Books are like good friends, here's some friends that have helped us

Live it Up without Outliving Your Money By Paul Merriman

Very readable book, giving great financial advice grounded in common sense and backed with the experience of someone who has seen it all.  If you are looking for some accessible financial advice and help on how to think about your retirement, then this is a great book to start with.

Just Give Me the Answer$:  Expert Advisors Answer Your Most Pressing Financial Questions
by Sheryl Garrett with Marie Swift and the Garrett Planning Network

I am proud to be a member of the Garrett Planning Network and equally proud of this volume.  With easy to understand language, some of the most consumer friendly financial planners in the country have contributed to a "Frequently Asked Questions" format.  A wonderful financial reference for every person regardless of one's financial literacy.  Get this book!

The Only Guide to a Winning Investment Strategy You'll Ever Need (The Way Smart Money Invests Today) by Larry Swedroe

This is a great book, presenting investing in a common sense way backed by solid research.  Most money managers would hate for you to read it, but Cole Financial loves it when someone challenges the system and backs it up with  evidence.  Good stuff.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Best Investment Advice for the New Century
By Burton Malkiel

This is an investment classic, originally published in 1973. It has just been updated, and now takes into account the dot-com meltdown. Among other topics, Malkiel gives an entertaining history of past market bubbles, and explains why it’s not worth trying to beat the market. There is also a life-cycle guide to investing in the market.

Winning the Loser's Game:  Timeless Strategies for Successful Investing
by Charles Ellis

Already considered by many to be an investing classic, this is a wonderfully accessible book that every investor should read.  Ellis offers terrific advice and warns against the temptation of "Mr. Market."  Advocating for a sound and disciplined investment policy, readers will put this book down being glad they invested money and time to read it. 

You Don’t Have to Be Rich: Comfort, Happiness and Financial Security on Your Own Terms
By Jean Chatzky

Chatzky, who is with NBC’s Today Show and Money Magazine, creates an insightful book that shows can show you how to make financial decisions to make you truly happy no matter your financial means. Practical advice. Highly inspiring

Consuming Faith:  Integrating Who We Are With What We Buy
By Tom Beaudoin

Beaudoin argues for the development and implementation of an economic spirituality.  Making some stark observations about the power of branding on cultural preference identity, this book is certainly a provocative read.

Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
By John Bogle

This book explains the various investment markets and different types of mutual funds (bond, stock, balanced, money market, etc.). It tells you how to understand and evaluate risk and gives advice on how to construct an investment program for whatever purpose you may have in mind. It also gives advice on how much risk is prudent for different investment time horizons.

Asset Allocation:  Balancing Financial Risk
By Roger Gibson

This book came highly recommended from some of my respected financial planning colleagues and I am glad to pass it along.  It is provides a convincing argument that the most important thing one can do with regards to their investment portfolio is to have an well planned, and disciplined approach to asset allocation.  Considered by many as a must read. I would agree.

DISCLAIMER:

ColeFP makes no representations or warranties about the use of any of the information, opinions, or ideas disclosed in the material and books on this site. It is important that you discuss any idea, opinion, or approach in detail with your individual financial planner prior to implementation. Cole FP does not endorse any of the books or material listed herein nor does it make any representation or warranties about the accuracy of information presented. Cole FP merely lists these books to provide you with more information about the investment world. Any use of the information, ideas, or opinions disclosed in the book materials will be done at your own risk and Cole FP disclaims all liability associated therewith.