Financial independence is a very common concept but is understood very little by the majority of people. One can dive into the world of financial literacy just by having a grasp of a few key concepts of investing, finance, market, equity, and debt. Here are some of the best books to achieve financial independence that have the potential to drastically change one’s financial journey.
Table of Contents
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad is at the top of the list. In the book, Kiyosaki has explained the life and lessons given by two fathers one rich and the other poor to their son and deeply explained the reason why one is rich and the other one is not. He has focused on the difference between assets and liabilities and one can use assets to generate passive income.
2. Trading in the zone by Mark Douglas
This masterpiece explains the difference between a winning mindset and a losing mindset. This book teaches consistent winner is a myth. One has to think in probabilities, not certainties. Just finding the right strategy that has the edge in the market and repeating that system again and again can generate insane returns is the main theme of the book.
3. Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? by Cary Siegel
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? is a book that imparts knowledge on personal finance management to achieve long-term success. The author has explained the importance of living below means in this world of consumerism. The author has strong views on the fact that the masses think that living below means living badly. Instead, he proves his point that living below means living smartly.
4. The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
The Automatic Millionaire is a book that offers various tips for reducing expenses and increasing income. It explains that one doesn’t need to earn a hefty amount to be rich. Just saving with strategy and investing can unleash the power of compounding that generates wealth beyond expectations.
5. The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias
The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need is based on personal finance. Various concepts of investing, trading, money management, and risk management are explained in a comprehensive approach.
6. The Little Book that Beats the Market by Joel Greenblatt
The Little Book that Beats the Market is a book on stock selection techniques. One can easily beat the market by learning the very basic techniques explained in the book. The author has provided a magical formula for good stocks at discounted prices.
7. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko
The Millionaire Next Door is a study of the behaviors of millionaires in America. It focuses on common traits and habits of self-made millionaires. Despite being published in 90’s it’s one of the best sellers even today and a must-read for those who are thinking about the early retirement concept.
8. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
The book explains how investing can be mastered by using the simplest of techniques. The author focuses on the fact that the most valuable asset that money can buy is freedom and explains the consequences of a life full of debt. Important concepts related to stocks, debt, value investing, inflation, bonds, etc. are explained in the simplest manner.
9. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
This book is one of the masterpieces in money management and answers the basic questions related to money management and human psychology. The book helps in creating a new roadmap to attain financially independent thinking. This book also gives insight into work-life balance, increasing leisure time, and reducing work hours.
10. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
It is one of the must-reads. As per my personal experience, this book is not for beginners as very deep concepts of finance are embedded in it. It is Mr. Warren Buffet’s recommended book. It mainly describes value investing and is almost an academic book.
11. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
It is one of the masterpieces on personal finance written by Dave Ramsey. It explains a lot about debt management, budgeting, and money management. More than 5 million copies are sold. The author has given the debt snowball method to get out of debt. If someone is struggling with debt then this book is a step-by-step method to tackle it.
12. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
The Richest Man in Babylon is a classic book that offers timeless financial lessons. It is a story man who learns wealth secrets from the richest man in Babylon.
13. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, and Michael LeBoeuf
The Boglehead’s Guide to Investing is another great book for beginners. Trading index funds can be mastered with the help of this book. It gives a methodical approach to achieving financial independence and retiring early. It promotes diversity in portfolios and sounds like financial living.
14. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money is a book that explores the concept of psychology in managing personal finance. The writer explains how the state of mind and the most basic of habits can bring drastic financial outcomes. The book offers practical advice for building wealth and achieving financial independence.
15. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle
The Little Book of Common-Sense Investing is advice on dealing with index funds. The author has explained the benefits of investing in index funds and various methods like entry and exit, risk rewards, etc. One can easily learn the art of investing with the help of this book.
Conclusion
To make the most out of income and savings it is extremely important to become financially literate. It not only helps in distinguishing between good and bad financial decisions but also develops various habits that are a must for living a happy and prosperous life.