The Top 3 Personal Finance Books

With all the fuss regarding the global financial crisis, personal finance and money are such scorching hot topics these days. It’s no wonder a lot of authors capitalize on this trend by publishing lots and lots of personal finance books. Although it is certainly pleasant to have such a broad range of resources available, it can become difficult to know which books are reliable and useful to us. Depending on the reader, the list of personal finance books below may or may not be extensive, but it sure does include the books that provide the most valuable content and reliable information out there. Let’s all take a closer look at these books.

Generation Debt by Anya Kamenetz

All of us are probably aware of the inordinate amount of debt that plagues every corner of America. Also, we all have heard of the advertisements on how to be debt-free by consolidating debt and taking out loans with minimal interest rates. Yet, there still seems to be a lack of knowledge and education to the public as to why this debt phenomenon is in existence. A lot has been taught about addressing the problem but how can the people solve a problem they don’t understand? This personal finance book is a must-read as unlike all other books about debt, it does not provide ways to become debt-free. Instead, it discusses why the concept debt is so powerful by using psychological findings and historical data.

Further, the book talks about the current American culture and the pressure it puts on average Americans to succumb to the wave of materialism and high-priced luxury items in order to get by life. This book will help you understand these socioeconomic trends, and will equip you with the proper knowledge to better deal with debt.

Bargaining for Advantage by G. Richard Shell

It’s not enough to have a good financial mind. You may have great business acumen and sharp decision-making abilities, but if you are poor in the art of negotiating, you will not reap the financial rewards you otherwise would have if you knew how to deal. The good news is negotiating is a skill that can be learned, and this book serves as the best teacher in that area. Effectively negotiating is not just for the corporate world, it’s also very personal. Everything from your mortgage to discussing your gardener’s salary is negotiable. This personal finance book will guide you to think out of the box and see what your counterpart is seeing; thereby making you truly understand both sides of the equation and come out on top. For every deal there is a winner, a side who gains something. This book will tell you how to end up the winner in all negotiations you make.

Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach

Perhaps the biggest problem when it comes to marriage is managing the couple’s finances. All couples, at one point or another, have experienced that even with dual incomes, it still seems both people have less cash than ever. If you’re currently married, or heading in that direction any time soon, then you should definitely get a hold of this book. It talks about how expenses balloon during a relationship, explains all the sets of financial pitfalls you might end up in, and discusses the remedies and step-by-step solutions to each problem. In short, this book will tell you how to fix your finances while you are in a relationship. GP