Books are still the cheapest way to learn from the best. Here is an annotated reading list, from the most accessible to the most demanding, with the main idea to remember from each and its limits.
To get started
The Richest Man in Babylon, George S. Clason
Parables written in the 1920s, set in ancient Babylon. Key idea: set aside at least a tenth of what you earn, make that money work, and be wary of investments you do not understand. Limit: very general, no concrete tools.
The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel
About twenty short chapters on behaviour rather than technique. Key idea: financial success depends more on patience and humility than on intelligence; ‘enough’ is something you must define for yourself. Limit: little practical method.
Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki
The book that sparked a vocation in millions of readers. See our detailed analysis and its criticisms.
You Were Born Rich, Bob Proctor
An American mindset classic from 1984 by Canadian speaker Bob Proctor (1934–2022), also known for appearing in the film The Secret. Key idea: our results follow our thinking habits, and changing our self-image is the first step towards different financial results. Limit: heavily inspired by the 'law of attraction', with no scientific basis and no concrete financial tools; read it as a complement, not a method.
To invest in the stock market
The Intelligent Investor, Benjamin Graham
Warren Buffett's mentor, first published in 1949. Key idea: distinguish investing from speculation, demand a ‘margin of safety’, see the market as a moody partner you can take advantage of. Limit: dense, and some examples have aged; choose an annotated edition.
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, John C. Bogle
By the founder of Vanguard, inventor of the index fund for individual investors. Key idea: fees destroy long-term returns; owning the whole market at low cost beats most fund managers. Limit: focused on the US market.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street, Burton Malkiel
Key idea: predicting prices is very hard; diversification and the long term are the individual investor's weapons.
To understand your brain
Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman
The Nobel laureate explains our two modes of thinking, fast and intuitive, slow and deliberate, and the errors that result. Essential for understanding investor biases.
To start a business
The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss
Key idea: automate, delegate and focus on what matters. Limit: the title promises more than reality delivers; many examples assume an online business.
Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
A motivational classic, to be read with distance: see our article on Napoleon Hill.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey
Key idea: act according to your priorities rather than urgency, and begin with the end in mind.
How to read to make progress
- One book at a time, noting three ideas to apply.
- Apply before moving on to the next: one book read and applied is worth ten skimmed.
- Be wary of books written to sell a course: the free or cheap book is sometimes mainly a loss leader.
- Borrow: public libraries carry most of these titles, often in digital form as well.
My reading list
Tick the books you have read. Nothing is saved.
Where to find these services
- Public libraries in Flanders and BrusselsBibliotheek.be: catalogue and digital lending of the Flemish public libraries
- LirtuelFree e-book lending from French-speaking Belgian public libraries
Links provided for information, with no partnership. Always check a provider's terms and authorisation before committing.
Test yourself
3 questions to check what you remember. Click an answer: the explanation appears straight away.
Question 1 of 3What is John C. Bogle's central idea?
As the founder of Vanguard, he popularised the index fund for individual investors.
Question 2 of 3Which key concept comes from Benjamin Graham?
Buying well below estimated value to protect yourself against mistakes.
Question 3 of 3Which reading method is recommended?
One applied book is worth more than ten skimmed ones.
Frequently asked questions
Which book about money should you read first?
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel or The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason: short, accessible and focused on good habits.
Which book to learn stock market investing?
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle for the index approach, then The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham to go further.
Should you believe every personal finance self-help book?
No. Keep the principles, check the author's real track record and be wary of books that mainly serve to sell an expensive course.
This article is educational and is not personal investment, tax or legal advice. Figures change: check them with the sources cited or a licensed professional before deciding. Read the full disclaimer.