Money has long been a topic that women have been told is better left unspoken, an aspect of our lives to be held tightly to our chests. But, in recent years a shift has emerged in both professional and personal worlds, with many women instead, choosing to speak up and help guide each other to financial independence.

The forefront? Financial advisors and experts who have mapped it all out through in-depth financial literacy, as well as through real, transparent social media followings that get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to take control of your money.

If you’re new to taking control of the finance world, look to the titles that offer up basic step-by-step guides on how to budget, as well as introductory-level explanations on how best to save and spend more mindfully. There’s also plenty of offerings for those after more detailed deep dives into ways to boost your income or even take that forever dreamed of entrepreneurial plunge.

Here’s a list of the money books that are worth the investment.

“From new banking rituals and money mindsets to growing passive income through shares and property, Canna helps you shed the excess and embrace what you really love, value, use and appreciate—including your necessary luxuries.”

Written by Canna Campbell, the experienced financial planner and best-selling author of The $1000 Project, Mindful Money takes a further look into investment strategies, including starting an investment portfolio, paying attention to superannuation and paying down debt. Campbell’s explanations are well-thought-out but presented in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating, with helpful illustrations that’ll not only keep you engaged but great for the visual learners as well.

Follow Canna on Instagram: @SugarMammaTV

“If you wish you could be better with your money but just don’t seem to have the time, this book is for you. Written by a working mum of two, Wonder Woman’s Guide to Money will give you the tools you need to take control of your financial future.”

Feel overwhelmed when left to make important financial decisions? Same. Natasha Janssens book, Wonder Woman’s Guide To Money, offers up the tools to help women feel confident when managing finances, which details how to break out of that debt spiral, how to get better at saving, as well as mapping out the important factors every woman should be in control of, including steps to get on top of your super, how to safeguard your future and the lowdown on offset accounts.

“In this breakthrough, personalised approach to financial success, Melissa Browne helps you discover the habits, triggers and tricks that are right for you.”

From personal experience, I know that sometimes a budget isn’t the best way to manage financial freedom—which is where Mel Browne’s book comes in. The book flips the one-size-fits-all approach to finance on its head, helping women discover the power that comes with understanding their unique financial type. The book also works to explain why so many struggle with money, or the ways in which we unknowingly sabotage ourselves.

Follow Mel on Instagram: @moremoneyforshoes

“Through her phenomenally popular and award-winning podcast, She's on the Money, Victoria Devine has built an empowered and supportive community of women finding their way to financial freedom.”

You’ve perhaps heard of Victoria Devine, the brains behind Australian finance podcast, She’s On The Money. Well, the financial advisor has taken her honest, relatable and non-judgemental approach to money into her first book, seeking to help women reach their money goals (without skimping on what makes life fun!). Devine has put all her advice in one place, hoping to shift a generation’s mindset around money.

Follow Victoria on Instagram: @victoria_devine

“Fed up of just getting by and want to start thriving? Then it's time to take action. There's no better feeling than ticking off your to-do list, and this book will help you do just that. I'll be there to guide you each step of the way, with practical tips, facts, figures and strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to Ditch the Debt and Get Rich—you can do this!”

Effie Zahos, as one of Australia’s leading personal finance commentators, has an impeccable reputation for offering up expert advice made simple, and her latest book, Ditch Your Debt and Get Rich, brings that approach to the page. Taking cues from Zahos’ decorated career, the book offers up practical and easy to manage strategies to help spenders achieve their financial goals, all topped off with her signature relatable approach to money.

Follow Effie on Instagram: @effiezahos