6 Best UK Personal Finance Books for 2023
Looking for the best UK BASED personal finance books to help you achieve your financial goals? Look no further than this list of must-reads for anyone looking to take control of their finances and build wealth – whatever age you are!
We’ve all either read or seen reviews of classics like Rich Dad Poor Dad but it’s hard to relate when these are so focused on the US market, so I’ve picked out a few of my favourites below that I doubt you will see on may of the generic top ten lists so I do hope that you enjoy them.
Each one provides very down to earth practical advice and insights on everything from budgeting and debt repayment to investing and retirement planning.
First up on our list is The Money Maze: Navigate Your Way Through Personal Finance in the UK, a comprehensive guide to managing your money, paying off debt, and saving for the future. This book offers practical tips and advice on everything from budgeting and saving to investing and retirement planning, making it a must-read for anyone looking to take charge of their finances.
1. The Money Maze: Navigate Your Way Through Personal Finance in the UK
Let’s dive into a gem I recently stumbled upon: “The Money Maze: Navigate Your Way Through Personal Finance in the UK.” If you’re in the UK and want to get a handle on your finances, this book might just be your new best friend.
Here’s the scoop:
What’s Inside? This isn’t your typical finance book. The author chats about budgeting, tackling debt, and boosting savings in a way that feels like you’re getting advice from a wise friend over coffee. It’s tailored for the UK, so no more guessing if the advice applies to you. Plus, it’s perfect for young adults, especially those aged 14-18.
Why I Loved It
- Simplicity: The author has this knack for breaking down tricky financial jargon into plain English. It’s like having a friend decode the world of money for you.
- Relevance: It’s all about the UK financial scene. No more sifting through advice that doesn’t apply to you.
- Engaging: Trust me, it’s not a snooze-fest. The author’s personality shines through, making it a fun read.
A Few Caveats While I found it super helpful, some folks felt parts of it were a bit basic. So, if you’re a finance guru, some sections might feel like a refresher. But for beginners or those wanting to solidify their foundation, it’s spot on.
What Others Are Saying The reviews are in, and they’re glowing! Many readers loved how it demystified complex topics, especially in the context of the UK’s financial landscape. Some even said it helped them navigate tough times, like the cost of living crisis. A handful felt it was a bit basic, but overall, with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews, it’s a hit!
Final Verdict If you’re in the UK and want a friendly guide to navigate the money maze, this book is a solid pick. It’s like having a chat with a savvy friend who’s got your back. Just remember, it’s best suited for those new to personal finance or wanting a refresher. If that sounds like you, why wait? Dive in and start your journey to financial savvy today!
From the Author (amazon extract)
Are you’re fed up with personal finance books telling you what to do, but not how to do it? Then you’re in luck.
Time and time again we are told to reduce spending, pay off debts and save up an emergency fund.
And yet… Not once is how this can be done ever explained properly.
That’s without mentioning that pretty much all the personal finance content and information out there is all geared toward U.S audiences and financial systems.
Leaving us brits, in the dark when it comes to sorting out our financial lives.
Well, that is until now. In The Money Maze, you’ll discover:
- Where you can find thousands of pounds that you didn’t even know you had!
- How and where to record your entire financial position, on one easy-to-navigate spreadsheet, which will also be provided.
- What a payslip actually tells you and how you are taxed.
- How to cut out needless expenses and save on those you thought impossible.
- The secret to creating a one-time budget, that won’t involve recording each and every transaction that you make for the rest of your life.
- How to get started paying off your debts in the cheapest and most efficient way possible, saving you hundreds of pounds!
- And finally, not just how to save, but also where and what accounts you’ll need.
One of the strengths of this book is the author’s focus on the psychology of money and how we think about money can impact our financial decisions. By understanding your money mindset, you can make better financial decisions and achieve your financial goals.
In addition to the practical advice and guidance, “The Money Maze” also includes case studies and real-life examples, which help to bring the concepts to life and make them more relatable.
If you’re looking to create more wealth, achieve financial independence, or simply just be more of an adult around your financial decisions, then “The Money Maze” is one of the best personal finance books available.
Next on our list is The Meaningful Money Handbook, which offers everything you need to know and do to secure your financial future. With practical advice on everything from budgeting and debt repayment to investing and retirement planning.
