Finding the right resources and tools to advance your knowledge in financial literacy can be overwhelming. Many great sources of financial information are available, but not all of them are created equal. It’s important to find credible, accurate, and unbiased sources. Here are a few tips for finding the best financial information.
Where do you start for the
Best Financial Information to Educate Yourself
Start with trusted and reputable sources. Some many well-respected financial institutions and organizations offer educational resources. These include the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Consumer Reports, and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). Look for sources that are updated regularly. The financial world is constantly changing, so you must find sources that provide up-to-date information.
Financial literacy and debt-free blogs from a trusted author, influencer, or person you know are another way to pick up some financial literacy knowledge. Blogs can be a fun and easy way to learn tons of information. Blogs can be considered well-meaning. They can go into great detail on a very niche area of finance like paying down debt when someone works two freelance jobs.
Beware of scams. There are many people out there who are looking to take advantage of people who are looking for financial advice. Be sure to do your research and only trust familiar sources.
Best Books
Many great books on personal finance can help you learn more about your money and make better financial decisions.
Here are a few popular selections:
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
- I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
- Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins
- The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley
Best Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to learn about personal finance while on the go. The podcast scene has exploded in the last five years, so many podcasts are available. Here are a few of the popular examples:
- Afford Anything by Paula Pant
- The Money Guy Show by Chris Hogan and Anthony O'Neal
- The Mad Fientist by J.L. Collins
- Personal Finance with Kian Mansour by Kian Mansour
- The Stacking Benjamins Show by Joe Saul-Sebag
Best Finance Advice for Explanation of the Fine Print
When it comes to financial matters, it’s vital to understand the fine print. Understanding it can be especially true when signing up for a new financial product or service. Here are a few tips for understanding the fine print:
- Read the entire document. It may seem like a lot of work, but you must read the whole document before you sign it. Reading thoroughly will help you understand all of the terms and conditions.
- Ask questions. If you can’t understand something, then you can ask questions. The person you're dealing with should be happy to explain things.
- Get everything in writing. If you're making a big financial decision, it's always a good idea to get everything in writing. Writing down everything will help protect you in case there are any problems down the road.
- Seek advice. You may hire a financial professional like a CPA, CFP, or financial coach to help guide you through a complex financial document.
You can start your learning journey by reading the blogs on our site! We cover a range of topics like avoiding bad debt, vacationing on a budget, rebuilding your credit, investing for beginners, and much more! Contact DebtBlue for options if you are struggling with credit card debt and need a roadmap to financial independence. Speak with our experts today!