Women, Wealth, and Wisdom: 8 Transformative Books to Build Financial Confidence
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Financial Empowerment
March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor trailblazing women who have redefined roles, challenged norms, and shaped a better future.
From influencing policy to excelling in leadership and pioneering industries, women throughout history have proven the power of stepping forward with intention and purpose.
As our COO, Terri Fiessinger, exemplifies, embracing your voice can be transformative.
Reflecting on her own journey, Terri shared, “Years ago, I realized that I was sometimes standing in my own way. It wasn’t until I read Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In that I recognized I was holding myself back.
I needed to trust that my voice mattered and belonged at the table.”
Her words remind us that financial literacy isn’t just about skills—it’s about confidence and claiming your seat at the table.
As we approach Financial Literacy Month, let’s celebrate Women’s History Month by committing to the journey of financial education. Together, we can build a legacy of empowerment and independence for generations to come.
Why Financial Literacy is Key for Women Today
Financial literacy for women is more important than ever, as it forms the foundation for building confidence, independence, and security. Women face unique challenges in financial planning, including wage gaps, career interruptions, and longer lifespans.
These factors make self-education in personal finance not just valuable but essential.
Understanding Women’s Unique Financial Needs
Financial independence for women means more than managing day-to-day budgets. It’s about creating a future where you can confidently handle unexpected expenses, retirement plans, and achieve long-term goals.
It’s also about fostering equality in financial conversations and decisions, especially in households, where women play a central role in shaping family wealth.
The Power of Financial Education
By dedicating time to financial literacy, you’re not just learning about wealth management—you’re gaining the tools to lead and influence, positively impacting decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Financial education for women provides a pathway to empowerment, whether through setting a budget, understanding investments, or navigating debt repayment.
Start Your Financial Independence Journey
Self-education is the first step. The books in this blog are designed to make financial topics approachable, accessible, and tailored to women’s needs.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant about jumping into the world of finances, know that knowledge is your greatest ally in becoming a financially independent woman—and the journey starts here.
The Ultimate Financial Books for Women’s Planning
9 Books to Inspire Financial Education for Women
Self-education is one of the most empowering steps in financial literacy for women. The following books provide actionable financial advice, inspiration, and tools for women at every stage of their journey to financial independence.
Whether just starting or enhancing wealth management skills, these reads address key elements like budgeting, investing, and economic confidence while being approachable and practical.
Book 1: Clever Girl Finance – Bola Sokunbi
What It’s About: Bola Sokunbi’sClever Girl Finance is the ultimate starter guide for women overwhelmed by financial topics. It simplifies saving, budgeting, and setting financial goals in a relatable, no-judgment tone.
How It Stands Out: Sokunbi emphasizes women’s empowerment, pairing practical advice with success stories to show readers they aren’t alone in their struggles and that small steps lead to significant transformations.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf:Perfect for women beginning their journey toward financial independence. Its actionable tips and easy-to-follow strategies build confidence and foster a healthier relationship with money, one decision at a time.
Book 2: Get Good with Money – Tiffany Aliche
What It’s About: Known as “The Budgetnista,” Tiffany Aliche provides a complete financial makeover in her book Get Good with Money. Aliche outlines a 10-step plan to achieve “financial wholeness,” touching on saving, budgeting, debt management, and retirement planning.
How It Stands Out: Aliche’s system is comprehensive and easy to implement, ensuring progress feels manageable even for those stressed or overwhelmed by finances.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: If you’re juggling family finances or struggling to build a transparent financial roadmap, this book offers clarity and a pathway to long-term security. Aliche’s supportive, relatable tone makes her advice actionable and motivational.
Book 3: Women and Money – Suze Orman
What It’s About: Financial guru Suze Orman delivers an empowering message in Women and Money, encouraging women to take control of their financial futures. The book combines foundational advice with strategies to build long-term wealth.
