Best Five Books On Investing You Should Read Today

Just over half of Americans own stock, a 2020 Gallup poll found, and whether someone owned stock was closely related to household income and education level, among other factors. In fact, 85% of those with post-graduate education and 84% of households that earned $100,000-plus were among the group that owned stock, while only 22% of households earning less than $40,000 were invested in the stock market. 

If you are one of the 45% of Americans who have not yet invested in the market, or already have an investment portfolio and simply want to see it grow, then read on for our picks of the best investing books.

  1. The Intelligent Investor

Though first published in 1949, the teachings of Benjamin Graham’s “The Intelligent Investor” are still influential today. The book centers around his well-known value investing strategy or the practice of buying stocks for prices less than their value—in other words, stocks that are currently undervalued by the market. “The Intelligent Investor” shows readers how to make money in the stock market without taking massive risks while tackling the emotional aspect of investing. This updated version includes commentary and footnotes by financial journalist Jason Zweig, which adds a touch of modernity.

  1. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

You don’t know investing if you don’t know index funds. “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle, founder of the Vanguard Group, focuses on just that. It explains Bogle’s low-cost index fund investment strategy in clear detail, including tips on how to make index fund investing work for you and your portfolio. This 10th-anniversary edition is updated with new information as it relates to the modern market. Still, it remains a must-read for all investing enthusiasts. Bogle is also the author of “Common Sense on Mutual Funds” and “Enough.”

  1. The Book on Rental Property Investing

Investing isn’t just for the stock market; investing in real estate is also an excellent way to build wealth. That’s why Brandon Turner’s “The Book on Rental Property Investing” is an essential investing book. It’s full of advice on how to build your own rental property income streams, from common mistakes of real estate investors (and how to avoid them) to tips for finding deals on rental properties to how to finance rentals. Turner, a real estate investor, is also the co-host of the “BiggerPockets Podcast.”

  1. A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market

“A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market” explains everything readers want to know about the stock market—most importantly, how to make money from it. Written by bestselling author and former hedge fund manager Matthew Kratter, it covers topics ranging from common investor mistakes and how to avoid them, where to open a brokerage account, how to buy your first stock, and even how to make passive income in the stock market.

  1. The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need

Andrew Tobias’ “The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need” was written in the 1970s (while he was working as a writer for New York Magazine, no less), but its advice still rings true today. The book has tips on how to build wealth (no matter your means), how to best prepare for retirement, and even everyday strategies that will save you big over the long term—all told in the author’s trademark witty, straightforward writing style. (This updated version also applies these lessons to today’s market.) Tobias is the author of New York Times bestsellers “Fire and Ice” and “The Invisible Bankers” and is a regulator contributor to Time, Esquire, and Parade.