- 4Shares
Be inspired to gain financial peace, live more, and give more with the biblical principles outlined in these essential Christian Financial Planning books by Dave Ramsey, Larry Burkett, and others.
Roughly twenty years ago there was a young couple who were thinking about becoming husband and wife.
They earnestly desired to do things “right” and bring glory to God through their life choices.
One of those life choices was acknowledging the fact that any money coming their way belonged to the Lord, and that they were called to manage it for Him.
The young man took a budgeting class at a local church where they taught biblical principles about money, using materials created by an older, wiser gentleman named Larry Burkett.
The young man was inspired by this small, intimate class, and he invited his young wife-to-be to join him for one-on-one personal financial coaching with a precious older couple at that same church.
That young couple was us, and those coaching sessions changed the trajectory of our lives.
Although Larry Burkett is no longer with us, we still continually search out books and resources that are similar in their message: It’s God’s money, not ours.
Living according to this principle enabled us to have financial peace through some pretty rough seasons of life… like when we went without an income for a few months while our new baby was born with health issues, and when our second car was stolen in the middle of winter while our first car was in the shop for engine trouble.
God has been so, so faithful in every season.
Over the years we’ve found a few books that have, in some way, helped us stay motivated on this journey.
If you want financial peace and the ability to give generously when God prompts you, here’s a list of books that will inspire you.
Click on each title to read more about each book.
Christian Financial Planning Book List
Getting Started
Whenever someone asks about getting started, I recommend this book and the one below. Either of them are great ways to get started on the path to financial peace. Includes a plan you can put into action TODAY. Dave Ramsey will inspire you and help you be what he calls gazelle intense.
This one ties for my top two “getting started” books. It’s full of biblical wisdom and a plan for getting out of debt. So good!
The Average Family’s Guide to Financial Freedom
I stumbled upon this jewel in our local library and then found an out-of-print copy on Amazon. It’s one of the best kept secrets in personal finance books, in my opinion. I treasure this little gem!
How to Manage Your Money: An In-Depth Bible Study
This is a classic, in-depth bible study on money management by Larry Burkett.
Inspiration for breaking the debt cycle; this was a bestseller by Larry Burkett.
Once You Have The Basics Down
Not a christian financial planning book per se, but this research about spending habits of truly wealthy people may shock you. Hint: They’re frugal, and they may be living next door to you. You’d never know it 😉
Money Matters: Answers To Your Financial Questions
This is a question and answer book about countless financial questions. Great resource to keep in your library.
Living & Giving
All things retirement… read this one before you get there!
What does the bible have to say about wealth and family legacy? This is another christian financial planning book you’ll want to keep in your library. You’ll refer to it often! One of my favorite Dave Ramsey books.
Your Money After The Big 5-0: Wealth For The Second Half Of Life
Realistic, conservative advice about planning for the second half of life. Read this one before you turn 50, if you can! Full of bible wisdom and co-authored by Larry Burkett and Ron Blue.
While we were paying off debt in those early years, I found encouragement in memorizing bible verses about money and thinking through what the bible has to say about money, contentment, and wealth. I’ve created these 24 printable scripture cards about money to help you stay inspired, too. They’re perfect for carrying along in your purse or bible and pulling out as you go about your day!
What books would you add to this list? Share them in the comments!
Related: 13 Things Dave Ramsey Fans Wish You Knew
Go in grace today,
New to my web site? I like to write about ways to get out of debt, save money, and live an abundant life for the glory of God! Here are a few more ways you can save money:
- Cook at home instead of eating out. We used to waste so much money going out to eat! Try a program like emeals (the link takes to you a free 14-day trial) to help you create simple, inexpensive meals at home. You’ll save MORE money on your groceries each month than the small amount you pay for their service.
- Switch your cell phone service to a low-cost, lesser known carrier such as Republic Wireless. One of their unlimited monthly cell plans is only $15 per month!
- Find ways to earn side money from home, such as working as a virtual assistant to bloggers or by starting your own blog. That’s what I did, and now I get to work from home while I help others! It’s a win-win!
Tools We Recommend:
Mvelopes: This is the online budgeting program we personally use and LOVE. It works great with Dave’s baby steps. In fact, we purchased a lifetime membership several years ago when they offered it to us. It’s like a virtual cash envelope system, and it syncs with your bank accounts. Here’s my full Mvelopes review, or you can click here for a free 30 day trial of Mvelopes.
Personal Capital: Personal Capital is much more detailed than Mvelopes, and is more centered on helping you with your investing rather than your budgeting. You can track your net worth, cash flow, investments, retirement planning, and more. Personal Capital pretty much picks up where Mvelopes has left off. They even offer a free version of their services. Check them out here.
SoFi Loans: I’ve not personally used them since we’re debt free, but I’ve heard so many good things about them! If getting a loan is unavoidable for you, or you need to refinance student loans, be sure to check them out. You can apply on SoFi’s website (<–this link will also get you $100 cash bonus when your loan is funded) by setting up a simple account and then entering information about your education, employment, and income. Read our SoFi loans review here.
- 4Shares
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