How It Stands Out: As a prominent figure in financial education, Orman brings a relatable, confidence-driven approach that fosters action. The book explores financial planning for women, addressing common fears and misconceptions.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: This book is an excellent fit for women who need financial confidence and clear next steps for planning and goal-setting. It’s all about putting you in control of your wealth.
Book 4: The Simple Path to Wealth – J.L. Collins
What It’s About: Collins’ The Simple Path to Wealth provides a straightforward, jargon-free approach to building wealth through innovative investment strategies. The book explains, step-by-step, how you can simplify your financial decisions and grow your wealth.
How It Stands Out: Unlike technical investment guides, Collins breaks down complex topics like index funds into conversational, easy-to-digest advice. His humorous tone makes intimidating concepts feel approachable.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: Women who want to dive into investing without feeling overwhelmed will find this book a game-changer. It’s perfect for those focused on long-term financial stability and wealth management.
Book 5: Smart Women Finish Rich – David Bach
What It’s About: David Bach’s Smart Women Finish Rich emphasizes aligning financial decisions with personal values. It walks readers through practical steps to budget, save, and invest with purpose.
How It Stands Out: This book uniquely blends financial literacy with goal-setting, helping women tie their financial goals to what truly matters most. Bach’s emphasis on creating a values-based plan sets it apart.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: If you’re a woman balancing family, career, and personal dreams, this book offers actionable advice on prioritizing and achieving those goals while building long-term security.
Book 6: I Will Teach You to Be Rich – Ramit Sethi
What It’s About: Ramit Sethi’s bold and humorous book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich, is about optimizing your money to live guilt-free while meeting your financial goals. It covers automating savings, smart investing, and negotiating expenses.
How It Stands Out: Sethi’s conversational tone makes financial planning refreshing and engaging. His focus on actionable strategies, like setting up automatic saving systems, appeals to tech-savvy women and busy professionals.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: This book is ideal for women who want to simplify financial management without sacrificing quality of life. Sethi shows you how to enjoy your money while building wealth in the background.
Book 7: The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
What It’s About: In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel explores the emotional and psychological factors influencing financial decision-making. Through powerful storytelling, he shares universal lessons in money management.
How It Stands Out: Rather than focusing purely on numbers, Housel emphasizes mindset and behavior, making abstract financial concepts feel personal and relatable.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: This book resonates with women balancing financial independence's emotional and practical sides. It offers a fresh way to rethink money, confidence, and long-term planning.
Book 8: The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After 50 – Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
What It’s About: This guide addresses the unique financial challenges after age 50, offering detailed advice on retirement savings, Social Security, and estate planning.
How It Stands Out: This book’s Q&A format makes it incredibly approachable for women wanting tailored, straightforward advice on later-life financial planning.
Why This Belongs on Your Shelf: For women nearing retirement or already planning their financial futures, this book offers clarity and guidance on making every dollar count during this stage of life.
Ready to Take Your First Step Towards Financial Empowerment?
Financial literacy is more than numbers—discovering your financial voice and stepping boldly into your power.
You’re taking a meaningful step toward becoming a financially independent woman by choosing one of the books we’ve shared. These resources are here to guide you toward confidence, clarity, and securing the future you deserve.
But why stop there?
Take the next step in your journey by downloading our free Guide to Financial Planning for Women. This resource is filled with actionable steps and strategies designed just for you.
Discover Your Financial Voice Today
We also invite you to explore more about women and financial planning by visiting our website or scheduling a consultation with our financial advisor, Kara Kunz. Whether you have questions about wealth management for women or want to create plans tailored to your goals, Kara is here to support you on your journey. Your financial voice matters—let’s make it heard.
This is for informational purposes only and does not serve as personal advice. Please speak to a qualified representative regarding your unique circumstances. Books and links within this blog are not associated to Cornerstone Wealth and links are subject to change. Hyperlinks will take you to a third-party website whose content Cornerstone Wealth does not control. Investment advisory services offered through Cornerstone Wealth Group, LLC dba Cornerstone Wealth, an SEC registered investment adviser