No matter your age, the need for learning never steps. There’s a wealth of information out there and certainly no shortage of finance blogs to keep you busy. But not everyone has the time to wade through the sea of finance news and opinions to find the sites worth following. Lucky for you, we’ve done just that!
Keep a pulse on the world of finance with this list of top-notch blogs that will keep you in the loop on personal finance strategies, the financial ins-and-outs of business and the 411 on large, market-shaking news. Not up for a bunch of reading? Many of these bloggers also produce podcasts, post on Instagram and create YouTube videos.
19 Finance blogs worth your time
Finance blogs can cover a lot of ground—many of the following are focused on personal finance and advice for getting your everyday financial dealings in order, while others take a big-picture approach to market news and investments. While the following blogs offer great food for thought, any investment tips and money management strategies highlighted in these blogs should be treated with caution—it’s your money, after all.
1. The LUXE Strategist
New York is home to plenty of extravagant and expensive things—but how do those who aren’t supremely wealthy afford it? The Luxe Strategist, which bills itself as “Personal finance for people who like nice things” is an excellent read for anyone seeking to balance their personal finances while still experiencing some of finer things in life. This self-proclaimed “luxurious tomboy,”—a 30-something New Yorker, saves 50 percent of her income, yet still buys $400 shoes. She shows her readers how to save while still spending on the things that matter most to them. She writes about “Ways to Live Luxuriously on a Budget” and “The One Thing to Do Today If You’re Tired of Being Bad with Money.” Follow her simple, yet stylish Instagram account to get the links to her latest blog posts and saving tips.
2. Guy on FIRE
Guy on FIRE, or as his friends call him—Drew—is a 20-something living in Washington, D.C. For those not up-to-date on personal finance terms, FIRE stands for Financial Independence or Retired Early. Drew shares his journey on retiring early in his late 20s/early 30s. His blog features a fun FI (financial independence) Saving Calculator that calculates how much time you will save based on when you retire, anywhere from age 25–67. Drew is also big into real estate and using rental property to generate passive income. His Real Estate Corner features posts on each of his properties and monthly “Landlord Reports” revealing the play-by-play on repairs, expenses, how much he earns per hour of landlord work and the occasional funny story.
3. 99to1 Percent
Tina and Max, of 99to1 Percent, take on personal finance with a family-focused vibe, hoping to reach readers all around the world who are interested in progress, prosperity, upward mobility, frugality, saving, investing, becoming debt-free and achieving financial independence or early retirement. They write about how they more-than doubled their income in five years, ways to prepare for an emergency and how to pay off a mortgage quickly. In addition to personal finance, they reveal the secrets of starting a blog as a side-hustle, including monthly reports on their strategies.
4. The Money Habit
Author J.P. takes a realistic view of the financial independence movement. She retired with over $2.25 million at age 28 in New York City and now helps The Money Habit readers create a money plan that addresses the human tendency to spend rather than save, that it’s okay to make mistakes and that conserving energy throughout the process is key. Along with this blueprint, J.P. offers her readers tools on how to invest money, how to pay less taxes and what it’s really like to be retired.
5. The Give and Get
Lisa, author of The Give and Get, is a 30-something single from the D.C. area who wants to show readers “How to create a happy and meaningful life using money as a tool.” What started as a creative outlet and distraction after a tough break-up is now a money-saving advice and opinions blog, including articles like “A Controversial Way to Save Money on Groceries,” “How to Spend Your Generosity Well” and ways to “Cut Down on Data Usage and Expense.” Above all, the author doesn’t want to shame her readers for spending money on things that matter to them, but rather wants to promote genuine meaning through money. This is a solid read for anyone looking for a spark to get their personal finances in order.
6. Passive Income M.D.
Passive Income M.D. is a personal finance blog focused on the pursuit of earning “passive” income. Peter, an anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, documents his mission to spend as much time with his family, and practices medicine while being supported by his passive income ventures. He suggests attainable side-hustles for physicians, shows readers how to start a blog and explains why owning a second home can be a great passive-income investment.
7. Get Rich Slowly
J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly believes that building wealth takes time. It means setting goals, spending less than you earn and paying yourself first. He has personally overcome $35,000 in debt and achieved financial independence. He writes about his search for cheap-but-good lattes, spending and saving rates and wise car ownership. Roth’s commitment to frugality might not be for everyone, but his practical approach to expenses is a welcome perspective.
8. Zions Bank
It might not be the first place you’d think to look, but some banks have awesome blogs! Zions Bank has a friendly and attractive blog that covers business finance, regional economics, personal wealth planning and education. Their experts offers Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Mortgage Loans and Ways to Create a Holly Jolly Holiday Budget. Aside from their tips, you’ll also stay up to date on big economic news.
9. Clever Girl Finance
Bola, a certified financial education instructor, created Clever Girl Finance to provide girls and guys with resources, videos, blogs, and podcast about becoming accountable, ditching debt, saving money and building wealth. Though you can pay for some courses, many top-notch resources are free.
Keep updated on their latest blog and podcast content by following Clever Girl Finance on Instagram. From there, you’ll learn more about topics like apartment hunting, affordable healthy lifestyle, travel reward credit cards and how to rock your workplace.
