6 Great Books for Young Investors

We read from a wide variety of investment sources almost daily, but context and timing are important for those new to investing. We especially would prefer that newer investors not get their initial education from apps, or websites positioning investing as a game or form of gambling. Whether you’re just starting to dip your toes into the stock market or are a seasoned pro, we think these books are a great place to start for those who want to learn more about how money works. 

Learn about investing strategies, the psychology behind our most important decisions, and how to change your mindset around money with these books for new investors. 

1. Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki was originally published in 1997 in 1997 and remains one of the most popular books for young investors. This book provides practical investment tips for individuals who want to learn more about real estate and other assets, and it also covers how to increase your financial intelligence (financial IQ).

Before young investors can focus on developing their investment strategies, they must first become financially literate. Rich Dad Poor Dad breaks financial literacy down into an easy-to-understand format.

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow

Even though Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman isn’t exclusively a financial book, it continues to rank as one of the best books for young investors because it examines how we make decisions and the differences between our gut reactions and more deliberate decision-making.

A book like Thinking, Fast and Slow can help young investors learn about investing as it can enhance their understanding of how to make rational and well-researched decisions. The goal is to remove emotions from the equation and focus on using logic to choose high-performing stocks. 

3. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

The title says it all. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle is helpful because it explains index investing and how it may be a useful strategy for young investors. Bogle is the founder and former CEO of Vanguard, and in the book, he shares some of his experience with costs, trying to beat the market and different options for investors.

The book was originally published in 2007, and an updated copy was released in 2016 that features updated statistics and charts.

4. Broke Millennial

Even if you aren’t broke or a millennial, this is a useful financial book that offers benefits for people of all ages. Like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry teaches readers how to manage their personal finances before diving into the world of investing. Any financial advisor will tell you to first manage your budget, then focus on your emergency savings, and not start investing until you have your financial house in order. This book outlines crucial habits to practice if you want to become an effective investor.

Bonus: If you loved Broke Millennial, check out Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by the same author. It’s a follow-up to Broke Millennial and helps make the potentially confusing world of investing simple, even for young investors.

5. I Will Teach You to Be Rich

I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi is designed to be a six-week program that teaches young investors about creating a system for their money. It examines financial habits in an engaging way and helps investors understand how to set and then how to pursue financial goals. Plus, Sethi has a humorous writing style, so it’s a fun read. Sethi reminds us that personal finance doesn’t have to be boring!

6. The Millionaire Next Door

Through a series of interviews, authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko get inside the minds of millionaires in The Millionaire Next Door. This is a great book for young investors who aspire to grow their net worth and careers. The authors share lessons from millionaires, some of which are so groundbreakingly simple that you wonder why you aren’t doing them already—or maybe you are! 

The book is filled with fascinating details, such as what millionaires do, where they buy their clothes and food, and what cars they have. Go inside the minds of wealthy people to learn what it takes to be wealthy.

These are just a few of the many financial books that are suitable for young investors, especially for individuals just starting out on their financial or investing journeys. Which ones have you read or given to people just starting out?

What are your favorite books to give to younger investors?