Did you know that 78% of American workers live paycheck to paycheck?
That means that more than 3 out of ever 4 Americans are struggling with and probably stressing about money. Given those odds, you’re probably one of them.
But you don’t have to be. Even with a modest income, taking the time to create a budget can have you paying off your debts and building some savings in less time than you might think.
Because living paycheck to paycheck, there are tons of budget books out there. But which one’s are the best?
The Dangers of Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Living paycheck to paycheck can be stressful, demoralizing, and downright unhealthy. Time and time again, you find yourself having to borrow money from family, friends, or maybe even payday loan companies.
If you’re fed up and ready to change your financial situation, that’s great! Just make sure that you keep your head up and your eyes open. Being in a tight spot money-wise can make you more vulnerable than usual, and there are sadly plenty of people and companies willing to feed off of desperation.
If financial advice comes with a hefty price tag and sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is. For example, The Big Book of Income contains some financial advice but is mostly trying to sell you on more products and services. Be skeptical, keep your feet on the ground, and make sure if something’s called Big Book of Income that it’s not trying to steal all of your income.
10 Best Budget Books to Break the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle
Overcoming the paycheck to paycheck cycle is in your control and there is a lot of solid advice out there to help you obtain your goals. Here’s a handpicked list of the best books on budgeting and personal finance to help you start changing your life today!
1. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey
If you’ve dipped your toes into the water of personal finance even just a little bit, chances are you’ve run into Dave Ramsey. He’s sold more than 6 million copies of this book (one of his many) and his podcast and syndicated radio show has over 12 million listeners weekly.
If you’re desperate to stop living paycheck to paycheck, overcome crippling debt, and start saving, join the huge crowd of people who swear by Dave Ramsey’s methods.
2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Don’t by Robert Kiyosaki
First published over 20 years ago, this book is still full of a ton of relevant and valuable advice. Not only will it teach you what you need to know to save money and stop being poor, but it’ll teach you what to teach your kids so they can be rich, too!
3. The One Week Budget: Learn to Create Your Money Management System in 7 Days or Less! by Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche
This is a great book to guide you through examining your current finances and set up a budget for yourself. Each chapter of the book is a todo list for a day, and by day seven The Budgetnista leaves you with a potentially life-changing budgeting strategy.
4. Kekeibo: The Japanese Art of Saving Money by Fumiko Chiba
Have you scoured the American literature on budgeting and still finding your pockets empty? Maybe it’s time to turn to the land of the rising sun for advice. This book both explains the Japanese method of kekeibo and gives you workbook space to create a mindful budget.
5. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry
This refreshing and funny book geared towards 20 and 30 somethings takes on age-old problems with a contemporary perspective.
6. Debt Free or Die Trying: How I Buried Myself in Over $30,000 in Debt and Dug My Way Out By Age 30 by Marcus Garrett
This lesser-known personal finance book follows the personal financial story of the author. If you’re looking for both helpful tips and an inspirational story, this one might be for you.
7. The Everything Budgeting Book: Practical Advice for Saving and Managing Your Money by Tere Stouffer
This practical guide to budgeting and saving money is a great place to start on your budgeting journey. If you’re new to the world of personal finance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed fast. Check this book out if you’re looking for something simple and easy to use.
8. How to Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any by Erik Wecks
While a lot of other personal finance books assume you’ve got some money in the bank, this book speaks directly to the person who’s living paycheck to paycheck. This isn’t a book about how to get rich quick, or even how to get rich at all. Rather, it’s about how to make the most of the income you do have, whatever the size.
9. The Minimalist Budget: A Practical Guide on How to Save Money, Spend Less and Live More With a Minimalist Lifestyle by Simeon Lindstrom
This isn’t just about changing the state of your finances but rather completely changing your lifestyle. The Minimalist lifestyle has been a rising trend in recent years, reacting against the gluttony of American consumerism. If this resonates with you, check out this book to learn more about minimalism and how it can help both your finances and your well-being.
10. The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secret’s of America’s Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
This classic bestseller discusses the seven traits shared by wealthy people. While it’s easy to picture the American rich driving Porsches and bathing in champagne, many actually lead quiet, unassuming lives. If you’re starting to suspect that your neighbors are millionaires hiding in plain sight, pick up this book to learn their secrets.
Find the Right Budget Strategy For You
There are so many budget books that have been published and different strategies will work better for different people. This is your money and your life, so invest in yourself by taking the time to find the best budgeting strategy for you. While it might seem overwhelming at first, it’ll all be worth it once you’ve conquered that debt or start a savings account!
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