10. The Finance Bar
The Finance Bar was born out of author Marsha’s goal to provide financial resources and guidance in a creative and nonjudgmental way. Marsha is a certified financial social worker, financial educator and economic commentator who will keep you money-smart with blog posts covering important topics like home buying, credit scores and becoming a better planner and spender.
11. LearnVest Blog
Founded by Harvard-grad Alexa von Trobel at age 22, LearnVest and its authors believe that “Money should a source of strength (not stress).” LearnVest has been recognized by Forbes, Time Magazine and Business Insider. Though LearnVest’s articles address a variety of subjects—from life and career to debt, all articles are written through the lens of personal finance.
Here’s a sampling of the posts you’ll find:
- I Came of Age During the Financial Crisis—Here’s How It Affects Me 10 years Later
- I Save 10k a Year by Cooking at Home
- My Husband Earns Twice my Salary. Here’s How We Play an Equal Role in Our Finances
12. Goodman Corporate Finance Blog
The Goodman Corporate Finance boutique provides top-to-bottom financial management from initial inquiry to the release of funds. Their blog focuses on topics that matter most to businesses and those interested in corporate finance. If you want to stay on top of current trends and discussions in the corporate finance world, then you might be interested in topics like the following:
13. The Reformed Broker
Run by Joshua M. Brown, a New York City-based financial advisor named in Investment News’ 2015 list of 40 Under 40 financial advisors, the Reformed Broker details Brown’s market-related insight on topics like bitcoin, why you should be skeptical of billionaires’ financial advice and fraud on Wall Street.
Brown also runs the Compound YouTube Channel, which provides discussions about wealth management, investing, trading, markets, financial planning and the economy.
14. SumZero Headlines
Want to get a peek into the minds of Wall Street investment pros? You’ve come to the right place. Though SumZero is an international professional investor community, you don’t have to be a member to take advantage of their peer-reviewed investment research from top analysts. While it might not always be light reading, you can expect SumZero to continue churning out smart articles like the following:
- Advice from SumZero’s All-Time Top-Ranked Analyst
- Top-Ranked Portfolio Manager on Investing in Emerging Markets
- Why the U.S. Cable Industry Is Poised for Recovery
15. A Wealth of Common Sense
Looking for an approachable finance blog? A Wealth of Common Sense is for you. Ben Carlson, CFA, another 40 Under 40 financial advisor to watch, explains the complexities of finance in a way that everyone can understand. Author of a book by the same name, Carlson believes that common sense should be common place in the world of finance. His writing reflects that straightforward approach on everything from market timing to personal finance for parents.
If you’re tired of reading, check out his podcast, Animal Spirits, which was named one of the best business podcasts by Forbes. You’ll find a combination of dry humor and professional market insight that you won’t find anywhere else.
16. A Teachable Moment
Tony Isola, a certified financial planner and former social studies teacher, combines his ability to put financial concepts in a historical context and make them applicable to everyday life in A Teachable Moment. He is especially well versed in educator retirement plants.
17. NPR’s Planet Money
For more global money news, check out the NPR Planet Money Blog, Originally a radio show and podcast launched during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis, Planet Money is an award-winning show dedicated to important financial news. Planet Money also hosts the Indicator—a shorter, daily podcast that produces information about topics of the day. Besides being a great listening resource, the blog offers details of current news and interesting topics that you’ll be hearing about around the water cooler.
Recent subjects include:
18. Mr. Money Mustache
Looking for a little fun to go with your financial advice? Mr. Money Mustache is your guy. This blog has been praised and featured by outlets like Forbes, NPR, The Washington Post and The New Yorker.
Mr. Money Mustache and his wife retired in their early 30s, have one son and now spend as much time with him as possible. Mr. Money Mustache started this blog out of frustration—confused about why so many upper-middle-class families were complaining about not being able to afford everything “everyone else” was buying, while living beyond their means.
Money Mustache writes about the most significant lifestyle and money changes he made, including biking to work and changing how you think about daily expenses. If you want to dive in to more of his great advice, try the “random article” button, where you’ll find interesting articles like:
- Selling the Dream – How to Make your Spouse Love Frugality
- What Do You Mean “You Don’t Have a Bike”?!
- Money Mustache vs. Tourist Trap
19. The Simple Path to Wealth
Author J.L. Collins is a personal finance pro who’s not afraid to be genuinely blunt. Whether you’re reading The Simple Path to Wealth blog or the book by the same name, you’ll find that Collins’ tone remains sincere, smart and easy-to-follow. For instance, he compares the stock market to a glass of beer to explain why stock prices vary widely and may not reflect the value of actual assets.
Collins goal is to make investing simple for his readers. One of the most popular features on his blog is his stock series, a collection of posts that answer questions like, “Can everyone really retire like a millionaire?”, “What if Vanguard gets nuked?”, and “Should I avoid my company’s 401k?”
Is finance in your future?
Whether you’re looking for investment advice or just practical tips for stabilizing your financial situation, these finance blogs should have you covered. But all the blogs in the world are no replacement for a sound financial education. If you think a Finance degree could be in the forecast for your future, check out our article, “9 Signs You Have What It Takes to Major in Finance.”
