The Best Books For Getting Out of Debt in 2025: Are You Ready?

Hi, I’m Michael Ryan, and after 25+ years as a financial planner. I’ve seen it all: the crippling weight of student loans, the anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck, the shame of credit card debt spiraling out of control.

I’ve sat across from tearful clients, feeling utterly lost. But I’ve also witnessed incredible transformations. People taking charge of their finances, paying off mountains of debt, and building the lives they dreamed of.

And you know what one of the most powerful tools in their arsenal was? Knowledge. The right book, at the right time. It an be a life raft in a sea of financial uncertainty.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards financial freedom, let’s explore the best books for getting out of debt today. These aren’t just dry textbooks. Instead I view them as roadmaps to a better future.

The Best Budgeting And Debt Relief Books of 2025

Remember Oprah Winfrey’s early struggles? Before she became a media mogul, she faced significant struggles financially. Books like “Your Money or Your Life” (we’ll get to that one!) helped her reframe her relationship with money. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about alignment. Aligning your spending with your values.

This isn’t just about celebrities. I had a client, Sarah, a single mom working two jobs. Drowning in medical debt after her son’s accident. She felt hopeless. But by combining the practical strategies from a few key books (and a lot of hard work!). She not only paid off her debt, but also started a small college fund for her son.

This year’s top books offer a powerful blend of time-tested principles and cutting-edge strategies. We’ll be looking at:

The Best Books About Getting Out of Debt Today

Use the interactive tool below that I created. 1-3 books will be suggested for you based on your answers:

• The Financial Diet by Chelsea Fagan
  Perfect for beginners, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who want a relatable and practical approach.
• The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
  The classic guide to automating your finances, updated for the modern age of fintech.
• Debt-Free Degree by Anthony ONeal
  Essential reading for parents and students navigating the complex world of college financing.
• Bad With Money by Gaby Dunn
  A frank and funny take on personal finance, addressing systemic issues and the emotional side of money.
• How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis.
  A twelve step, phycological plan.
• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
  A philosophical and practical guide to achieving financial independence.
• Broke Millennial Takes On Investing by Erin Lowry

Detailed Breakdown of the Books (with Expert Tips from Michael Ryan)

Now, let’s dive deeper into each book, with actionable tips and insights you won’t find anywhere else.

1. The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money (Chelsea Fagan)

Why it’s great: 
Chelsea Fagan, co-founder of The Financial Diet website and YouTube channel, speaks directly to Millennials and Gen Z in a language they understand. No jargon, no judgment, just practical advice and a healthy dose of humor. The Financial Diet covers budgeting, saving, investing, and even career advice. Making it a holistic resource.

Expert Tip (from Michael Ryan): 
Don’t just create a budget; track your spending for a month first. This is like taking a financial ‘before’ picture. You need to see where your money is actually going before you can make meaningful changes. Use an app like YNAB (You Need a Budget) to automate this process.
Learn more about the best budgeting apps to choose from in this article.

Client Story: 
I remember a young client, fresh out of college, overwhelmed by student loans and credit card debt. She felt like she was constantly playing catch-up. ‘The Financial Diet’ helped her create a realistic budget, negotiate lower interest rates, and even start a small side hustle. It was empowering to see her take control.

2. The Automatic Millionaire, Expanded and Updated: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich (David Bach)

Why it’s great: 
David Bach’s The Automatic Millionaire is a classic for a reason. It emphasizes the power of automating your finances – setting up automatic transfers to savings and investment accounts before you even see your paycheck. This “pay yourself first” philosophy is incredibly effective. The updated edition incorporates modern fintech tools and addresses the gig economy.

Michael Ryan Expert Tip: 
Don’t just automate your savings; automate your debt payments too. Set up automatic payments for your credit cards, student loans, and mortgage. This ensures you never miss a payment and helps you avoid costly late fees.
Automate your bill paying, too.

Client Success Story: I had a client, a busy entrepreneur, who was always ‘too busy’ to manage his finances. He was making good money. But it seemed to disappear every month. By implementing Bach’s ‘automatic’ system, he was able to build a substantial nest egg without even thinking about it.
This reminds me of how Sam Altman automates so much of his life. So he can focus on big goals.

