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In the early days of being straddled with debt, I committed to learning as much as I could about money and my relationship with it. I read as many of the best financial books I could get my hands on.
What I quickly realized was my money problems were rooted in my beliefs about money. What I learned as a child had carried over into my adulthood, and most of it no longer served me well. You can read more about my personal story here.
What I also learned was how I used money in so many unhealthy ways as a substitute to fill my unmet needs.
The entire purpose of the challenge is to help other’s struggling with overspending and debt realize why they spend the way they do! Over the years I’ve talked with hundreds if not thousands of women and men who thought paying off their debt was enough. They didn’t see the value in cultivating a relationship with money and learning the motivation behind their spending, savings and investment habits.
One the best ways to develop a better understanding of money is to read as many books as you can on the subject.
THE BEST FINANCIAL BOOKS I READ THAT GOT ME OUT OF DEBT
This book is an excellent resource for those of you who are living paycheck to paycheck. Under-earners struggle with their self-worth which is translated into how much they earn. This book contains excellent exercises and tools to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and start making more money.
Other Resources Worth Reading: How To Budget When You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck
By far one of the best books ever written on the subject. The book will help you uncover all those nasty hidden beliefs we carry around like bricks and then give you the tools and techniques to break free from them once and for all. This is a must read!
Other Resources Worth Reading: The 30 Day Money Mindset Challenge
This is like therapy wrapped up between two covers. Jammed packed with useful information to help you overcome under-earning, low or no savings, overspending and chronic debt. Filled with lots of tools and strategies to help you change your financial circumstances and regain peace of mind.
Other Resources Worth Reading: How To Reach Your New Year Financial Resolutions
I read this book after several years after my financial recovery, and so it didn’t impact me in the same way as some of the other books. But one of the reasons why I include it here is because of the straight, no bullshit approach Larry takes. It’s like a slap in the face, in a nice way and some people may better respond with that approach. One particular area I continued to struggle with was pretty much cured after reading this book despite how far I had come in my journey. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy reading it.
Other Resources Worth Reading: My Debt Free Journey
The bible of all financial debt management books out there. This is a much read for anyone suffering from debt. Although I don’t always agree 100% with Dave, I learned a lot about becoming a better steward of my money by reading his book.
Other Resources Worth Reading: The Joy of Saving
What are some of your best financial book recommendations? I’m always interested in reading new material on the subject or old favorites, so if you have a great recommendation leave it in the comments section.
Happy Reading~
MY FAVORITE MONEY-SAVING TOOLS
EBATES: Want to earn cash back when you shop online? Ebates acts as a shopping portal offering coupons and cashback from over 2,000 online stores. I always check on Ebates first whenever I shop online! You can join Ebates for free and get a $10 welcome bonus when you sign up through this link.
WEEKLY: All the books above helped me shift my mindset around money, but having the right tool to put that into practice daily matters just as much. Weekly is a budgeting app that breaks your spending down week by week instead of month by month — and that one shift makes a real difference when you’re trying to stay on track.
GROCERY BUDGET MAKEOVER: Is your grocery budget giving you a serious kick in your families spending plan? Grocery Budget Makeover helped my family slash $6,000 a year from our food bill! Learn more about how Grocery Budget Makeover can help you save money too!
I’m a professional cleaner with over 13 years of hands-on experience cleaning homes, a published writer, certified money specialist, and the founder of A Mess Free Life. After paying off over $50,000 in debt, I dedicated myself to helping others master their homes and their money — proving that a clean, organized, stress-free life is possible no matter where you’re starting from. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking, playing bocce, sipping an extra dirty martini, or enjoying the ocean with my cats nearby. I’m also a proud mom and grandma who cares deeply for my mother at home.
