The journey to financial wellness isn’t always going to be about spreadsheets, budgets, and numbers.
Sometimes, all you need is a book.
For instance, take Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates.
He claims reading was an integral part to his financial success.
What people might not expect, however, is that books like The Catcher in the Rye and The Rosie Effect made it onto his list.
There’s a lot more to finding financial wellness than books on investments and business. Like Bill Gates, you may read something that imparts an impactful life lesson and fuels your drive for success.
There’s a plethora of great works out there, and taking a cue from those at the height of success might just inspire you to focus more intently on your financial wellness journey.
So, here are 5 essential reads that you may want to consider picking up:
1. The Intelligent Investor
One important lesson that all people will encounter on their journey with finances is that of investments.
And in that regard, “The Intelligent Investor” is one of the best educational resources, with Investopedia calling it one of the most important texts on the topic.
This was what brought Warren Buffett fame and success. It was, in fact, written by one of Buffett’s mentors.
Often called the father of value investing, Benjamin Graham discusses essential investing concepts, including the introduction of Mr. Market and the margin of society.
Now, it can be quite technical, so it’s best to have the basics of investing down pat before picking up one of Warren Buffett’s absolute favourites.
2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Released nearly 25 years ago, “Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!” is still one of the top personal finance books worldwide.
Robert Kiyosaki takes the reader on a journey through his childhood to share the lessons he learned about money and finance.
He aims to change the narrative of money by guiding you to control it rather than letting it control you.
It’s an easy, relatable read, and a must for anybody who wants to change their perspective on finances.
3. I Will Teach You to Be Rich
For beginners, learning how to eliminate debt, save more, and increase overall wealth, are three simple goals that personal finance experts can help with.
This was Rami Sethi’s goal when he wrote: “I Will Teach You to Be Rich”. An editor review on Scribd highlights how Sethi’s book is an excellent guide that covers all the basics of personal finance that you wish you’d learned in school.
Beyond the basics of budgeting, it teaches you how to increase your earnings yearly and stop living from paycheck to paycheck.
It is a must for anybody who is just getting started on their journey.
4. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
Trust Steve Jobs to pick a book about being Zen!
While Shunryu Suzuki’s work on meditation and Zen practice may not seem directly related to personal finance, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from here.
The book emphasises the importance of having an open mind, like a beginner.
Not only that, but the book also delves into postures and breathing techniques that help one reach the much-coveted inner peace. Mindset is as important as practice in finance, after all.
So, take a cue from Apple’s founder and adopt a Zen mind — a beginner’s mind.
5. If an Elephant Sits on You, Are You Covered?
Part of being financially savvy is understanding how to prepare for the unexpected.
Bart Baker has been in the insurance business for a little over two decades. And in his book, he shares his experience with helping insurers protect themselves from unique situations.
We never know when disaster will strike, and there is a need to be ready for the worst-case scenarios. Knowing how to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and even your belongings from unforeseen incidents is integral to your financial journey.
That said, investing in insurance could provide you protection.
Conclusion
We hope these books help you build on your financial literacy so that you can forge your own path to financial freedom.
If you need a little more help in this regard, here at Singapore Financial Planners, we’ve made it our mission to find unbiased financial advisors who can provide you with insurance and investment advice, so that you can achieve financial wellness.
Interested to talk to one of them?
