These are the foundational books that have shaped my understand of how to successfully manage my finances and be in the small percentile of 20 year olds who have zero debt and five figures of savings.

Rich Dad Poor Dad
Of the three this is the easiest read with the simplest advice.

Read this if you are new to personal finance and want to get the basics.

The book is written from Robert Kiyosaki’s perspective growing up with two different father figures, his real father and the father of his best friend, the rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing.

It also debunks the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

An intelligent investor
This is a timeless classic.

Read this if you want to learn the basics of investing and how to avoid getting scammed in the stock market.

It’s written by Benjamin Graham, the mentor of investing legend Warren Buffet. Graham shares his philosophy of “value investing” — which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies. The Intelligent Investor is the bible for investing for the stock market.

“By far the best book on investing ever written.” (Warren Buffett)

The Last Safe Investment – This is one of the three books I read every year.

Read this if you want to challenge the traditional advice about money, wealth, investing, and spending forever.

It debunks the myth that: if you save for decades and invest in 401(k)s, IRAs, and a home, these investments will grow steadily, allowing twenty to thirty years of secure, peaceful retirement.

And shines light into the reality that although the above may have been true at some point in the last century, it is not true any longer. If you want to get ahead and enjoy a life of prosperity, you must invest in the last safe investment: yourself, and your own skills, value to others, relationships, and overall happiness.

These books contain timeless wisdom that I hope will benefit you.

If you’re up for some bonus reads, check out: The Millionaire Next Door, The Little Book That Beats The Market, A Random Walk Down Wall Street.