2. The Meaningful Money Handbook: Everything You Need to Know and Everything You Need to Do to Secure Your Financial Future
by Pete Matthew
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to personal finance, then The Meaningful Money Handbook is the book for you. Written by Pete Matthew, a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, this book covers everything from budgeting to investing to planning for retirement.
The Meaningful Money Handbook is divided into three parts. The first part covers the basics of personal finance, including how to create a budget, how to save money, and how to manage debt. The second part covers investing, including how to choose investments, how to diversify your portfolio, and how to manage risk. The third part covers planning for retirement, including how to calculate how much you need to save, how to choose a pension, and how to manage your pension.
One of the things that sets The Meaningful Money Handbook apart from other books is its focus on the psychology of money. Matthew understands that personal finance is not just about numbers, but also about our relationship with money. He provides practical advice on how to change your mindset and think about money in a more positive way.
From the Author
In The Meaningful Money Handbook, personal finance expert and podcaster extraordinaire Pete Matthew guides you through everything you need to know and everything you need to do to build a secure financial future for yourself and your family. This is achievable for everyone by following three simple steps:
- Spend less than you earn and clear debt.
- Insure against disaster.
- Build up your savings and invest wisely.
You will learn:
- How to get out of debt as quickly as possible.
- Techniques for good financial control so you can avoid getting into debt again.
- The importance of insurance for laying down a foundation on which to build a solid financial plan that isn’t washed away by an unexpected disaster.
- How to save and invest simply and efficiently so you can work your way toward future financial freedom.
No matter your starting position or your existing level of comfort with dealing with your money, Pete Matthew’s calm, straightforward, and jargon-free approach will appeal to you and help you to set out on the right path. The Meaningful Money Handbook is a practical guide to succeeding with money by cutting out the stuff you don’t need to know and clarifying the essential things you need to do in order to make a real difference in your life.
Don’t put it off any longer – pick up this as an audiobook, paperback or kindle download and start to take a meaningful approach to your money today.
3. Young Adult’s Financial Freedom Blueprint: Mastering Money for a Secure Future (UK Edition)
If you’re a young adult looking for a place to start with your finances and achieve financial freedom as soon as you can, then the “Young Adult’s Financial Freedom Blueprint: Mastering Money for a Secure Future (UK Edition)” is a must-read. This book is written by a financial advisor who has helped many young adults to achieve their financial goals.
The book covers a wide range of financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and planning for retirement. It provides practical advice on how to create greater wealth and achieve financial independence. The book also explores the psychology of money and how our feelings around money can affect our financial decisions.
One of the key takeaways from this book is the importance of starting early when it comes to saving and investing. The book provides a step-by-step guide on how to get started with investing, including how to choose the right pension plan and how to build a diversified investment portfolio.
The book also includes real-life examples of young adults who have achieved financial freedom, which can be inspiring for readers. Additionally, the book provides practical tips on how to manage your money and get out of debt.
From the Author
Embark on a transformative journey toward financial freedom with “Young Adult’s Financial Freedom Blueprint: Mastering Money for a Secure Future.” This empowering guide is tailored specifically for young adults in the UK, providing you with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the world of personal finance successfully.
This book combines personal experience and expert insights to help you avoid common financial pitfalls and make informed decisions about your money. Through relatable examples, practical exercises, and insightful tips, this book covers a wide range of financial topics, including budgeting, money management, saving, investing, career planning, entrepreneurship, generating passive income, and retirement planning. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these crucial aspects, you’ll be empowered to make confident and informed financial choices that will shape your future positively.
It’s time to take charge of your financial destiny. Join us on this transformative journey as we unlock the secrets of financial freedom and equip you with the necessary skills to achieve lifelong financial security. Let “Young Adult’s Financial Freedom Blueprint” be your trusted companion and guide as you embark on this exciting adventure.
4. Latecomer’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Empowering Your 40s and 50s with Debt Repayment, Passive Income, and Retirement Security (UK Edition)
Yet another book from this author from his series of 9 (to date) that I absoluetly love – check out the entire collection, they are well worth the read.
If you are in your 40s or 50s and feel like you have missed the boat on achieving financial independence, think again. The Latecomer’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Empowering Your 40s and 50s with Debt Repayment, Passive Income, and Retirement Security (UK Edition) by Hassan Afifi is a must-read personal finance book for anyone who feels a little lost in their financial lives and feels like they may have missed the boat.
