The Four Pillars of Investing
by William J. Bernstein
This book (2002) by William Bernstein could be called "Portfolio Theory for Poets." This journey to the heart of portfolio management is aimed at the liberal-arts major seeking investment competence. Plenty of history and psychology, light on the math. ("Standard deviation" is mentioned only once, in a footnote.)
The Millionaire Next Door
by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
This bestseller reveals over a decade of research on America’s wealthy and is sure to surprise you. It exposes the myth of inherited wealth and instead reveals that the self-made millionaires they examined have values, lifestyles, and attitudes you might not have expected.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
by Burton Gordon Malkiel
This gimmick-free, irreverent, and vastly informative guide — with over half a million copies sold — shows how to navigate the turbulence on Wall Street and beat the pros at their own game. Skilled at puncturing financial bubbles and other delusions of the Wall Street crowd, Burton Malkiel shows why a broad portfolio of stocks selected at random will match the performance of one carefully chosen by experts.
Stocks for the Long Run
by Jeremy J. Siegel, Peter L. Bernstein
Jeremy Siegel's best-selling book has proven that stocks are the best investment over the long term. Now, this classic guide has been revised to include today's most successful investment strategies. With its phenomenal analysis of financial market returns since 1802, no other book offers such an in-depth historical — and yet timely — perspective on what drives the market.
The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk
by William J. Bernstein
Teaches the reader straightforward methods for earning exceptional returns and minimizing risk when investing. Shows you how to use the time-honored techniques of asset allocation to build your own pathway to financial security — one that is easy-to-understand, easier-to-apply, and supported by 75 years of solid history and wealth-building results.
The Best Way to Save for College: A Complete Guide to 529 Plans
by Joseph F. Hurley
This book unlocks the secrets of saving for college like the 401k plan did for saving for retirement. Joseph F. Hurley is regarded by many as the foremost Section 529 expert in the country. Updated to include information on The 2001 Tax Relief Act and its effect on saving for college!
Where Are the Customers' Yachts? or A Good Hard Look at Wall Street
by Fred Schwed and Peter Arno
Fred Schwed, Jr. was a professional trader who had the good sense to get out after losing a bundle (of mostly his own money) in the 1929 crash. With wit and accomplished humor, he lowers the boom on the Wall Street mavens and their hapless customers. A truly enjoyable classic that should take on new significance after the tech bubble of 2000.
The Wealthy Barber: Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent
by David Chilton
In one of the biggest-selling financial planning books ever, David Chilton shows readers how to achieve the financial independence they’ve always dreamed of. With the help of his fictional barber, Roy, and a large dose of humor, Chilton encourages readers to take control of their financial future and build wealth slowly, steadily, and with sure success.
Common Sense on Mutual Funds: New Imperatives for the Intelligent Investor
by John C. Bogle
The pioneering visionary of The Vanguard Group, John Bogle has single-handedly transformed the mutual fund business, primarily by putting the investor first. This eye-opening book examines the fundamentals of mutual fund investing alongside industry practices that are often in conflict with a sound long-term investment program. Common sense on mutual funds shows investors how to revolutionize their portfolios by embracing simplicity and then avoiding industry pitfalls.
Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
by Charles Mackay
A true classic from the 1840's, this landmark study of crowd psychology and mass mania throughout history includes accounts of the South Sea Bubble, the Mississippi Scheme and Tulip mania. This enlightening look at historic manias should help investors put the 2000 bubble into perspective.
What Wall Street Doesn't Want You to Know : How You Can Build Real Wealth Investing in Index Funds
by Larry E. Swedroe
This book has been referred to as the benchmark for common sense investing. Much to the chagrin of Wall Street, the author argues that no Wall Street portfolio manager can consistently outperform the market over time. His straightforward approach gives the investor the needed tools for establishing a long-term investment plan.
Winning the Loser's Game: Timeless Strategies for Successful Investing
by Charles D. Ellis
This indispensable investment guide asks the question: How can an individual invest successfully when the majority always fail? Charles Ellis, one of today's most brilliant investment writers, shows the difficulty in trying to “beat the market.” Readers will learn why “beating the market” over the long-term is largely a Wall Street myth.
The Richest Man in Babylon
by George S. Clason
Millions of readers have been helped by the famous "Babylonian parables," hailed as the greatest of all inspirational works on the subject of thrift, financial planning, and personal wealth. Acclaimed as a modern day classic, this celebrated bestseller offers an understanding of — and solution to — your personal financial problems that will guide you through a lifetime.
LifeFocus: Achieving A Life of Purpose & Influence
by Jerry Foster
One small change of direction is barely noticeable in the short run. But once we've gone far enough, we find we're on a completely new course! It's called the vector principle. Jerry Foster shows readers how to put that principle to work in their lives, helping them make small changes that can improve their relationships with people and with God, and balance their financial, physical, and intellectual pursuits. Foster's life work is about helping people make changes. Here's the book to show them how.