10 Most Respected Personal Finance Authors for 2024

Many high school students plan for their future by establishing short and long-term goals. Students continue to hone their language, science, and mathematics skills during high school while enhancing their education by engaging in extracurricular activities and studying topics of personal interest. 

Unfortunately, the subject of personal finance isn’t always on the curriculum for high school students. Without a formal education in personal finance, students may turn to their families, friends, or their intuition to inform their approach to money management. The personal finance skills one develops during their formative years can stick with them throughout their lives, but it’s never too late to learn new things. 

Personal finance experts — some of whom have authored books to share their financial insights with readers worldwide — abound on the internet . This list of the 10 most respected personal finance authors for 2024 highlights authors to follow for personal finance advice and education. 

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Reframing Mindsets

A person’s misunderstandings about money can cause them to make one poor financial decision after another. Ramit Sethi teaches people how their mindsets can help them reach their goals and live an abundant life.

Sethi believes people should embrace spending money on products and services they love while eliminating spending money on things that don’t bring them happiness. 

Why We Recommend Ramit Sethi

Sethi paid his college tuition without assistance from his family. He began learning about personal finance while researching ways to pay for his schooling. 

Sethi’s book, “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” teaches readers how to earn additional income and start saving. Sethi also hosts a podcast in which he helps people overcome financial challenges.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Investment Strategies

People can use investments to build a nest egg to finance their retirements, but getting started in investing can be daunting. J.L. Collins introduces readers to his investment strategies in his book, “The Simple Path to Wealth,” which also points out pitfalls investors should avoid.

Collins helps investors prepare for bear and bull markets and learn how to maximize their investing dollars. He also outlines employer-sponsored retirement plans and advises readers on incorporating them into their overall investment strategy.

Why We Recommend J. L. Collins

Collins shares snippets of his wisdom in his posts about stocks, which explain the differences between types of investment vehicles and help readers learn about asset allocation. 

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Financial Independence

Many aspire to achieve financial independence, but the path to get there isn’t always clearly marked. Vicki Robin guides readers of her book, “Your Money or Your Life,” to follow her recipe for financial freedom, which includes getting rid of debt and learning to live with less.

Robin wrote the book from her experiences and perspectives on consumers’ dependence on money.   

Why We Recommend Vicki Robin

In addition to personal finances, Robin is passionate about local food and has spearheaded initiatives aimed at helping communities embrace sustainability. She shares ideas for practicing sustainable habits alongside money management tips on her website.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Money Psychology

Readers interested in learning more than just practical steps to be financially healthy can benefit from Morgan Housel’s research and advice. Housel dives deep into how people think about money in his bestseller, “The Psychology of Money.”

Don’t be intimidated by its title. “The Psychology of Money” sounds as if it could be an academic book packed with confusing terminology, but Housel breaks down his insights into digestible short stories that help readers build a financially solid foundation.

Why We Recommend Morgan Housel

Housel is a respected name in the finance arena. In 2022, a financial news platform named him one of the 50 most influential people in the markets. Housel also shares his insights via speaking engagements.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Women

Tori Dunlap saved more than $100,000 by the time she was 25 years old. She quit her job as a manager at a large company soon thereafter. Dunlap used her savings to build a platform to spread her message of helping women overcome financial roadblocks and believe in themselves.

Dunlap’s book, “The Financial Feminist,” helps readers understand their relationship with money and build wealth.

Why We Recommend Tori Dunlap

Dunlap champions causes that are important to women. She hosts a podcast that guides women toward financial freedom. Visitors to her website can enroll in courses that teach them how to make investments and build wealth while providing access to live coaching.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Couples

It’s no secret that differences in opinion regarding financial matters can create friction in relationships. Couples can benefit from aligning their economic goals.

David Bach helps couples get on the same page financially and begin living a rich life together in his book, “Smart Couples Finish Rich.” Bach draws from his experience as a financial advisor, where he helped hundreds of couples work together on their financial plan.

Why We Recommend David Bach

Those who aren’t in a relationship needn’t worry — they can still benefit from Bach’s advice. He has authored multiple books to guide people of all backgrounds to develop sound financial habits that help them realize their dreams.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Side Hustles

Individuals looking to pay off debt and increase their savings may find themselves wishing they earned more money, but asking for a raise isn’t always effective. Side hustles enable people to earn extra income from a source other than their primary job.

Bola Sokunbi outlines how to build a business on the side in her book, “Clever Girl Finance: The Side Hustle Guide.” The book helps readers write a financial plan and learn how to market their side hustle.

Why We Recommend Bola Sokunbi

As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Sokunbi speaks from experience. She offers numerous free courses and resources on her website to help people begin taking control of their financial futures.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Millennials

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, aren’t the new kids on the block anymore. Most millennials are approaching middle age — if they haven’t arrived there already. As people age, their financial needs change.

Erin Lowry shares her financial wisdom in her “Broke Millennial” book series. The first book in her series is an excellent place to start for readers interested in taking control of their finances.

Why We Recommend Erin Lowry

Lowry’s other books help millennials develop additional skills. The second book in the “Broke Millennial” series teaches investment strategies. The third book in the series provides tips to guide millennials through awkward conversations about money.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Families

Sound financial management can be challenging for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult for people with families to support. Joline Godfrey has been providing financial advice to families since the early 1990s. 

Her book, “Raising Financially Fit Kids,” encourages parents to instill sound money management skills in their children. Godfrey designed the book to be used by parents, guardians, and educators.

Why We Recommend Joline Godfrey

Godfrey understands that a child’s ability to grasp financial matters grows as they mature. Godfrey helps readers learn how to teach children about money depending on their age and level of maturity. She provides money lessons suitable for children, teens, and twentysomethings.

#1 Most Respected Personal Finance Author for Relatability

Someone may have all the financial wisdom in the world. But if they can’t effectively communicate it to others, no one other than themselves will benefit from their knowledge. 

Jen Sincero has a wealth of financial wisdom, and she’s adept at sharing her expertise with others in a relatable and humorous manner that readers appreciate. 

Why We Recommend Jen Sincero

Sincero was living in a garage at the age of 40. She transformed her approach to managing finances to become a bestselling author and motivational speaker. Sincero shares her struggles and how she overcame them to help readers learn from her mistakes and successes. 

For individuals desiring to increase their financial skills, learning from the insights of experts can be a great place to start. 

This list of the 10 most respected personal finance authors highlights writers whose expertise has helped countless people around the world build toward a better tomorrow.