Running a successful business requires more than passion and a great idea; it demands a strong understanding of finances, strategic thinking, and long-term decision-making. Financial literacy empowers entrepreneurs to manage cash flow confidently, evaluate risks, price their offerings effectively, and scale sustainably, while strong business acumen helps them see the bigger picture beyond day-to-day operations.
Books remain one of the most powerful tools for developing these skills, offering real-world insights, frameworks, and lessons from experienced founders, investors, and business leaders. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, the right reads can reshape how you approach money and growth.
22 Entrepreneurs share the must-read books to improve financial literacy and business acumen
From understanding profit and loss and building wealth responsibly to mastering strategy, leadership, and smart decision-making, these books have influenced how entrepreneurs think, plan, and grow their businesses. We asked founders and business experts which books made the biggest impact on their financial understanding, and here’s what they recommend:
1. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
I always recommend books that help entrepreneurs deepen their relationship with money, not just their strategy. Denise Duffield-Thomas’ Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! reframes wealth through worthiness and energetic alignment, which is key for heart-centered entrepreneurs healing from scarcity conditioning. And Money Comes Dance with Me by Gale West beautifully integrates the spiritual and emotional intelligence of money, reminding us that money is an ally in purpose and creativity, not a source of shame.
Thanks to Sonia Skewes
2. The Intelligent Investor
I always recommend books that build a foundation of discipline and risk awareness. Profit First helps business owners control spending from day one, while The E-Myth Revisited teaches how to scale without losing oversight. The Intelligent Investor sharpens decision-making by showing how to evaluate risk the way professionals do. Rich Dad Poor Dad shifts your mindset toward building long-term security, and Good to Great focuses on leadership habits that prevent operational breakdowns. Strong financial literacy keeps you ahead of problems and protects the business you’re working so hard to build.
Thanks to Justin Lovely, Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers!
3. The E-Myth Revisited
I approach financial literacy from both legal and investment perspectives. Begin with The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, which addresses why most businesses fail and how systematic thinking prevents that fate. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin reframes the time-money relationship, helping entrepreneurs avoid working excessively without calculating true value creation. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries provides capital-efficient frameworks that are financially sound.
Thanks to Alex Langan, Langan Financial!
4. Dollars and Sense by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler
I recommend Michael E. Gerber's E-Myth Revisited. Gerber emphasizes the importance of running your business versus simply working in it. He provides a framework for developing systems and processes that will lead to long-term success. Dollars and Sense by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler is also a good read. A combination of behavioral economics and practical advice, this book is intended to help entrepreneurs understand how the many emotional and cognitive biases affecting financial decision-making can be used positively to build their businesses.
Thanks to Josh Qian, LINQ Kitchen!
5. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
One book I push on every new entrepreneur is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It sounds gimmicky until you try it, then you realise you’ve been running your finances backwards. It forced me to build healthier margins, create real cash buffers, and stop pretending revenue equals success. I’d also add The Psychology of Money because if you don’t fix your mental relationship with money, no spreadsheet will save you. These two books genuinely rewired how I think about both business and my own financial discipline.
Thanks to Deepak Shukla, Pearl Lemon!
6. The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
I always recommend books that don’t just teach strategy but expand identity, because entrepreneurs grow their businesses at the same pace they grow their relationship with money. My top pick is “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. It’s simple, powerful, and cuts right to the heart of why we behave the way we do with money. For business acumen, “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz is a game-changer. It helps entrepreneurs build a cashflow system that creates stability, reduces stress, and forces clarity from day one. “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber is essential.
Thanks to Tara Saxon
7. Principle-driven leadership development
I immediately started using many of the ideas in the business I was managing, and the impact was real. Our revenue grew, the team felt more focused, and I found myself leading with a lot more confidence and clarity. I was so inspired by how well the principles worked in real life that, in 2014, I decided to go all-in and attend Jack Canfield’s private retreat in Tuscany, Italy. Spending a week there with 25 other successful business owners was incredible. It helped me deepen everything I’d learned, sharpen my vision, and come back with a whole new level of energy and direction. It certainly improved my financial literacy and business acumen. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Sandy Colombo, Aussie2italia!
