Finance is a constantly developing industry, and one it is ever more crucial to understand thoroughly in this technological age of enlightenment. There are endless fresh approaches to business and fresh opportunities, too. So it is little wonder that degrees in finance-related subjects are some of the most sought after in the world. An attractive proposition, here are some books that illuminate the diverse world of finance – from insurance to banking, real estate to investment. Here are our top books for finance students and investors alike.
The Finance Book: Understand the numbers even if you’re not a finance professional. Si Hussain and Stuart Warner
First, an introductory text designed for people without an in-depth understanding of the industry. This book is written in easily accessible language by a successful CEO (Hussain) and a Chartered Accountant (Warner). The Finance Book encourages you to think like a financier. Of particular interest may be the sections on interpretation of documents and dossiers or strategic theories for robust decisions in business. Other topics covered include pricing and costing, ratios, and debts and profit. Great for new managers, budding entrepreneurs and future finance students, this book is digestible and direct in its content. A must-read, full of insight and time-saving ideas.
Uncommon Sense: The popular misconceptions of business, investing and finance and how to profit by going against the tide. Mark Homer
Entrepreneur and investor, from the early age of 15 Mark Homer has dedicated his career to the pursuit of a financial career. He began by investing and reinvesting in several businesses. Now he’s known for writing a plethora of essential reads for those wishing to invest in the property markets.
This guide, released in 2017, is for all those wanting to know some hard and fast rules for success. A self-confessed ‘spreadsheet geek’, in his wittily titled ‘Uncommon Sense’ Homer outlines some lesser-known ways he has learned to enjoy success. How? By deconstructing the myths of the industry such as ‘Most assets make no money’ or ‘gut feelings’ which should be ignored!
Who is Homer to dictate the rules? A man whose portfolio of the property now ranges into hundreds of assets, and whose ‘algorithm’ when applied accurately can open up opportunities in commercial and residential property alike. He has now reached an audience of tens of thousands. Homer also enjoys the accolade of having written the top 4 books in the UK on property development. It’s a good starting point for those desirous of avoiding pitfalls that have befallen many in recent years hoping to ‘break’ the markets.
Broke Millennial Takes On Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Levelling-Up Your Money. Erin Lowry
This book does what it says on the tin! It gathers together advice for the current generation of would-be investors to ensure that they make astute decisions when choosing where to place their money. Many questions rest on the lips of young people wanting to access the burgeoning market of finance: when, where and how to invest being just the tip of the iceberg.
From the basics of understanding the lingo to more hands-on guides written in a tongue-in-cheek tone. Opening with an ‘infomercial’ style intro, signed off by Lowry simply as ‘Erin’, there’s no doubt as to why it shot to the top of the bestsellers’ list in the US…the ‘221 pages of fun’ that detail how to avoid being risk-averse in a game that encourages (a certain amount of) risky business. Chapters that are titled as the questions framed by Millenials wanting to invest, Lowry’s answers are drawn from personal experience and hard-learned lessons.
Entertaining and enlightening – read ‘Broke Millenial Takes On Investing’ and if you enjoy it, look up Lowry’s other titles too.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street – The Time Tested Strategy for Successful Investing. Burton G. Malkiel
An oldie but a goodie, you can’t argue with over 1.5 million copies sold. This is no ‘easy reader’, however. Now in its 12th Edition, you may wonder how relevant a text ‘A Random Walk’ could be. Well, the publishers have acknowledged this in the new preface and they suggest the reason for another update is the ever-growing spectrum of tools available to the public and the industry to manage their finances.
Unpicking the financial crises of recent years, and analysing the impacts and uses of developed technologies, this is surprisingly enjoyable to dip into and well-written to ensure secure understanding can be gained. With a title derived from an insult on Wall Street, this text explores intricacies of the financial markets often deemed unfathomable by most aspiring investors. Best enjoyed in stages rather than settling in on a cold winters’ night, Malkiel’s book is essential reading nonetheless.
So those are your starters-for-ten. Enjoy! They’ll become your new best friend, whether you are hoping for a career in finance, studying for a degree or considering an investment of your own.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other business subject guides.
