5 Must-Read books for Investing

Ace investor Warren Buffett started investing at the age of 11, and he thought that was late. Indeed, it is never too early to start investing, but, when it comes to investing, it is also never too late. No matter how old you are, you can still start investing.

Investing is an art and to master this art, you ought to understand the nuances of the investment world. 

Top 5 Investing books every Investor should read

1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham (1949)

“The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.”

If you want to read a book that will give you a reality check of the investing world and its functioning, pick up Benjamin Graham’s “The Intelligent Investor.” Unlike other stock market books, this one is a complete guide on everything a beginner needs to know. It includes an elaborate history of the stock market ups and downs and gives insights into how strategies must be curated. 

Graham was a professor and a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. His work has earned him the title of the ‘Godfather of value investing.’ Warren Buffett, another acclaimed finance expert, calls this book “the best book on investing ever written.” He is to the finance world what Sir Isaac Newton is to physics. 

2. “How To Make Money In Stocks” by William J. O’Neil (2009)

“The whole secret to winning big in the stock market is not to be right all the time, but to lose the least amount possible when you’re wrong.”

This is a recently published book that is an ideal pick for anyone looking for one of the best books on investment strategies. Author William J. O’Neil himself created a number of groundbreaking strategies and systems in the investing world, including the Investors’ Business Daily and CANSLIM system. 

Research plays a major role in any field and so is the case with investing. Experts will agree, a strong investment is one that is formed on the bedrock of solid research. This book becomes an ideal pick because it serves this very purpose. While the internet might give you generic and confusing views, O’Neil’s book gives tangible and quantitative statistics, data and history to simplify the research. So, if you need help in choosing your investments, then “How To Make Money In Stocks” is the go-to book! 

3. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki (1997)

“The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth in what seems to be an instant.”

This book is one of the best books for personal finance simply because of its approach and aim: to make you acknowledge how important financial literacy is, both for your personal goals and the greater good of the society. It is all about planning and building a life where earning money no longer becomes your only focal point in life. 

The book is a must-read for young and upcoming investors and it will make for the perfect psychological preparation and mindset you need while investing. Kiyosaki presents his take with interesting analogies that keep the reader hooked. He believes that rich dads give their kids lessons on money management while poor dads tend to ignore it. For them, this is more like a chase. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” will make you pause for a moment to reflect and re-evaluate the importance of being aware. 

4. “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Warren Buffett (1997)

“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful”

The biggest USP of this book is that it contains the secrets and teachings of one of the best investors the world has ever seen – Warren Buffett. The book has been revised five times. Buffett has meticulously laid down an extensive set of insights, case studies, and facts – something that is needed to make the best investment book!

As the title suggests, the book is for Corporate America – A rank of people who think, blink and breath business. It is ideal to decode and understand various financial relationships in this world including the one with various stakeholders. This comprehensive book will not only answer all your questions related to investments but also will stimulate the investor in you.

5. “One Up on Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market” by Peter Lynch 

“The trick is not to learn to trust your gut feelings, but rather to discipline yourself to ignore them. Stand by your stocks as long as the fundamental story of the company hasn’t changed.”

Who says books give you just theory knowledge? Peter Lynch’s bestseller book, “One Up on Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market” is a perfect example of how books can be a perfect mix of theory and practical knowledge. 

This book is bound to bring out the competitive investor in you. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to excel in the investment world and this book provides you with it in perfect quantities. Lynch’s expertise suggests that young and new investors have the capacity to give competition to the pros of Wall Street. In his book, he not only gives reasons for this claim but also gives its readers a boost to take the big step. In short, this is a perfect book to read before investing for the first time.

To sum it up

Investing can be a thrilling experience filled with uncertainties. Good knowledge is one of the most important things needed to succeed as an investor. Thankfully, there are several books available to enlighten you.

Need help for investing? You can approach financial advisors. They act as catalysts for taking you closer to the returns you always hoped for!