When it comes to learning about investing, the good news is that there are thousands of personal finance and investing books out there on a variety of investing topics. If you type the word “invest” on Amazon.com, there are over 55,000 books.
The bad news is that there are more bad books than good books to choose from. The vast majority of these books are “how to” books on picking “winning” stocks, the “best” mutual funds, and how to become a successful day trader. Other topics included investing in options, hedge funds, derivatives, futures and commodities. How much are these books worth to the average investor saving for retirement?
I have often been asked which investing books I would recommend reading. After careful consideration, I’ve put together a list of my top 10 picks. I have personally read each of these books and highly recommend any of them. They are listed in no particular order. Each of these books covers the topics investors need (asset allocation, diversification, IRA and 401k investing, reducing expenses, managing risk, and sample portfolios) to develop an effective investment portfolio.
“Investing Demystified” by author Paul Lim
“The Gone Fishin Portfolio” by author Alexander Green
“20 retirement decisions you need to make right now” by author Ray LeVitre
“The Bogleheads Guide to Investing” by authors Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Michael LeBoeuf
“Saving for Retirement” by author Gail MarksJarvis
“Live it without outliving your money!” by author Paul Merriman
“Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Self-Investment” by author David F. Swensen
“The only guide to winning investing strategy you’ll ever need” by author Larry Swedroe
“The First Investor: How to Start Safely, Invest Smartly, and Sleep Well” by authors Larry Chambers and Dale Rogers
“Investment Strategies for the 21st Century” by author Frank Armstrong
In addition to these books, there is another book (pardon the shameless take) that you might want to consider reading: “7 Steps to Becoming a Better Investor”. Much of the information in this book is based on articles I’ve written about over the years in the Lowell Sun.
Martin Krikorian is Chairman of Capital Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser providing ‘pay only’ investment management services located at 9 Billerica Road, Chelmsford. He can be reached at 978-244-9254, Capital Wealth Management website; www.capitalwealthmngt.com, or by email at [email protected].