7 books about finance that could broaden your knowledge

This year, add some finance books to your reading list to broaden your knowledge and give you more confidence when dealing with financial matters. There are hundreds of books to choose from, whether you want an introduction to the basics or are ready to dive into some of the more technical aspects of finance. Here are seven to add to your list.

1. The Money Diet by Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis is well-known for his practical money advice and has become a personal finance guru. If you’re looking for a book that contains simple steps you can take to save money, The Money Diet is perfect. From how to organise your credit cards to how to secure a mortgage deal that could save you money, Lewis offers invaluable advice and tips.

2. Money: A User’s Guide by Laura Whateley

Money: A User’s Guide is an ideal book if you’re looking for an introduction to personal finance. It’d make a great gift for young adults who are managing their finances for the first time too. It covers a huge range of topics, from how to improve your credit score to how student loans work. The book offers practical advice that can help readers feel more confident about taking control of their finances.

3. The Good Retirement Guide by Jonquil Lowe

If you’re nearing retirement, there are a lot of decisions to make, and it can seem daunting. This handy book can help you make the most of the milestone. It covers a range of financial topics, like pensions, investments, and property, but it goes beyond this to explore other factors that are important for creating an enjoyable retirement, such as holidays and health. It’s a guidebook that can help you live the retirement lifestyle you want.

4. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

The Simple Path to Wealth started as a collection of letters written by JL Collins for his daughter, which mostly covered money and finances. While the author was interested in money, he recognised his daughter focused on other things. In a bid to pass on essential information that can seem complex, he started writing letters that would help her make better financial decisions. While the book has a US angle, the basic principles are the same wherever you are.

5. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Using short stories, Morgan Housel demonstrates the strange ways that people think about money. The book aims to give you a better understanding of how you think about money and how it can affect your decisions. Housel notes that money is often taught as a maths-based field, but, in the real world, far more things can influence how you handle your finances, like your personal history, your world view, and even marketing.

6. The Smart Money Method: How to Pick Stocks Like a Hedge Fund Pro by Steve Clapham

If you want to learn more about the world of investing, The Smart Money Method could be the book for you. Steve Clapham is a retired hedge fund manager who now trains stock analysts. In this book, he details his step-by-step research process when looking for investment opportunities and shows what he looks out for. Even if you don’t want to pick your own stocks, this book can give you an interesting insight into how funds operate.

7. Open Up: Why Talking About Money Will Change Your Life by Alex Holder

Despite money influencing many different aspects of life, it’s still something of a taboo subject. In this book, Alex Holder encourages readers to be more open about money and discussing it. It features insights, practical advice, and money conversations with a range of people, from CEOs to debt advisers. Not only does talking about money more openly help put you in control, but Holder also argues it can help us tackle some of the larger issues associated with money, like pay gaps and the living wage.