10 Stories About Women and Money That Will Surprise and Inspire You

And They Make Good Gifts Too!

It seems I’ve caught the gift-list bug. This time of year, gift lists seem to be everywhere, especially on Substack. And while some people might roll their eyes at yet another one, I’ll admit: I’m not a gift-list hater. In fact, I’ve found some wonderful presents—for both myself and others—thanks to these lists. So, in the spirit of the season, I decided to create one of my own – all books.

These are books that got me thinking about women and money—how we earn it, how we spend it, and how we value it. They’re not personal finance guides, but stories that quietly (or not so quietly) shine a light on the things we get right, the things we get wrong, and the way money weaves through our lives. They’re perfect for gifting—to friends, family, or even just to yourself.

Classic Novels

I love classic novels about women, but I’ll admit, sometimes they make me want to scream. It’s hard not to feel frustrated at how dependent women were on men back then. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come—and, let’s be honest, how far we still have to go. When I started my blog, I named it Of Independent Means as a nod to this progress and as a little tribute to one of my favorite books, A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey. Bess, the protagonist, is still an inspiration to me.

1. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Lily Bart is smart, beautiful, and completely trapped. In her world, a woman’s financial stability depends on marriage, and Lily knows it. Wharton’s book is sharp and devastating, a cautionary tale about what happens when appearances become everything.

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Okay, yes, it’s a love story. But it’s also about money. Austen was way ahead of her time in how she tackled the economics of marriage. Elizabeth Bennet’s independence and wit are as refreshing today as they were when Austen first wrote her.

3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
It’s impossible not to love the March sisters. Each one has a unique relationship with money: Meg dreams of luxury, Jo wants independence, and Beth… well, Beth just wants everyone to be happy. It’s a timeless reminder that money is about values, not just numbers.

4. A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
Told through letters, Bess Steed Garner’s story is a quiet triumph. She navigates love, loss, and financial independence with resilience and wit. Bess isn’t perfect, but she’s unforgettable—and proof that women can shape their own destinies.

Contemporary Fiction

5. Trust by Hernan Diaz
If you love books that make you think, Trust is for you. It unravels the story of a wealthy couple—but whose version of the story can you believe? At the heart of it is a sharp and subtle commentary on power, money, and the hidden roles women play in building legacies.

6. The Cost of Living and Real Estate by Deborah Levy
Deborah Levy writes about life’s transitions with such honesty it’s almost startling. In The Cost of Living, she examines what it really takes—financially and emotionally—to rebuild a life on your own terms. Real Estate continues this exploration, reflecting on what home, ambition, and ownership mean for women today.

7. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Mothers and daughters, cultural expectations, and money. Tan weaves these themes together beautifully in this multi-generational story. It’s about sacrifice, identity, and the complicated ways financial success shapes relationships.

8. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Lakshmi escapes an unhappy marriage and builds a life for herself as a sought-after henna artist. Her story is about independence, survival, and the price women often pay to chart their own course. It’s empowering and deeply satisfying.

Nonfiction Narratives

9. Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land
Land’s memoir isn’t easy to read, but it’s important. It’s a raw, honest account of living paycheck to paycheck and the barriers that keep people (especially women) stuck in poverty. It’s also a testament to grit, resourcefulness, and the value of dignity.

10. Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder
What happens when the American dream falls apart? This book follows a community of older Americans who live in vans, traveling across the country to find work. It’s a sobering reminder that economic instability can happen to anyone—and that experiences often mean more than possessions.

In Closing…

These books aren’t just about money—they’re about life. They remind us that financial decisions are often about so much more than dollars and cents. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or just something to curl up with, I hope you find a book on this list that speaks to you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll gift it to someone else next year.