3. Debt-Free Degree: The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Kid Through College Without Student Loans (Anthony ONeal)

• Why it’s great: 
  Debt-Free Degree by Anthony ONeal is a must-read for any parent or student facing the daunting prospect of college tuition. It provides actionable strategies for avoiding student loan debt. Including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and alternative education paths.
• Expert Tip (from Michael Ryan): 
  Start planning early. Even if your child is still in elementary school. Start researching college savings options like 529 plans. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
  Look into dual-enrollment programs where high school students can earn college credit.

4. Bad With Money: The Imperfect Art of Getting Your Financial Sh*t Together (Gaby Dunn)

• Why it’s great: 
  Bad With Money by Gaby Dunn is a refreshing departure from traditional personal finance books. Dunn is honest, funny, and relatable. Sharing her own financial struggles and addressing systemic issues like income inequality and healthcare costs. She also addresses financial challenges specific to the LGBTQ+ community.
• Relatable Story: 
  I’ve seen so many clients, especially women and minorities. They feel like they’re ‘bad with money‘ because of societal pressures and systemic inequalities. Dunn’s book is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.

5. How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously (Jerrold Mundis)

Why It’s Great: 
Based on the principles of Debtors Anonymous. How to Get out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously provides a holistic approach to money. Addressing the root causes of chronic debt. It uses a 12-step program structure. Offering path to recovery by exploring emotional spending triggers.

From Michael Ryan, Financial Expert: 
Address the root causes of the debt, which is usually behavioral and psychological. If your debt is primarily driven by compulsive spending, explore therapy and support groups like Debtors Anonymous. A holistic approach, combining tactical strategies with emotional support, will significantly improve your chances of long-term financial health.

6. Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence

Why it’s great: 
Your Money or Your Life is a classic that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with money and work. It encourages aligning spending with values. It also provides a practical 9-step program for tracking expenses, calculating net worth, and reducing spending. It’s a cornerstone of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement.

Expert Tip (from Michael Ryan): 
This book is about asking the BIG questions. Before you even start crunching numbers, ask yourself: What truly matters to me? What am I working for? This clarity will guide your financial decisions.

Relatable Story: 
I had a client, a high-powered lawyer, who was making a ton of money but was utterly miserable. He was working 80-hour weeks, had no time for his family, and felt trapped. ‘Your Money or Your Life’ helped him realize that he was trading his life energy for money he didn’t even have time to enjoy. He ended up taking a less stressful job with a lower salary, but he was infinitely happier.

7. Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Money (Erin Lowry)

Why it’s great: 
Broke Millennial Takes On Investing is great for those who may be intimidated by investing. Broke Millennial Takes on Investing simplifies complex investing concepts for novice investors.

Relatable Story: 
I have seen so many young adults have a fear of losing money in the stock market. I had clients in their 20’s, that would rather have lower interest rates, than to chance losing a penny! This is understandable, yet statistically unlikely over the long-term.

Other great books to consider

• Money, A Love Story frames finance tips within an empowering, positive narrative.
• Dear Debt: A Story About Breaking Up With Debt  shares an inspirational story about becoming debt-free.
• Student Loan Solution offers strategies for managing and repaying student loans.
• The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich To Live makes the case that small lifestyle changes can have a big financial impact

Factors to Consider When Choosing Personal Finance Books

Criteria	Description
Authority	Is the author an expert on the topic? Do they have credentials or experience?
Content	Is the book well-written and easy to understand? Does it provide practical advice?
Accuracy	Does the book contain accurate information? Are the strategies based on sound financial principles?
Reputation	What do others say about the book? Are there positive reviews from people who used the advice?

Conclusion

Taking control of your finances is a journey, not a destination. These books are powerful tools, but they’re not magic wands. The real magic happens when you combine knowledge with action. So, choose a book that resonates with you, start reading, and most importantly, start doing. Your future self will thank you.

Don’t wait another day. Pick a book, and take the first step towards financial freedom! toolkit. From automation to emotional literacy, these reads offer the perfect blend of insight and action to guide you toward financial wellness (source)

• Investopedia: Why Financial Literacy Is So Important
• US News: How to Get the Most Value From Reading a Personal Finance Book

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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.