Feature Image Credit: @morgan.daly_

We learn all about long division and fractions in school, but when it comes to facing financial health, many tend to tackle those problems later in life as they arise—applying for scholarships, funding college, understanding taxes, creating a budget, buying a house—without any formal education. And when they hit us in the face, it can be easy to look back and think, why wasn’t I taught this? Because of that, we’ve rounded up 10 books that we wish we read while we were in school. Whether you want to learn about loans, paying off debt, or saving for retirement, these picks are for you.

How to Buy a House by Yvonne Aileen

When it comes to buying a house these days, people are finding inventory to be limited with prices inflated. Even though your dreams of owning a home might seem impossible, this book will let you in on some tips and tricks of the trade. Written by a veteran of the real estate world, Yvonne has seen it all and wants to share her strategies for making homeownership something that’s within reach. Whether it’s limited funds, a low credit score, or something else standing in your way, How to Buy a House can help anyone overcome the obstacles that are standing in the way of finding that home sweet home.

It’s Not Common Cent$ by Aaminah Amin

Everyone wants to retire as a millionaire, but it can seem impossible if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. If you feel clueless about your finances and want to make a serious change, this is the book for you. With a 30-day plan, It’s Not Common Cent$ will easily guide you toward your goals, even if you start out flat broke on day one. It will outline basic budgeting, how to save yet still spend on extras, and smart ways to start saving money for the future. You’ll learn about diversification, compound interest and much more. Saving money can be simple and fun with this non-intimidating approach.

The Budget Book for Young Adults by Sasha Winters

It can be overwhelming when you’re just starting adulthood. With bills, expenses and trying to have a social life, it can seem like there’s never enough money to go around. The best way to avoid this is to start financial planning early instead of constantly playing catch-up. Geared toward beginners, but useful for anyone, this book introduces the 50/30/20 method, making budgeting simpler than it sounds. You’ll learn how to prioritize, set aside funds for fun, and how to maximize your money with investments. No matter where you are financially, planning today will set you up for success tomorrow.

Pay Off Your Debt for Good by Jen Smith

Jen and her husband know a lot about paying off high debts; they were able to squash $78K in just under two years. She understands the frustration of owing more than you make and feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of bills. Before you file bankruptcy, study up on the strategies that this book has to offer. With motivation, hard work and discipline, it is possible to start making a dent in that debt without completely depriving yourself of any extras. Whether you owe a little or a lot, this book will help you break down barriers that are in your way of becoming financially free.

Tax Basics by Lyndia Berez

We all know that taxes are unavoidable; they are simply just a part of life. From sales tax to money being taken out of your hard-earned paycheck, they are inevitably part of our lives. Even though we know they exist, most of us don’t understand why we have to pay them and where the money goes. This book will get down to the nitty-gritty of how taxes work, the laws behind them, and where the money goes. You’ll learn the basics behind the terminology, how to better understand tax forms, and tips for filing personal taxes. Tax Basics makes a great reference book for when you need your tax questions answered.

All About Money by Margarita Brown & Isaac Joshua Brown

Geared toward readers ages 10 and up, this workbook-style book keeps the reader engaged and eager to learn about how money works. It will go over economics, government, and more. It covers current events, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic and how it has affected the current economy, as well as how The Great Depression impacted the country. It goes over common reasons that businesses fail and how we must learn from the past. Additionally, it illustrates how the government and different leaders can influence the economy. Enjoyable and educational, this one is a must-read!

Choosing the Best Mortgage by Jo Garner

Not all mortgages are created equal, but it’s hard to know the difference when you don’t work in that industry. Whether you are a real estate agent or a home buyer, this book will present solutions to break through common barriers that can come up during the process. Additionally, it will go over many different mortgage programs and unveil the advantages and drawbacks of each one. As an experienced loan officer, Jo Garner has seen several scenarios and is eager to help. Throughout the years she has gathered wisdom from colleagues as well as customers and wants to share her secrets with you.

Know Yourself, Know Your Money by Rachel Cruze

We know the importance of saving money, but we also enjoy the satisfaction of treating ourselves, too. Oftentimes torn between the two, it can be hard to make the right decision. In this book, Rachel encourages readers to get to the root of why they spend. If you want to change your relationship with money, you must first understand it. She challenges you to examine your beliefs, be honest with yourself about habits, and alter your money mindset for good. Whether you value experience over things or you’re a spender, not a saver, this book will guide you toward making smarter decisions.

Money Hacks by Lisa Rowan

For many people, the subject of money is often a taboo topic that doesn’t get discussed. However, being polite might be the reason why you miss out on some of the best money-saving strategies out there. This book does a great job of filling in the gaps and giving real-world financial advice. With 300 simple solutions, Money Hacks will help clear the path to achieving your financial goals. Whether you want to save for retirement or a rainy day, maximize investments, or pay off debt, this book is for you. With its real-world applications and examples, Lisa Rowan presents a relatable read for everyone.

How To Buy A Car Or Truck by Melia Damone

Buying a car can be intimidating, and even downright scary. Many people worry about getting ripped off or taken advantage of, and rightfully so. However, owning a vehicle is essential for a lot of us, and it’s better to go into the process prepared. This book will give you pointers on how to negotiate without feeling like you have to haggle. You’ll learn how to decipher dealership lingo, understand the importance of appraisals, and how to spot an advertisement that’s a scam. This guidebook will provide you with the skills to walk into the dealership with confidence and walk out with a car you feel good about.