8. The E-Myth Revisited
One of the best ways for entrepreneurs to sharpen their financial thinking is to read books that turn numbers into practical decisions. The E-Myth Revisited helps business owners understand why so many small businesses stall and how to build systems that support real growth. Profit First is great for anyone who struggles to stay on top of cash flow because it reframes money management in a simple, behaviour-driven way. And Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits is the one I recommend most often because it cuts through complexity.
Thanks to Morgan Wilson, Creditte!
9. Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Barefoot Investor
I recommend starting with Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Barefoot Investor. Both provide strong foundational principles around managing money, building wealth, and understanding cash flow, even if the day-to-day practices aren’t always what I would implement personally. I also highly recommend Customer Magic: The Macquarie Way, which highlights how exceptional customer service drives business success. Understanding these principles can help entrepreneurs not just grow their business but also build lasting relationships and a strong financial footing.
Thanks to Scott Knight, Motorlend!
10. Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree
I recommend books that connect numbers to decision-making. Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Karen Berman and Joe Knight explains how to read what your financial statements reveal about performance and risk. Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree shows how to use those insights to price correctly and grow sustainably. Pair that with The Lean Startup to stay experimental as you scale. The goal is not to memorize accounting terms but to understand how cash flow, margin, and timing drive every choice you make.
Thanks to Sagar Agrawal, Qubit Capital!
11. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
I always recommend books that make financial literacy feel empowering rather than overwhelming. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape is a great starting point for simple, no-fluff money foundations. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz is brilliant for business owners who want to take control of their cash flow without burning out. For entrepreneurs navigating mindset, stress, and money habits, my own book Budget Right: Eliminate Debt and Improve Your Financial and Mental Wellbeing offers a practical, compassionate approach to managing both your finances and the emotions behind them.
Thanks to Carrie-Ann McLean, Budget Right!
11. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Throughout my career, driving sales and business growth, I‘ve learned that financial literacy starts with understanding the psychology behind money decisions. I always recommend “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. It fundamentally changed how I approach everything from inventory investments to vendor negotiations. Housel's insights on wealth management and decision-making under uncertainty have been invaluable as I‘ve coordinated program requirements and maintained controlled material flow across diverse sectors.
Thanks to Ja’Nae Murray, Western Passion!
12. Financial Intelligence
I recommend starting with Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs, which breaks down accounting, cash flow, and financial statements into clear, actionable concepts. Pairing this with The Lean Startup provides a practical approach to testing ideas, managing risk, and scaling effectively. Understanding the numbers behind your business is critical, but so is knowing how to protect your venture. These resources together help entrepreneurs make informed financial decisions while safeguarding their businesses, ensuring growth is both strategic and secure.
Thanks to Tony Kalka, Kalka Law!
13. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
A must-read for entrepreneurs is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. This book offers a clear, practical system for managing business finances with a focus on profitability. It emphasizes paying yourself first while covering operational expenses, simplifying financial management. For small businesses, this approach promotes sustainable financial practices and ensures resources are allocated effectively.
Thanks to Yao Yi Qian, Panda Package!
14. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini
One book I consistently recommend is “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini. While it’s often labelled a marketing or psychology book, it’s fundamentally about how selling actually works. I’d pair that with The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, which I think every entrepreneur should read early. It reframes money not as a purely rational tool, but as an emotional one shaped by experience, fear, and long-term thinking.
Thanks to Olga Kokhan, Tinkgroup!
15. Essentialism and Effortless by Greg McKeown
The books that resonate most with me are the ones that challenge both how I think and how I operate. Essentialism and Effortless by Greg McKeown helped me unlearn the idea that success has to be hard or all-consuming and instead focus on what genuinely matters in my business and my life. Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap was a turning point for me in feeling more confident and empowered around money. It made financial literacy feel accessible rather than intimidating and reinforced that building wealth can align with our values.
