Apr 16, 2021

Our Insights

Whether you're new to investing or a veteran, you should always be seeking to improve your knowledge on how to grow your wealth.

But with so much information now accessible via traditional and digital platforms, it can be hard to know what information you can trust. That's why credible, critically acclaimed books written by experts can provide some of the greatest and most reliable insights. 

Most successful people and industry experts, including those in the Calder Wealth team, invest their time into reading books. 

So, we've compiled a list of our top recommended books to help you grow, invest, and manage your finances.

Investing

The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

The Barefoot Investor is a great general guide to help people get started with saving money and understanding investing. Rather than providing an endless list of tips or stringent, unrealistic budgets, Pape focuses on a step-by-step formula to creating an effective financial plan that helps you look after your finances. 

The power of this book also comes from the incorporated stories of everyday Australians who have positively changed their lives and finances through applying the discussed steps and strategies.

About the Author

Scott Pape, now better known as the Barefoot Investor, has over 15 years of financial experience and is widely known for his newspaper columns, published books, and frequent TV and radio appearances. 

Buy it now

Outside the Flags 3 - Discovering the Value of Good Advice by Jim Parker

What started as a weekly web column on Dimensional Fund Advisors’ website in 2006 has now become a collection of books designed to help fee-only advisors communicate with their clients about the principles of good investing, such as working with markets, understanding risk and return, broadly diversifying and focusing on elements within the investor’s control.

About the Author

Jim Parker is the Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a global investment firm whose solutions for clients are based on capital market research and a rigorous, systematic investment approach.

Copies are hard to find but at the time of writing you could purchase from eBay. 

The Intelligent Investor by Ben Graham

The Intelligent Investor is a classic guide from 1949 which is still widely acclaimed as a top resource today. It intends to highlight the best strategies for value investing, and how to apply this when determining value in the stock market. It is a key book to help investors select the best assets to boost their portfolio and consistently identify the buying opportunities in a fluctuating stock market.  

About the Author

Ben Graham, better known as the 'father of value investing', was an economist, professor and investor whose legacy still lives on today. One of his most well known students was Warren Buffett.

Buy it now

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a book where Kiyosaki details the different ways in which his father and the father of his best friend (his 'rich dad') both shaped his outlook on money and investing during his childhood. In doing so, he breaks down the pre-conceived ideas on how to be rich and exposes the myth of needing a high income to be wealthy. This is a fantastic introduction for investors, because it explores the idea of having your money work for you, as opposed to you working for money - a concept which is critical for individuals to ensure they achieve their financial goals and are well set up for retirement. 

About the Author

Robert Kiyosaki is a businessman and founder of the Rich Dad Company, which provides financial and business education on personal finance through books and videos. 

Buy it now

Good To Great by Jim Collins

Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap ... and Other's Don't is an excellent read for business owners and CEOs looking to take their company to the next level. The book is based on a five-year research project and reveals the factors in an organisation that will make the difference between making the leap to 'great', or simply staying put. 

About the Author

Jim Collins is a researcher, speaker and consultant who is an expert in the fields of business management, and company sustainability and growth. 

Buy it now

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason

The Richest Man in Babylon is another classic book from 1926. However despite being published nearly a century ago, its teachings still remain true today. The guide is perfect for providing investors with personal financial advice, such as paying yourself first, investing in what you know, long-term saving, and more. Interestingly, these insights are presented through a collection of parables from ancient Babylon, as told by the fictional character Arkad. 

About the Author

George S Clason was an author and entrepreneur widely known for his informational pamphlets on frugality and achieving financial success.  

Buy it now

The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

Escape the 9-5 work life and live by design - that's the message behind The 4 Hour Work Week. This self-help book refutes the 'workaholic lifestyle', where adults 'live to work' and endure gruelling hours with minimal leisure time until retirement. Investors and individuals are presented with great knowledge on how to significantly increase their income while also decreasing their work hours. It particularly explores the type of work schedule you need to adopt and the resources you should invest in to reduce your work load. 

About the Author

Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, investor, podcast and tv show producer, and lifestyle guru who is passionate about self-improvement and maximising productivity while enhancing your lifestyle. 

Buy it now

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover cracks down on the two biggest factors to personal finance - debt and budgeting. Readers are empowered with effective steps to achieving financial stability and tips for saving. The book is also supported with success stories from individuals and couples. 

About the Author

Dave Ramsey has dedicated his life to personal finance, whether it's through being a personal financial advisor, a radio host of financial advice show The Dave Ramsey Show, or founding his company 'Ramsey Solutions' which counsels those suffering from financial distress. 

