If you're looking to give your personal finances a new jolt of life this fall, consider these five great personal finance books.
With the new year right around the corner, there's no time like the present to start improving your savings account and household budgeting skills. These entertaining financial books will shed light on real-life money issues and help readers achieve five important financial goals:
1. Teaching Your Children About Money
"Why 'A' Students Work for 'C' Students and 'B' Students Work for the Government," by Robert Kyosaki
If you're a parent and you're focused on the letter grades your child is receiving, financial expert Robert Kiyosaki has some advice for you. In his newest book, he cautions parents that some of the qualities of "A" students, ie., the ability to read well, memorize and take tests effectively, aren't necessarily markers for life success. In fact, he argues that those who are creative, take risks and have dreams -- even with "C" grades -- often have the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for success.
The book argues that parents should focus on instilling concepts and ideas in their children to help them find their true passions and talents. Kiyosaki accomplishes this by sharing stories in which real people who were "C" students growing up went on to hire "A" students for their businesses, showing that those at the top aren't necessarily those who fit educational definitions of success, while those who are employed in regular positions do. This book will help readers develop thought processes in their children to make them truly successful as adults.
2. Investing Money Wisely
"Soldier of Finance: Take Charge of Your Money and Invest in Your Future," by Jeff Rose
Modeled after the soldier's handbook issued to all new U.S. Army recruits, "Soldier of Finance" is a military-style training manual designed to help readers overcome financial obstacles while building lasting wealth.
A certified financial planner and army veteran with considerable combat experience, author Jeff Rose divides the book into 14 modules, each covering an essential element for achieving economic success.
Readers will learn how to target and methodically eliminate debt, create tactical budgets, invest for the short and long term, build an emergency fund, and much more -- all in order to become a battle-ready financial warrior.
3. Conquering Debt
"The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness," by Dave Ramsey
A revamp of Dave Ramsey's 2007 bestseller "The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness," the 2013 edition promises to deliver a similar, no-nonsense approach to personal finance.
Notorious for his grounded, uplifting narrative voice, Ramsey debunks the 10 most dangerous money myths while teaching readers how to break financially unhealthy habits, such as overspending or accruing massive amounts of debt.
With the new edition, Ramsey vows to help his readers devise a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt and expenses while building a nest egg big enough for emergencies and retirement. Watch as your out-of-control monetary costs turn into a well-managed financial powerhouse in no time, thanks to this entertaining and informative read.
4. Developing A Better Relationship With Money
"Money, A Love Story: Untangle Your Financial Woes and Create the Life You Really Want," by Kate Northrup
Author Kate Northrup understands how tough it is to develop a good relationship with your money; in her latest book, she's devised a series of step-by-step exercises designed to address both the emotional and practical aspects of your financial lifestyle.
After taking a fun and illuminating money love quiz to see where on the spectrum your relationship with money falls, you'll learn how certain thought patterns about money might, in fact, be holding you back from earning what you're truly worth.
You'll also be able to chart your current financial life and create goals for the future, all the while padding your savings account. Through various client stories and her own financial saga, Northrup promises to teach readers how to spend in line with their values and learn how to love their money again.
5. Fixing Common Money Mistakes
"The Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women, and Money: 50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them," by Kevin O'Leary
One of the leading sharks on ABC's "Shark Tank," Kevin O'Leary is a legend when it comes to business and money management. In his new book, O'Leary mines his own mistakes to help readers learn how to avoid debt, save money and invest in a more prosperous future.
Each chapter is aimed at readers of a specific age or stage in life who are interested in looking closely at their relationship with money and learning what simple financial changes they can make to improve their wealth.
Using real-life examples of the most common mistakes people make with their money, O'Leary provides strategies, tips and tricks for readers aiming to increase their financial wisdom.
6. Increasing Family Savings
"The $1,000 Challenge: How One Family Slashed Its Budget Without Moving Under a Bridge or Living on Government Cheese," by Brian J. O'Connor
If, like many middle-class families in America, you've found it almost impossible to increase your monthly savings, then you should definitely check out this new book from Brian J. O'Connor.
A nationally syndicated personal finance columnist for The Detroit News, O'Connor decided to test his own advice about saving money by conducting a 10-week experiment to cut his family's monthly expenses by $1,000 without sacrificing anything truly important.
In his book, O'Connor lists 10 different types of spending most American families engage in, and discusses how to address each one when setting up a family budget. Through this hilarious and savvy guide, readers can learn how to set and maintain a family budget while dealing with real-world expenses.