Thanks to Dianne Kelly, Double donor Mumin Menopause!
16. Joy of Business and Getting Out of Debt Joyfully
I always encourage them to choose resources that don’t just teach strategy, but also shift their relationship with money and business. Two books I’d wholeheartedly recommend are Joy of Business and Getting Out of Debt Joyfully, both of which I authored from my real-world experience. Joy of Business invites business owners to move beyond survival mode and discover what’s truly possible when you run a business from joy, creativity, awareness, and choice, rather than stress or obligation. Getting Out of Debt Joyfully offers a refreshingly different perspective on finances, showing entrepreneurs how to change the underlying patterns that keep them stuck in debt.
Thanks to Simone Milasas, Joy of Business!
17. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Three books have profoundly shaped how I approach both financial decision-making and leadership: Lean Learning by Pat Flynn, Good to Great by Jim Collins, and finally, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell has been my go-to guide for building influence and trust with clients, subcontractors, and employees. These books have helped me move beyond just managing numbers to truly understanding the strategic and human elements that drive sustainable business growth in the construction industry.
Thanks to Adam Mighton, Mighton Construction Limited!
18. Investment protection perspective building
I’d suggest looking at books that combine practical accounting skills with a sense of the bigger financial picture. Learning how to read balance sheets, track cash flow, and spot trends in the market makes decision-making a lot clearer. It’s about understanding how it can work for you over time. I’ve also found it helpful to read about risk management and investment strategies, especially those that show how to protect and grow wealth steadily. Seeing how other business leaders handle challenges and opportunities gives you a perspective that you can apply in your own work.
Thanks to Josh Perez, Aurica!
19. Good to Great by Jim Collins
I recommend focusing on books that build decision-making clarity, not just tactics. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is timeless for understanding risk, long-term value, and disciplined thinking, skills every CEO needs, regardless of industry. Good to Great by Jim Collins provides a powerful framework for sustainable growth and leadership discipline, while The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman is an excellent practical guide to understanding how money, operations, and strategy truly work inside a business. Together, these books help entrepreneurs think more like owners, allocate capital wisely, and build companies that last.
Thanks to Vedran Markovic.
20. The Personal MBA” by Josh Kaufman
I always recommend “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz because it fundamentally changed how I think about cash flow management. Instead of the traditional sales minus expenses equals profit formula, it flips the script entirely. This mindset shift is crucial when you're managing large product inventories and dealing with fluctuating material costs. Another essential read is “The Personal MBA” by Josh Kaufman, which distills complex business concepts into actionable insights without the hefty tuition bill. For entrepreneurs in retail or e-commerce, understanding your numbers isn't optional; it's survival.
Thanks to Patrick Dinehart, Really Cheap Floors!
21. Mechanics strategy investment evaluation
I recommend starting with books that break down both mindset and mechanics. Understanding cash flow, profit margins, and smart investments is critical, and some resources make these concepts practical and actionable. Look for books that focus on business strategy, leadership, and personal finance, ones that teach you how to analyze numbers, evaluate risk, and make decisions that strengthen your real estate or business ventures. The right books push you to think critically about your money and operations while giving step-by-step methods to improve profitability.
Thanks to Jimmy Welch, Jimmy Welch Team!
22. Negotiation compliance operational insight
For entrepreneurs, developing strong financial literacy and business acumen begins with books that demystify finance and strategy. Resources that explain budgeting, investing, and interpreting financial statements help build a foundation for smarter decision-making. Equally important are works focused on leadership, negotiation, and operational efficiency, which guide entrepreneurs in translating knowledge into action. Understanding legal principles related to contracts, liability, and compliance further strengthens decision-making and protects long-term growth.
Thanks to Steven Rodemer, Rodemer & Kane!
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