This book covers a range of topics, including how to get out of debt, how to build passive income streams, and how to plan for retirement. It also includes practical advice on how to manage your money and think about your thoughts aroud money, as well as tips on how to make smart financial decisions.
One of the key takeaways from this book is the importance of having a clear financial goal and a plan to achieve it. Hassan emphasizes the need to think about your financial life in terms of both short-term and long-term goals, and provides practical advice on how to set achievable targets.
Whether you are looking to pay off debt, build a stash for retirement, or simply take control of your finances, the Latecomer’s Guide to Financial Freedom is an excellent resource for anyone looking to achieve financial independence in their 40s or 50s.
From the Author
In your mid-40s or 50s, it’s not uncommon to find yourself at a pivotal moment in your financial journey. Perhaps you’re burdened with debt, lacking substantial savings, and feeling uncertain about your retirement prospects. The dreams of financial security that once seemed attainable may now appear distant and elusive. But I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late to rewrite your financial story and reclaim control over your future.
This book is born out of a deep understanding and personal experience of the challenges you may be facing. I, too, stood at the precipice of financial uncertainty, having lost my retirement savings and found myself burdened with debt in my mid-40s.
But within that adversity, I discovered a newfound determination – an unwavering belief that financial freedom was not out of reach. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, financial education, and disciplined action, relentlessly pursuing the goal of achieving financial independence. Now, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the strategies I’ve implemented, and the hope I’ve found with you.
5. Live on Less, Invest the Rest: A Plain English Workbook for Sorting Out Your Personal Finances
If you’re looking for a personal finance book that’s easy to understand and practical, then Live on Less, Invest the Rest is a great choice. Written by Andrew Carig, this book is designed to help you better manage your finances and create a richer life.
From the Author
Research shows that as many as 75% of people in the UK worry about their financial situation. (Source: The Independent).
In America, 25% of people say they worry about money “all the time”. (Source: CNBC).
It need not be like this! We created this Plain English guide to address this problem head on
“Live on less, invest the rest” picks up where Andrew Craig’s No. 1 best-seller, “How to Own the World” leaves off.
Andrew’s new workbook is a companion text to his original best-seller and to the Plain English Finance online Community. The book embeds what we have learned from that group over the last several years.
“Live on less, invest the rest” is the evolution of a document called the “Complete Guide” which members of our Community have received for free since 2014 when joining that group. In that time, Andrew and the rest of the Plain English Finance team have been able to see all the various questions and concerns that are most regularly raised by our members.
“Live on less…” is a reaction to those questions and an attempt to summarise the answers as succinctly as possible in one place.
Topics covered include:
- How you can find the money to invest.
- Paying off any expensive debt you may have.
- Saving up a “rainy day” pot to cover you in a crisis.
- Setting up the right investment accounts such as ISAs and pensions.
- Simple investment strategies you might consider.
- Sensible asset allocation based on your age.
- Annual housekeeping and valuable Further Resources.
Investment need not be that complicated – it is just that most people never learn anything about it. The approach outlined in “Live on less, invest the rest…” should give you the confidence to sort your finances out once and for all. For most people, this is a huge relief and one of life’s great problems solved.
The book can work as a stand-alone product but is ideally designed to work hand in hand with our live and interactive online Community.
With this in mind, there is a promo’ code in the back of the book which gives you one month of free access to that group if you purchase a copy (access is usually £5 a month).
…Or you can do it the other way around – in that anyone joining our group receives a free digital copy. This gives you the chance to experience the benefits of the group whether you’re the sort of person who prefers a print or a digital copy.
Our fervent hope is that the approach outlined in “Live on less, invest the rest” could very well help you make a five, six or even seven figure difference to your net worth over the long run.
Overall, Live on Less, Invest the Rest is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve their financial goals. Whether you’re a millennial just starting out or someone who’s been working for years, this book has something for everyone.
6. Money: A User’s Guide: The Sunday Times Bestselling Guide to Taking Control of Your Personal Finances
by Laura Whatelly
If you want to take control of your finances and achieve financial freedom, “Money: A User’s Guide” is a must-read personal finance book. This book, written by Laura Whateley, is a Sunday Times bestseller that provides a comprehensive guide to managing your money and building net worth.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from budgeting and saving to investing and retirement planning. It also delves into the psychology of money and how your relationship with money can affect your financial decisions.
