Books that Make Great Gifts

Around this time each year I get asked for gift recommendations for the holiday season. In particular, people want to know what money-related books I like and suggest they give others as presents. Here's my list as well as the reasons I like each book:

• The Millionaire Next Door: Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy -- I always list this book first in any list of this type because it's the book that has influenced my finances the most. I read it when it first came out and started to apply many of the principles it discusses shortly thereafter. After years and years of doing this, my net worth is quite healthy. If you or someone you know/love wants to become wealthy, give them this book, tell them to read and apply it, and be sure to have them send you a thank you card in 20 years. ;-)
• Stop Acting Rich: ...And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire -- An updated version (in reality) of The Millionaire Next Door, written by the same author. I like this one because it gives more stats/data from the research Dr. Stanley has done. I've posted on the book several times and if you want to get a flavor for what it covers, check out Stop Acting Rich, Playing Good Defense is the Key to Getting Rich, and Why Many Homeowners are Having a Tough Time.
• The Richest Man in Babylon -- A short (and inexpensive) read, this book gives the basics of personal finance in story form (which is easier for some readers to digest.) for highlights of what this book covers, see Revisiting the Richest Man in Babylon.  
• The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing -- A simple guide to investing, this book details much of what I do with my money. It's probably tied with Sound Mind Investing for the best investing books I've ever read.
• Money, Possessions, and Eternity -- Regular readers know that I post every Sunday on "The Bible and Money" and many ask for books to read that discuss these two issues in depth. This is the best book I've ever read on the subject and I recommend it 100%. It takes a balanced view between the extremes Christians often find themselves in (the prosperity gospel on one side and the poverty gospel on the other.) Good stuff! BTW, I also like The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving (LifeChange Books) and The Blessed Life: The Simple Secret of Achieving Guaranteed Financial Results if you want shorter reads.
• The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich -- One of the biggest ways (IMO) to becoming wealthy is to set up your saving and investing to happen automatically as early in your life as possible. This book is the one that started the "automatic" concept and is a great overall read. I've applied it for almost 20 years now and IT WORKS! I owe David Bach a BIG thank you!!!! (and you will too if you apply it)
• Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents -- If you have (or are) a student close to going/getting ready to go to college, this book is the best $9 you'll ever spend. Get it. Read it. You'll be glad you did. (For those of you who missed it, I recently posted several times on this book. Some highlights: Examples of How to Pay for College Without Borrowing, The Five Community College Myths, and The Student Makes the Difference, Not the College.  
• Career Intensity: Business Strategy for Workplace Warriors and Entrepreneurs -- The best book I've ever read on growing your #1 asset. And I don't need to tell you how important that is, now do I? ;-)
• Work Less, Live More: The Way to Semi-Retirement -- This is a recent addition to my list and is here because I am intrigued by the concept (and may adopt it myself sometime in the future). For specifics, check out Eight Steps to Early Semi-Retirement, Is Early Semi-Retirement a Better Option than Retirement?, and Real-Life Case Study: How to Take Early Semi-Retirement, Part 1.  

That's it for my list! What books would you recommend? If I get enough suggestions, perhaps I'll post "Books that Make Great Gifts: FMF Readers Edition." ;-)

Comments

[Strick]

I have given "Your Money or Your Life" to many people. It seems to be able to reach out to a broader range of people.

[Southsidetoby]

The Four Pillars of Investing, by William J. Bernstein. It provides realistic and useful advice for how to invest and save.

[texashaze]

Good list. I'd add "Automatic Wealth" by Michael Masterson. His advice on "multiple sources of income" proved life changing for me.

[Paul]

I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi. I believe this book should be read by every freshman in high school.

[Zach]

I'll second "I Will Teach You To Be Rich" - particularly for anyone under 30, although it'd be valuable to anyone.

[Derek Clark - Christian Common Cents]

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

[Brian S.]

I gave the book "The Elements of Investing" by Charles Ellis and Burton Malkiel to my wife's cousin, who is a student in high school, earlier this year for her birthday. This book is geared towards the beginning investor and emphasizes saving and building wealth through passive investing.

Because she is a high school student, I understand she may not heed the recommendations in the book at this time in her life. But I think there is great value in exposing young people to new ideas.

[Jacob @ My Personal Finance Journey]

A solid favorite of mine is Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach! It is highly applicable for both single people and married folks!