By Kristin Hovencamp, CPWA®
Several years ago, I wrote an article talking about books I recommend reading if you want to become more financially literate. I recently reviewed my selections and still believe these are some of the best books written on finance.
Historic Perspectives
The presence of brilliance can be found in Benjamin Graham’s foundational texts, Security Analysis (with David Dodd), and The Intelligent Investor. Touted as the “father of value investing,” Graham was a professor at Columbia University, where he came to mentor then-graduate student Warren Buffett.
I’m drawn to everything Warren Buffett – books, articles, the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter, and essays. If I had to choose a book that most influenced me, it would be The Essays of Warren Buffett.
When I first voiced my interest in working on Wall Street, I received a copy of Peter Lynch’s 1989 book, One Up On Wall Street, which the author followed with publishing Beating the Street. To this day, I still reference examples from the book.
Academic Resources
I love referencing Mark Anson’s The Handbook of Alternative Assets and The Handbook of Traditional and Alternative Investment Vehicles: Investment Characteristics and Strategies he co-wrote with Frank Fabozzi and Frank Joseph Jones—although Fabozzi’s The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities is my favorite pick.
Storied Approaches
I enjoy reading almost every book written by New Orleans native Michael Lewis. Four of my favorites are Liar’s Poker, Panic! The Story of Modern Financial Insanity, The Big Short, and Flash Boys.
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management, by Roger Lowenstein, is a fantastic read about the defunct hedge fund, Long Term Capital Management (LTCM). Almost 40 years later, I still hear people discuss LTCM.
Whether you are interested in becoming educated on investing history, increasing your financial literacy, or gaining a better understanding of today’s markets, these suggestions may be helpful and entertaining.
Kristin Hovencamp, CPWA® is an Investment Executive and Director of Business Development with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC, which is independent of Raymond James and is not a registered broker/dealer. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605.
