There are countless books on financial topics, investing and “how to grow rich.” Many of those books say the same thing, with a little spin to set them apart from others. Yet how many of them are really useful? I’ve read a ton of financial advice books, and personally prefer those that motivate and inspire us along the way. We’re not limited to books of course, as some magazines and newsletters offer incredible insights as well. For me however, there is one book that really spelled things out in a simple, understandable manner… The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.Â
 Perhaps it’s not a book the sophisticated investor or money manager might find useful, and many people may have read the book when they were quite young as I did. But I’ve read it again a few times over the years, and for all its brevity (144 pages) it has become something of a financial classic.  Did you know it was first published in 1926? Pretty amazing really, but the lessons it provides as a short story are timeless. There are no great secrets revealed in the story, just “common sense” insight for putting 10% of your money away while you “pay yourself first.”  Yet how many of us really do that consistently? After many years I’m only now really doing so… if I had been disciplined enough to do that at a much younger age I would be far ahead of where I am now financially! That’s why I recommend the book… regardless of its simplicity, the insight within this little book is priceless.  I’m not hyping it, as you can find a review online or order it yourself.  I just believe it has value, and if you haven’t read it yet, do so… and pass it on.  What other financial books have inspired you? I’d love to find a few I haven’t read yet!
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The Treasure Principle - Randy Alcorn
I’m very fond of The Millionaire Next Door (and its subsequent cousins). For me, it was eye-opening to realize that the path to wealth is not finding the right money-making scheme, but to live beneath my means and diligently save (and then invest) my money.
Without a doubt… The Family CFO. A great book on how to discuss personal finances with your significant other.
Thanks for the great book ideas! I read the Millionaire Next Door a few years ago… but need to do so again. I haven’t read The Treasure Principle or The Family CFO… they are now on my list!