Here are eight books that you should read if you are looking to step up your investment game.
There’s an image to being an investor – flashy cars, straight hair, thousand dollar suits, nightly steak dinners – you know, the classic douche investment banker.
While this image is a grossly exaggerated stereotype, some people really shy away from investing because they think they are not rich enough, smart enough, or have the right status or background.
Which is a pity and a lot of nonsense. Anyone can invest and succeed as long as you are willing to learn the right things, develop good habits, and commit to a consistent, long-term growth strategy.
You can get a head start and read these eight investment books if you are serious about your money working harder for you.
1. The Essays by Warren Buffet
by Lawrence A Cunningham (Editor)
Paperback: from $ 40.10
Kindle: $ 27.20
What better title is there to cross off our list than the collected essays of one of the most successful investors of all time?
The fifth edition of The Essays continues a 25 year old edition and brings together the best writings of the famous investor into one resource that is both insightful and educational.
Essentially a summary of Buffett’s diary – edited and organized by subject for beginners to read along easily – the publication contains some of Buffett’s innermost thoughts and experiences as a businessman and investor.
Given the richness of the source material (no pun intended), it’s no wonder investors and business professionals regularly look for what remains one of Buffett’s most signed releases of all time.
Recommended for: Beginners and veterans who want to learn from one of the greatest investors of our time.
2. How to invest in real estate
by Brandon Turner, Joshua Dorkin
Paperback: from $ 16.35
Kindle: $ 9.90
There are many books out there that claim to teach you how to properly invest in real estate, but few have as solid a pedigree as how to invest in real estate.
Co-authored by Brandon Turner and Joshua Dorkin, host of the popular BiggerPockets podcast (which exceeded 25 million downloads in 2016), the book features over 40 real-world accounts of how real estate investors thrive in today’s economy.
However, this is not just a collection of beautiful stories to read. Turner and Dorkin provide detailed information on everything you need to know about investing in real estate. They cover topics ranging from types of investment property to the legal structures required to finding property listings.
The authors stick to their signature mix of simple language and in-depth explanations, which makes this a great read, whether you are a beginner looking to get started with real estate investments or an advanced veteran looking to improve your game.
Recommended for: Investors looking for real estate as an insulator against market ups and downs.
3. The little book that still hits the market
by Joel Greenblatt
Paperback: from $ 26.18
Kindle: $ 20.45
Sometimes a simple strategy is enough to get consistent results. The little book that is still hitting the market was published in 2005 and updated in 2010. It shows the power of value investing.
This is the same strategy that author Greenblatt has used for repeated success, which merely focuses on buying above average companies at below average prices.
You can be skeptical that such a simple method will work in the complicated world of investing. However, the secret lies in adhering to the proven formula.
To help avid beginners stay on track, Greenblatt also teaches readers how to lay a foundation for choosing stocks to guide them through their careers as an investor.
Recommended for: those who want to focus on a simple investment strategy that works.
4. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
by John C Bogle
Hardcover: Starting at $ 15.39
Kindle: $ 20.43
In this 10th anniversary edition, published in 2017, Bogle (retired CEO of Vanguard; $ 5 trillion under management) shows how an index-funded portfolio is the only way for investors to ensure their fair share of market returns.
He teaches readers how to invest in low-cost index funds (a strategy also favored by Warren Buffett), how to set rational expectations for stock returns, and how to benefit from compound interest while avoiding the negative effects of compound interest.
As an additional bonus, the 10th anniversary edition also contains new chapters on asset allocation and retirement provision.
Recommended for: those who believe in slow and steady long-term investing.
5. The intelligent investor
by Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig
Paperback: from $ 19.46
Kindle: $ 13.60
The Intelligent Investor is a timeless classic and stock market bible for investors around the world. He distills the investment philosophy of Benjamin Graham, widely recognized as the greatest investment advisor of the 20th century. (Oh, he’s also Warren Buffett’s college professor).
First published in 1949, the book explains Graham’s philosophy of value investing, which has shown that it protects investors from mistakes and helps them build a long-term portfolio on a safe and stable basis.
The 2006 edition features a commentary by financial journalist Jason Zweig who draws insightful parallels between Graham’s ideas and modern headlines, and gives investors a deeper understanding of the Masters’ work.
Recommended for: Newbies or seasoned investors who want to study one of the most sustainable investment philosophies of our time.
6. A casual stroll down Wall Street
by Burton G Malkiel
Paperback: from $ 24.44
Kindle: $ 15.40
Written by Princeton economist Burton Malkiel, this multi-layered title provides critical investment knowledge, accompanied by Wall Street vignettes in key time periods that provide insightful context for how certain rules and regulations came into being.
He is also an outrageous supporter of the Efficient Market Theory, which is the source of the main criticism against this book. However, it is not important for the average investor to prove or disprove the theory. is to make healthy profits.
To that end, Malkiel’s main piece of advice on building and maintaining a long-term, diversified portfolio is a sensible and actionable plan.
And if this sounds familiar to you, it’s because this is often advice that may prove Malkiel’s claim that the market is ultimately efficient and that trying to beat it will only put you at a disadvantage.
Recommended For: Those who would rather focus on matching than beating the market.
7. Unknown Market Assistants: The Best Traders You’ve Never Heard Of
by Jack D Schwager
Hardcover: Starting at $ 35.52
Kindle: $ 21.07
One of a popular series of investment books, Unknown Market Wizards features in-depth interviews with some of today’s best investors who have flown under the radar to date.
Instead of top-class bankers, analysts, entrepreneurs or the like, this volume introduces people who trade from their own accounts and are unknown in investment circles.
Despite their anonymity, each of the Everyman investors surveyed in the book has achieved results that rival – and in some cases even exceed – those of top professionals.
Unknown Market Wizards provides insightful insight into the experiences, tactics, and strategies of these hugely successful investors. This results in a comprehensive collection of trading wisdom and crucial insight that can help any investor get better results.
Recommended for: those who are inspired by examples of successful investors in practice and who learn best from them.
8. Brach Millennial takes on investments
by Erin Lowry
Paperback: from $ 17.82
Kindle: $ 16.31
If you think you are too poor, not knowledgeable enough, have no time or just invest in any way, is not for you, this book will change your mind.
Broke Millennial was written for the millennial generation (and beyond) who want to invest but don’t know exactly where to start. It’s an all-inclusive beginner’s guide that is easy to digest and understand.
Author Lowry shows a solid understanding of her audience and provides comprehensive answers to questions such as whether to invest in paying off debt. how to invest in a socially responsible manner; Are Robo-Advisor and Investing Apps Good? and where you can find reliable investment advice.
Other useful topics include general investment terms and terminology, advice on managing financial anxiety, planning retirement, and buying and selling a stock.
Recommended for: those who believe they are unskilled or suitable for investment.
There are tons of investment-related books out there and it could get a little overwhelming to read all of them. Take your time and digest everything you need to know about investing before you park some cash.
When you’re ready, start with the best online brokers to start your investment journey.
This article was first published on SingSaver.com.sg.
