You know the books that are hard to put down.
I mean…you know you should probably be working on a project or doing some household chores, but…the book is just so good.
And you will just read one more page…okay, maybe one more.
Before you know it, you’ve finished the book…in one sitting.
It’s happened to me. Actually, it happens all the time.
With other books, you will find that once you put it down, it’s hard to pick it back up again.
What makes the difference? What makes a great book…great?
Well, a number of things, but usually it boils down to one of these two things…
Great content or a great writer. If you are really lucky, you may get both.
The Books On This List
You will find one or both of those qualities throughout this list and if you are really motivated about making a positive change in your finances, I think you will have a hard time putting these books down.
I know I did.
I have hand-picked the books on this list with great care. I didn’t just throw a list together.
These books have literally changed my life. If it’s on this list, it’s worth reading.
Now I give you the 8 books that seriously changed my life…
1. How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
I know. It seems ironic to read a book about…reading a book, but this book is a must. Mortimer explains how you should read different books in different ways. He defines 4 levels of reading: Elementary, Inspectional, Analytical and Syntopical. If you want to get the most out of any book you read, pick this one up first. He even goes over the most productive way to flip through a book and decide if it’s worth reading.
2. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
I have more writing and highlighting in this book than any other (possibly with the exception of my Bible…possibly). He will give you more practical and applicable advice than you will know what to do with. It’s not just some motivational self-help book. This is a must read.
3. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
The power of The Slight Edge is unmatched. This is a great book on accomplishing huge things in small ways. You will be able to implement some imediate positive changes after reading this one. It’s packed with useful and applicable advice.
4. His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Harley, Jr.
What does this book have to do with money? Not much at face value, but once you get into it, you may realize a thing or two about how money affects your spouse and your relationship. This was a foundational book on understanding how my wife views our finances. And being on the same page with your spouse is a major key to your financial success.
5. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
I’m sure you have heard me recommend this book before. It’s all about having the right mindset. Change your thinking and you can change your finances.
6. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
This is the first book I ever read on finances and it is still my foundation today. Read this first and go from there.
7. Rapid Debt Reduction by John Avanzini
Hands down, the best book on getting of debt. 100% practical and applicable methods for getting out of credit card debt, personal loans, and paying off your mortgage.
8. The Holy Bible by God
Heard of it? It may seem silly to put it on this list, but the Bible really has changed my finances and my life. From the wisdom of the Proverbs to the unmatched words of Jesus, you can learn a thing or two about handling money, Christian or not. It didn’t seem right to leave this one out.
7 More Books to Add to Your Read List
These are some other books that have made a huge impact on my finances, but I wouldn’t categorize them in the “changed my life” category.
They are great books and you should definitely read them. They just didn’t quite make the cut. It may have to do more with the fact that I read these after I already had an understanding of my finances, rather than the quality of the books.
Sometimes reading the right book at the right time is just as important as the book you choose to read.
So, don’t forget about these:
- Beating the Street by Peter Lynch
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- The Motley Fool Investment Workbook by David and Tom Gardner
- The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder
- The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America by Warren Buffett and Lawrence Cunningham
- How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing With People by Leslie Giblin
- How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger
Don’t forget to check out: 4 Ways to Get Cheap Books and Free Books