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April 25, 2018Written By Paula Pant

15 Insightful Books about Investing, Money, Work and Life

What's on my bookshelf?

I love to read. If you share my enthusiasm, you might enjoy this variety of books about money, work and life that I recommend.

Feel free to scroll, or click on one of these links to skip ahead to your favorite section.

  • Productivity Books
  • Money Mindset Books
  • Investing Books
  • Real Estate Books

Productivity Books

Deep Work, by Cal Newport

I’ve raved about this book several times, and I’ve also interviewed Dr. Cal Newport on my podcast, where he shared his tremendous insight into productivity and focus.

If you’re tired of getting distracted by email, social media, and small tasks, read this book.

It’s easy to get trapped in an endless cycle of replying to emails, Slack chats, text messages and Facebook messages. You respond to dozens of tiny tasks and inputs throughout the day. The result? Deep work gets replaced with distraction.

Your ability to create something amazing, and to make major breakthroughs, gets replaced by the constant ding and buzz of incoming messages.

But you won’t make progress by living inside your Inbox. Progress comes from deep work — from focusing on the one thing that most moves the needle.

Deep work – focus – is abnormal. It’s rare. Since value comes from scarcity, deep work is the most valuable type of work that you can perform.

In this book, Newport explores the Deep Work Hypothesis, which states that deep work is both rare and valuable. He explains how to incorporate more deep, groundbreaking work into your life.

Deep Work by Cal Newport

168 Hours, by Laura Vanderkam

Reading this book inspired me to track my time in 15 minute increments for a week. The result? I discovered that I waste enough time to cover a part-time job.

In 168 Hours, Laura explains that we have more time than we think we do. While we might feel like our schedules are jam-packed, they’re not.

Most of us have plenty of time left – after work and sleep – to spend time doing things we enjoy. We’re already time-rich. We just don’t know it yet.

Laura is a mom of four, and she’s no stranger to working long hours. But she finds time to exercise, socialize, and spend quality downtime alone.

Read this book if you feel overworked and exhausted at the end of the day, or if you don’t believe that you have much spare time.

I also interviewed Laura on my podcast; check it out.

Bonus Mentions:

  • Getting Things Done, by David Allen. Classic book that taught me the importance of maintaining Inbox Zero, a goal that I reach about once every three to six months.
  • The ONE Thing, by Gary Keller. In this book, Keller recommends that you start each day by asking yourself: “What’s the ONE thing I could do today, such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?” By focusing on the highest-leverage opportunity, you create a life that’s easier and more productive.
  • The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. This book blew my mind. We’re ruled more by our habits than our decisions — and this means we can change our lives by changing our habits. This book explains how.
  • Stumbling on Happiness, by Daniel Gilbert. I’ll never order a meal at a restaurant in the same way again. If you’re curious about why your mind operates in the way in which it does — and if you’d like to be aware of your cognitive biases so you can make better decisions — read this book.

Money Mindset Books

Millionaire Teacher, by Andrew Hallam

Andrew became a millionaire on a high school teacher’s salary. His book, Millionaire Teacher, explains how.

I’ve known Andrew since 2011, and he’s one of the sharpest minds in the index fund investing space. I interviewed him on my podcast, and Andrew was so prolific that I had to divide our conversation into two parts.

His writing is clear, simple, and jargon-free. His message is common sense, which is why it’s surprising that so many people don’t follow it.

  • Read This If: You’ve uttered the words “I don’t earn enough to become a millionaire.”
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You’re an advanced investor.

How Rich People Think, by Steve Siebold

This is an easy read that cuts straight to the chase.

Steve structured this into 100 ultra-short chapters, each roughly two pages long.

Every chapter illustrates a high-level concept. Here are some examples:

  • The middle class plays it safe. The rich take wise, calculated risks.
  • The middle class thinks wealth is a solitary effort. The rich know it’s a team effort.
  • The middle class thinks ambition is a sin. The rich think ambition is a virtue.
  • The middle class assumes you must choose between family or money. The rich know you can enjoy both.
  • The middle class sets low expectations to avoid disappointment. The rich set high expectations to stay excited.

There’s no need to read front-to-back. Feel free to skip around.

  • Read This If: You want an overview on cultivating a wealth mentality.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You want actionable specifics.

Your Money or Your Life Book

Your Money or Your Life, by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

This is a financial independence classic.

Released in the 1990’s (and updated in 2018), this New York Times Bestseller popularized the financial independence movement. Here’s a big, 2,000+ word article I’ve written about this book.

The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley and William Danko

The richest people in the U.S. don’t live on Park Avenue. They live next door.

These were the findings of two researchers who interviewed dozens of American millionaires in search of common threads

They discovered:

  • The majority didn’t inherit anything from their parents, not even $1.
  • Most have “cheap” tastes; they prefer Bud Light to fancy champagne.
  • They drive used cars and live in middle-class houses.
  • They own non-glamorous businesses. “We are welding contractors, auctioneers, rice farmers, owners of mobile-home parks, pest controllers, coin and stamp dealers, and paving contractors.”
  • They are your next door neighbors. And you have no idea they’re rich.

