
For most of us, financial investing can seem overly complex and frightening. We appreciate the benefits of investing, but at the same time, become intimidated when trying to make finance decisions. Naturally, personal finance decisions involve risk, which triggers fears and concerns. This is why more than 40 percent of us hire a financial advisor to help us with these decisions. But how do we know whether such advice is the best for our own situation and financial goals? We need some basic insights about finance and investing before choosing such a professional. This is where financial investing books can help a great deal. (Read more about financial goals worth accomplishing in 2021 in this Project Bold Life story.)
There are dozens of excellent financial investing books that can help describe the basics of personal finance. In fact, some of the best personal finance books were published decades ago and provided fundamental finance literacy. Therefore, you certainly have a number of personal finance books from which to choose to guide your decisions. But the following are 10 of the top finance books on investing that are sure to steer you in the right direction. Whether you’re a novice or tenured investor, these books are among some great reads to improve your investing performance.
- The Investment Answer – Daniel Goldie and Gordon Murray
This book has been recognized as one of the top finance books on investing and on money management in general. It covers the essentials of investing in relation to personal finance. Likewise, it offers simple guiding principles to make wise investment choices. This includes choices about stocks, bonds and cash as well as general asset management. While seasoned financial advisors will benefit from this sage advice, its among the best financial investing books for beginners.
- The Quants – Scott Patterson
Not all financial investing books provide step-by-step instructions related to personal finance. Scott Patterson’s book offers an example of this. In his book, he provides a journalistic perspective of the crash of Wall Street in 2008. The quants, which refer to the mathematical quantitative analyses among hedge funders at the time, gambled on data analytics. While this statistical and objective approach seems logical, it does not always work. In describing the events leading up to the 2008 crash, Patterson highlights the importance of assessing risk.
- The Intelligent Investor – Benjamin Graham
This has been one of the top finance books on investing since its original publication date in 1949. Since then, additional contributors, including Jason Zweig and Warren Buffett, have provided modern commentary on Graham’s principles. Graham’s perspectives center on value-based investing and on loss minimization. He also encourages investors to avoid emotionally-driven decision-making. Given this advice has staying power, it remains on the list of top finance books on investing.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize-winning behavioral economist. For those unfamiliar with the field, it has to do with the emotional aspects of financial decision-making. In this book, he describes the two types of thinking patterns we use in making finance choices. One is fast, based on experience, intuition, and emotions. The other is slow, grounded in logic and reason. Kahneman shows us how using a more rational approach to investment decisions can help us avoid finance errors. It has quickly become one of the top finance books on investing as a result.
- The Alchemy of Finance – George Soros
George Soros is well known in the finance and investing world as chairman of the Soros Fund Management. Therefore, it’s not too surprising he has one of the top finance books on investing today. In this book, he offers straightforward perspectives in financial markets as well as modern trends. He also explores the theory of reflexivity, which highlights how our underlying assumptions affect investing choices. Because of Soros’ reputation and success, many believe this to be among the best financial investing books available.
- Against the Gods – Peter L. Bernstein
All investing has some level of risk, and risk-taking has played a part in human decision-making throughout history. Peter Bernstein thus shows how risk assessments and probabilities have always affected investment decisions. He explores this from a historical perspective that includes the ancient Greeks, Renaissance players, and modern financial investors. As an economic consultant, Bernstein helps us appreciate the importance of risk evaluations. This makes this work one of the most relevant and useful financial investing books available today.
- Advice that Sticks – Dr. Moira Somers
Financial investing books might provide us with great smart money advice. But what happens when we choose to ignore that advice. In this book, Dr. Somers identifies five key barriers that can prevent us from heeding good financial advice. Individual thinking habits, sociocultural influences, and emotions surrounding money in general are among these obstacles. As one of the top finance books on investing, she offers recommendations how to avoid these pitfalls.
- Common Sense on Mutual Funds – John C. Boyle
For novice investors, it can be difficult to understand some investment options like mutual funds. But mutual funds are a great way to immediately diversify your financial portfolio and reduce risk. Therefore, John Boyle details the importance of mutual funds and how we can use some common-sense strategies to make wise choices. Though initially published in 1999, it has been modernized covering updated changes in finance regulations. This is one of the top finance books on investing for those who want to learn more about mutual funds.
- Barbarians at the Gate – Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
This 1989 classic was instantly recognized among the most-intriguing financial investing books and made into a featured film. The authors, both award-winning journalists, detail how RJR Nabisco fell as a result of a leveraged buyout. While the book may not provide specific personal advice about financial investing, it reveals insights about stock trades and strategies. This, as well as its entertaining storyline, is why it’s included on this list of top finance books on investing.
- The Million Dolar Financial Advisor Team – David J. Mullen Jr.
If you’re thinking about hiring a financial advisor, this is one of the best finance investing books to help you in the process. In this book, David Mullen interviews 15 of the most successful financial advisors in the world. Based on this information, he lists 13 actionable steps that a good financial advisor should follow. The book certainly serves as a guide for developing financial advisors. But it also outlines best practices that you should look for when selecting a professional. This too is important when trying to make wise financial investment choices.
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