If you want to learn more about finance in order to better understand fintech, there are a few books that are must-reads. Even though fintech is actually a lot ‘tech’, you cannot really forget that it is finance after all. Without it, there is no fintech. Therefore, understanding basic financial concepts is quite key, especially if you are considering working in the industry.
But also to get better at managing your personal or business finances. You would be surprised at the number of people, rich or poor, that do not have a good handle of their finances. Same goes for what appears to be successful businesses. You can learn a lot from coming regularly onto awesome websites like Fintech Review. However, here are a few recommendations if you want to go a bit further, our list of top books about finance:
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham (1949)
Published in 1949, The Intelligent Investor is a classic read when it comes to learning about investing. As you can see, it was not published yesterday. But don’t worry, it has been constantly updated since its first publication. Obviously make sure that you are buying the most up to date version, even though the original one will still teach you a lot.
When you know that Benjamin Graham was in fact the teacher of Warren Buffet, you understand how key this book in the financial literature. Yes, the very one Mr Buffet. Probably the most famous and successful investor of all time. The Oracle of Oklahoma. In this book, you will learn about long term and value investing, as well as giving you an understanding of what security analysis actually is. Everything you need to get ready to master your own portfolio management.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and Arthur R. Pell (2005)
Similar to The Intelligent Investor, the 1937 best-seller from journalist Napoleon Hill has been recently revised and updated by Arthur R. Pell. Think and Grow Rich might be old, but it is still very much relevant today. It remains one of the top books about finance. Napoleon Hill researched over 500 self-made millionaires during 20 years to write this book. A substantial amount of work, almost unparalleled even today, to come to his conclusions.
Napoleon Hill actually does not really talk about finance or money. He focuses on the mentality of all of these successful people and what differentiates them from the average Joe. Don’t expect big theories about money or investing, this book is more about the psychology of building wealth and becoming rich. Worth the read.
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen Dubner (2005)
Not specifically a book about finance, but this is a very interesting and fun-to-read book about real-life economics. Freakonomics looks at a number of mundane situations and ask pertinent questions, backed by a lot of data. From opposing the danger of a gun and a swimming pool to the economics of financing a campaign. Economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen Dubner explore the economics of a wide range of topics. This is especially relevant if you sometimes feel like economics is boring. This book definitely is not!
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles (1910)
A bit lesser known than the other books in this list. Nonetheless, another all-time classic book about finance from 1910 written by Wallace D. Wattles. It is quite interesting because this is a very practical and pragmatical book for people that want to get straight to the point: money.
The Science of Getting Rich describes easy-to-understand techniques to grow your wealth whilst living a more fulfilled life. It is as relevant today as it was over 100 years ago…
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki (2007)
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a best-seller from self-made millionaire Robert T. Kiyosaki. Considered by most to be the best-selling personal finance book of all time (no small feat!). The way it is written is actually quite original. It tells the story of growing up with two dads, one being his own father and the other being his best friend’s father, the rich dad. It talks about how growing up with both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing.
This book will teach you a few things, for instance that earning a lot of money does not make you rich. Which is maybe not obvious for most people. Or the fact that the money you save for tomorrow is much more important the one you have available to spend today.
Great to develop your personal finance skills!
What else?
There are obviously many more top books about finance that you could read, from Michael Lewis’s Flash Boys or The Big Short, to Michael Porter’s Competitive Strategy…
…but these ones are a solid base to get you started!