If you're stuck in the cycle of working to live and craving true financial freedom, you're not alone! You're in the right place.
In this article, I’m sharing my top picks for the best books on investing and building a wealth mindset. These are the titles thathave shaped the way I think about money, work, and freedom and yes, I've read each of them (some more than twice!). They're proudly displayed on my bookshelf.
Let’s be real: money talk can feel overwhelming. But itdoesn’t have to be. These books break down complex financial concepts into practical, relatable advice and no finance degree required. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your skills, these reads will help shift your mindset and put you on a path toward smarter investing and long-term wealth.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to transform the way you think about money. Let’s dive into the best investing and financial freedom books out there. Trust me, it’s way more fun than staring at stock charts alone.
1. The 4 Hour Work Week
This is one of my favourite books of all time "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss for its revolutionary approach to redefining work and life. This book offers a refreshing perspective on escaping the conventional 9-5 grind and embracing a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility. Ferriss’s practical strategies for automating income, maximising productivity, and outsourcing tasks have empowered me to rethink how I approach work and personal goals. His concept of living life on your own terms—whether that means traveling the world or pursuing your passions—resonates deeply with me. "The 4-Hour Workweek" is more than just a guide; it's a call to create a life of freedom and adventure, proving that with the right mindset and tools, it’s possible to live a life rich in experiences and not just in hours worked.
2. The Millionaire Next Door
I absolutely love "The Millionaire Next Door" forits eye-opening exploration of wealth and financial independence. This book dispels the myth that millionaires are all high-spending elites living in luxury, revealing instead that many of them are ordinary people living frugally and wisely. By examining real data, Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
uncover seven common traits among those who have accumulated significant wealth, emphasizing that high income does not necessarily equate to true wealth. The book’s insights into the importance of living below your means and
investing wisely have profoundly shifted my perspective on personal finance. It’s a compelling reminder that building wealth is accessible to anyone with discipline and smart financial habits, making it a must-read for anyone
aspiring to improve their financial future.
3. Unshakeable
Tony Robbins is arguably the most recognisable life and business strategist and guru. There have been 30 such corrections in the past 30 years, yet there's never been an action plan for how not only to survive, but thrive through each change in the stock market. While this is US focused the principles can be adopted by readers to protect their investments while maximising their wealth. For exmple, the All Weather portolio.
4. Girls That Invest
Soon to be rebranded to 'Friends That Invest'. I love this book. It is a simple and straightforward read. Written by a New Zealand Author and although it references the US alot the investing principles are the same no matter where you are based. This book should be in every school library to kids about building wealth from an early age to support their future, whether it's investing to buy a house or for retirement. Easy reading and simple strategies.
5. From Zero To Millionaire
This is one of those books you cannot put down and don't want it to end. It offers a straightforward approach to investing for beginners. Bérubé, an award-winning financial journalist, shares insights drawn from his career and historical investing lessons, aiming to make investing accessible for everyday readers. His method focuses on using simple strategies like index ETFs, which require minimal time commitment but can yield strong, long-term returns through the power of compound interest. The book is designed for readers interested in reaching financial independence and possibly retiring early through tax-efficient, passive income strategies.
6. Money
While this book doesn't go in-depth into investing it does give practical money advice and I think should be a staple in every school library. As a journalist with extensive experience in personal finance, Whateley addresses essential topics like managing debt, understanding pensions, boosting credit scores, and navigating financial issues related to housing and investments. The book also tackles financial stress and the emotional aspects of money, aiming to make personal finance accessible and less intimidating for readers. Everyone should be issued a copy of this at school.
7. Creativity For Sale
I love "Creativity for Sale" by Jason Surfrapp because it’s a masterclass in turning innovative ideas into lucrative ventures. Jason’s journey from a quirky concept like IWearYourShirt to a social media marketing powerhouse that pulled in over $1 million in revenue is truly inspiring. His book is packed with actionable strategies and creative insights that demonstrate how thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable success. Whether you’re stuck in a 9-to-5 job, running your own business, or dreaming of starting something new, Surfrapp’s practical advice and real-life examples provide a roadmap to making a profit from your passions. The way he combines personal anecdotes with business acumen makes this book both engaging and informative, offering valuable lessons on standing out in the crowded digital marketplace. It's a refreshing guide that proves you can turn your creativity into a thriving business and achieve a fulfilling, profitable career. I loved reading this so much I contacted Jason directly to see if he would feature in my book, he was travelling in Portugal with his wife Caroline, and sent me a lovely email declining. Ahhhhhh no hard feelings Jason, I still love your book!
8. Outliers
I love Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell because transforms our understanding of what drives extraordinary achievement. Gladwell’s exploration of success challenges the conventional narrative that talent alone determines greatness. Instead, he reveals that factors such as timing, cultural background, and unique opportunities play a crucial role in shaping who becomes an outlier. By examining the lives of rock stars, athletes, and billionaires, Gladwell uncovers how seemingly ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success. His compelling storytelling and thought-provoking insights make this book a powerful reminder that success is often a complex interplay of environment, effort, and chance. Outliers has profoundly changed the way I view my own potential and the paths to achieving greatness, showing that success is not just about individual brilliance but also about the broader context in which we operate. In fact I enjoyed this book so much I went on to read all of his books which are equally good.
