Welcome to my collection of financial books—an honest mix of my favourites and a few that honestly didn’t quite hit the mark. These books have shaped my perspective on money and investing, each offering key lessons. Some are classics filled with actionable insights that I will often revisit, while others sometimes serve as a reminder of what approaches that don’t resonate with me personally. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or a fresh perspective, I invite you to explore this curated list and discover what aligns best with your financial journey.
Be sure to checkout my favourite financial blogs and other great online resources.
The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning
Dave Chilton (2002)
Easily one of the best first reads for anyone interested in learning about sound financial planning. Dave’s ability to lay out his financial wisdom through storytelling makes it highly approachable. Many of the concepts that I use and recommend come directly from his books. Pay yourself first, buy low cost index funds among others. Also check out his website where he continues to provide great financial content.
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy
Thomas J Stanley/William D. Danko (2010)
This is a great book that demystifies who is truly wealth and how most achieve it. It serves as an eye opener to show that anyone can accumulate wealth and goes through the hard statistics to back it. The truth will surprise you.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money
Robert T. Kiyosak (2000)
Many will disagree with me but honestly this book is not great. Sure there are some sound tidbits of advice but much of it is mostly nonsense and entirely made up. The whole book feels like a sales gimmick to buy his books or pay for his financial courses thereby making him richer and you poorer. However, a large number of people attribute his book to getting them started on their financial education journey so I have to give him credit for that.
The Wealthy Barber Returns
Dave Chilton (2011)
Follow up to Dave’s successful first book that is another great read. It builds on the concepts of the first while considering the evolving financial realities, many of which are even more true over a decade later.
Stop Working , Here’s How You Can! : Using The Strategy Of Canada’s Youngest Retiree
Derek Foster (2020)
What makes this one interesting is that I actually went to high school with the author. Probably the first book where I learned about dividend investing which I use heavily today as an investment strategy. His books are generally easy reads, each with sound tidbits of info. Personally, I’m not into ultra frugal living and I’ve always had a problem with him calling himself retired when he was consistently writing books. I’m not sure Stephen King considers himself retired despite surely having the resources to do so. Derek also went against all his best instincts during the financial crisis and panic sold much of his portfolio. That’s a good lesson for all of us.
The Pyschology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness
Morgan Housel (2020)
This is a pretty quick and short read that analyses the relationship between human psychology and behaviour when it comes to money. One concept that he states a few times that really resonated with me is that financial success and good health require consistency, patience, and long-term thinking . The general theme is that wealth is built over time and there can be a certain element of luck involved. I like the concept of wealth is the money you don’t spend and that you don’t actually need to be saving for something to save.