7 Books to Help You Build a Financial Foundation Post-Grad

Most people don't grow up learning how to manage money. I sure as heck didn't. 

In most cases, personal finance is an optional elective (if it's offered at all) and so many people skip it. Which means no one is explaining how a 401(k) works, what a credit utilization rate is, or why your savings account is losing value to inflation. 

You (may) figure it out later, usually after you've already made a few expensive mistakes.

That's where books come in.

I've read a lot of them. Some were dense and put me to sleep by chapter two. Others changed the way I think about money entirely. 

The ones on this list fall into the second category.

These aren't textbooks. They're written for real people, in plain language, and most of them you can finish in a weekend. 

Every one of them has actually shifted how I approach my finances, which is the only reason they made the cut.

If you've been meaning to get serious about your money but didn't know where to start, start here.

7 Books to kickstart financial freedom

1. Unshakeable by Tony Robbins

Why You Should Read It: In Unshakeable, Tony Robbins teams up with financial advisor Peter Mallouk to demystify the world of finance. This book provides a clear roadmap to financial freedom, focusing on strategies that can withstand market volatility.

Key Takeaway: Gain confidence in your investment decisions and learn how to create a financial plan that can weather any storm.

My Favorite Part: For a look at how to set a strong financial foundation in today’s world, this book is it. I walked away feeling like I had the tools to ensure I was set up for future success. Anything else was simply amplifying what I learned in this book. This is a more tangible, “how-to-handle-my-money” book, and I couldn’t recommend it more for those of you getting started.

2. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Why You Should Read It: Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money delves into the human behaviors and emotional factors that influence financial decisions. It’s an insightful read that helps you understand the why behind money habits and how to develop healthier financial behaviors.

Key Takeaway: Understand the psychological aspects of money management to make better financial decisions.

My Favorite Part: Housel kicks off by explaining everyone has a different upbringing and set of experiences that affect the way they approach money. No one is crazy or necessarily even wrong. This makes it easy to be open to learning new things, rather than approaching your financial education on the defense.

Another great insight: “The hardest financial skill is getting the goalposts to stop moving.” Wow, truer words have never been spoken, but Housel gives his best thoughts on how to overcome this one, too. 

3. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Why You Should Read It: Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money combines personal anecdotes with practical advice to help you overcome financial blocks and start earning what you’re worth. It’s a motivational guide that encourages you to change your money mindset.

Key Takeaway: Transform your attitude toward money and unlock your earning potential.

My Favorite Part: I literally typed out a list of financial affirmations from this book, and I didn’t even feel silly about it. They are sitting on my desk so I can see them on a daily basis. “I love money because it makes me more of who I truly am!”

4. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Why You Should Read It: Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to Be Rich is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from budgeting to investing. Sethi’s no-nonsense approach simplifies complex financial concepts and offers a step-by-step plan to achieve financial independence.

Key Takeaway: Follow a detailed, actionable plan to master your finances and achieve wealth.

My Favorite Part: "Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t." We don’t have to live a life of sacrifice to become financially secure. But we do need to prioritize, and Sethi shows us how.

5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Why You Should Read It: The Richest Man in Babylon uses parables set in ancient Babylon to teach timeless financial principles. This classic book offers valuable lessons on saving, investing, and building wealth that are still relevant today.

Key Takeaway: Learn the foundational principles of wealth-building through engaging stories.

My Favorite Part: "Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed." I read this book when I was just starting out on my financial wellness journey. It helped me understand that starting now and building on good habits was the best way to achieve success.

6. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Why You Should Read It: Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions over time. This book isn’t just about money; it’s about achieving success in all areas of life through the principle of compounding.

Key Takeaway: Harness the power of small, daily actions to achieve monumental financial and personal success.

My Favorite Part: "Small, Smart Choices + Consistency + Time = RADICAL DIFFERENCE."

This quote encapsulates the essence of Hardy's philosophy: making small, informed financial decisions consistently over time can lead to significant, positive changes in one's financial health and overall life.

7. Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan

Why You Should Read It: Noah Kagan’s Million Dollar Weekend is a game-changer. Kagan shares practical tips and strategies to transform your weekend into a highly productive period, aimed at launching new projects or boosting your financial health. His straightforward, actionable advice is perfect for those looking to take immediate steps toward financial independence.

Key Takeaway: If you are ready to kick off a business or side hustle that can earn you big bucks, stop procrastinating and start here.

My Favorite Part: The Million-Dollar Opportunity Challenge. Kagan provides simple math to help you determine if your business idea is actually worth your time by ensuring it’s a million-dollar opportunity. Do not skip Chapter 4!

Reading about money is a start. But the shift happens when you actually do something with what you learned.

• Open the account.

• Make the budget.

• Set the automatic transfer.

Even one small move puts you ahead of where you were yesterday.

Pick one book from this list. Just one. See what it changes.

Most of all, trust yourself. 

💜 Brianne

PS: I read 22 self-improvement books recently and kept my notes for all of them. You can steal my notes here (and save 112 hours of reading!). 

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