, and financial simplicity. The book is known for its no-nonsense, relatable style and actionable advice, making it a popular choice for Australians looking to take control of their finances.
#3
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert T. Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki explores the financial lessons he learned from two father figures: his educated but financially struggling biological father (“Poor Dad”) and his wealthy mentor (“Rich Dad”). The book emphasises the importance of financial education, investing in assets, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset to achieve financial freedom. Kiyosaki challenges traditional beliefs about money, encouraging readers to work for themselves rather than relying on a paycheck.
#4
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life
Sahil Bloom
The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom challenges the conventional notion that wealth is solely financial. He introduces a holistic framework encompassing five distinct forms of wealth: Time Wealth, Social Wealth, Mental Wealth, Physical Wealth and Financial Wealth. Through compelling storytelling, science-backed practices, and actionable insights, Bloom provides readers with a blueprint to assess and enhance these five areas, aiming to create a balanced and fulfilling life. The book serves as a guide for individuals at any life stage to redefine their priorities and design a life rich in diverse forms of wealth.
#5
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Bill Perkins
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins challenges conventional wisdom about saving and spending. Perkins argues that people often save too much for retirement, missing opportunities to enjoy their money while they are young and healthy. He advocates for a more intentional approach to wealth, encouraging readers to prioritise meaningful experiences over excessive saving. The book introduces key concepts like “experience dividends”, optimal spending at different life stages, and balancing financial security with maximising enjoyment. Perkins ultimately promotes a mindset shift: instead of leaving behind unspent wealth, aim to fully enjoy life’s moments while you can.
#6
Retire Filthy Rich with Real Estate
Ravi Sharma
Retire Filthy Rich with Real Estate by Ravi Sharma serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals aiming to achieve financial independence through strategic property investment. Drawing from his personal journey—starting with his first property purchase at 21 and expanding to a $15 million portfolio by 28—Sharma provides readers with actionable insights into building substantial wealth via real estate. Throughout the book, Sharma challenges traditional financial wisdom, encouraging readers to rethink their approach to money, investment, and property. He provides clear, actionable advice designed to help individuals take control of their finances and create the future they desire.
#7
Principles: Life and Work
Ray Dalio
Principles by Ray Dalio is a book that outlines the principles that guided Dalio in building Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s most successful investment firms. The book is divided into three main sections: Dalio’s personal journey, life principles, and work principles. A key takeaway is the concept of an “idea meritocracy,” where the best ideas win regardless of hierarchy, supported by tools like feedback loops and algorithms. Dalio encourages a mindset of continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptability to navigate life and work successfully.
#8
Power Manifesting: The New Science of Getting What You Want
Paul McKenna
Power Manifesting is a self-help book by Paul McKenna, a renowned author and behavioural scientist. Drawing from four decades of studying high achievers, McKenna introduces ‘Power Manifesting’, a set of advanced, easy-to-implement techniques designed to help individuals attain their desired life outcomes. The book combines principles from quantum physics and Neuro-Linguistic Programming to reprogram the unconscious mind, directing thoughts, behaviours, and energy toward achieving personal goals. By applying these scientifically-backed strategies, readers can experience significant improvements in motivation, positivity, and overall success across various aspects of life, including health, relationships, career, and happiness.
#9
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Rich
Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko explores the habits and characteristics of America’s wealthy individuals. Based on extensive research, the book reveals that most millionaires are not flashy spenders but rather frugal, disciplined savers who live below their means. They prioritise financial independence over social status, invest wisely, and often own small businesses. The book contrasts these self-made millionaires with high-income earners who spend lavishly but fail to accumulate wealth. It emphasises key principles such as budgeting, avoiding debt, and building long-term financial security.
#10
The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing
Benjamin Graham
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is a classic investment book that introduces the principles of value investing. First published in 1949, it emphasises a disciplined, long-term approach to investing based on fundamental analysis rather than speculation. Graham advocates for a margin of safety—buying stocks below their intrinsic value to minimise risk—and distinguishes between defensive and enterprising investors. He also warns against emotional decision-making and market speculation. With commentary from Jason Zweig in later editions, the book remains a timeless guide for investors seeking sustainable wealth-building strategies.
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