If you were to ask me what my favorite activities are reading would easily be in the top three. In fact, reading has been one of the ways that I was able to educate myself about money when I didn’t have any. I would make my way to my favorite library branch and look through the different titles on the personal finance shelves and dive right into learning about money. Being in the personal finance space, I started to notice that in online media some of my favorite books never made the lists. You know the top books in personal finance. I also found that the lists were a bit lazy in that once certain books made a list, there seemed to be a lack of interest in looking for newly published works.
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The other problem that I had with these “Best of” lists was the lack in nuance. As an African-American woman, I felt like the books shared didn’t address the full breadth of my and others financial experiences. There were no books with an historical perspective on policies that impact my money now.
It was imperative that I and my audience were aware of policies such as:
- Redlining and how that impacted generation wealth through punitive home ownership policies.
- Entrepreneurship and some of the conversations around access and resources that we don’t hear enough about.
- Or the destruction of thriving African-American towns and the financial toll that it took in those communities.
- The Wealth Gap as it relates to communities of color.
- Difference in women of colors earnings when compared to white men
Basically, I’ve begun to curate a book list of personal finance books that I don’t always make the lists but SHOULD. I would also like to note that this list includes allied works that contribute richly to financial conversations about money and policy. My goal is to continue adding to this list and if you have books that you would like to recommend please email me at: moneyonthemountain@gmail.com
42 Books Written By POC and 1 Incredible Ally
Michelle Jackson’s Upcoming Book (TBA)
I’m excited to be releasing my first personal finance book in January 2022. I will share more details soon and am excited to contribute to my work to this space.
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Hell, yes, we should ALL Be millionaires. She also has a podcast that you should listen to if you’re needing some encouragement and guidance. The show is a bit more personal development driven vs. financially driven.
Get Good with Money Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche
Tiffany has grown THE LARGEST financial community for women of color in the world. She is always of service and her story is an absolute inspiration.
From Burning to Blueprint: Rebuilding Black Wall Street After a Century of Silence
Kevin L. Matthews II is the founder of The Building Bread financial brand. His expertise is in investing. He’s also a Tulsa, Oklahoma native who shares a deeper insight into the Tulsa Race Massacre, the financial impact and shares a blueprint to help readers grow their money. Listen here to our conversation on this topic.
Rahkim Sabree recently set a boundary and quit his job after dealing with a toxic work environment. He’s funny, inspirational and has walked in many people’s financial shoes.
Girl, Make Your Money Grow: A Sister’s Guide to Protecting Your Future and Enriching Your Life
I really loved this book and I feel like I’m way overdue to reread it. I love that it’s written with Black women’s money in mind.
Marcus shares how he got into $30,000 and what he did to get out of that mess.
For those of you interested in the FIRE Movement (Financial Independence Retire Early) Kristy and Bryce share a straightforward and clear blueprint on how to Quit Like a Millionaire.
Money Talks: The Ultimate Couple’s Guide to Communicating About Money
One of the most challenging conversations that couples have is around money. With financial issues factoring in as one of the top reasons why couples divorce, this book provides some guidance on how to have impactful conversations around money before it’s too late. Also, Talaat and Tai are one of the nicest couples I’ve ever met.
The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black In America
I had the pleasure of watching Mr. Rochester discuss the topic of “The Black Tax” during the 2020 Elevate Influencer Conference. He shares how financial policy and racism impacts Black money.
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap
One of the most challenging issues related to money management is access to banking. It’s not uncommon for people of color to live in unbanked communities. This book reflects on the role of Black banks and economic growth within Black communities.
How the Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation and the Threat to Democracy
Many people don’t understand how important banking is when it comes to creating wealth in Black communities. This book examines how being unbanked financially harms communities of color.
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
Mr. Rothstein isn’t POC but he’s permanently invited to the cookout. I had the pleasure of watching him speak on the topic of how government policies directly harmed Black citizens financially. He’s an incredible advocate. If you think that bias in mortgage lending, etc. is over think again. In 2020 a report was released sharing the differences in mortgage lending to people of color in the Chicagoland area. If you’ve ever wondered why citizens are owning homes at lower levels, check out that report.
Love him or hate Ramit always illicits a response. He’s been in the personal finance space for years and has a lot to share around money mindset, action and what to do to gain control of one’s financial life.
The Whiteness of Wealth: How the Tax System Impoverishes Black Americans–and How We Can Fix It
One of the areas of money that I want to learn more about is tax law. I often wonder why millionaires and billionaires don’t seem to be paying taxes. Well, they are able to take advantage of tax law. This system breaks down how Black Americans can better understand how the tax system works so we can leverage it to our benefit.
Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money
If you’re looking to invest and need a book that makes the process approachable-this is the one. Bola breaks down the concepts so that you can begin your financial journey.
I love this book and I also love that Amanda is killing it financially! If your money hasn’t been your “boo” then read this book to see how you can finally “Make Money Your Honey.”
