What are the best finance books and top investing books to read in Christmas 2024 in Australia? I – Owen Rask – recently shared my top business books for Christmas 2024 to our newsletter. Here’s what I just bought.
Have you ever watched a Rask podcast and noticed something in the background?
In some of my more recent interviews, live shows or Rask Invest portfolio updates, you may have noticed only two finance books standing upright on this messy little shelf:
- Factfulness (right) – written by Hans Rosling, this is, by far, the most impactful finance book I have ever read for investors, and how I live my life. It’s a beginner-level book, and teaches you the truth about the world we live in. It taught me how to live a more factual life. It taught me why long-term investing will work for decades to come. And why the world is not falling apart. Bottom line: it gives you the data to live a life fuelled with optimism. Buy it on Amazon, Audible or wherever you get your books (I just bought a few copies from Dymocks, Melbourne, for others this Christmas). You can also request it, for free, from your local library.
- The Richest Man in Babylon (left) – written in 1927, this is ‘the’ book on money and finance. A tiny book. It fits in my hand. The thing about this book is the first chapter seems totally weird. That’s because it’s a book written in 1927, with a plot set thousands of years ago. The Los Angeles Times once wrote, “this book is a great gift for a graduate or anyone who seems baffled by the world of finance… and a refreshing read for the most experienced investor.” This book is what every other finance book is built off. A great little read. Amazon, Dymocks or your local bookstore will have it.
But wait, there’s more finance books
In addition to these all-time finance favourites, let’s quickly go through some good Christmas presents. I’ll sort them by topic and difficulty.
- Beginner – Barefoot Investor – it’s hard to go past Australia’s best-ever selling book, by Scott Pape. As relevant today as when it was published, this book will help you create a system for your money while pulling apart the confusing but important parts of Australian finance (e.g. Super, investing, the stock market, etc.). Available at your library, local bookstore, Dymocks, on Amazon – and only $6.45 for listeners on Audible.
- Beginner-to-intermediate – Psychology of Money – we were fortunate to speak with international best-selling author Morgan Housel before his first book dropped. This book is a series of stories about finance, behaviour, business and money. It is the best-written book on finance I’ve come across. 🎄 This is the perfect Christmas gift for someone new to finance 🎄 Get it on Amazon and Dymocks (or your Kindle for $6.99!).
- Beginner-to-advanced – Strong Money Australia – this is a self-published book, from the self-made Australian blogger, Dave Gow. What’s incredible about this book is it is still topping charts, having just sold over 30,000 copies! It’s a complete roadmap for property, shares and reaching financial independence. Dave was a forklift driver who reached financial independence at 28. Dave’s book is available on Amazon, Audible, at your local bookstore, and is free for Spotify premium users.
- Advanced – Poor Charlie’s Almanack – the latest edition of the world’s best business book, Poor Charlie’s Almanack, is now available from Stripe Press (the book department of Stripe payments). It’s a collection of 11 amazing speeches by the late Charles T Munger, investing billionaire, architect, father, and lawyer. Buy the hardcover and the audiobook (I listened to it four times this year). It’s an incredible book and worth every penny because it will teach you to think better. Available on Amazon and at Dymocks.
There are so many amazing finance and business books I’ve read, listened to or come across this year, including more practical books like How Not to Lose $1 Million by John Addis (intermediate), How to Not Work Forever by Natasha Estchmann and Ana Kresina (beginner), and Traction by Gino Wickman (business owners).
Finally, if you’re in the market for Christmas gifts other than books, here’s a pro Rask tip: try this amazing coffee maker (it’s only $59!).
If you can let me know what books or gifts you’ve been buying, below, it will really help me (and others!) with my Christmas shopping!