Most millionaires invest their money, which is how they become (and stay) millionaires. The media loves to spotlight Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, but they’re the exception, not the norm.

  • Read This If: You hold the limiting belief that you can’t be a millionaire.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You want specific, actionable instructions.

Investing Books

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, by Jack Bogle

Thinking of toying around with mutual funds and individual stock selection?

Don’t bother.

In this epic classic, Jack Bogle – the founder of Vanguard – throws down the gauntlet, explaining why index funds are the ultimate investment.

If you’ve wondered why so many personal finance bloggers are index fund enthusiasts, this book nails it.

  • Read This If: You want to understand index funds.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You love index funds and don’t need any further confirmation.

Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits, by Philip Fisher

There are two popular stock market investing philosophies: value investing and growth investing.

Value investors look for strong companies that are momentarily underpriced. They’re the bargain-hunters of the stock market world.

Growth investors focus on companies with tremendous growth potential. They’re willing to pay full retail price for a company that could be the Next Big Thing.

This book is written by the late Philip Fisher, known as the “Father of Growth Investing.” (Ironically, his son is a value investor.) His colleague, the late Benjamin Graham, is known as the “Father of Value Investing.”

If you want to understand these two theories, read one book from each author.

I read Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits several years ago, when I wanted to learn how to invest. I decided to stick with simple index funds (following the teachings of my favorite investor, Jack Bogle), so I’ve never needed to apply these ideas. This book helped me make more informed decisions.

  • Read This If: You’re a finance enthusiast who wants to learn investing principles.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You don’t care about learning theory. You just want to know what actions to take. (Buy index funds.)

The intelligent investor

The Intelligent Investor, by Benjamin Graham

Warren Buffet says that his philosophy is 85% Benjamin Graham and 15% Philip Fisher.

Don’t read one without the other.

If you’re interested in learning investing theory, read these two books together. (And then follow Jack Bogle’s advice.)

  • Read This If: You’d like a foundation in stock investing ideas.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You want to cut to the chase. (Stick with index funds. End of story.)

Real Estate Investment Books

From 0 to 130 Properties in 3.5 Years, by Steve McKnight

This is the first book about real estate investing I ever came across, and it planted the seed of an idea that led me to where I am today.

This book helped me learn how to think like a buy-and-hold real estate investor. It’s a mindset book, not an actionable “how to” instructional.

Huge disclaimer: The information about laws, taxes, banking, financing, etc., applies only in Australia. Read it for the high-level concepts, not the specifics (unless you’re also Australian).

  • Read This If: You want to develop the mindset of a rental property investor.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You want actionable, concrete information.

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, by Gary Keller

Gary Keller, the co-founder of Keller Williams brokerage, writes about “myth-understandings” (myths and misunderstandings) about investments.

Specifically:

  • Myth: Investing is risky.
  • Reality: Investing is risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you buy the wrong property, you’re screwed. If you buy correctly, however, you remove risk.

  • Myth: Investing is complicated.
  • Reality: Investing is only as complicated as you make it.

When you’re in kindergarten, 5th-grade math seems hard. It’s all about perspective.

  • Myth: Good investors time the market.
  • Reality: Good investors make the best of the current time.

Great investors don’t blame the market. They seize all current market situations for opportunity.

  • Read This If: You want to develop an investor mindset.
  • Don’t Bother Reading If: You want actionable steps. Also, don’t bother if you’re an advanced or experienced real estate investor. This is better for beginners.
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Posted in: Book ReviewsTagged in: books, books about investing, books about money, books about real estate, financial freedom, money, money mindset, personal finance, real estate, real estate investing

27 Comments
Leave a Comment
  1. Accidental FIRE

    # April 26, 2018 at 5:11 am

    I just finished Deep Work myself and really enjoyed it, took lots of great tips away from that one. I also saw Essentialism in the picture at the top even though you didn’t list it. That’s an amazing book that really changed my perspective on trying to be over productive.

    Thanks for sharing, I have some new ones to check out!

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # April 26, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      Yes, Essentialism is a great book! That book, plus The ONE Thing by Gary Keller, both helped me narrow my focus to the few things that can really move the needle.

      Glad you liked the book list!!

      Reply ↓
  2. Rohan

    # April 26, 2018 at 5:16 am

    Definitely some titles to put on my reading list. Although, I don’t think I need to read the millionaire next door again, but it is well worth the read if you haven’t read it.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # April 26, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      The reason I like re-reading The Millionaire Next Door is not for the information, but for the motivation. It helps me keep my head in the game. And I think I understand it in a different framework, or from a different perspective, each time I read it. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply ↓
  3. Andrew

    # April 27, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    I read Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You, and found it to be super helpful. Looking forward to reading Deep Work.

    Also noticed Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird in the photo for this post. What a wonderful book!

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # April 28, 2018 at 1:31 am

      Anne Lamott is an incredible writer! I read Bird by Bird when I was going through a tough phase of writer’s block. It took awhile to sink in, but it helped. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  4. Morshed Alam

    # April 28, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Good list of books!

    That’s very well said – Good investors make the best of the current time.

