Achieving financial security is a goal many Australians aspire to—and one of the best ways to get there is by growing your financial knowledge. Reading the best personal finance books can give you the tools, confidence, and clarity to make smart money decisions that support your long-term goals. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your understanding, these financial education books—including standout Australian finance books—are a great place to begin your journey to lasting financial wellbeing.
“The Barefoot Investor” by Scott Pape
An Australian classic, this book offers a straightforward, step-by-step plan to take control of your finances. Scott Pape’s practical advice covers budgeting, eliminating debt, and building wealth, making it accessible for readers at any stage of their financial journey. He introduces the concept of ‘buckets’ to allocate income effectively and emphasises the importance of financial date nights to keep couples aligned on their financial goals.
“She’s on the Money” by Victoria Devine
Victoria Devine provides relatable and empowering advice tailored to the modern Australian context. Her book focuses on budgeting, saving, and investing, aiming to make financial literacy achievable for everyone. Devine addresses the psychological aspects of money management, helping readers understand and overcome common financial pitfalls. The book also includes practical tools like a twelve-month planner and journal templates to assist readers in tracking their progress.
“Making Money Made Simple” by Noel Whittaker
Noel Whittaker breaks down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand language. This book covers topics such as saving, investing, and retirement planning, providing a solid foundation for financial success. Whittaker emphasises the power of compound interest and the importance of starting early, illustrating how small, consistent investments can grow significantly over time.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
This international bestseller challenges conventional notions about money. Kiyosaki contrasts the differing approaches to finance between his ‘rich dad’ and ‘poor dad,’ emphasising the importance of financial education and investing in assets. He introduces concepts like the cash flow quadrant, which categorises individuals as employees, self-employed, business owners, or investors, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. The book encourages readers to think differently about money and to focus on acquiring income-generating assets.
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
Morgan Housel explores how personal biases and emotions influence financial decisions. Through engaging stories, he illustrates the importance of behaviour over technical knowledge in achieving financial success. Housel discusses the role of luck and risk in finance and how understanding one’s own financial psychology can lead to better decision-making. The book emphasises that managing money isn’t just about what you know but how you behave.
“The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
This book reveals the common traits and habits of America’s wealthy, highlighting that many millionaires live frugally and prioritise savings and investments over lavish lifestyles. Based on extensive research, the authors identify seven common denominators among those who successfully build wealth, such as living below their means and allocating time and money efficiently. The book challenges stereotypes about wealth and provides insights into the disciplined habits of self-made millionaires.
“Sort Your Money Out” by Glen James
Glen James, regarded as the millennial money expert, offers a light-hearted and engaging approach to personal finance. His book examines the importance of being consumer debt-free and provides strategies on how to get out of debt. It also looks at the smart way to invest in real estate and shares. If you’re keen to develop a money mindset and learn how to set up your finances from the ground up, this book will guide you there.
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
Often hailed as the definitive book on value investing, Benjamin Graham’s classic work provides in-depth insights into stock market strategies and principles. Graham emphasises the importance of thorough analysis, a disciplined approach, and the avoidance of speculative investing. This book is invaluable for those looking to understand the fundamentals of investing and how to navigate the stock market with a long-term perspective.
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Incorporating the insights from the best financial books and best personal finance books can give you a strong foundation to make smarter, more confident financial decisions. At Setch Group, we believe that financial education is powerful—but personalised advice takes it further.
Our expert team of personal finance advisors and financial planners for retirement offers a broad range of financial planning services tailored to your life stage, goals, and circumstances. From investment strategies to retirement planning, we’re here to help you do better financially.
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