10 Best Books for Building Wealth in 2025

Finding the best wealth-building books can feel overwhelming—so many lists, so many recommendations, but not all of them are actually useful today. That’s why I’ve put together a list of books that go beyond generic advice and offer real, actionable strategies for growing your money in 2025.

Whether you want to shift your mindset around money, invest smarter, or create financial freedom, these books will help you get there. So grab a coffee, make some space on your nightstand, and get ready to build lasting wealth with these must-reads.

Table of Contents

1. 1. The Psychology of Money
2. 2. Die With Zero
3. 3. The Simple Path to Wealth
4. 4. The Path
5. 5. Quit Like a Millionaire
6. 6. Playing with FIRE
7. 7. The Automatic Millionaire
8. 8. Money for Tomorrow
9. 9. Broke Millennial Takes On Investing
10. 10. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

1. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

• Year published: 2020
• Length:  256

What it’s about

This book explores how people think about money, investing, and wealth. Housel argues that financial success isn’t just about knowledge. It’s also about behavior. He uses engaging stories and timeless lessons to explain why smart money decisions often have more to do with psychology than math.

Takeaways 

• Wealth is what you don’t see. Flashy cars and designer handbags don’t equal financial security. True wealth is built by saving and investing, not spending.
• Time matters more than timing. Consistently investing over decades beats trying to predict the perfect moment to buy or sell.
• Emotions drive financial decisions. Understanding your own financial biases can help you avoid costly mistakes (like panic-selling in a market downturn).

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

With social media bombarding us with luxury lifestyles and “get rich quick” advice, The Psychology of Money is a much-needed reality check. If you want to build lasting wealth without falling into the trap of keeping up with the Joneses, this book will change the way you think about money for the better.

Saving is the gap between your ego and your income.

– Morgan Housel, The Psychology of Money

2. Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

• Year published: 2020
• Length: 240 pages

What it’s about

Die With Zero challenges the traditional mindset of saving endlessly for retirement. Instead, Perkins argues that money should be used to create meaningful life experiences while you’re still young enough to enjoy them. The goal? To maximize both wealth and life satisfaction.

Takeaways

• Optimize your money for experiences. Don’t wait until retirement to start enjoying life. Invest in experiences that matter to you now.
• The value of money changes over time. $10,000 at 30 may create more happiness than $100,000 at 80.
• Don’t over-save at the cost of living. Many people die with millions in the bank without having ever truly lived.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

More people are rejecting the traditional “work until you’re 65” mindset in favor of financial independence and early retirement. If you struggle with balancing saving and spending, this book will help you rethink how to use your money to live a fulfilling life.

Your biggest fear ought to be wasting your life and time, not ‘Am I going to have X number of dollars when I’m 80?’

– Bill Perkins, Die With Zero

3. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

• Year published: 2016
• Length: 284 pages

What it’s about

Originally written as a letter to Collins’ daughter, The Simple Path to Wealth is exactly what it sounds like: an easy, no-BS guide to building wealth through low-cost index fund investing. There’s no stock-picking or market timing involved. 

Takeaways

• Index funds are king. Instead of playing the stock market, invest in low-cost index funds like VTSAX for steady, long-term growth.
• The power of FU money. Saving and investing wisely gives you the freedom to walk away from bad jobs, bad bosses, and bad situations.
• Avoid lifestyle inflation. The more you earn, the easier it is to spend. But true wealth comes from keeping expenses in check.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

With market volatility and economic uncertainty always looming, The Simple Path to Wealth lays out an investment strategy that keeps things simple and stress-free. This is one of the best wealth-building books for a reason. It’s like getting solid financial advice from a wise (and slightly sarcastic) uncle.

There are many things money can buy, but the most valuable of all is freedom. Freedom to do what you want and to work for whom you respect.

