Since I began my journey to Financial Independence I have been inspired by a number of blogs, podcasts, books, and more. Here I’d like to share my favourite Financial Independence resources.
The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life – by JL Collins
This is hands down the book I wish I read 20 years ago when I was starting off!
He lays out his investment philosophy in very simple terms, as he explained it to his daughter who had no interest in finance. He explains why you should invest in index funds and generally how to live financially aware without making money your no. 1 mental priority.
We Need To Talk About Money – by Otegha Uwagba
A The Times bestseller which I couldn’t put down.
From a first-generation immigrant who received full scholarships to a top school and then the University of Oxford, Otegha explains why talking about money makes our lives better.
Ladies Get Paid: The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Barriers, Owning Your Worth, and Taking Command of Your Career – by Claire Wasserman
From tips on networking to salary negotiation, Claire’s book is a gentle but decisive push for women to know their worth and demand it while being authentic to themselves.
RESET: How to Restart Your Life and Get F.U. Money: The Unconventional Early Retirement Plan for Midlife Careerists Who Want to Be Happy – By David Sawyers
Here is a book on Financial Independence that is based on UK culture rather than being US-centred. His writing style is so refreshing and close to home.
The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store – by Cait Flanders
When Cait realised she was not happy and decided to do something about it, in one short year her life was transformed. This book is an ode to embracing change and listening to our inner voice, leading to positive change in our lives, careers and finances.
Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way – by Tanja Hester
Tanja is one of the household names in FIRE scene and author of the inspiring Our Next Life blog. This is her first book and well worth a read.
Her second book Wallet Activism has been released in 2022.
Your Money or Your Life, 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century – by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominquez
One of the early books on financial independence, and still relevant to this day.
Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required – by Bryce Leung and Kristy Shen
From the Canadian FIRE power couple: how to pick a university degree, why buying a property is not always the best choice and much, much more including a fascinating account on Kristy’s upbringing in China and then life in Canada.
F*ck Being Humble: Why self-promotion isn’t a dirty word – by Stefanie Sword-Williams
A book on career and life for all women who were raised to be ‘good girls’.
Adventures in Opting Out: A Field Guide to Leading an Intentional Life – by Cait Flanders
Following up from her first book The Year Of Less, here she explores what is involved in living the life you really want to live.
Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success – by Benjamin Hardy
The title says it all. Combine it with Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and you will know how to deal with others and improve your life.
Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life – by Bill Perkins
Bill Perkins is an energy trader and hedge fund manager. In this book he introduces the compelling principles he uses to think about personal finances, and more importantly, life.
The Richest Man in Babylon – by George S. Clason
It’s kind of difficult to read because it’s written on purpose to feel like ancient English. But let’s face it, it reminds us of the basic rules of life and not be stupid! Short but a great read.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life – by Mark Manson
I must admit I was a bit skeptical about the title at first, but this is actually a great book and not by change a New York Times bestseller.
From ‘happiness is the problem’ to ‘you are not special’, Manson puts things into perspective and forces you to look at life – and finances – differently.
Wallet Activism: How to Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and Save as a Force for Change – by Tanja Hester
The second book by the author of Work Optional
The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) – by Gretchen Rubin
If you want to understand why people behave the way they do, and how to deal with different people, this book explains it brilliantly.
Little Black Book: A Toolkit For Working Women – by Othega Uwagba
A The Times bestseller.
The first book by the author of We Need To Talk About Money
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy – by Thomas J. Stanley
A classic read on what a millionnaire looks like and how to become one.
Overcoming Underearning: A Five-Step Plan to a Richer Life – by Barbara Stanny
A book for women like me who need a nudge to get their careers in great shape.
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?: Uncommon Financial Planning Wisdom for a Stress-Free Retirement (Financial Freedom for Smart People) – by Todd Tresidder
A former fund manager, Tresidder goes back to the basics to help understand how we can plan for our retirement without making it complex.
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results – by James Clear
A New York Times bestseller.
How to improve your habits, the easy way.
Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living – by Elizabeth Willard Thames
Elizabeth is one of the big names in the Financial Independence scene.
Living in a homestead in rural Vermont, she writes about her journey to financial freedom with her husband and now two childern.
Early Retirement Extreme: A Philosophical and Practical Guide to Financial Independence – by Jacob Lund Fisker
It reads like an academic paper – after all Lund Fisker has a PhD in theoretical physics – but don’t be discouraged as it is full of great inspiration and brilliant examples.
The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich – by Tim Ferris
A No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not – by Robert T. Kiyosaki
A classic read in personal finance.
Do you have any great books that I can add to this list? Let me know at sonia @ moneyforthemoderngirl.org 🙂