    I like the “ONE Thing”, and I always give this book as a gift to friends because its too easy and quick read!

    Reply ↓
  5. R. Parks

    # May 2, 2018 at 10:10 am

    Great post. Any recommended ‘actionable’ real estate investing books?

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # May 13, 2018 at 4:24 pm

      Well …. no.

      That’s not to say that they don’t exist. That’s to say that every investor has a specific approach/strategy/philosophy. And frankly, I disagree with the strategies offered by a lot of the other rental property investors out there.

      For example, John Schaub recommends something called the 10/10/10 approach, which I think has major red flags. He also advocates chasing appreciation, which I think is a flawed strategy.

      More broadly speaking, a recommended “how to” real estate book would necessarily need to align with my approach, strategy, philosophy and vision. And that’s unique.

      Reply ↓
  6. Mike

    # May 3, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    I agree that Andrew Hallam’s book is well written and full of excellent advice; however, I think it is important to note that he earned the bulk of his income as a teacher at an international school in Singapore, a locale with excellent fiscal policies such as low personal income tax rates and (zero?) taxes on capital gains. As well, I suspect he also received a housing allowance from his employer.

    Again, the habits he started while a new teacher in Canada certainly helped him reach financial independence while living in Asia, but not all of us have the advantages he appears to have had.

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # May 13, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      Here’s my challenge to you: Can you name 1-3 advantages that you have, that he didn’t?

      Perhaps timing? economic climate? access to technological advances? What else?

      Go for it. I think this will be a useful thinking exercise. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  7. Mainsha P

    # May 7, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Thanks for sharing this great post.
    The list of books will keep my reading list busy for few more day
    Keep up the great work!

    Reply ↓
  8. Ashley | Kiwi and Keweenaw

    # May 7, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    Awesome list, I just picked up Essentialism from my library. Now to put some of the others on hold.

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # May 13, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Essentialism is an excellent book. Great choice. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  9. Brian McMan

    # May 9, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Hello,

    Thank you for sharing the rich people’s bookshelf. Found Deep Work audiobook gonna listen to it.

    Thank you.

    Sincerely,

    Thanks.

    Reply ↓
    • Brian McMan

      # May 17, 2018 at 8:10 pm

      Hello,

      I finished listening to “Deep Work.”

      My take away is that people need to schedule the time each day for their highest life goals (which I define as health, wealth, relationships). Then shut everything else out and get to work. EASY!

      Perhaps y’all bloggers do this I guess.

      Found (feels?) “So Good they can’t ignore you” which is like in the picture but not listed, making it recommendation 1.5.

      The feels was a joke, please don’t hate me.

      But yeah found it gonna give it a listen.

      Thanks again.

      Reply ↓
  10. Alexandra

    # May 9, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    I read Millionaire Teacher a few years ago and it found it to be a good inspiration. If he can be a millionaire on a teachers salary, why can’t I?

    Reply ↓
    • Paula Pant

      # May 13, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      Exactly!! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  11. adam jacek

    # May 16, 2018 at 3:37 am

    great article!

    Reply ↓
  12. Andrew

    # May 17, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    The intelligent investor is a must-read if you are serious about investing. I also recommend The dhandho investor by Monish Pabrai if the intelligent investor was little hard to read 🙂

    love your blog – it’s inspirational!!

    Reply ↓
    • David @ VapeHabitat

      # August 1, 2018 at 9:36 am

      I have “Enough” on my shelf. Read it to the middle, not really what I wanted to get from it. Don’t think I will finish it

      Reply ↓
  13. Jerry

    # May 21, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    Read “The Millionaire Next Door” at the very beginning of my financial journey many years ago. It was a good reminder to live below my means, and it made becoming a millionaire seem much more achievable than I think most people are aware.

    Reply ↓
  14. Tee

    # May 22, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    So which books do you recommend that explain the steps and actions? The books listed were to just gain the mindset. I have it and I am ready to get started.

    Reply ↓
  15. Reelika

    # May 28, 2018 at 2:33 am

    Great books! My own favorites are You Are Badass at Making Money, and The Prosperous Coach. Life changing. These were the books that pushed me starting my own online coaching business, and allowed me to create abundance. I’m an honest believer that there is no limit how much we can make.

    Reply ↓
  16. Future Finance

    # May 31, 2018 at 6:53 am

    Hello, this is so cool. I’ve been following your site for quite some time now. I’m really curious if you can give any pointers for Canada… I’ve been thinking of investing here.

    Reply ↓
  17. Esther Jang

    # May 31, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    Thanks for these recommendations. I’ve bought 3 of them, and reading Originals right now.
    Have you read Quiet by Susan Cain or Mindset by Carol Dweck. Not finance-related, but might be up your alley!

    Reply ↓
  18. Kelly

    # June 24, 2018 at 1:36 am

    Thank you! This is exactly what I needed right now.

    Reply ↓

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Afford Anything

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