There’s a narrative out there that there was no generational wealth in the Black community in the early part of the last century. I love this book because it dispels that notion and shares 6 millionaires that were formally enslaved.
I’ve often felt that there is financial knowledge that most of us don’t get access to because we’re not in specific financial circles. The Wealth Choice gives Black Millionaires the opportunity to answer the questions that we all want to ask beginning with “How did you do it?”
One of THE MOST FRUSTRATING part of putting this list together was the complete lack of lists and resources around Latino Money. In fact, if you’re reading this and you’re thinking about writing a book-please do! Eva shares how Latina’s can better manage and grow their money.
Finessin’ Finances-Stefon Walters
Stefon shares his ideas on how to manage your personal finances.
Redefine Wealth for Yourself: How to Stop Chasing Money and Finally Live Your Life’s Purpose
Patrice is one of the nicest people that I’ve met in the personal finance space. What I love about her financial message is that her approach to money is very holistic. Don’t forget to listen to her podcast as well.
Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom
I’ve just finished paying off over $60,000 in unsecured debt. It has been a journey. Lynnette’s book was one of the resources that I used to educate myself on money. You’ll also see her face in Chase Banks across the United States.
The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration from 4:44
Yes, this book is a nod to Jay-Z’s album 4:44. Ash Cash does a great job of combining inspiration from hip hop and money to facilitate deeper conversations about Black Money. He’s written several books and I recommend them all.
What to Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide
One of the things that I truly love about Michelle Singletary is her back story. Her grandmother raised her and her siblings on an incredibly low income and made it work. Michelle continues to be one of the most relatable people in personal finance. Crisis’s such as Recessions and Black Swan events may impact your money. This book is a guide helping you to figure out what to do once that crisis hits.
Dorethia walks the walk. Representing the wonderful city of Detroit she brings that down to earth tone in her advice and financial wisdom.
Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice
We’re all familiar with the original book “Think and Grow Rich” but many people may be unaware of the fact that there is an edition specifically written with Black readers in mind.
This book is another historical perspective around the Black dollar.
We know Daymond John from FUBU and Shark Tank. He’s a self-made millionaire and I love his candor in this book. Being broke has often been what has driven me to focus on being successful financially.
The Prince of Darkness: The Untold Story of Jeremiah G. Hamilton, Wall Street’s First Millionaire
Recently, I spoke with Kevin L. Matthews II about being on Wall Street and seeing no one who looked like him during his time there. This book shares the story of Jeremiah G. Hamilton a Black Wall Street millionaire in the 1850’s.
Black Titan: A.G. Gaston and the Making of a Black Millionaire
A. G. Gaston served in the military, worked in a coal mine when he returned and optimized opportunities as they came his way.
Working Twice as Hard: The Reality of Entrepreneurship for Women of Color
Quinisha and I had a fantastic conversation on my podcast “Michelle is Money Hungry” about the reality of entrepreneurship for Black women. As a first time entrepreneur I’ve had to work through so much stuff and Quinisha shares some of what makes entrepreneurship challenging for Black women.
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism
I think it’s important to share at least one book that is “money adjacent.” Racism impacts our lives in a number of different and unexpected ways. Here’s some crazy stories that might resonate with you. Have you had similar experiences?
One of the most unsexy conversations that entrepreneurs don’t have enough is how to collect your cash when something happens. Dee shares what you need to know in order to collect your hard earned cash.
We hear conversations about reparations from time to time. But Callie House actually fought for them.
Racism impacts the lives of everyone. You may a Black or Brown person who has dealt with racist abuse or lack of opportunity because of the color of your skin. Or, you may be a White person working through how to be an anti racist ally. Here’s a guide on how to do that. I’ve actually had conversations about financial allies specific to money and those allies have made a HUGE difference in my life.
The Afrominamilist’s Guide to Living with Less
I am a minimalist. I love minimalism and I have to admit that it was so exciting to see The Afrominimalist’s take on how to live with less.
Tonya Rapley has been so fun to watch. She has diversified her income, grown her brand and has helped people with their finances along the way.
Jason has always talked about the importance of being connected to your “why” and your “now” when having financial conversations and making financial choices. As much as we need money in order to pay for the things that we want and need there’s also the question of “how” we want to live our lives.
Our Money Stories: A 6 Week No BS Holistic Financial Wellness Plan
]Sometimes it helps to do a financial reboot. This wellness plan helps you to do that.
The Smart Money Woman: An African Girl’s Journey to Financial Freedom
I love that this book is a contemporary personal finance book that takes place in Africa (Lagos, Nigeria). I think it’s great to learn about financial issues that may be impacting middle class African society.
I’ve begun to take Bitcoin and the crypto currency conversation a lot more seriously. This book examines why Black Americans should learn about crypto and give it a second and third glance. Isaiah is also hosting the Bitcoin and Black America Tour 2021
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Love the awareness list 🤗
Thank you Jason!
Wow, those look like all interesting reads. Thanks so much for sharing I’m gonna have to check them out.
Thanks so much for the feedback! I’m going to be adding to the list too.