Personal Finances for Self-Reliance

by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Take control of your financial future with Personal Finance for Self-Reliance, a comprehensive guide designed to help individuals and families achieve financial independence through practical principles and gospel-centered insights. From budgeting and debt management to savings, investing, and charitable giving, this book provides step-by-step guidance for building a stable financial foundation. Whether you’re struggling with debt, preparing for future expenses, or simply seeking greater peace of mind, Personal Finance for Self-Reliance offers the tools and encouragement you need to succeed.

Genres: Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains helpful and concise info on budgeting, paying off/avoiding debt, interest rates, acquiring adequate insurance, home ownership vs renting, and counsel concerning tithing. Seems like financial literacy is one of those things we have to pretty much learn on our own through trial and error. This guide should help a lot of people develop basic habits that will greatly enhance their quality of life.

[Brandon Baggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for learning about Financial Self-Reliance. It ties brilliantly into the doctrines of the LDS Church and will help you on the path of financial repentance. Those who faithfully follow the precepts found in this manual will find that they are better stewards of what the Lord has given them.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is designed to be used in conjunction with a 12-week group class. Although one could certainly read and apply everything within the book by themselves or in a family setting.

It's full of sound and useful information given in a gospel light. It's broken down into very doable steps. A great resource!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the class and felt like it clarified exactly what I need to be working on financially.

[Better Book Bureau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent information and guidance.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I learned a lot.

[Noa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book and an even better class. It really encourages to put one's house in order. I started reading more to my kid, getting him to bed earlier, scripture reading, and prayer all because they were connected commitments in this course. I had taken this course with the hope of getting better insight into investing. There is one chapter in the book about this, which is helpful, because it simplifies the concepts, but it doesn't go very deeply into it. I think everyone, especially couples, should read this book and take the class.
It is definitely something I want to reread and go through the commitments again so that I can keep up with those good habits that seem peripheral, but are completely connected to finance and self-reliance.

Rated G (it's too advanced for anyone under....14, I would say -- but the principles can be taught in an FHE to children as little as... 10, perhaps).

[Dorinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read or watched any of the Dave Ramsey material then this will be similar -- especially the advice to CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARD!!
The main difference is that this manual has a much more spiritual direction. It deeply invites the Holy Spirit. And I personally believe the most you'll learn, change, and grow will be more lasting if it's done with the Holy Spirit; that way when times are tough you can look back and remember your personal reasons for wanting to be more financially aware.

This is best taken in a class with others because there are sections where you have your chosen Accountability Partner sign your book to help you stay, well, accountable! This is helpful because what would be the point of taking a class if you didn't intend to use what you learn to good use and apply it to your life!
BUT this can be read alone. If you deeply desire to be more financially self-reliant and don't want to wait for a class to start then go ahead! And take lots of notes.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to receive confirmation on many financial principles that my wife and I had established for ourselves when we were newlyweds. If used and followed with the self-reliance group, not just reading through on your own, it provides VERY helpful information, group support and encouragement and most importantly encourages spiritual insight into your personal finances.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for husband and wife to come together over finances. The commitments each week are simple enough that they do not overburden but require enough that you both learn something. My husband and I are so grateful for how much easier it is to speak of finances now.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it covered a lot of material I am already familiar with from other books, I enjoyed how it brought back specific Gospel principles into finance I hadn't fully considered. I also appreciated how it was structures with different layers to financial independence/self-reliance.

[Bonnie Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a blessing!

[Tiffany Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone should take this class or at least read and study this manual. I learned so much.

[Nicole Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this course! Everyone could benefit from it, and it's free.

[Jon Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic course and resource. highly recommended