I’ve always read a lot. I believe it’s imperative to
increasing knowledge and personal growth, as is self-reflection and tracking
inputs and outputs so that you learn what does and doesn’t work on a personal
level. However, too often, I finish reading and move on to the next book
without giving any thought to what I’ve learned or how I can best use that
information to evolve and add to my mental toolkit for the future. So, going
forward, I’ve decided to start summarizing what I read and will share my 2018
reading list, with personal takeaways here:
1. The Holy Bible - 66 Books by Various Authors (but breathed by
God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17): What can I say here? All of the answers to life’s
questions in one place.
2. Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey: I started this book the
end of 2017 and finished this past January. Dave lays out guidelines for how to
use your personal wealth to create a lasting legacy. Important lessons for me here
were sharing with my children the importance of financial responsibility (avoiding
unnecessary debt and starting to invest in their future early on to get the power
of compound interest) and using my wealth to help others in a positive manner.
3. Think and Grow
Rich by Napoleon Hill: Hill
spent years studying how people of his age became rich. What I learned from
this book was the importance of having the right mindset, along with how
goal-setting can help you achieve financial success.
4. The Richest Man
in Babylon by George S. Clason:
Written almost 100 years ago, this book encompasses everything you need be to
be successful in managing your money. If I could only pick one financial book
to gift to folks, it would be this one. Way ahead of its time.
5. Unshakeable by Tony Robbins: Tony really got me thinking
outside the box about finances for the first time with his book. Minimizing
taxes and fees were the main takeaways for me.
6. The One Thing by Gary Keller: As the title preempts,
this book highlights the power that comes from a singular focus on what is
important and using tunnel vision to accomplish goals.
7. The Millionaire
Next Door by Thomas Stanley: Dr.
Stanley’s studies share that millionaires rarely come the professions you would
think, but from all income groups who live within/below their means, minimize
debt, practice intentional focus and invest in their future instead of trying
to keep up with the Joneses.
8. The 10 Pillars of
Wealth by Alex Becker: This
book shared the importance of building a business until it was self-supporting
while keeping your main job. The most valuable information for me, personally,
was how to properly scale a business.
9. The Man Diet by Chad Howse: Chad has built an internet
following focused on bringing back masculinity in a world that doesn’t appear
to value the importance of real men. Primary takeaways for me were the values
of a balanced diet and only eating when you are hungry.
10. You Can Retire
Sooner Than You Think by Wes Moss:
While Wes covers a variety of topics on being a happy retiree, his approach to
investing changed how I pick mutual funds/stocks, as I now only buy low-fee
funds which pay dividends/income. I’ve also started looking into how I will
spend my time once I walk away from the ‘normal’ workforce in a few years.
11. Principles: Life
And Work by Ray Dalio: A ton of
powerful insights here on how to treat yourself and others to obtain maximum
results in both work and life.
12. The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway: I’ve been a Hemingway fan for years. His simple, yet profound writing style is one
I wish to emulate. This book, read in a couple of hours sitting on the beach,
really got me thinking about living a life that allows me to avoid regrets.
13. Divided Investing Made
Easy by
Matthew Kratter: This book gave me a
sound understanding of dividend/income stocks, along with some real examples of
solid investments. I read this as a follow up to the Wes Moss book above.
14. The Power of Broke by Daymond John: Written by ‘The People’s Shark,’ John’s book was
essential in helping me start my nonprofit this year. Specifically, I am
keeping overhead low, taking on no debt and controlling growth to ensure the
business is sustainable and provides value to customers for as long as
possible.
15. The Lost Art of
Discipline by Chad Howse: This
young man continues to impress me with his ability to recognize what is
required for individual success in a world that continues to promote interdependency.
16. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell: Another excellent book by Gladwell, who continues
to push me to think outside the box. Great example of how the underdog can gain
the upper hand by paying attention to detail and shifting the tide to her/his
benefit.
17. Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey: I picked this up in the ‘free’ basket at the local
used book store. Great background story to what led Dave to building the empire
he has that has helped 10s of millions to transform their financial future,
along with a simple game plan anyone can follow to accomplish their monetary
goals.
18. Warren Buffet
Speaks by Janet Lowe: Series
of quotes that helps any investor understand the mindset of the ‘Oracle of
Omaha,’ the greatest investor of all-time.
19. Rodney M. Davis: The
Making of a Hero by John Hollis: I’ve become personal
friends with the author of this true story of a man amongst men, leading to a
scholarship in Davis’ memory via my nonprofit. A reminder that legacy is what
you do, not what you say.
20. Think Like A Freak by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner: This follow-up to Freakonomics and Super Freakonomics
provided the punchline for me: people respond to incentives, and to get what
you want, understand those incentives.
