I recommend...

...the following books.
Y'know...just in case you care.

*Warning: this is a lengthy post*

A few weeks ago, I was feeling very investing-ignorant.
SOOoo I made a goal to educate myself about it...well, about the basics, anyways. I felt it was important. And I don't like feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by things, simply because I don't understand them. Investing most definitely fell into that category.
I thought I'd share some of the books that I could just swallow whole on the subject...because I LOVE them. Each one of these books has had a major empowering effect on me. They have each inspired me to action...and that's the sign of a good read, I think. I feel WAAAaaYY more on-the-ball about personal finance and investing than I did before.

So here's the good-ers:

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth: The 8 Secrets of How 5000 Ordinary Americans Became Successful Investors--and How You Can Too.
By Ric Edelman

Overview:
The first book I grabbed off the shelf of the library when I saw that it had the words "ordinary people" and "investors" on the cover. Ding! That's for me. It's basically a report taken from a survey of 5000 successful American investors who all were basically ordinary people working ordinary jobs (not trust fund babies...just teachers and electricians and secretaries). It goes through the 8 things they all basically have in common. Ric Edelman explains why the results make sense, even if it sounds counter-intuitive (like the fact that carrying a mortgage is a good thing....what?).
What I like:
I liked that this was research-based; it reported the things that 5000 investors had in common that helped them to become wealthy, not simply the opinion of a successful financial consultant. It was principle-based, and I liked that. It gave me a leg-up, giving me some basic principles of investing to start with. And at the end of each chapter, it has quotes from the people he surveyed, talking about each 'secret' in their own words.
What I don't:
This book is American, so some Canadian-equivalents translations have to happen when they talk about 401(k)'s and such. And it's written pre-world-financial-crisis...which is fine because it's just talking about general principles here that still apply post-2008. And it's a little stuffy. But all that said, still a worthy read.


I Will Teach You to be Rich
By Ramit Sethi 

 

Overview:
I'm smack-dab in the middle of this one right now...and it's rocking my clock right now (whaaa...?). Ramit Sethi is a financial blog-writer gone author. His advice and instruction is generally geared toward the twenty-somethings, his basic message being to get-the-heck-started-already...but the principles are not age-specific. He writes it like a 6-week financial makeover, taking you through it step-by-step. It covers everything from how to really use credit cards and work the system (did you know that credit cards will usually extend warranties of items you buy with it?? 'Cause I sure didn't...), which bank accounts you should have, how to invest, etc. etc.. He is constantly reminding that managing money the smart way is not flashy or sexy...it's simple and consistent...but, if followed, can help you on your way to financial security.
What I like:
I love that it's younger-generation oriented. He jokes about how this is not a book written by an old white guy, and it's true. This book is funny...and it's do-able. And it's very action-oriented; he'll tell you exactly how to go about setting up various accounts and investments, and give you a time frame (ie. this week). I also like that it's written super-recently...2009...post 2008-world-financial-crisis. It's relevant.
What I don't:
It's a US book, so some of the specific banks and accounts he recommends have to be translated into Canadian equivalents (ie. Roth IRA = Tax-Free Savings Account). Not a super-big deal, so long as you are willing to make the conversion in your head.

The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth
By Richard Paul Evans

Overview:
Okay so this book isn't really about investing, per se...it's more on personal finance in general. But it is AWESOME. I've actually read it a few times...and will probably read it again. Richard Paul Evans talks about the five lessons he learned from a millionaire friend that he has, in turn, put into practice...and achieved millionaire-hood-ness (?) as a result. The lessons are simple to live and he gives lots of examples.
What I like:
This book is an easy read, it's quick and painless. The author is LDS, so I might be a little biased...but it really is an inspirational read. It's one you won't easily forget. I looove his purpose for pursuing wealth; to be able to be in a position to help others. He cites the example of the Good Samaritan, who was in some sort of above-average financial position to be able to provide food, shelter, and medical care for the man he found robbed and beaten. It's a good reminder of how to define wealth, and the reason to pursue it.
What I don't:
Ummm...nope. I got nothin. This book, for the most part, teaches principles so there's not location-specific issues to deal with...and its principles can be applied at any age.


So there they are. Your library probably carries them all. So unless you reeeeally want to own them...try there first.