Mumbai: For far too long, financial advice and wealth-building strategies have been dominated by men. But why should women rely on a “middleman” when they can take charge of their finances? The financial system hasn’t exactly made things easy for women—higher student loan debt, more frequent mortgage denials, and systemic wage gaps continue to create hurdles.
Research from Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management (2025) shows that the gender pay gap is still firmly in place, and many women feel undereducated when it comes to investments, pensions, and financial planning.
However, financial empowerment is within reach, and women today are making finances fun, accessible, and relevant. The following books, written by female financial experts, break down complex money matters, provide actionable advice, and equip women with the tools to achieve financial independence.
Best books on financial literacy for women
If you’ve been looking for a solid starting point to improve your financial literacy, here are some of the best books to guide you on your journey.
1. The Great Crashes by Linda Yueh
Understanding past financial crashes can help us make better decisions about the future. In The Great Crashes, Dr Linda Yueh, a world-renowned economist and Oxford professor, explores ten of the most significant financial disasters in history. From the Wall Street Crash of 1929 to the COVID-19 economic downturn, she dissects each crisis, explaining where things went wrong and what lessons we can learn.
Yueh’s insightful analysis makes this book an essential read for anyone who wants to understand how financial markets function and why economies can collapse. By recognising cyclical patterns, readers can make smarter investment choices and protect their wealth from potential financial downturns.
2. Money: A User’s Guide by Laura Whateley
Money: A User’s Guide is an all-in-one financial toolkit designed to help readers navigate everyday money matters with confidence. Laura Whateley breaks the book into three key sections:
- The basics: Covers budgeting, savings, pensions, mortgages, and financial rights.
- Money and emotions: Discusses financial stress, spending habits, and how money affects relationships.
- Practical advice: Offers real-world strategies for tackling debt and making informed financial decisions.
Unlike traditional finance books that focus purely on numbers, Whateley emphasises the emotional side of money, making it relatable and easy to understand. Whether you’re struggling with debt, navigating joint finances with a partner, or planning for the future, this book offers actionable solutions.
3. What They Don’t Teach You About Money: Seven Habits to Unlock Financial Independence by Claer Barrett
Personal finance can often feel overwhelming, but Claer Barrett, columnist and consumer editor at the Financial Times, makes it approachable in What They Don’t Teach You About Money: Seven Habits to Unlock Financial Independence.
Barrett answers pressing financial questions like:
- Why do we overspend?
- How does debt spiral out of control?
- What are the best strategies to build financial security?
With a lighthearted yet informative approach, she provides practical money-management tips and breaks down complex financial jargon. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by finance, this book serves as a great starting point to demystify your bank balance.
4. Clever Girl Finance: Debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi
Bola Sokunbi, founder of the financial education platform Clever Girl Finance, wrote this book to empower women to take control of their financial future. The book is packed with practical advice on how to:
- Get out of debt.
- Build savings.
- Invest wisely.
- Achieve long-term financial security.
Sokunbi shares her journey of financial independence, showing that smart money management isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making empowered choices.
She also expands her teachings through follow-up books like The Side Hustle Guide and Grow Your Money, making her work an excellent resource for women at any stage of their financial journey.
5. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Rachel Rodgers, CEO of Hello Seven, is on a mission to help women, people of colour, and marginalised communities build wealth. Her book, We Should All Be Millionaires, isn’t just about personal financial growth—it’s about using wealth as a tool for community empowerment.
Rodgers provides real-world examples and actionable strategies to:
- Shift your mindset around money.
- Build a seven-figure business.
- Achieve financial independence.
She believes that financial success should be accessible to everyone, and she challenges women to claim their economic power. If you’re looking for a book that combines financial literacy with motivation and inspiration, this is the perfect read.
6. Worthy by Nancy Levin
Nancy Levin’s book, Worthy, focuses on the psychological side of money. Instead of just discussing budgeting or investing, she asks readers to examine their beliefs about wealth and self-worth.
Levin argues that financial success starts with a healthy money mindset. She presents a 10-step plan that helps readers:
- Identify negative money narratives.
- Overcome financial self-doubt.
- Develop habits that foster long-term wealth.
Through guided exercises and journal prompts, Levin makes financial self-improvement an empowering and transformative experience.
7. Girls Just Wanna Have Funds by Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, Camilla Falkenberg, and Emma Due Bitz
This book, written by the founders of Female Invest, is a feminist financial guide that tackles the gender wealth gap head-on. Hartvigsen, Falkenberg, and Bitz provide practical insights into:
- The basics of financial management.
- How to start investing with confidence.
- Strategies for long-term wealth-building.
They break down investing in a way that’s approachable for beginners, making it a must-read for women who want to grow their money strategically.
For too long, financial literacy has been seen as a male-dominated space. But women are just as capable—if not more, when it comes to making smart financial decisions. Research even suggests that women tend to be better investors than men, thanks to their strategic approach, patience, and ability to maintain diversified portfolios.
Each of the books listed above provides valuable lessons on wealth-building, money management, and financial empowerment. Whether you’re looking to get out of debt, start investing, or simply gain confidence in handling your finances, these books serve as powerful guides.
The bottom line? Women don’t need outdated advice about skipping lattes to save money. They need practical, real-world financial strategies that work. It’s time to ditch the outdated myths, take charge of your finances, and build the wealth you deserve. The right knowledge is the key to financial independence, and these books are a great place to start.
Financial literacy is key to building long-term wealth and achieving independence. Yet, many women face barriers when it comes to money management, investing, and financial planning. The good news? There are incredible books written by female financial experts that simplify complex financial topics and provide actionable steps to grow your wealth. From budgeting and saving to investing and entrepreneurship, these must-read books will empower you to take control of your financial future with confidence. Book Review Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
