The list of the financial independence books below is a game changer. There are lots of books out there, but most of them are overly wordy with little insight. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the best books on the topic.

Within their pages, you’ll uncover time-tested strategies to improve your finances. And by following their lead, you can wipe out debt faster, build up your savings and set up sources of automatic income.

In the past few years, financial independence has been catching more attention. In fact, there’s an entire movement around it…

one of the best financial independence books open next to a laptop

Financial Independence Books and the FIRE Movement

The financial independence, retire early (FIRE) movement is picking up steam. Millions of people are learning they can live with less without compromising their happiness. And going one step further, more people are becoming happier with less.

With the right mindset and plans in place, you can kick the classic 9-to-5 job to the curb. That’s the goal for many FIRE followers. Although there are many interpretations…

Some focus only on the financial independence side. They enjoy the work they do and have no plans of retiring early. Still, the FIRE mindset is useful. As they approach and reach financial independence, this mindset grants them even more flexibility on the job.

FIRE followers don’t have to worry as much about saying no to new projects or tasks for fear of losing their jobs. This can drastically improve decision making at work, as well as fulfillment.

No matter your FIRE goals, these are some of the best financial independence books to get you there…

  1. How to Retire Happy, Wild and Free

Author: Ernie J. Zelinski
Publication Date: 2004

When you focus on your health and the larger picture, you can speed up your path to financial independence. Setting the right goals is vital to both obtaining and enjoying your retirement.

This book focuses on building a path to an active and happy retirement. The financial side is important, but you should also consider hobbies, physical and mental well-being, and social support. One unique tool you’ll find in this book is the “Get-a-Life Tree.”

  1. Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?

Author: Cary Siegel
Publication Date: 2013

Coming out of high school and college, most people haven’t learned how to manage their finances. So this book teaches you what most schools don’t.

Managing money is by no means rocket science. Yet too many sources make it overly complicated. With some simple rules, anyone can improve their income and savings. This book details 99 principles that can enhance your financial well-being.

  1. Early Retirement Extreme

Author: Jacob Lund Fisker
Publication Date: 2010

This financial independence book has an extreme title, but it’s packed with practical advice. The author reached independence by age 30 and was able to retire from his profession at 33. With this book, you’ll find firsthand examples that work.

On top of that, you’ll find key financial principles and a framework for success. With these tools, just about anyone can become financially independent in five to 10 years. One key takeaway is learning how to escape the trap of consumerism. When you become a net producer, you can live a more fulfilling life.

  1. Your Money or Your Life

Author: Vicki Robin
Publication Date: 1992

Within the pages of Your Money or Your Life, you’ll find out how to take control of your financial life. Already, hundreds of thousands of people have followed this book’s nine-step program.

Whether you’re just beginning or already close to retirement, you’ll find some useful tips for financial independence. It covers getting out of debt, building up savings and investing. One big takeaway is that you can learn to live well for less and declutter your life.

  1. The Millionaire Fastlane

Author: M.J. DeMarco
Publication Date: 2011

This financial independence book focuses on speeding up your path to the millionaire’s club. Too many people have bought into a “settle for less” financial plan. Go to college, get a job, save 10% of each paycheck and so on… then at 65 you can retire rich.

Although this isn’t the only path to financial independence. You don’t have to subscribe to a lifetime of mediocrity. With this book, you’ll uncover an expressway to financial freedom. Also, you’ll learn why most entrepreneurs fail and how to put the odds in your favor.

  1. The Simple Path to Wealth

Author: JL Collins
Publication Date: 2016

This book is packed with useful insight and is an easy read. It grew out of a series of letters between the author and his daughter. They covered topics such as money and investing. And, like most people, the daughter didn’t want to hear the advice.

This background is what’s helped the author write such an impactful financial independence book. Many people don’t want to spend time thinking about money, but it’s the most powerful tool we have for navigating the world. And if you refuse to learn some simple concepts, you can make some big mistakes.

For another list of great books, check out our list of the top financial freedom books or these best investing books.

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