One of the things that separates the wealthy from the not-so-wealthy is an interest in education vs. entertainment. The wealthy try to educate themselves, and learn more about how money works so that they can put it to work on their behalf. While there’s nothing wrong with sitting back and relaxing, and being entertained on occasion, you don’t want to make escapism your primary goal.

If you are looking for some great reads this year, here are 8 great financial books that can get you going:

1. The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money

This book by Carl Richards takes a look at behavioral finance, and what makes people make stupid decisions with their money. Chances are that, no matter how smart you are, you still sometimes do dumb things with your money. Read this book and learn how you can make better financial decisions.

2. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime

MJ DeMarco encourages you to stop following the tired old tropes about getting a good job and then slaving away for 30 or 40 years while you put money away in a retirement account. Instead, he talks about what you can do now to kick your finances into high gear. It’s a refreshing look at money, and how to put it to work for you.

3. Anything You Want

Follow your passion and build a business. Derek Sivers provides a short look at how you can follow your dreams. If you are looking for a little inspiration to get started on your own business, this book is a great way to find inspiration to create the business you want.

4. The Debt-Free Spending Plan

Joanneh Nagler shows you how you can put together a debt reduction plan in five minutes a day. This spending plan helps you take charge of your finances, and accomplish your goals without getting extreme with your finances. It’s a practical, down-to-earth way for you to take control of your finances and get out of debt for good.

5. How Not to Move Back in With Your Parents: The Young Person’s Guide to Financial Empowerment

Even if you are a little bit older than “young”, this book by financial journalist Rob Carrick is a great read. Learn about the basics of navigating your financial future, and become empowered with your money. This great book can help you get your finances on track now, and for the future.

6. A Simple Guide on Guaranteed Investing: Safe Investing for Conservative Invesotrs

If you’re looking for safety in your investment portfolio, this book from Retire Happy blogger Jim Yih will help you get higher guaranteed returns while helping you sleep better knowing that your investments are secure in the volatile markets seen over the past few years.

7. Investing Made Simple: Index Fund Investing and ETF Investing in 100 Pages or Less

Mike Piper is known for his simple, straightforward investing guides. If you don’t know where to start with your investing plan, this book is a great place to start. Investing doesn’t have to be complex, and this book shows you how to get it done.

8. Your Money & Your Brain

Jason Zweig offers this interesting look at what happens when you think about money. A great view into why you make the decisions you do, and how you can improve the way you think about money. Change the way you think about money, and you could end up in much better financial shape.

What are your favorite money books?