In a world of rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and ever-changing financial trends, understanding personal finance has become more than a skill — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re just learning how to budget or you’re exploring ways to invest wisely, there’s no shortage of valuable knowledge available through podcasts and books.
But here’s the challenge: with thousands of personal finance resources out there, which ones are actually worth your time?
This year, we’ve handpicked 10 must-follow personal finance podcasts and books that are transforming how people around the world save, spend, and build wealth. These aren’t your typical dry, number-heavy resources — they’re relatable, inspiring, and easy to apply, no matter where you are in your financial journey.
So grab your notebook (or your earbuds) — let’s explore the best personal finance podcasts and books to follow this year and why they matter for your financial future.
1. The Dave Ramsey Show — Learn How to Take Control of Your Money
Few voices in personal finance are as recognizable as Dave Ramsey. His long-running show has helped millions of listeners escape debt, budget smarter, and live financially free.
On The Dave Ramsey Show, Ramsey simplifies complex money issues, from debt repayment strategies to emotional spending habits. He’s famous for his “Baby Steps” — a seven-step plan to financial peace that emphasizes discipline, savings, and debt elimination.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Practical, faith-based, no-nonsense money advice.
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Real callers share their financial struggles and triumphs.
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Motivating for anyone starting their personal finance journey.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube.
2. The Financial Feminist — Empowering Women Through Money
Hosted by Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K, this podcast explores personal finance through a feminist lens — helping women gain confidence, independence, and equality through financial literacy.
Tori’s approachable storytelling and relatable tone make it one of the most refreshing podcasts in the finance world. She covers budgeting, salary negotiation, saving for retirement, and investing — all in a way that feels empowering rather than intimidating.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Designed specifically for women and young professionals.
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Tackles money taboos with humor and honesty.
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Features interviews with financial experts and successful women in business.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts.
3. The Indicator from Planet Money — Economics Made Simple
If you find economics confusing, this podcast breaks it down into bite-sized, engaging stories. Produced by NPR, The Indicator from Planet Money translates complex financial topics into short, 10-minute episodes that connect money to everyday life.
From inflation trends to global stock market movements, it’s a perfect listen for anyone who wants to stay informed about the world of personal finance and the economy — without getting lost in jargon.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Perfect for busy professionals who want quick insights.
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Combines economics, pop culture, and human stories.
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Trusted NPR-quality journalism.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org.
4. Afford Anything — Financial Freedom Through Mindset Shifts
Hosted by Paula Pant, Afford Anything explores one key idea: you can afford anything, but not everything. This personal finance podcast focuses on decision-making, investing, and financial independence.
Paula interviews top economists, investors, and authors, exploring how money influences happiness, time, and freedom. If you’re aiming for long-term wealth, this is one of the most thought-provoking podcasts you can follow.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Smart conversations about financial independence.
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Combines psychology and personal finance.
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Encourages intentional living and spending.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher.
5. ChooseFI — A Roadmap to Financial Independence
If you’ve ever dreamed of early retirement, ChooseFI is your go-to resource. Hosted by Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa, this podcast dives deep into personal finance strategies like frugality, investing, and passive income.
The show features real-life success stories from people who have achieved financial independence through smart saving and strategic investing.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Focused on actionable financial freedom steps.
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Deep dives into side hustles, travel rewards, and investing.
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Motivating for anyone seeking to escape the 9–5 grind.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
6. I Will Teach You to Be Rich — Turning Mindset Into Money Power
Based on his bestselling book, Ramit Sethi’s podcast dives into real-life financial discussions with couples and individuals. Instead of generic advice, Sethi focuses on behavioral finance — helping people understand the emotional side of money.
His famous phrase, “Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut mercilessly on the things you don’t,” redefines how people think about budgeting.
Why it’s worth listening:
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Real financial stories from everyday people.
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Focus on personal values and financial behavior.
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Entertaining, insightful, and deeply relatable.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
7. The Richest Man in Babylon — Timeless Lessons for Modern Money
Now let’s move to the books that are shaping financial literacy worldwide.
First on the list is The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason — a century-old classic that remains a cornerstone of personal finance education. Written in the form of ancient parables, it teaches timeless lessons about saving, investing, and living below your means.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Teaches financial discipline in simple storytelling.
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Perfect for beginners in money management.
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Core lesson: “A part of all you earn is yours to keep.”
Best for: Anyone looking for an easy, story-based introduction to wealth-building.
