Learning about personal finance was never easy for me. Growing up, I didn’t have anyone to talk to about money. I spent countless hours trying to figure things out on my own. These days, I enjoy meaningful money conversations with my uncle, but back then, financial literacy felt out of reach. Talking about money is often seen as taboo, especially in underprivileged families and communities like the one I grew up in. Yet, openness about money is exactly what we need.

For a long time, I didn’t believe books could change my financial life. I thought they might offer advice, but not transformation. I was wrong. The right books — combined with mentors and creators who inspired me — reshaped not only my finances but my entire outlook on life.

YouTube: My First Financial Classroom

Before diving into books, I have to acknowledge what I call YouTube University. YouTube was my entry point into serious money management. It helped me understand concepts like compound interest, stocks, ETFs, real estate investing, and building multiple streams of income.

Creators like Graham Stephan opened my eyes to real estate — something a kid from the Bronx knew nothing about. His lessons pushed me to think about wealth beyond a paycheck. Then there was AskSebby, whose content made me take my credit score seriously. I realized how much money I was leaving on the table by ignoring perks and rewards.

But the channel that truly shifted my mindset toward books was Dave Ramsey’s.

Dave Ramsey: Facing Harsh Truths

Through his radio show, Dave Ramsey revealed how widespread financial struggles are in America. Many of us simply don’t earn enough to afford the lifestyle we chase — whether it’s oversized homes, cars priced like annual salaries, or student loans that feel impossible to repay.

I even called into his show once. At the time, I was drowning in a car payment and insurance that cost me over $1,000 a month for a 2016 Honda Civic. His advice was blunt: “You gotta get rid of the car, man. You’re going to feel like you’re drowning until you do.”

That moment changed me. I picked up his book, The Total Money Makeover,(Ad) and embraced his philosophy. While I don’t agree with every detail, his framework helps countless Americans build financial stability.

Jim Cramer: Learning the Markets

YouTube wasn’t my only source of financial education. I also tuned into CNBC, even before I had a single dollar invested. I followed mergers, acquisitions, and market trends, fascinated by the world of investing.

That’s how I discovered Jim Cramer. His energy and insights made investing feel approachable. I bought his book, Get Rich Carefully (Ad), which gave me a foundation for understanding the stock market. That book led me to explore more investing resources, which I’ll share in future posts.

Ramit Sethi: A Modern Approach to Wealth

One night, my wife and I stumbled across a Netflix show called I Will Teach You To Be Rich (Ad). Hosted by Ramit Sethi, the show featured real people struggling with money. Ramit assessed their finances and helped them transform their lives — if they were willing to commit.

I binge-watched the entire series in one night, then bought his book. Ramit’s approach blends the discipline of Dave Ramsey with a modern, realistic perspective. He teaches you to enjoy life today while building wealth for tomorrow.

Atomic Habits: The Power of Consistency

The final book that changed everything for me wasn’t strictly about money — it was James Clear’s Atomic Habits (Ad). This book connected the dots between small daily actions and massive long-term results.

It taught me that consistency is the secret behind success. The wealthiest people I’ve met didn’t get there overnight. They built habits, stayed disciplined, and took small steps for years. Atomic Habits made me realize that financial independence is less about big wins and more about steady progress.

My Last Thoughts

These books and resources transformed me from financially reckless to financially intentional. They gave me tools to build independence, confidence, and a better future for my family.

That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my journey. I know there are people out there who haven’t discovered these resources yet — people who need to hear from someone who has faced the same struggles. If these books and lessons helped me, I believe they can help you too.

Books and Lessons That Changed My Financial Life

Mortgage Rates in Late 2025: What Rising Costs Mean for Your Wallet

How Lifestyle Inflation Kept Me Broke — Until I Took Control