You’re exhausted. You’re overworked. And despite picking up extra shifts, you still don’t feel financially secure. Sound familiar? If you’re a nurse who’s wondering how to quit nursing—or at least cut back without wrecking your finances—you’re not alone.

I’m a nurse who burned out and quit my job at 35 (my story here)—but even after taking five years off work, I never ran out of money. I bought my house in cash, my cars in cash, and still became a millionaire by 40. Not because I followed all the personal finance book advice. I read hundreds of them—and most of them? Not helpful for nurses. They weren’t written for people with variable pay, burnout-level fatigue, or job-related trauma.

So today, I’m sharing the seven books that actually did help me—but with a big disclaimer: no book gave me the full system I needed. That’s why I created Nurses Investing For Wealth. Because theory is nice, but nurses need action. A plug-and-play system that makes room for our unpredictable schedules, unpaid breaks between contracts, and the mental load of carrying a whole hospital unit on our back.

These books offered valuable insights—but none gave me what I really needed: clarity, confidence, and a system to manage my money without outsourcing all the control. Still, they’re worth reading—especially with a nurse-centered lens.

Let’s get into it:

1. The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist

This book transformed my relationship with money when I was burned out and ready to quit for good. Twist describes money as neutral—like water—and reminds us that we get to decide what meaning it holds in our lives. I was stuck in fear, even though I had money saved. This book helped me stop hoarding security and start building purpose.

2. Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche

Aliche makes financial education feel doable—especially if debt is your biggest stressor. Her tone is warm and actionable, and she lays out step-by-step plans that actually make sense. She started as a preschool teacher, and I swear you can feel that in her writing: it’s compassionate and clear.

3. The Simple Path To Wealth by JL Collins

Written for his daughter, Collins' book is simple, smart, and surprisingly non-predatory for a finance guy. Yes, he’s an old white man—but this one earns a pass. It’s a great intro to investing if you’ve never felt confident doing it. That said, don’t stop here. Nurses have different needs—and you can do better.

4. Work Optional by Tanja Hester

This book felt like a warm hug during a cold burnout spiral. Hester’s focus isn’t just on saving money—it’s about building a life that feels good. And isn’t that what we all want? If you’re starting to believe you might need to leave nursing someday (or already have), this one will validate that hunch.

5. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin

A classic for a reason. This one reads a little dated, but Robin’s message is timeless: don’t trade your life energy for a paycheck you don’t need. She also reframes investing in a way that feels safe and empowering. Bonus: she’s a big believer in local investing—something nurses don’t hear enough about.

6. Stop Acting Rich by Thomas Stanley

This isn’t the most inclusive book, but it is a reality check. Stanley’s research shows how most real millionaires live frugally—and how flashy spending hides financial instability. If you’re sick of seeing influencer nurses posting designer hauls, this book will ground you.

7. The Dirtbag's Guide to Life by Tim Mathis

Ok, this one’s not technically a finance book. But it’s about designing a life you love—and refusing to sell your soul for a paycheck. It helps me remember: you don’t have to earn more to live better. You have to know what “better” means to you. Bonus fun fact: it’s written by a theologian turned psych nurse—who also happens to be my spouse since 2002. 💚

What These Books Didn’t Give Me (That Nurses Need)

These books gave me pieces. But they didn’t give me:

• A step-by-step plan to invest with confidence
• A way to reduce hours without risking my retirement
• A clear system that works with nursing’s chaotic pay structure
• A strategy to feel safe walking away from toxic jobs

That’s why I built my own. And it’s why I teach nurses how to create a financial survival plan that actually works—for you. No jargon. No pressure. Just clarity and peace of mind.

If you want to know more about the system that helped me become work optional, grab my free training. 

Because reading a book is great. But building a life where you never have to fear burnout again in a fraction of the time? That’s even better.

FAQ: Personal Finance for Nurses

Q: Can nurses really retire early or become financially free and make working optional?
A: Yes—especially with a custom financial survival plan. Many nurses reduce hours, go part-time, or leave bedside care entirely once they set up their strategy.

Q: Are traditional finance books helpful for nurses?
A: They can be—but most weren’t written for people with shift differentials, job-related trauma, or unpredictable income. That’s why nurses need a nurse-specific system.

Q: Where can I learn a simple investing system to manage and track my money as a nurse?
A: You can start by watching my free training where I walk through the step-by-step method that helped me become work optional. 

~Angel 💚 

I’m the nurse/NP helping mid-career nurses get their money right—so they can finally say no to exhausting shifts and time-robbing jobs. Watch my story.