– JL Collins

4. The Path by Peter Mallouk

• Year published: 2020
• Length: 320 pages

What it’s about

Do you want to build wealth without getting lost in the chaos of financial news and stock market noise? Then The Path is another one of the best wealth-building books for you. Peter Mallouk (one of the top financial advisors in the U.S.) lays out a clear strategy for investing, planning for the future, and making smart money moves that support your life goals (instead of just chasing returns).

Takeaways

• Financial success is about discipline, not luck. Smart investing and long-term planning lead to wealth—not market timing.
• Your money should support your life goals. Instead of simply hoarding money, use it to create freedom, security, and the life you actually want.
• Avoid financial noise. Most of what you hear in the media doesn’t matter. Focus on long-term strategies, not day-to-day headlines.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

We’re constantly bombarded with “hot” investing tips and financial fear-mongering, but The Path teaches a calm, steady approach to growing wealth. If you’re looking for a clear, no-drama blueprint for long-term financial security, this book is a must-read.

Together, we can chart your path to financial freedom.

– Peter Mallouk, The Path

5. Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen & Bryce Leung

• Year published: 2019
• Length: 336 pages

What it’s about

Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung didn’t come from money, and they didn’t win the lottery. Instead, they retired in their 30s by following a straightforward wealth-building strategy: save aggressively, invest wisely, and hack the system to minimize taxes. This book is part financial guide, part personal memoir. It’s proof that early retirement isn’t just for tech bros with six-figure salaries.

Takeaways

• Early retirement is possible on any income. You don’t need a six-figure salary; you  just need the right strategy.
• Geoarbitrage can stretch your money further. Living in lower-cost areas (or even countries) can accelerate financial independence.
• A traditional career path isn’t the only way. The book challenges outdated ideas about job security and retirement planning.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

More people than ever are questioning the 9-to-5 grind. Quit Like a Millionaire offers a real, actionable plan to break free. If you dream of ditching the cubicle way before 65, this book will show you how to make it happen without needing to strike it rich first.

At the end of the day, it isn’t about money, it’s about time—and how to use it wisely to live the best life possible. 

– Kristy Shen, Quit Like a Millionaire

6. Playing with FIRE by Scott Rieckens

• Year published: 2019
• Length: 224 pages

What it’s about

What if you didn’t have to work until 65? Playing with FIRE follows Scott Rieckens’ deep dive into the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. It blends his personal story with practical strategies for achieving financial freedom. Bonus: there’s also a documentary and podcast by the same name.

Takeaways

• Cutting expenses doesn’t mean cutting happiness. Many luxuries don’t bring lasting fulfillment.
• Financial independence is about freedom, not just money. Work because you want to, not because you have to.
• Small changes add up. A few strategic lifestyle shifts can fast-track your path to wealth.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

The FIRE movement is still going strong. With rising costs and economic uncertainty, saving money has never been more important. This book is part inspiration, part strategy, and all about designing a life that doesn’t revolve around work.

The general path to FIRE is to save 50 – 70% of your income, invest those savings in low-fee stock index funds, and retire in roughly 10 years.

– Scott Rieckens, Playing with FIRE

7. The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

• Year published: 2004 (Updated in 2016)
• Length: 288 pages

What it’s about

If you’ve ever felt like saving money is too hard or that building wealth requires a massive paycheck, The Automatic Millionaire is here to prove you wrong. David Bach’s approach is refreshingly simple: set your finances on autopilot, and let time do the work. This book shows you how small, consistent actions can add up to big results.

Takeaways

• Pay yourself first. Automate your savings so money goes to your future before you even see it.
• The Latte Factor. Tiny, everyday expenses add up. Cutting small, unnecessary costs can fund your long-term goals.
• Invest automatically. Set up recurring investments and let compound growth build your wealth.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

With rising living costs, saving money feels harder than ever. But this book proves that it’s still possible. It teaches you how to grow wealth effortlessly, even if you don’t feel like a “numbers person.” 

Once the decision is out of your hands, there’s no way you can be tempted into doing the wrong thing.

