Finance newsletters have become the secret weapon for strategic CFOs navigating today's complex business landscape. While everyone drowns in information overload, the most effective finance leaders rely on curated insights delivered directly to their inbox.
The right finance newsletters act like a trusted advisor, filtering through the noise to highlight what truly matters for financial decision-making.
This guide reveals the top 10 finance newsletters that deliver actionable insights for CFOs, explains what makes them valuable, and shows how to maximize their impact on your organization.
Why Should CFOs Read, at least, one Finance Newsletter Every Week?
The financial landscape shifts rapidly, with new regulations, market trends, and technological innovations emerging weekly. Finance newsletters condense these developments into actionable formats, allowing finance leaders to stay informed efficiently.
Time efficiency: Pre-vetted information eliminates the need to sift through countless sources
Strategic advantage: Early awareness of trends enables proactive decision-making
Peer insights: Case studies from other finance leaders facing similar challenges
Most financial newsletters provide a blend of news, analysis, and practical frameworks that CFOs can apply immediately to their organizations. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes them invaluable resources for strategic financial leadership.
Key Criteria for Selecting the Best Finance Newsletters
1. Relevance to FP&A and strategy
The most valuable newsletters for CFOs focus on Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and strategic financial leadership rather than basic market updates. Look for content that connects financial trends to business outcomes and provides actionable frameworks.
The best financial newsletters go beyond reporting what happened to explain why it matters and how to respond. This context helps CFOs translate information into strategic action.
Newsletters with practical tools like financial models, decision frameworks, or benchmarking data offer immediate value. Many CFOs report that newsletters focusing on strategic applications have directly influenced their planning processes.
2. Publishing frequency and format
Newsletter frequency should match your information needs and reading habits. Daily newsletters provide timely updates but require consistent attention, while weekly or monthly publications offer deeper analysis with less time commitment.
Writers with CFO experience understand the practical challenges you face and provide advice grounded in reality rather than theory. Check contributor backgrounds and look for transparency about information sources. Practitioner-led finance newsletters like Mostly Metrics have amassed over 64,000 subscribers, while CFO Secrets has gained over 45,000 subscribers, demonstrating strong demand for peer insights from fellow finance practitioners.
The best finance newsletters often include a mix of formats: quick takeaways for busy days and deeper analysis for when you have more time. This flexibility accommodates the varying demands on a CFO's schedule.
3. Credibility of contributors
Author expertise significantly impacts newsletter quality. The most valuable financial newsletters come from practitioners with hands-on experience in financial leadership roles.
Writers with CFO experience understand the practical challenges you face and provide advice grounded in reality rather than theory. Check contributor backgrounds and look for transparency about information sources.
High-quality newsletters cite their data sources and clearly distinguish between facts and opinions. Many top financial industry newsletters maintain editorial independence by disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
Top 10 Finance Newsletters For CFOs
1. FP&A Stories from the Trenches
This weekly newsletter focuses exclusively on real-world FP&A challenges and solutions from practicing finance leaders. Each edition features a specific financial planning scenario, the approach taken, and lessons learned.
The content emphasizes practical implementation of strategic finance practices with downloadable templates and frameworks. Many subscribers cite FP&A Stories from the Trenches as one of the best finance newsletters for actionable insights from real experiences.
Key topics: Strategic planning, scenario modeling, cross-functional collaboration
Publishing frequency: Weekly (every Sunday)
Cost: Free
Subscribe to FP&A Stories from the Trenches

2. Mostly Metrics
Authored by CJ Gustafson, a tech CFO, Mostly Metrics delivers data-driven insights on financial metrics that drive business performance. The newsletter breaks down complex financial concepts into practical applications with real-world examples.
Each edition typically includes a deep dive on a specific metric, benchmark data, and implementation tips. This approach makes it one of the top rated financial newsletters for metrics-focused finance leaders.
Key topics: SaaS metrics, financial modeling, growth indicators
Publishing frequency: Weekly
Cost: Free tier with paid premium option ($15/month)
3. CFO Secrets
Written by a rotating group of experienced finance leaders, CFO Secrets shares insider knowledge about navigating the challenges of modern financial leadership. The newsletter focuses on the strategic and leadership aspects of the CFO role beyond technical finance skills.
Each edition addresses a specific challenge faced by finance leaders with candid insights and practical solutions. Many subscribers consider it among the best financial newsletters for leadership development.
