Whether you’re trying to get out of debt, wanting to start investing or just need more info on how to make your money work for you, getting expert advice ensures you’re heading in the right direction.

An e-book is essentially an electronic book – a file you can read on any digital device. Of course, because anyone can have access to an e-book, the document should be in a format that can’t be altered or edited. Because PDFs are super-easy to download and distribute, they’ve become ‘unofficial’ e-books. However, unless a text is intended for free distribution, sharing a PDF with friends and family without paying for the content means the writers and creators don’t get remunerated.

Here are three personal finance e-books worth downloading:

Become Your Own Financial Advisor, by Warren Ingram

If you’ve ever wondered how you can up your financial security with the resources at your disposal ­– or have despaired at whether it’s simply too late to plan for a financially stable future, you’re not alone. The good news is that an e-book like this one can help you on your journey. It offers thorough yet accessible ways to improve your relationship with money – whether you’re a novice who needs basic guidelines on how to save, invest and manage debt, or a financial guru who wants to supplement your knowledge. The fundamental, reassuring  message is that financial freedom is possible for everyone – regardless of your age and situation.

The Only Budgeting Book You'll Ever Need: How to Save Money and Manage Your Finances with a Personal Budget Plan That Works for You, by Tere Stouffer

The title says it all. From assessing your spending patterns to identifying potential cash flow problems, this useful little tome is full of bright ideas about how to get a handle on your financial goals. While a lot of the budgeting tips are basic common sense (don’t buy a new car if you can’t afford it), some are designed to get you thinking. For example, what would the consequences be if you didn’t buy or spend money on a particular item?

One potential downside is that it’s written for an American market and some of the information doesn’t translate well for a South African reader – but a great deal of the advice is universal and practical.

I Will Teach You To Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi

If you’re looking for smart, funny and simple advice, this bestseller is for you. Lauded by the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, the updated second edition is a powerful six-week financial fitness programme that teaches you how to save money every month, while still having enough to enjoy life and buy stuff you love. Aimed at a younger market (there’s plenty about paying off student debt and how to negotiate raises at work), the fundamentals work for everyone. The main tenet? Master your money – then get on with your life. The update includes new insights on money and psychology, plus inspiring stories of how previous readers have used the book to create wealth.

There are countless resources on the internet to guide you on managing your money. However, when it comes to making big investment decisions, working together with an accredited, trusted professional is worth its weight in gold.