B”H
I get questions on Personal Finance from women all the time, so I decided to put together Five Personal Finance Books Every Jewish Woman Should Read, AND I’m also making a BIG announcement at the end of this post!
If you’ve listened to Jewish Latin Princess Podcast, you know that I’ve dedicated numerous episodes to interviews with women who have a voice in the personal finance space, or a unique perspective and lesson for us, when it comes to money. Plus, I haven’t been shy about voicing my opinions on personal finance and money on the show, either. In addition, I’ve given now several talks on the topic of money and marriage, and I expect to be doing more. ;-)
I’ve read so many personal finance books (literally hundreds over the years) that it was hard for me to narrow down which ones are the most impactful and I would recommend to a Jewish woman who is looking to learn about the topic (something we should all do!). Trust me, there are many authors I could include and who deserve to be included, so it was hard to choose. But, I think this is a good representation of my favorites. So, if you want to advance your personal finance skills, here’s a list of five of my favorite personal finance books and ones that I believe every Jewish woman should read.
1- The Art of Money: A Lifechanging Guide to Financial Happiness by Bari Tessler
Bari’s was my first interview ever on Jewish Latin Princess’ Podcast. It is an amazing interview which received a lot of positive feedback. I think The Art of Money is a wonderful book. I happen to love Bari’s multi pronged approach and think it’s very important, because while personal finance is about numbers, it is never just about the numbers. Bari’s approach as a financial therapist is excellent and I think you will find this book very inspiring and illuminating at the same time. You can catch my interview with Bari here and you can find the book here. It really is one of my favorites!
2- Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Essential. Interesting and fundamental points about our Jewish wisdom and tradition and how they have to do with money, which sadly, are not often addressed. This book excellently weaves Jewish wisdom with business and financial life and it’s a very worthwhile read.
3- Prince Charming Isn’t Coming: How Women Get Smart About Money by Barbara Stanny
I interviewed Barbara Stanny for her most recent book, Sacred Success, and I love her work. In fact, I’ve read all of her books on Personal Finance and think they are all great. But, I would definitely start with this one because I think it reveals many things about women and money in particular, that you won’t find in most traditional personal finance books.
*** Overcoming Underearning: A Five Step Plan to a Richer Life by Barbara Stanny
Another must read from Barbara Stanny. I included it on the list because, I’ve found that more often than not, women fall into the trap of under earning (been there!). And when you read this book you will realize if you are under earning and what to do about it! It’s really eyeopening, trust me! The sooner you overcome under earning the better off you’ll be! It’s a good one, ladies.
4- Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choices with Your Money by Mary Beth Storjohann
Ok now that we’ve touched on the emotional and psychological parts of wealth and money, sprinkled with some Jewish wisdom, let’s get practical. This small book will get you to finally take the practical steps that you need to be taking, without overwhelming you. It is clear and to the point. Exactly how I like my finances. Don’t confuse me, don’t bore me. It’s not that hard. Just help me get it done. This is a great first guide to getting smart with your money. In fact, I wish I had had read this book in my twenties!
5- The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich by David Bach
I already spoke about this book on this blog post, and I thought of leaving it out of the list and including another more advanced book on Investing, which I adore – Alice Finn’s Smart Women Love Money: 5 Simple Life-Changing Rules of Investing. BUT, here’s the deal, when choosing 5 must read books for a woman who’s never really sat to read much about money, David Bach’s latest book, The Latte Factor, has to bee in that list! You’ll finish it in one sitting and you will love it. Straight and to the point, this book will get you to rethink how you’re approaching your work and your money. You might then have to move to other of David’s books or aven Alice’s book, but for now, this is definitely an essential book that every Jewish woman should read. I even made my older kids read it. :-)
Disclaimer: Not all the authors of these books are Jewish or address personal finance from a Jewish perspective. Some of the authors of these books are Jewish and some have very Jewish concepts in their book. If you’d like to hear more about personal finance from more of a Jewish perspective catch some of my podcast episodes listed below. Do I wish there were more books addressing Personal Finance from a Jewish perspective? YES, and that’s why I’m going to do something about it: I am writing a book!
What do you think? What do you think will be the title of my book? And more importantly, now that I’m working on my book, what do you want me to include in there? Tell me…
Related Posts:
10 Steps to Reduce Financial Anxiety and Feel Empowered
Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 1: Bari Tessler, Author of The Art of Money
Episode 4: Barbara Stanny, Best Selling Author & Money Coach
Episode 8: Debbie Sassen, Financial Planner & Money Coach
Episode 14: Amanda Steinberg, Author of Worth It
Episode 28: Yael Trusch on Judaism & Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Episode 33: Demystifying Investing with Debbie Sassen
Episode 53: Mara Strom, Creator of Kosher on a Budget
Episode 78: Chani Wilshanski, Founder of Discovered Ed Consulting
Episode 83: Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, the Fiscal Femme
Episode 88: Chagit Sofiev Leviev, CEO of Leviev USA & Philanthropist
Thank you so much for including my book, “Thou Shall Prosper: The Ten Commandments for Making Money” in your excellent list. I wrote it after an exhaustive study of not what people who happen to be a Jewish say about money but of what Judaism itself, through its Constitution, The Torah, says about money. The stimulus was innumerable gentiles, people without an anti-Semitic molecule in their beings, people who love and support a Israel asking me why Jews are disproportionately good with money. My first instinct was to deny it. But after noticing that the Forbes annual list of the 400 richest Americans contains between 60 and 100 Americans of Jewish ancestry, exceeding our demographic representation by roughly an order of magnitude, I realized the question was worth taking seriously. What I discovered blew my mind and resulted in a book I wrote in a feverish rapture of passion.
Good luck with your book and if I can be of any help, I’d be honored to be asked.
With appreciation for the stylish way in which you accomplish your work.
Sincerely
Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Thank You Rabbi Lapin. :-) BIG fan of your work!