Key topics: Leadership development, stakeholder management, strategic influence
Publishing frequency: Weekly
Cost: Free
4. OnlyCFO
OnlyCFO delivers concise, actionable insights specifically for finance leaders at high-growth companies. The newsletter combines market analysis with practical guidance on implementing financial best practices.
Each edition typically includes detailed analysis of financial trends and their operational implications. This newsletter bridges theory and practice effectively.
Key topics: Fundraising strategy, investor relations, scaling finance operations
Publishing frequency: Bi-weekly
Cost: Free
5. Finance Operator
Finance Operator provides deep dives into operational finance strategies that drive business performance. Written by Alex Clayton, a former investment banker and current finance leader, the newsletter combines capital markets perspective with operational know-how.
Each edition typically includes detailed analysis of financial trends and their operational implications. This newsletter finance perspective bridges theory and practice effectively.
Key topics: Operational efficiency, financial operations, process optimization
Publishing frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free
6. The Metric Stack
Published by Craft Ventures, The Metric Stack offers data-driven insights on financial metrics across different business stages. The newsletter leverages the firm's portfolio data to provide benchmark information and best practices.
Each edition typically includes benchmark data, analysis of metric trends, and strategic implications. This makes it one of the more data-rich financial newsletters available.
Key topics: Performance benchmarking, growth metrics, investor expectations
Publishing frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free
7. SaaS Weekly
SaaS Weekly delivers focused insights on financial strategies specific to software-as-a-service businesses. Written by venture capitalist Tom Tunguz, the newsletter combines investor perspective with operational guidance.
Each edition typically includes analysis of SaaS financial models, market trends, and strategic implications. This specialized focus makes it particularly valuable for CFOs in technology companies.
Key topics: SaaS economics, unit economics, capital efficiency
Publishing frequency: Weekly
Cost: Free
8. The Finance Stack
The Finance Stack explores the intersection of finance, technology, and strategy in modern businesses. Written by Mike Tannenbaum, a finance leader with extensive tech experience, the newsletter focuses on how technology is transforming financial leadership.
Each edition typically includes case studies, tool reviews, and implementation strategies. This makes it one of the best financial newsletters for tech-forward finance teams.
Key topics: Finance technology, automation, data analytics
Publishing frequency: Bi-weekly
Cost: Free
9. Cook's Playbooks
Cook's Playbooks provides tactical frameworks for financial decision-making and team leadership. The newsletter focuses on practical implementation with downloadable templates and step-by-step guides.
Each edition typically includes a specific financial "playbook" that can be immediately implemented. This action-oriented approach makes it stand out among personal finance newsletters for professionals.
Key topics: Financial planning frameworks, team management, process optimization
Publishing frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free tier with paid premium option ($25/month)
10. AI CFO Office
AI CFO Office explores how artificial intelligence is transforming financial leadership and operations. The newsletter combines technical explanations with practical implementation guidance for finance teams.
Each edition typically focuses on a specific AI application in finance with case studies and implementation steps. This forward-looking approach makes it unique among corporate finance newsletter options.
Key topics: AI in finance, predictive analytics, automation
Publishing frequency: Bi-weekly
Cost: Free
Comprehensive comparison of top finance newsletters for CFOs in 2025
Newsletter Name | Focus Area | Frequency | Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
FP&A Stories from the Trenches | Practical FP&A strategies | Weekly | Free | Finance leaders seeking real stories and tips |
Mostly Metrics | Financial metrics & modeling | Weekly | Free/Paid | Data-driven CFOs in high-growth companies |
CFO Secrets | Leadership & strategy | Weekly | Free | CFOs focused on strategic influence |
OnlyCFO | High-growth finance | Bi-weekly | Free | Finance leaders in scale-up environments |
Finance Operator | Operational finance | Monthly | Free | Operations-focused finance leaders |
The Metric Stack | Benchmark data | Monthly | Free | CFOs seeking competitive intelligence |
SaaS Weekly | SaaS economics | Weekly | Free | Finance leaders in software companies |
The Finance Stack | Finance technology | Bi-weekly | Free | Tech-forward finance teams |
Cook's Playbooks | Implementation frameworks | Monthly | Free/Paid | Process-oriented finance leaders |
AI CFO Office | AI applications | Bi-weekly | Free | Forward-thinking finance innovators |
How Often are Financial Newsletters Published?
