A big part of feminism, especially financial feminism, is recognizing intersectionality and supporting Black creators and other marginalized communities. This year, in an effort to support the Black community, we’re sharing books from four authors that you *need* to be learning from.
Here’s how you can support these authors:
- Follow them and their businesses on social media and share them far and wide. This is a completely free way to support Black creators –– and it doesn’t have to stop with the four we highlight.
- Buy their books. Spend money with these creators if you can do so. Supporting Black-owned businesses is one of the best ways to practice financial intersectionality.
Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or gearing up for a cozy night in, these books promise to be your perfect companions. Let’s get reading. 📚
1. Your Journey To Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness
Picture this: you’re navigating the complex world of finance, trying to save enough for the future while still enjoying the little luxuries of today (yes, that includes lattes ffs). Personal finance expert Jamila Souffrant – a mom, wife, and first-generation Jamaican immigrant – gets it. She’s been in your shoes and has mastered the art of making money work for her.
Jamila is both the author of “Your Journey To Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness” and the voice behind the popular Journey To Launch podcast. If you’re someone who believes in balancing the scales of saving smartly and living fully, Jamila Souffrant’s “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” is your next must-read.
In her book, she’s not just talking theory but guiding you through the practical steps of skyrocketing your savings, blasting through debt, and reaching that dreamy state of financial independence.
Want to live off your investments and make sick latte art as a barista in Boulder? Bless. Ready to sail off into the Italian countryside with your pilates instructor turned lover named Luca (my actual plan…)? Perfect. Regardless of your path, she’ll help you define what financial independence means for you.
Whether you’re a beginner just dipping your toes in the finance pool or you’re halfway through your journey, Jamila’s insights are tailored for you. She’ll help you map out scenarios that could see you quitting your job early or retiring in style.
And the best part? She teaches you how to cut down on unnecessary expenses without cutting out joy. We LOVE that.
2. So… This is Why I’m Broke: Money Lessons on Financial Literacy, Passive Income, and Generational Wealth
“So… This Is Why I’m Broke” is a financial guide from someone who’s been there. Melissa Jean-Baptiste, the brilliant mind behind Millennial in Debt and a first-generation American, paid off over $100,000 of debt on a teacher’s salary. Bless.
I especially love how Melissa looks at debt not only from the perspective of saving more but also making more, which is one of the ways she was able to get out of debt more quickly.
Whether you’re just beginning to navigate the world of budgeting, trying to fix your credit score, or exploring investing and passive income ideas, Melissa has got you covered in this book. (Also, every time I see this title, I’m reminded of the song “This Is Why I’m Hot” by MIMS, and how could that be a bad thing??)
3. Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals
Do I love Tiffany Aliche more than a head-to-toe leather look on Timothée Chalamet? Maybe.
“Made Whole” is your go-to guide for everything from budgeting to investing, and it’s tailored for real life, where plans often get sidetracked by everyday challenges. Tiffany Aliche, “The Budgetnista” herself, is an award-winning teacher of financial education and America’s favorite personal financial educator. That’s not even my call–it’s fact.
What makes this book a must-have for us? Tiffany doesn’t just throw complex financial jargon at you, she breaks it down into understandable chunks. The workbook is particularly practical with worksheets, checklists, and actionable steps. If you’ve ever wished someone would take your hand and guide you through this ~money journey~ thing, this is about as close as you can get.
You’ll learn how to automate your money flow, boost your credit score, and even how to make your savings a bit harder to dip into (because we all need that extra nudge sometimes).
4. Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less
When Tiffany Dufu joined me for a Financial Feminist podcast interview about self-sacrifice, I didn’t expect to have my world rocked. But that’s 100% what happened.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling a million things and still dropping the ball, Tiffany Dufu’s “Drop the Ball” could be a game-changer for you. This memoir is also a manifesto with a powerful message: Letting go is the key to thriving.
Tiffany is the founder of The Cru, an organization dedicated to helping women reach their professional goals. Once a do-it-all poster girl, Tiffany shares her eye-opening journey of how she hit the brakes, re-evaluated her expectations, and learned the art of delegating and letting go.
Why is this book a must-read for us? It’s simple. We know too many women who are perpetually stretched too thin. They’re our friends, our sisters, and us.
Tiffany’s story shows us that it’s okay to expect less from ourselves and more from others. It’s a refreshing take on finding that sweet spot where we can focus on what truly matters, channel our energies into achieving our real goals, and build a fulfilling life.
