I’m really picky about which books are a must-have for your wealth building library, of course, so I won’t be recommending a lot. But there are some that made a real difference in my life and really stand out and I’d like to share them with you.
1. Before anything else, I would read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. This book was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men of his day. Napoleon Hill researched millionaires in the early part of the 20th century and it is the most documented book there is about millionaires. It’s like the bible of millionaires and it’s a must read. I was fortunate to have read this book when I was 10 years old and it changed my life. I’m confident it will change yours too! This book belongs in the library of every millionaire and future millionaire.
2. Next I would read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Robert tells a good story and makes an important point – that to become rich you must become a business owner, not an employee. Few jobs create wealth unless you’re in the executive suite or have stock options. He goes through 4 quadrants and why you want to be an investor and business owner. His “rich dad” was his friend’s entreprenuerial father and his “poor dad” was his professor (real) father. I love all of the “Rich Dad” books and highly recommend them.
3. Women should read Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach.
David summarizes 25 years I spent in the financial industry and puts it into one book. He makes the important point of aligning your values with your money. Although David is often criticized for suggesting saving money on lattes can create wealth, it’s actually just an example of the power of compound interest and how important it is to wealth building. The important point is to invest and grow your money.
4. The book that is most on target today is Maloney’s Guide to Investing in Gold and Silver by Michael Maloney – How to take advantage of the coming wealth transfer to create wealth.
Michael is right on target with the wealth transfer, cycles, bubbles, and investing in precious metals. I agree with what he writes and respect the body of work this book represents. It’s the closest thing I’ve found to what I teach.
5. The book that made me a multi-millionaire was How to Make Money in Stocks by William J. O’Neil. It taught me everything I needed to know to be successful picking stocks.
This book along with his publication, Investor’s Business Daily, are what allowed me to make $2 million in the stock market. In my opinion, O’Neil’s two are the “must have” resources for stock investors. My IBD newspaper is delivered every Saturday.
6. I also recommend The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets by Peter Schiff.
Peter was one of the few experts who publicly (on TV) predicted the Crisis of 2007 in advance. He was laughed at, scorned, and made fun of, but he clearly predicted the crash. In this book he predicts another crisis coming and how to profit from it. I agree with his perspective and advice.
7. Finally, the Wealth Mini-Course & Journal by Linda P. Jones. Use this to record your progress, dreams, and goals. I give this to my clients and love the unique combination of mini-course of questions for you to answer and design your life, and journal to record your thoughts.
I’d love to hear if you have read these books, which one is your favorite, and which one is the next one you are going to read! Please leave your comments in the section below.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, and I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. I recommend these companies because I believe they have great products that will be very beneficial to you. Please only purchase these products if you feel the same way.
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Jennifer says
Great article! Love your suggestions! I will definitely be checking these books out real soon!
Linda says
Fantastic! Let me know what you think!
Sharon Rowe says
Ohh this list is great, I always love to read books about money and I have read a few but I think I will start with Rich Dad Poor Dad,from this list. I have had this book recommended before so I have take this as a sign that it is next on my to read pile.
Linda says
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a life changer and one of my very favorites. I like his focus on investing and a business, same as my philosophy. Both are money engines. 🙂
Mary Hunter says
Thanks for the list!
My brother (who has an MBA and works in finance) helped my set up an IRA this summer. I’ve been trying to get serious this year about saving / investing. It’s a bit hard given my income, but I know that a little bit now can turn into a bunch later on!!
My brother gave me a copy of the revised edition of Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor, although I haven’t had time to read it yet. Do you know if it’s a good read and will be helpful, or would I be better off starting with a different book?
Best,
Mary
Linda says
Oh dear Mary, your brother has good intentions, but The Intelligent Investor is not the easiest read! Lol! It’s very technical and dry. I would start with a different book, like Smart Women Finish Rich. You’ll enjoy that. I would recommend The Intelligent Investor for very advanced investors.
Sam says
An interesting list. Sounds like some great reads. I’ve wanted to read Rich Dad, Poor Dad for a while but haven’t heard of the others.
Linda says
You’ll enjoy them too! Definitely my favorites!