Personal finance encompasses various aspects of individual and household money management. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to finances; what works for others might not work for you. How you choose to budget, save, and invest is unique to you. However, trying to figure out what works for you can feel intimidating. It can be hard to know where to start with so much advice floating around. Below, I will share with you some of the more engaging and relatable personal finance resources I’ve come across.
Personal Finance Resources for Beginners
Whether you’re facing a mountain of debt, a new pay increase, or are simply curious about money, there are many excellent resources available to help you improve your finances. I’ve selected these resources based on their straightforward delivery and actionable guides. Here are our recommendations for the best personal finance resources:
The Millionaire Next Door
Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko’s The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy is a research-based book that examines wealth accumulation through psychological and sociological aspects of money management. It’s an insightful guide and presentation of frugal traits and habits that lead the average American to financial success.
Two Cents YouTube Channel
If you’re short on time but interested in a splash of financial education, then look no further than PBS’ Two Cents series. Hosted by a husband and wife team, Philip Olson and Julia Lorenz-Olson, Two Cents features bite-sized segments of Personal Finance 101. These short videos are approachable, informative, and entertaining.
Fidelity’s Learning Center
Perfect for beginners, Fidelity’s Learning Center is a great resource for learning about personal finance, investing, and trading. It’s well-organized and user-friendly, with a wide array of articles, videos, and webinars arranged by topic.
Duke University’s Behavioral Finance Course
Coursera offers Duke University’s Behavioral Finance Course for free. Behavioral finance addresses how emotions and biases play into financial decision-making. It’s a relatively new area of study that combines psychology and economics. Exploring behavioral finance is a phenomenal place to start when trying to understand your own money habits.
Khan Academy’s Personal Finance and Financial Literacy Courses
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing free, world-class education to all ages. Get started on your financial literacy journey with Khan Academy’s Personal Finance and Financial Literacy Courses. These virtual courses offer step-by-step guidance, video lectures, and exercises to help you strengthen your financial foundation.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Though geared toward twenty-somethings, I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi delivers basic money advice in a conversational tone that may appeal to anyone who prefers a no-nonsense approach. Sethi engages the reader with practical tips on conscious spending and smart investing while still enjoying a fun lifestyle. Case studies and real-life examples provide a comprehensive guide to wealth-building through smart money habits, negotiation, and mindfulness.
Clark Howard’s Website & Podcast
I grew up listening to Clark Howard and still appreciate his sound advice to this day. He is a consumer expert who offers unbiased advice on spending less, saving more, and avoiding rip-offs. Clark Howard’s website and podcast are excellent personal finance resources. Both feature a wealth of practical tips and actionable ways to take control of your money.
Afford Anything Podcast
The premise behind the Afford Anything Podcast is that we can afford anything, but not everything. Creator and host Paula Pant outlines how to spend your time, money, and energy through values-based decision-making. She aims to teach listeners how to make choices that lead to financial freedom and better living. Interviews with industry experts, real-life experiences, and listener questions provide educational and entertaining insight.
The Money Guy Show Podcast
Fee-only financial planners and wealth managers Brian Preston and Bo Hanson host The Money Guy Show, a podcast that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand and easy-to-implement steps toward smart financial decisions. Preston and Hanson share invaluable guidance and insight from their own experiences. Topics range from money basics to debt reduction, retirement savings, investment strategies, and more.
Master Your Money
While the world of personal finance can seem unfamiliar to a beginner, there are several resources that can help you get started. Hopefully, the suggestions above are helpful in learning about money management.
Personal finance is personal. Explore what works for you. Experiment with different courses, books, podcasts, and videos. And don’t forget to check out your local library to see what resources are available to you. You will soon find which ways work best and how you prefer to master your money.
2 Responses
Shared with ‘the girls’. Nadja
That’s great – thank you! 🙂