– David Bach, The Automatic Billionaire

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As I work with many entrepreneurs, I often recommend Profit First, by Michael Michalowicz. This book takes the guesswork out of how much to pay yourself, how much to save in taxes, how much to reinvest in the business, and how to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. 

I tell clients that they will have to adjust the philosophy slightly, but starting here will provide them with a framework for thinking about building personal wealth through business growth. Other entrepreneur-focused books I recommend include, Why 10x Is Easier Than 2x and Buy Back Your Time.

8. Money for Tomorrow by Whitney Elkins-Hutten

• Year published: 2024
• Length: 200 pages

What it’s about

Most investing books focus on stocks, but Money for Tomorrow expands the conversation. Whitney Elkins-Hutten, a seasoned real estate investor, walks you through building wealth with real estate, private businesses, and other passive income streams. Instead of just accumulating assets, she emphasizes having a cash flow that supports your lifestyle.

Takeaways

• Wealth isn’t just about stocks. Real estate, private businesses, and alternative investments can diversify and grow your portfolio.
• Cash flow is king. A high net worth means nothing if you don’t have steady income coming in.
• Invest with an exit strategy. Knowing when and how to cash out is just as important as knowing where to invest.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

If you’re serious about wealth-building, you can’t just rely on a single investment type. This book gives you the bigger picture: how to create multiple income streams, use real estate as a wealth-building tool, and choose investments that fund your future. Elkins-Hutten walks you through actionable strategies to grow your money, even in uncertain times.

When you change your internal conversation from ‘I can’t’ to ‘How can I?’ your world will change in the blink of an eye.

– Whitney Elkins-Hutten, Money for Tomorrow

9. Broke Millennial Takes On Investing by Erin Lowry

• Year published: 2019
• Length: 256 pages

What it’s about

Investing can feel like a members-only club, especially if you didn’t grow up hearing about stocks and 401(k)s at the dinner table. In Broke Millennial Takes On Investing, Erin Lowry breaks down investing in a relatable, non-intimidating way. 

She covers everything from retirement accounts to real estate, all while addressing common fears that keep people from getting started.

Takeaways

• You don’t need to be rich to invest. Even small, consistent investments can snowball into serious wealth.
• Understanding risk makes you a better investor. Learning about market volatility helps you stay calm when prices fluctuate.
• You don’t have to pick stocks. Index funds and robo-advisors make investing easy, even if you have no clue where to start.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

A lot of investing books assume you already know the basics, but this one truly starts from square one. If you’ve been avoiding investing because it feels too complicated or risky, this book will give you the knowledge (and the push) to finally take action. 

Don’t let another day, week, month, or year go by with you thinking that you can’t invest because it’s too complicated or you aren’t rich enough or whatever other excuse you might’ve allowed to creep into your brain thus far.

– Erin Lowry, Broke Millennial Takes On Investing

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In addition to these books, work with a holistic, empathic wealth and tax advisor who knows how to educate. Ask as many questions as you can, and sit and digest while they teach and explain in stories how money concepts apply to you and your life. A good advisor can explain in “color” via pictures and stories—and that can make all the difference in the world in terms of “getting it.”

10. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle

• Year published: 2007 (Updated in 2017)
• Length: 304 pages

What it’s about

John Bogle is the legendary founder of Vanguard. And in this older (but still relevant) wealth-building book, he makes a rock-solid case for index fund investing. Bogle explains, in the simplest terms, why most actively managed investments fail to beat the market and why keeping costs low is the key to long-term wealth.

Takeaways

• Stock picking is a losing game. The vast majority of actively managed funds underperform the market over time.
• Lower fees = higher returns. Actively managed funds eat into your wealth with high fees.
• Long-term investing wins. Market downturns are inevitable, but if you stay the course, history shows you’ll come out ahead.

Why it’s worth reading in 2025

Want a foolproof way to grow wealth without stress? This book lays out the simplest investment strategy that’s historically proven to work. It’s the playbook for anyone who wants to grow wealth with almost no effort.

Don’t look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack.

– John C. Bogle, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

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