February is Black History Month! In honour of this, we have compiled a list of financial literacy books written by black authors that not only teach you about financial literacy, but give unique perspectives through storytelling.

“The 21-Day Financial Fast” by Michelle Singletary

The 21-Day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary book coverMichelle Singletary, award-winning columnist for The Washington Post, gives a tested financial challenge in her book “The 21-Day Financial Fast.”

This is a book to increase financial literacy in a chunkable 21 days. You will learn how to buy only the essentials, make a plan to get to debt-free living, and — most importantly — push that financial stress off your shoulders with logic that actually works.

Michelle also created a series of inspiration YouTube videos that you can watch in pairing with each chapter/ day of her financial challenge. You can view the playlist here.

 â€śClever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth” by Bola Sokunbi

Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi book coverWritten by the founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, “Clever Girl Finance – Ditch Debt, Save Money & Build Real Wealth” provides practical guidance for getting out of debt, saving money, and building wealth.

She shares real, relatable stories from other women who have taken control of their finances to inspire you and help you on your journey. You’ll get the tools necessary to create a solid financial plan from budgeting all the way to investing.

Bola has also written two additional books in the ‘Clever Girl Finance’ series, which are available to purchase through her website.

“The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro

The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires book coverBestselling personal finance author Dennis Kimbro interviews prominent black millionaires to learn how they got where they are and offers key insights for those struggling to reach the next level in his book, “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires”.

With advice and guidance on how to climb the “economic ladder,” Dr. Kimbro focuses on how to find your way to success using the histories and paths that the richest African Americans have taken to get there.

From front to back, it’s loaded with actionable advice wrapped up in inspirational stories about African Americans who won despite all of the odds.

“The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44” by Ash Exantus – Ash Cash

The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44 by Ash Exantus – Ash Cash book coverAsh Exantuz, aka. Ash Cash – one of the top financial experts in the USA. He utilizes music, pop culture, and current news to help people manage their money better.

In his book, “The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44”, he uses Jay-Z’s album “4:44” as the blueprint to bridging the wealth gap and solving economic inequalities for African Americans. Through deciphering all the financial concepts delivered within the album, readers will be taught about how to build credit and use it as leverage, how to spend money wisely, how to pass down wealth to the next generation and more. 

It is designed for beginners with simple language and explanations that make sense to beginners looking to start off on the right foot.

“The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey” by Tonya Rapley

The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey by Tonya Rapley book cover Tonya Rapley is a the millennial money expert and creator of the award winning site, My Fab Finance. In “The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey”, she makes it easier to understand how to manage your money.

More than often, books to increase financial literacy can be complex and intense. In this book, Tonya relieves that pressure and focuses on learning simple methods to work with money, how to use the money to improve your quality of life, and how debt factors into daily life.

Learn how to logic your way out of financial anxiety for good by relying on logical advice and explanation on all the common financial roadblocks.

“The Frugal Feminista: Unmasking The Strong Black Woman” by Kara Stevens 

The Frugal Feminista: Unmasking The Strong Black Woman by Kara Stevens book cover

Many women are exhausted from being the woman everyone expects them to be, and it is negatively affecting their finances. 

Kara Stevens, known as “The Frugal Feminista,” shares the secrets of financial and emotional self-care that every woman needs to live in her greatness. 

“Unmasking The Strong Black Woman” is the first book in Kara’s Self-Care Series. If you need expert money and life advice from one of the most down-to-earth and relatable voices in the self-help world, then you’ll love this series.

Each of these books provides excellent information on how to improve your financail literacy. We encourage you to take a read yourself, and if you come up with any financial questions while reading – we are here to help with that! Our Financial Advisors are here to answer any of your questions, so contact them today!


At Integris Credit Union, we believe that diversity and inclusion practices are important priorities which are essential for both business and social enrichment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enhances trust, innovation, and growth. We provide and promote a supportive and inclusive culture for our members, staff, and communities. In line with our vision statement, it is within our communities’ best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination. Learn more about Integris Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement here.

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