Buy it now

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

In Think and Grow Rich, Hill draws on the wisdom of millionares such as Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to reveal the steps that will lead individuals to wealth and success. This book was published in 1937, although its money-making tactics still prevail today. So, it's a fantastic collection of strategies on how everyday individuals can adopt the same mindset and strategies as some of the world's best financial minds. 

About the Author

Napoleon Hill was famous for being a self-help author, with Think and Grow Rich being one of the top 10 self-help books of all time. 

Buy it now

Retirement Made Simple by Noel Whittaker

Retirement is the one financial event we'll all face, so Retirement Made Simple is a valuable read for every individual and investor. Whittaker tackles everything from maximising age pension rules to superannuation, estate planning and generating enough money for a comfortable lifestyle. 

About the Author

Noel Whittaker has over 35 years of experience in writing about all the financial issues related to retirement. Besides being an international bestselling author and finance and investment expert, Noel is also a newspaper columnist for major Australian newspapers, regular magazine contributor and radio broadcaster. 

Buy it now

The Essays of Warren Buffett

The Essays of Warren Buffett collection is pure gold for every investor, whether you're new to the investing game or a pro. His essays and letters delve into many valuable topics, such as investing principles, valuing businesses, how to maximise financial information and more. Each updated edition will also delve into topical events at the time of publishing, such as the financial crisis, corporate governance, and the top investing opportunities. 

About the Author

There isn't a single financial mind out there who hasn't heard of Warren Buffett. The 90 year old is arguably the world's greatest investor, and as of December 2020 had a net worth of over US $85.6 billion. Beyond investing, Warren is also a business tycoon, philanthropist and the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. 

Buy it now

The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life by JL Collins

Finances and investing can be extremely complex and confusing, especially when you try to navigate it on your own. That's why JL Collins has devised a book which provides an easily understandable investing guide, along with the tools and resources every investor needs to feel confident in their knowledge and decisions.

About the Author

JL Collins is a financial expert whose small blog jlcollinsnh.com in 2011 has now grown to have a large international readership.

Buy it now

Broke Millennial Takes On Investing by Erin Lowry

As it states in the title, this book is the perfect beginners guide for new millenial investors looking to generate wealth. While providing all the investment basics, Lowry also navigates through topical issues such as socially responsible investing, managing investment anxiety, using apps, where to find information online, and how to invest while also dealing with other expenses like student loans. 

About the Author

Erin Lowry is a personal finance expert specific who targets millennials through her business BrokeMillennial.com and published books. 

Buy it now

Life

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

This book is all about empowering you to transform your life every day through six crucial habits. So, for investors, business owners, and other individuals looking to bring more energy, motivation and focus into their day, The Miracle Morning is for you. 

About the Author

Hal Elrod defied all the odds when he survived a head-on car accident and went on to become an ultra-maraton runner, international keynote speaker and more, despite doctors saying he may never walk again. Today, he is also a success coach and inspiring guest on a number of radio and tv shows.

Buy it now

The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

While so many other recommended books focus on the future and short / long term goals, The Power Of Now instead puts an emphasis on the present. Tolle unpacks ideas such as enlightened relationships, creative use of the mind and how to stop emotions and thoughts from getting in the way of happiness - all concepts that will resonate with any investor or personal involved in finances. 

About the Author

Eckhart is a world renowned spiritual teacher and best-selling author. 

Buy it now

Bounce by Matthew Syed

While Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham and the Science of Success doesn't specifically focus on finances, its lessons are still applicable for anyone investing, running a business, or simply looking to take better control over their personal finances and improve their lifestyle. In this text, Syed particularly explores our natural 'competitive nature' and behaviours. Syed also breaks down the idea that only talent equates to success, and delves into the importance of a 'growth mindset'.

About the Author

Matthew Syed is an award-winning journalist and former Commonwealth Games athlete who knows first hand the secrets to success and maximum performance. 

Buy it now

 

Contact us

Books are great, but the best way to success is through getting personalised, professional advice. Talk to the team at Calder Wealth Management. Call us on (08) 8373 3333 to schedule your free initial appointment.

Written by Ben Calder at Calder Wealth Management.

This is general advice only and does not take into account your financial circumstances, needs and objectives. Before making any decision based on this document, you should assess your own circumstances or seek advice from a financial adviser and seek tax advice from a registered tax agent. Information is current at the date of issue and may change.