8. Rich Dad Poor Dad — Rethinking Wealth and Mindset
Written by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad Poor Dad revolutionized the way people view money, assets, and liabilities. The book contrasts two financial philosophies — one focused on traditional education and another on entrepreneurial mindset.
For anyone eager to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, this is a must-read in personal finance.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Teaches the power of financial education and passive income.
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Inspires entrepreneurship and investment thinking.
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Still relevant after more than two decades.
Best for: Young adults and aspiring investors.
9. The Psychology of Money — Understanding the Human Side of Finance
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel explores how our behaviors, not just our knowledge, shape our financial success. Housel uses real-world stories to explain why people make irrational financial decisions — and how understanding our emotions can improve our relationship with money.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Deep insights into money habits and mindset.
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Combines storytelling with financial wisdom.
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Easy to read, even for non-financial readers.
Best for: Anyone wanting to understand why we spend and save the way we do.
10. Your Money or Your Life — Transforming Your Relationship With Money
Written by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez, this book is a guide to achieving financial independence and conscious living. It encourages readers to redefine wealth — not just in terms of dollars, but in time, freedom, and purpose.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Promotes mindfulness and sustainability in finance.
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Teaches how to align money with your values.
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Provides a nine-step program to financial freedom.
Best for: Readers seeking more meaning and less stress in their financial lives.
Bonus Pick: The Simple Path to Wealth — Investing Made Easy
While not officially in our top 10, JL Collins’ The Simple Path to Wealth deserves mention. Originally written as letters to his daughter, this book simplifies investing, stock markets, and wealth-building for beginners.
It’s the perfect bridge between personal finance education and real-world investing success.
Why Podcasts and Books Are Powerful Tools for Personal Finance Growth
In today’s fast-paced world, attention is the new currency. Personal finance podcasts and books make it easy to learn on the go — during commutes, workouts, or weekends.
Here’s why they matter:
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Accessibility: Most podcasts are free and available globally.
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Real Voices: Listeners connect with hosts who share relatable experiences.
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Self-Paced Learning: Books allow you to learn at your own speed.
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Diverse Perspectives: You gain financial insights from experts, entrepreneurs, and ordinary people alike.
Listening to a personal finance podcast daily or reading one financial chapter weekly can transform your money habits within months.
How to Choose the Right Personal Finance Podcast or Book for You
When selecting what to follow, keep these in mind:
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Identify your goal — Do you want to get out of debt, invest, or save more?
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Match your style — Prefer humor and real-life stories or expert technical advice?
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Check credibility — Follow hosts or authors with proven financial experience.
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Stay consistent — Learning about money works best through repetition and application.
Top Benefits of Following Personal Finance Content Regularly
1. Improved Financial Literacy
You’ll gain a better understanding of terms like compound interest, assets, liabilities, and diversification.
2. Increased Motivation to Save and Invest
Hearing real success stories keeps you inspired and accountable.
3. Smarter Financial Decisions
Consistent learning helps you evaluate risks and opportunities more wisely.
4. Long-Term Wealth Mindset
Podcasts and books shift your thinking from short-term spending to long-term growth.
5. Global Perspective on Money
You’ll learn how people across countries and cultures approach personal finance differently — and what works best globally.
FAQs About Personal Finance Podcasts and Books
1. Are personal finance podcasts free?
Yes, most podcasts are free to stream or download on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Some may offer premium content for deeper learning.
2. Which personal finance book should I start with as a beginner?
The Richest Man in Babylon and The Psychology of Money are great beginner-friendly reads. They blend storytelling with practical lessons.
3. How often should I listen to or read personal finance content?
Aim for at least one podcast episode or one book chapter per week. Consistency helps reinforce financial habits.
4. Can I learn to invest just by listening to podcasts?
Podcasts can teach the basics, but real investing requires research and sometimes professional advice. Use podcasts as a learning foundation.
5. Are these resources suitable for global audiences?
Absolutely. While some examples may be U.S.-based, the financial principles apply globally — from saving and investing to mindset and discipline.
Conclusion: Building a Smarter Financial Future Through Learning
In the ever-evolving world of money, knowledge is your greatest asset. The right personal finance podcasts and books don’t just teach you how to save or invest — they transform how you think about wealth, success, and freedom.
By consistently engaging with these resources, you can take charge of your money, make smarter financial choices, and build a life of confidence and independence.
Start today. Subscribe to one podcast, read one book, and commit to learning one financial lesson each week. Over time, you’ll notice a powerful shift — from financial confusion to clarity, and from paycheck living to purposeful wealth.
Your journey to financial empowerment begins with a single play or a single page.