BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
Which investing book is best?
If investing were easy, everyone would be rich. But many investment strategies are relatively simple once explained by someone who’s in-the-know.
Most renowned financial experts began as novices, and many of them share what they’ve learned by writing books detailing their strategies. For consumers, an investment in one of these books can pay for itself – and then some. With the right investing book, you can get the insight and knowledge needed to have success with your money. But it’s hard to know whose strategy will boom and whose strategy will bust in your specific situation.
When looking for leading investment experts, it’s hard to go wrong with Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett. Our top pick is the first installment of his Three Favorite Books series.
What to know before you buy an investing book
When looking for an investing book, you must first consider the reading audience: yourself. Are you a beginner? A veteran looking to up your game? Or someone in between? What are your financial goals? What is your risk tolerance?
- Basics: These books bring beginners up-to-speed on topics like history, portfolios, and indexing. A good book will cut through the jargon, explain clear strategies, and warn newbies about common pitfalls.
- Classics: An old investing book isn’t necessarily an outdated book. Some superstars credit their success to books that are decades or more old. Many classics — or updated volumes — discuss methods that still work today, as well as the strategies and philosophies adopted by the pros.
- Advanced: Advanced investing books are for seasoned investors looking for higher-level methods, such as buying up undervalued stocks or investing in high-earning companies. Not for the casual reader, they often contain data and discussions that require foundational market knowledge.
- Real estate: Investing in homes and property is a whole different animal. Flipping a house isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and landlord territory can be rife with landmines. If you’re looking at flipping or renting, books focusing on these topics can help you navigate the process and come out ahead.
What to look for in a quality investing book
- Edition: Investing principles often stay the same, but market conditions don’t. Whatever the title, look for the latest edition published. The inclusion of a foreword often indicates a classic book that has been freshened up with updated information.
- Resources: Even new editions can’t stay up to the minute. Many authors promote websites where they offer additional content or market-responsive tips.
- Glossary: It’s hard to make good decisions when you don’t know the terminology. A glossary defining the lingo establishes a beginner’s foundation for success.
- Concrete plan: Some books outline the step-by-step instructions you need to translate what’s on the page into daily life.
- Personal examples: Many books break up dry content with real-life success stories. Some books are penned by superstar investors, so you can see how their methods changed their lives.
How much you can expect to spend on investing books
Most investing books won’t break the bank.Paperbacks from lesser-known financial experts start as low as $6 and cap at around $11. Books in the $12 to $20 range may be either paperback or hardcover and often come from better-known authors. Like the financial heavyweights who write them, pricier hardcover books have staying power.
Investing book FAQ
What’s the best age to start investing?
A. It’s never too early to start. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have thousands in play. Even $50 per month can grow into a sizeable nest egg, thanks to compounding interest — a term you’ll learn when you start reading. If this sounds like your speed, look for a book for beginners, preferably one tackling the anxieties of investing in a shoestring budget.
What’s the best investing book to buy?
Top investing book
Warren Buffett’s Three Favorite Books, Book 1
What you need to know: A relatable book, it distills complex strategies into straightforward plans that are easy to implement.
What you’ll love: It focuses on classic investment tools like stocks and bonds.
What you should consider: The book could feature a wider variety of investment methods.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top investing book for money
The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need
What you need to know: Valuable for both newbies and veterans, this book shares timeless strategies that are relatable and applicable to today’s economy.
What you’ll love: Entertaining and informative, it relates both everyday and high-level hints.
What you should consider: It avocates primarily low-risk methods. Some may find its approach too conservative.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
The Book on Rental Property Investing
What you need to know: A how-to guide, it gives up-to-date, market-savvy advice for aspiring landlords and those who’ve taken the plunge.
What you’ll love: Refreshingly genuine, it’s not excessively sales-focused. It’s based on present-day market conditions.
What you should consider: The author seems overly eager to promote his website.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Kristin Yarbrough writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2021 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.