Wintrust Financial : The 5 personal finance books you should be reading in 2021

It's the new year, which means it's time for resolutions!

If you have a goal to be more financially savvy in 2021, are just curious about how you can make better money moves or want a useful gift you can give to friends and family, check out my favorite personal finance books:

The classics

Some financial advice is time-sensitive, but the fundamentals of making sound financial decisions are timeless.

'Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes and How to Correct Them'

Gary Belsky & Thomas Gilovich (1999)

Originally published in 1999, this book is loaded with lessons on behavioral economics-the science of financial decision making. It takes an in-depth look at the ways we spend, invest, borrow and waste money from a psychological perspective.

This book has had a place on my shelf for twenty years and is one I recommend to everyone.

'The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy'

Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko (1998)

This book is a New York Times bestseller for a reason.

Millionaires don't just happen. This book goes over the seven common traits that the wealthiest individuals have in common-and they may not be what you think. By understanding and implementing the ideas in this book, anyone with an income has the opportunity to grow their wealth.

Newer releases 'The Behavioral Investor'

Daniel Crosby (2018)

I probably sound like a broken record now that I've recommended this book on my podcast, in previous articles and even in my own book. That's how strongly I feel about it.

This book looks at the role that psychology plays in the art and science of investment management and examines all the different factors (sociological, neurological and psychological) that determine our own decisions about money. It is a fascinating read, and not too complicated to understand.

'Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and, Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve'

Jean Chatzky (2019)

If there's anyone I recommend as often as Daniel Crosby, it's Jean Chatzky.

Talking about money is never comfortable, and there's an added taboo for women. In this book, Jean Chatzky uses interviews with successful women to explore our relationship with money, the ways we can control it and how we can use our money to create the lives we want to live.

'Don't Retire… Graduate!'

Eric Brotman (2020)

You didn't think I'd leave off my own book, did you?

My latest book acts like a guide to get you from where you are right now to where you want to be-financially independent. Broken down like a college curriculum, each lesson offers an extra credit assignment that will have you actively working towards financial freedom and taking steps to reach your goals.

This article was written by Eric Brotman from Forbes and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [e-mail].