One of the strengths of this book is its practical advice. Whateley provides actionable tips and strategies that you can implement immediately to improve your financial life. She also includes real-life case studies and examples to help you understand how to apply the concepts to your own situation.
Whether you’re a millennial just starting out or someone in their 40s or 50s looking to just be a bit richer long term and achieve financial independence, “Money: A User’s Guide” has something for everyone.
From the Author
Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book as part of your Prime membership.
Take control of your personal finances with this concise, timely and indispensable guide, from acclaimed money expert Laura Whateley.
Ten years on from the financial crash, and we are still bad with money.We press ‘cash only’ at ATMs, and accept that we’ll be paying back our student loans with our pension savings.
Money: A User’s Guide cuts through all the panic of personal finances. It will teach you how to get a great credit score, how to save hundreds on bills, and offer practical advice on every difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding including:
- Housing (for renters and buyers)
- Student Loans
- Pensions
- Stocks and shares
- Ethical investments
- Money and Mental health
- Money and Love
This essential book will give you the confidence and clarity to take back control of your bank account, enabling you to thrive in all areas of your life.
Remember, taking charge of your finances is the first step towards achieving financial freedom. With the help of “Money: A User’s Guide” and other personal finance books, you can manage your money, build greater wealth, and achieve your financial goals.
7. What They Don’t Teach You About Money: The Instant Top Ten Bestseller
By Claer Barrett
If you’re someone who hates reading personal finance books, then “What They Don’t Teach You About Money” might be the perfect book for you. This instant top ten bestseller is written in a conversational tone and is easy to read, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a more conversational approach to their finances.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from understanding how you relate to money to making smart financial decisions. It also explores the psychology of money and how it affects our financial decisions. The author, Claer Barrett, shares her personal experiences and insights on building a richer life and achieving financial freedom.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of financial literacy. It emphasizes the need for everyone to have a basic understanding of personal finance and provides practical advice on how to manage your money effectively. The book also encourages readers to think about their financial goals and to create a plan to achieve them.
Overall, “What They Don’t Teach You About Money” is an excellent resource and absolutely the book we all wish we had before we made all those less than perfect financial decisions that we simply don’t talk about! (or is that just me?).
It provides practical advice, tips, and strategies that can help you achieve your financial goals and become wealthier over time.
From the Author
**The Instant Top Ten Bestseller**
‘Utterly indispensable.’ Lorraine Kelly
‘A must-read.’ Tim Harford
TV and radio money-agony-aunt Claer Barrett is the voice of reason in the cost of living crisis, teaching us what we need to know about money, in an accessible way that anyone can understand.
By unpicking our emotional relationship with money, she gets to the heart of how our financial habits are formed – and reveals seven powerful yet easy ways to transform how we manage our money for good.
If you struggle to understand where you’re going wrong with your money but don’t know where to start, What They Don’t Teach You About Money has all the answers you’ve been searching for. There’s no shaming finger-wagging or headache-inducing jargon, just hundreds of practical tips showing how to get money working for you.
The financial world can be an intimidating place, but Claer will banish any lack of confidence, demystifying money matters to help you regain control of your finances – and she’ll even make you laugh along the way.
You will learn:
– why your ‘financial personality’ is key to unlocking your money habits
– the secrets of successful budgeting (takeaway coffee is still allowed)
– how to deal with your debts, and understand student finance
– how to harness the power of digital banking to make your life easier, and save more
– how to plan for your financial future and set yourself achievable goals along the way
– how to talk about money and make uncomfortable conversations a thing of the past
– easy lessons to help everyone understand tax, pensions and investing (yes, really!)
– what you need to know before you buy your first property
– how to grow your income and get that pay rise
Claer expertly debunks the myths that keep us stuck in financial paralysis.
It’s time to regain control of your bank balance and get your money working for you!
Remember, getting hold of your financial reigns is the first step towards achieving financial freedom. So, why not start by picking up a copy of “What They Don’t Teach You About Money” today and start your journey towards financial independence?
Conclusion
Reading personal finance books is a great way to take control of your finances and achieve financial freedom. Whether you’re a millennial just starting out or a latecomer looking to catch up, there’s a book out there that can help you achieve your financial goals. So get a grip on your finances today and start building the financial life you’ve always dreamed of.
If however books are not really your thing – or you just want some uptodate advise on the go – try this podcast https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcast/