Finance newsletters follow various publishing schedules designed to balance timeliness with depth of analysis. Daily newsletters like Bloomberg's Money Stuff provide immediate market updates and breaking financial news.
Weekly newsletters strike a balance between timeliness and depth, providing enough frequency to stay current while allowing for more thoughtful analysis. Most CFO-focused newsletters, including FP&A Stories from the Trenches, Mostly Metrics and CFO Secrets, follow this weekly cadence.
Monthly or bi-weekly publications like The Metric Stack and Finance Operator offer the deepest analysis but sacrifice immediacy. These publications often include original research, extensive case studies, and comprehensive frameworks.
Daily newsletters: Immediate updates but require consistent attention
Weekly newsletters: Balance timeliness with depth, align with business rhythms
Monthly newsletters: Provide comprehensive analysis but may lack immediacy
Many CFOs combine publications with different frequencies to create a balanced information diet. A common approach is to scan daily market newsletters for breaking news while saving weekly or monthly publications for deeper weekend reading.
Personal Finance Newsletters vs. Corporate Finance Newsletter
Personal finance newsletters focus on individual financial management, investment strategies, and wealth building. They address topics like retirement planning, tax optimization, and personal investing strategies.
Corporate finance newsletter options address organizational financial management, strategic planning, and business performance. They focus on topics relevant to finance leaders managing company resources and driving business outcomes.
Many CFOs benefit from reading both types of newsletters. Personal finance newsletter insights can inform corporate benefits strategies, employee financial wellness programs, and investor relations approaches.
Personal finance newsletters: Focus on individual wealth management and investing
Corporate finance newsletters: Address organizational finance and business strategy
Complementary value: Personal insights inform employee financial wellness programs
Understanding the personal financial landscape helps CFOs better connect with individual investors and employees while maintaining their primary focus on organizational finance. This dual perspective can be particularly valuable for CFOs who interact frequently with individual investors or employees.
Ways to Maximize Value from the Newsletters You Read
1. Create a weekly reading routine
Establish a consistent schedule for reviewing investment newsletters to ensure you capture their value. Many CFOs set aside specific timesโMonday mornings for weekly reviews, daily coffee breaks for quick updatesโto process newsletter content.
Use a dedicated email address or folder system to separate newsletters from other communications. This organization prevents important insights from getting lost in a crowded inbox.
Tools like Stoop, Feedly, or even basic email filters can create a dedicated reading environment that minimizes distractions. This structured approach ensures that valuable information doesn't get buried in the daily email deluge.
2. Bookmark or archive key insights
Develop a system for saving and organizing valuable content from your investment advisor newsletter for future reference. Digital tools like Notion, Evernote, or even simple shared documents can create searchable knowledge repositories.
Tag or categorize saved content to make it retrievable when needed for specific projects or decisions. Creating a personal knowledge base transforms newsletters from ephemeral content into lasting resources.
Some finance teams create shared annotations or discussion threads around particularly valuable articles from a financial advice newsletter to capture team insights. This collaborative approach multiplies the value of individual subscriptions.
3. Share relevant updates with cross-functional teams
Distribute newsletter insights to colleagues who would benefit from specific information from financial services newsletter subscriptions. This sharing positions finance as a value-adding partner rather than just a control function.
Use newsletter content as discussion starters for cross-functional meetings or strategic planning sessions. External perspectives often provide neutral ground for addressing challenging topics.
Sharing curated content demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative decision-making. It also helps non-finance colleagues understand market contexts that impact business decisions.
Key Takeaways For CFOs Seeking The Best Finance Newsletters
Selecting the right mix of finance newsletters requires balancing breadth with depth and immediacy with analysis. The most effective approach combines publications with different frequencies, focuses, and formats to create a comprehensive information ecosystem.
Free newsletters often provide tremendous value, especially those written by practitioners sharing their expertise. Begin with free options before investing in premium subscriptions.
The best financial newsletter options do more than deliver information, they provide frameworks, tools, and perspectives that enhance decision-making. Look for publications that include actionable components like templates, checklists, or decision models.
Value metrics: Has this publication influenced a specific decision or improved a process recently?
Newsletter integration: Incorporate insights into workflows, team discussions, and planning
Continuous refinement: Regularly reassess your newsletter portfolio as needs evolve
Your information needs will evolve with your role and organization. Regularly reassess your newsletter portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your current priorities and challenges.