My Bookshelf
Books that have shaped my investing/personal journey
I believe the best investment you can make is in your own knowledge. I have personally read every book on this list, and I only recommend the ones that offer clear, actionable value. Whether it covers investing strategies, personal finance, or simply learning how to spend and live better, these are the no-fluff resources that have helped me the most.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps me keep creating free content.
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Bill Perkins
I read this shortly after my wife almost died from an ectopic pregnancy. It was a massive wake-up call: we were saving for a 'someday' that isn't guaranteed. This book taught me that money is just a tool to generate 'memory dividends'—experiences you should buy now, while you are healthy enough to enjoy them. It shifted my mindset from hoarding wealth to maximizing life. If you find it hard to spend, you need this book.
I read this shortly after my wife almost died from an ectopic pregnancy. It was a massive wake-up call: we were saving for a 'someday' that isn't guaranteed. This book taught me that money is just a tool to generate 'memory dividends'—experiences you should buy now, while you are healthy enough to enjoy them. It shifted my mindset from hoarding wealth to maximizing life. If you find it hard to spend, you need this book.
The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life
Morgan Housel
If The Psychology of Money taught you how to save, this book attempts to teach you how to spend. It tackles the emotional difficulty of switching from 'saver' to 'spender' mode. It’s similar to Die With Zero in philosophy: money is a tool for happiness, not just a scorecard. I still prefer his first book, but this is a helpful companion for anyone who struggles to loosen the purse strings after years of disciplined saving.
If The Psychology of Money taught you how to save, this book attempts to teach you how to spend. It tackles the emotional difficulty of switching from 'saver' to 'spender' mode. It’s similar to Die With Zero in philosophy: money is a tool for happiness, not just a scorecard. I still prefer his first book, but this is a helpful companion for anyone who struggles to loosen the purse strings after years of disciplined saving.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
Morgan Housel
If you only read one book on this list, make it this one. Housel masters the idea that doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave. It’s not about spreadsheets; it’s about fear, greed, and pride. It taught me that 'getting wealthy' and 'staying wealthy' are two different skills. A total masterpiece that focuses on the soft skills of investing rather than the math.
If you only read one book on this list, make it this one. Housel masters the idea that doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave. It’s not about spreadsheets; it’s about fear, greed, and pride. It taught me that 'getting wealthy' and 'staying wealthy' are two different skills. A total masterpiece that focuses on the soft skills of investing rather than the math.
The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning
David Chilton
This was the very first book I ever read about money, and it literally kickstarted my entire investing journey. While some parts are dated (it was written when high-fee mutual funds were the only real option for Canadians), the core philosophy of 'paying yourself first' is timeless. It’s written as a fictional story, making it incredibly easy to digest. A true classic that lays the perfect foundation for a financial mindset.
This was the very first book I ever read about money, and it literally kickstarted my entire investing journey. While some parts are dated (it was written when high-fee mutual funds were the only real option for Canadians), the core philosophy of 'paying yourself first' is timeless. It’s written as a fictional story, making it incredibly easy to digest. A true classic that lays the perfect foundation for a financial mindset.
Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School
Andrew Hallam
If you want to understand the core philosophy behind this website, read this book. Andrew Hallam shows how he built a million-dollar portfolio on a regular school teacher's salary—not by picking winning stocks, but by using the exact strategy I advocate here: low-fee index funds. It explains why high fees are the enemy of wealth and why the 'boring' path is often the most profitable. It is funny, accessible, and validates the passive investing approach.
If you want to understand the core philosophy behind this website, read this book. Andrew Hallam shows how he built a million-dollar portfolio on a regular school teacher's salary—not by picking winning stocks, but by using the exact strategy I advocate here: low-fee index funds. It explains why high fees are the enemy of wealth and why the 'boring' path is often the most profitable. It is funny, accessible, and validates the passive investing approach.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight
This is one of my all-time favourite books. It’s the memoir of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight. It isn't an investing manual; it’s a raw, honest look at the messy reality of building a business. It reads more like an adventure novel than a CEO’s biography, filled with near-bankruptcies and constant struggles. It won't teach you how to balance a portfolio, but it will teach you about grit, risk, and the relentless drive needed to build something great.
This is one of my all-time favourite books. It’s the memoir of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight. It isn't an investing manual; it’s a raw, honest look at the messy reality of building a business. It reads more like an adventure novel than a CEO’s biography, filled with near-bankruptcies and constant struggles. It won't teach you how to balance a portfolio, but it will teach you about grit, risk, and the relentless drive needed to build something great.