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Ten spiritual books every financial planner should read

At first glance, the words ‘spiritual’ and ‘financial planning’ can seem like oil and water – two words that don’t naturally mix.

Money, after all, is concrete, measurable, and rational. Spirituality, on the other hand, is often seen as abstract, mysterious, and personal.

Yet, as Stephen Covey reminded said in ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’, renewal happens across four dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 

If we neglect any of these, we limit our potential to be truly effective — in leadership, in relationships, and in life.

Clients don’t just want a financial plan and the numbers to work. They want peace of mind. They want lives that feel meaningful. They want to live in alignment with their values. 

If we are to serve at a deeper level, we must nourish the part of us that helps others access their own clarity, wisdom, and perspective. That is the spiritual dimension.

Below are ten powerful books that can support any financial planner who wants to bring more presence, depth, and humanity to their work with clients.

1. Dying to Be Me — Anita Moorjani

A profound memoir of healing and awakening. Moorjani’s near-death experience led her to a radical shift in consciousness. She reminds you that fear shrinks life and clarity expands it.

2. The Book of Secrets — Deepak Chopra

Chopra blends science and spirituality as he explores life’s most fundamental questions: Who am I? Why am I here? An excellent guide for revisiting purpose, identity, and meaning.

3. The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle

A modern classic on presence. For advisers, the message is especially relevant: the more present we are, the more deeply clients feel heard and the clearer our own thinking becomes.

4. The Enlightened Gardener — Sydney Banks

A simple story with profound implications. Banks points to the innate wisdom within all of us. His insights form the foundation of my own work and have transformed the way I serve clients.

5. Letting go — Dr David R Hawkins

Despite more comfort, convenience, and wealth in the world, people are living with more stress than ever. Dr Hawkins points to our only source of stress and how to end it.

6. Loving What Is — Byron Katie

Katie teaches a simple yet powerful approach to ending mental suffering. A valuable book for anyone who wants greater emotional freedom and a clearer mind in conversations that matter.

7. Conversations with God — Neale Donald Walsch

An exploration of truth written during a moment of personal despair. It invites the reader into a dialogue about who we are and what life is asking of us.

8. Way of the Peaceful Warrior — Dan Millman

An uplifting novel of self-discovery. Millman’s journey is a reminder that growth is an inner game and that wisdom can come from unexpected places.

9. The Untethered Soul — Michael A. Singer

A transformative look at consciousness and inner freedom. This book will change how you relate to your thoughts, emotions, and the flow of life.

10. Proof of Heaven — Dr Eben Alexander

A neurosurgeon’s extraordinary account of his coma, illness, and profound experience. It calls into question our assumptions about reality and opens the door to new possibility.

Why this matters for financial planners

Spiritual evolution isn’t about adopting belief systems. It’s about grounding ourselves in deeper awareness, inner clarity, and innate wisdom — so we can serve from a deeper, more profound place.

Clients feel the difference.

When we are present, centred, and connected to a meaningful purpose, our advice lands more deeply. Our conversations become transformative, not transactional.

PS. Bringing depth into your client work

If you want to create more meaningful client relationships — the kind that change lives, not just portfolios — then this is the work I help advisers master. Through my coaching programmes, I help financial planners elevate their state of mind, deepen their impact, and consistently win clients who value real partnership.

If you’re ready to bring more depth, clarity, and humanity into your client work, let’s have a conversation.

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John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

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SEARCH BLOG

RECENT POSTS

BLOG CATEGORIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

Get your FREE copy of the
'Magical Client Meetings Every Time!' report
and exclusive content

Just pop in your name and email below for immediate download

Your information is not shared or sold to anyone else.