For entrepreneurs, startup founders, and side hustlers, financial knowledge and strategic thinking are key to success. A great way to sharpen your skills is by diving into books that combine practical advice, timeless lessons, and inspiring stories. Below is a curated list of the best books for entrepreneurial minds in 2025, complete with engaging summaries to help you pick your next read.

“The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey

Why Read It? This book is a step-by-step guide to eliminating debt and achieving financial stability—crucial for anyone starting or running a business. Ramsey’s “Baby Steps” offer a practical roadmap to build a solid financial foundation for your ventures.
Engaging Summary: In The Money Makeover Book, Dave Ramsey lays out a no-nonsense plan for financial fitness. Dave Ramsey The Total Money Makeover focuses on eliminating debt, saving for emergencies, and building long-term wealth through actionable steps. With its motivational tone and practical tips, this book is perfect for anyone ready to transform their finances and take control of their money.

“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

Why Read It? Entrepreneurs will learn to think differently about money and wealth. Kiyosaki’s lessons challenge the traditional “work for a paycheck” mindset, encouraging you to build assets that generate long-term wealth.
Engaging Summary: This book contrasts the financial philosophies of two “dads” and emphasizes financial literacy, smart investing, and entrepreneurial thinking. Rich Father Poor Father is more than just a book—it’s a mindset shift. In Kiyosaki Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki highlights the differences between how the wealthy and middle class approach money. Pair it with Cash Flow Quadrant Robert Kiyosaki and Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing Book to unlock a full suite of entrepreneurial and financial lessons that will help you break free from the 9-to-5 grind.

“Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

Why Read It? Perfect for side hustlers, this book teaches you to align your finances with your values. It’s a roadmap to financial independence, giving you the freedom to focus on your passion projects.
Engaging Summary: By tracking expenses, reducing wasteful spending, and saving effectively, you’ll discover how money can buy freedom—not just possessions. Although not explicitly referenced as The Money Makeover Book, this classic shares timeless strategies for redefining your relationship with money. It provides practical methods to track expenses, save smarter, and prioritize what truly matters—a must-read for those pursuing financial independence.

“The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

Why Read It? Learn how to adopt millionaire habits without needing a lavish lifestyle. This book focuses on frugality, financial discipline, and wealth-building habits that are especially useful for startup founders.
Engaging Summary: A data-driven look at how most millionaires build their wealth by living modestly and investing wisely. Want to know the habits of real millionaires? This book uncovers their secret: frugality and discipline. While it doesn’t focus on The Money Makeover Book principles directly, it perfectly complements the teachings of Dave Ramsey The Total Money Makeover with real-life data on wealth-building.

“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham

Why Read It? Startup founders and entrepreneurs can use this book to master long-term investment strategies that protect their business earnings. It’s ideal for understanding how to grow wealth sustainably.
Engaging Summary: Graham’s timeless advice on value investing focuses on analyzing investments, avoiding market noise, and making informed decisions.

“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

Why Read It? A lighthearted yet practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to automate finances while focusing on growing their businesses. Sethi’s humor makes financial management less daunting.
Engaging Summary: With tips on budgeting, investing, and credit management, this book is a beginner-friendly guide to mastering personal finance. While The Money Makeover Book focuses on strict financial discipline, Sethi’s approach is more playful yet practical. This book delivers tips on budgeting, automating finances, and building a rich life—perfect for those who want actionable advice without feeling overwhelmed.

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

Why Read It? Entrepreneurs and side hustlers will benefit from Hill’s principles of success, including visualization, persistence, and goal-setting—skills that are essential for building a business.
Engaging Summary: Hill distills the habits of successful people into actionable principles, focusing on mindset as the key to financial and personal success. This timeless classic may not mention Rich Father Poor Father, but it aligns with Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing Book by focusing on the power of mindset. Hill’s principles help you visualize and achieve entrepreneurial success, making it a favorite among startup founders.

“The Simple Path to Wealth” by JL Collins

Why Read It? Side hustlers and startup founders looking to secure their financial future will find Collins’ advice on investing in low-cost index funds both practical and stress-free.
Engaging Summary: Written as letters to his daughter, this book is an easy-to-follow guide to building wealth without unnecessary complexity.

“Money: Master the Game” by Tony Robbins

Why Read It? Entrepreneurs will appreciate Robbins’ actionable steps for achieving financial security and creating a reliable safety net for their business and personal lives.
Engaging Summary: Robbins condenses advice from top investors into a seven-step plan for financial freedom, including tips on saving and investing. In Money Master the Game Book, Tony Robbins simplifies wealth-building strategies by interviewing top financial experts. This book provides a seven-step framework to financial freedom, making it a perfect pairing with The Money Makeover Book for those who want both strategy and inspiration.

“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel

Why Read It? For entrepreneurs and founders, this book explores how emotions and behavior influence financial decisions, offering insights into managing money wisely.
Engaging Summary: Through 19 engaging stories, Housel explains the human side of money management and why psychology often trumps logic in financial matters. The Psychology of Money Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness explores how human behavior impacts financial decisions. This book dives deep into the emotional side of money, making it an excellent complement to practical reads like The Money Master The Game Book.

“Broke Millennial” by Erin Lowry

Why Read It? Aimed at millennials, this book breaks down financial concepts in a relatable way, making it ideal for first-time entrepreneurs or side hustlers managing their first budgets.
Engaging Summary: With humor and practicality, Lowry offers a beginner-friendly guide to tackling debt, budgeting, and building wealth. For those just starting their financial journey, Broke Millennial offers relatable advice with a touch of humor. Though not as rigid as Dave Ramsey The Total Money Makeover, this book teaches young readers how to tackle debt, save smarter, and build a strong financial foundation early in life.

“Financial Freedom” by Grant Sabatier

Why Read It? Aspiring entrepreneurs will find inspiration in Sabatier’s journey from broke to millionaire in just five years, along with practical tips on saving, investing, and scaling income streams.
Engaging Summary: This book is a blueprint for achieving financial independence and creating the life you want. Grant Sabatier Book Financial Freedom: A Proven Path offers a roadmap to achieve wealth and independence, even if you’re starting from zero. Packed with actionable tips for saving, investing, and increasing income, this is a powerful guide for entrepreneurs and hustlers looking to scale their finances.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a startup founder, entrepreneur, or side hustler, these books are more than just financial guides—they’re playbooks for building a better life. Each one offers unique insights into managing money, building wealth, and fostering the mindset needed for success. Choose a book that resonates with your goals and start turning the pages of your entrepreneurial journey.