This year, almost half of Americans believe real estate is the best long-term investment, while a quarter of Americans believe that stocks are the best bang for your buck.1 Whether you believe buying real estate, stocks or gold is a worthwhile investment, it’s important to be knowledgeable about how to handle your investments for the long haul.
That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best investing books to read in 2022, from books with real estate expertise to millennial-focused best practices. Each book is assigned a reading level based on reviews and the contents of the book.
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1. Best Overall: “The Intelligent Investor”
Although it was first published more than 50 years ago, the writings within “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham have stayed evergreen, despite changing markets.
The book primarily focuses on value investing – the strategy of selecting stocks that appear to be undervalued. The book includes key principles for beginners to follow when beginning their investing journey, including how to make a profit in the stock market without relying on risks.
“But investing isn’t about beating others at their game. It’s about controlling yourself at your own game.”
- Benjamin Graham, “The Intelligent Investor”
The updated version includes commentary by Jason Zweig, who is most known for his work as a personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal.
Reading Level: Intermediate
Runners-Up:
2. Best On Real Estate Investing: “The Book on Rental Property Investing”
What’s the most popular investment to make? The stock market may be the first thing you think of, but real estate investing is also another opportunity to build wealth.
If you’re new to investing, real estate investing like a vacation rental can also be much easier to understand than the stock market. A great way to get started is with this book by Brandon Turner: “The Book on Rental Property Investing.”
“Having goals is great — but it’s not enough! You need action, too! You will need to get off your butt and change the world yourself because no one else will do it for you.”
- Brandon Turner, “The Book on Rental Property Investing”
In the book, Turner explains how to successfully start in rental property investing – including tips on how to finance rentals and how to find good deals.
Reading Level: Beginner
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3. Best For Beginners: “The Elements of Investing”
“The Elements of Investing: Easy Lessons for Every Investor” by Burton G. Malkiel and Charles D. Ellis is an easy-to-read guide on the principles of investing. It includes important principles and recommended rules to follow to be a successful investor.
“Protect yourself: Every investor should always diversify.”
- Burton G. Malkiel, “The Elements of Investing”
This book is perfect for those who have minimal knowledge about the market and are new to investing. It provides fundamental saving best practices and a variety of long-term investment strategies and how they compare.
Reading Level: Beginner
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4. Best Classic: “The Essays of Warren Buffett”
Considered one of the most successful investors in the 20th century, “The Essays of Warren Buffett” compiles knowledge, lessons and advice for those yearning to grow their skills.
“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.”
- Warren Buffett, “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America”
The book consists of letters Warren Buffett wrote to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders that were organized by Lawrence Cunningham, a prominent figure in the corporate world.
Reading Level: Intermediate to expert
Runners-Up:
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5. Best On Commercial Real Estate: “Encyclopedia of Commercial Real Estate Advice”
If you’re looking for a guide that includes everything you possibly need to know about investing in commercial real estate, look no further. “The Encyclopedia of Commercial Real Estate Advice” by Terry Painter includes more than 500 entries of personal advice and stories that make learning about real estate easy and enjoyable.
“I know of no other investment opportunity that is designed like commercial real estate — one where you can choose the right property, add value and be rewarded with a pay raise, increased equity and amazing tax benefits.”
- Terry Painter, “The Encyclopedia of Commercial Real Estate Advice”
From guidelines for getting started in commercial real estate to secrets for getting the best terms and rates on loans, Painter covers a variety of important topics any real estate investor needs to know.
Reading Level: Beginner
Runners-Up:
6. Best On Real Estate Taxes: “The Book on Tax Strategies”
Hate the thought of tax season? Well, “The Book on Tax Strategies” by Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland can make life a little easier when it comes to navigating real estate taxes.
It’s an excellent high-level introductory guide to maximizing your tax deductions, strategies for writing off expenses and how-to procedures for investing smarter.
“Real life is not always magic fairy dust and happy endings. But within every story lies a lesson or strategy that may help you reduce your tax burden and keep more of your money.”
- Amanda Han, “The Book on Tax Strategies”
There is also volume two, “The Book on Advanced Tax Strategies,” for those looking to further advance their tax knowledge.
Reading Level: Beginner
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7. Best For Millennials: “The Financial Diet”
For a book that directly connects to the present world and modern-day financial troubles, we recommend “The Financial Diet” by Chelsea Fagan. It’s a great read for millennials needing a simple how-to guide on handling finances, including budgeting, money conversations and how to get started in investing.
“Saving money isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about deciding you love Future You as much as you love Today You.”
- Chelsea Fagan, “The Financial Diet”
If you’re more of a visual learner, Fagan also founded a YouTube channel that frequently shares videos on financial management for the younger generation.
Reading Level: Beginner
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8. Best For Women: “Smart Women Finish Rich”
“Smart Women Finish Rich” by financial adviser David Bach is a universal guide for women of all backgrounds and ages looking to better manage their income and develop financial goals. The book offers a nine-step process to follow, including essential tools and tips for spending and investing your income wisely.
“Without values, goals rarely get accomplished … values are the key. When you understand them correctly, they will pull you toward your dreams — which is a lot better than having to push yourself!”
- David Bach, “Smart Women Finish Rich”
The book also offers helpful information on how to have money conversations with kids. Regardless of your gender identity, this is a helpful guide for getting your financial life in order.
Reading Level: Beginner
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9. Best For Debt Holders: “The Psychology of Money”
Whether you’ve fallen into a pit of debt or are worried about doing so, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of money management. Money is often thought of as living on a spreadsheet and taught in a finance class, but in the real world, decisions about money are made over coffee or even a phone call.
“There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need.”
- Morgan Housel, “The Psychology of Money”
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel makes understanding difficult financial topics easier to grasp. This is a handy guide for those looking to stop making decisions that push them further into debt.
Reading Level: Intermediate
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10. Best For Skill-Building: “In Pursuit of the Perfect Portfolio”
Have you been an investor for a while, but want to strengthen your skill set? Try Andrew W. Lo’s “In Pursuit of the Perfect Portfolio”. Lo interviewed 10 prominent financial figures – including Jack Bogle, Charley Ellis and Harry Markowitz – and gathered invaluable insights for novice and seasoned investors alike.
“The point is there are a few people who can pick stocks. But there aren’t thousands of people who can stock pick. So indeed, I democratized portfolio management financial advice because thousands of advisers can give good advice by using the top-down process.”
- Andrew W. Lo, “In Pursuit of the Perfect Portfolio”
These pioneers offer unique perspectives on a variety of financial topics that anyone can get something from. Plus, you’ll learn more insights about the history of investing and how important theories, like the security theory, came to be.
Reading Level: Expert
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Final Verdict
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham is the best overall book on investing. Sitting at an intermediate reading level, it’s a great read for those who know the basics of investing but want to level up their skills.
The book doesn’t just pertain to one audience – anyone interested in investing, regardless of background, can benefit. Its timeless advice on value investing and other smart non-risk strategies are hard to beat. That’s why we believe it’s the #1 pick for best investing books to check out.
For real estate investing specifically, we recommend “The Book on Rental Property Investing” as a great jumping-off point for potential investors looking to get their feet wet in the real estate market and purchase a property.
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