5 Must-Read Financial Books to Build Wealth and Success at Any Stage of Life
Looking to build wealth and sharpen your money skills? Greenbush Financial Group highlights 5 must-read financial books that cover debt, investing, business strategy, and long-term success. Perfect for every stage of life.
By Michael Ruger, CFP®
Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Greenbush Financial Group
Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to money. The earlier you learn the fundamentals of personal finance and business, the faster you can avoid mistakes and build wealth compared to your peers. But whether you’re just starting out in your career, navigating mid-life financial challenges, or planning for retirement, the right financial knowledge can create opportunities and help you achieve greater freedom.
As the Managing Partner of Greenbush Financial Group, I often recommend books as a way to jump-start that education. The right book can provide not only financial strategies but also the mindset shifts needed to succeed both personally and professionally. Below are five must-read books that cover everything from managing debt to investing to starting a business:
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch
1. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
For individuals who find themselves weighed down by student loans, credit card balances, or car payments, this book is the perfect starting point. Ramsey lays out a proven system—his famous “baby steps”—to help readers eliminate debt, build an emergency fund, and begin saving for the future. His approach is straightforward, no-nonsense, and centered on living a debt-free lifestyle.
Key Lessons:
Start with a written budget and tell every dollar where to go.
Attack debt with the “debt snowball” method—paying off the smallest balances first.
Build an emergency fund to protect against unexpected expenses.
Avoid credit cards and debt as a lifestyle—cash is freedom.
Live below your means to create margin for saving and investing.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Originally published in 1936, this timeless classic focuses on building strong relationships—a skill just as valuable in business as it is in everyday life. Carnegie teaches that success often depends more on how you treat people than on technical expertise. For anyone looking to grow their career, improve leadership skills, or strengthen communication, this book remains one of the best guides available.
Key Lessons:
Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain—lead with kindness.
Give honest and sincere appreciation—people thrive on recognition.
Become genuinely interested in others, and remember their names.
Avoid arguments—approach conversations with warmth and curiosity.
Let others feel ownership of ideas—collaboration builds stronger outcomes.
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This book reshapes the way many people think about money. Through the contrast of his “rich dad” and “poor dad,” Kiyosaki explains why building assets and investing are essential, while relying solely on a paycheck can limit financial growth. The book highlights the benefits of owning a business or investing in income-producing assets versus being stuck in the cycle of working for money.
Key Lessons:
Assets put money in your pocket, liabilities take it out—know the difference.
Don’t work only for money—learn how money works and put it to work for you.
Entrepreneurship and investing create wealth faster than wages.
Financial education is more important than formal education.
Take calculated risks instead of seeking complete security.
4. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
For those who aspire to start their own business, this book is essential. The authors explain how companies can break away from crowded, competitive “red oceans” and instead create innovative products or services in uncontested “blue oceans.” This strategy allows entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves, grow faster, and avoid the race-to-the-bottom competition.
Key Lessons:
Don’t compete in crowded markets—create new market space.
Focus on differentiation and value innovation, not price wars.
Eliminate what doesn’t add value, and elevate what customers truly care about.
Small, creative ideas can disrupt entire industries.
Long-term success comes from standing apart, not blending in.
5. One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch
Originally published in 1989, this classic investment book remains one of the most practical guides for everyday investors. Lynch, one of the most successful mutual fund managers of all time, explains how average people can use their everyday knowledge—like the products they buy and the companies they interact with—to make smart investment decisions. While the markets have evolved since the book’s release, the core principles remain timeless.
Key Lessons:
Invest in what you know—your everyday life can reveal great companies.
Do your own research before following Wall Street trends.
Long-term investing beats short-term speculation.
A simple, understandable company is often a better investment than a complex one.
Patience and discipline are critical—ignore market noise.
Final Thoughts
Each of these books delivers valuable lessons that can change the way you approach money, career, and business. From getting out of debt, to building stronger relationships, to launching innovative companies, these resources provide a roadmap to success.
No matter your stage of life or career, pick the book that speaks most to your current situation and commit to applying what you learn. Over time, the habits and strategies you gain will compound, setting you apart and positioning you for long-term wealth.
About Michael……...
Hi, I’m Michael Ruger. I’m the managing partner of Greenbush Financial Group and the creator of the nationally recognized Money Smart Board blog . I created the blog because there are a lot of events in life that require important financial decisions. The goal is to help our readers avoid big financial missteps, discover financial solutions that they were not aware of, and to optimize their financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is financial education so important?
Financial knowledge helps individuals make informed decisions about saving, investing, and managing debt. The earlier you learn core principles, the more effectively you can avoid mistakes, build wealth, and create financial independence over time.
What are the best books to start learning about personal finance?
Books like The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, and One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch offer practical guidance on budgeting, investing, and building long-term wealth. Each provides actionable strategies for different stages of life.
How can The Total Money Makeover help with debt management?
Dave Ramsey’s book focuses on eliminating debt through a structured “baby steps” plan. It teaches readers to live on a budget, build an emergency fund, and use the “debt snowball” method to gain momentum toward financial freedom.
What’s the main takeaway from Rich Dad Poor Dad?
The book emphasizes that wealth comes from owning assets and understanding how money works, not just earning a paycheck. It encourages entrepreneurship, investing, and financial education as the keys to long-term success.
Why is How to Win Friends and Influence People valuable for financial success?
Success in business and personal finance often depends on relationships and communication. Dale Carnegie’s classic teaches principles of empathy, influence, and connection that are vital for leadership, networking, and negotiation.
Who should read Blue Ocean Strategy?
Aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders can benefit from this book’s insights on creating new markets instead of competing in saturated ones. It provides a framework for innovation, differentiation, and long-term growth.
What investing lessons does One Up on Wall Street teach?
Peter Lynch shows that everyday investors can identify great opportunities by observing products and companies they already know. His approach focuses on patience, research, and long-term investing rather than short-term speculation.
