If you’re like most high school students, you’re probably trying to figure out how to manage your money for the first time. You may wonder how to save for college or buy your first car. Or maybe you’re just curious about what investing is all about.
No matter what questions you have about personal finance, there’s a book out there that can help answer them. We rounded up seven of the best financial books for young adults that will teach you everything from saving for a rainy day to getting financial aid for school. So whether you’re just starting out in life or you’re looking for ways to improve your financial literacy, these books will help get you where you need to be.
1. The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens: 8 Steps to Having More Money Than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of by David and Tom Gardner
The Motley Fool is a website focused on investing, and this book is one of the best finance books for teens interested in learning about the stock market and investing. It covers everything from picking stocks to developing a long-term investment strategy. And best of all, it’s written in a fun and easy-to-understand style that will make learning about finance more enjoyable than you might expect.
2. Get Money: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford by Kristin Wong
Kristin Wong is a popular personal finance writer that is known for being relatable and down-to-earth. In her book Get Money, she gives readers actionable advice on everything from saving money on groceries to negotiating your salary. It’s never preachy; Wong shares her own struggles with money and the mistakes she made, but she uses those experiences to teach you how to avoid those same issues.
It’s an excellent book that gives you an understanding of every aspect of personal finance, so you can better manage your money in college and beyond.
3. O.M.G.: Official Money Guide for Teenagers by Susan and Michael Beacham
Personal finance books for high school students can be dry and hard to read, but O.M.G.: Official Money Guide for Teenagers is different. This book is written in a light and humorous tone, but it still covers all the important topics you need to know about personal finance.
If you’re thinking about the future and what you’ll do after high school, the book’s sections on budgeting and credit cards are especially useful. Mastering how to create and manage a budget — and using credit cards wisely — are skills that will help you throughout your adult life.
4. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi
Bola Sokunbi runs Clever Girl Finance, a site dedicated to educating and empowering people to manage their money confidently. In this book, Sokunbi will teach you about credit and credit scores, how to track your spending and stick to a budget and start a side hustle to earn more money.
Each section of the book gives you digestible information and actionable tips you can start using today (right now!).
5. Paying For College, 2022: Everything You Need to Maximize Financial Aid and Afford College by The Princeton Review
If you are planning to go to college but aren’t sure how you’ll cover the cost or how financial aid works, Paying for College is one of the most useful finance books for teens.
This book outlines all of the different ways to pay for college, including:
- Family savings and investment accounts, such as 529 plans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work-study programs
- Federal and private student loans
This book is an excellent resource to check out before you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because it has great tips for maximizing your financial aid options.
6. The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2023 by Gen and Kelly Tanabe
Planning on going to college next year? Then you need this book. It includes information on millions of scholarships, grants, and prizes that can help you pay for college. It contains all of the details you need to apply for each award and tips for crafting the perfect essay response.
And because scams are more common than ever, it also teaches you how to avoid scholarship scams and financial aid fraudsters.
7. Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps. by Kelly Williams Brown
Brown is responsible for making “adulting” a well-used verb for being independent and self-sufficient. In this book, she gives readers 535 tips on everything from how to do your own taxes to how to cook at home to save money.
While some of the tips are more light-hearted (like how to get stains out of a favorite sweater), others are more serious, such as “how to deal with a difficult boss” or “how to buy a used car.” No matter what your current situation is, this book will help you navigate the world of adulthood with confidence. It’s a must-have for high school students that will soon be living by themselves for the first time.
Where to Get the Best Financial Books for Young Adults
Now that you know about these finance books for teens, you can start reading and implementing their advice. We know that books can be expensive, so here are some ways to save money:
- Add them to your wish list: Books can not sound like a sexy gift, but these books can give you essential information and tips that will pay off for years. If you have a birthday or holiday coming up, consider asking friends and family members for one or more of the books on this list.
- Check with your library: Your school or community library may have these books on their shelves, or you may be able to request them or even get digital access. If you aren’t sure if that’s possible, talk to the librarian.
- Visit Amazon: Many of these books are available through Kindle Unlimited, a subscription that gives you access to millions of books for $9.99 per month. If you already have a Kindle Unlimited membership or are an avid reader, it can be well worth the cost.
It is never too early to start learning about personal finance, and these books can provide you with all the information you need to make sound money decisions. Whether you are looking to learn about scholarships and student loans or just want general tips on navigating adulthood, there is a book on this list for you. So pick up one (or more) of these titles today and get started on your path to financial literacy.