I’ve read HUNDREDS of books. Most of them were instructive (apart from a few duds), but there were five books that completely changed the way I think about money.
Today I want to share with you what those five standout books are and why they left such a big mark.
1. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
“Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” opened my eyes to the stark contrast in mindset between the wealthy and the rest.
It’s not just about the balance in your bank account.
It’s about how you perceive wealth and opportunity.
Wealthy individuals use a ‘both/and’ mindset rather than an ‘either/or’ mindset.
This book also challenged the notion that material poverty is a virtue.
2. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
“The Millionaire Next Door” pulls back the curtain to reveal that true wealth often goes unnoticed.
The lavish lifestyles showcased by influencers can distort our understanding of financial success.
This book teaches the importance of investing in appreciating assets over depreciating liabilities.
It’s a crucial lesson in an era where appearances can be deceiving, and the true essence of wealth is often hidden in plain sight.
3. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Hardy’s “The Compound Effect” is more than a financial guide.
It’s a life philosophy.
The concept of compounding interest is well-known, but applying this principle to every aspect of life, including decision-making and personal development, was game-changing for me.
This book supports the idea that small, consistent actions lead to monumental results, echoing the principles I shared in my TEDx Talk, “How to Multiply Time.”
4. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Everyone should read Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover.”
It was pivotal in my journey from a trailer park childhood to financial independence.
Ramsey’s straightforward plan for escaping debt and building wealth is based on the values of freedom and legacy.
My own commitment to live debt-free and the decisions my wife, AJ, and I made to ensure our financial stability were heavily influenced by the principles laid out in this book.
5. How Rich People Think by Steve Siebold
“How Rich People Think” offers an intimate glimpse into the millionaire’s mind.
Each chapter reveals a new perspective, contrasting the thoughts and behaviors of the wealthy from the rest.
This book confirmed what I’ve learned through personal interactions with some of the world’s most successful individuals.
Understanding the mindset of the wealthy is invaluable, especially for those of us not born into wealth.
The Path to Wealth: Discipline and Knowledge
At the core of these five books is discipline—a theme deeply explored in my own work, “Take the Stairs.”
It’s about making the hard choices today to enjoy the rewards tomorrow.
To further this topic, I’ve distilled the wisdom of countless resources into a free training called High Earner Habits.
If you want to know the seven major habits that differentiate the wealthy from the rest, sign up for my High Earner Habits training. (It’s free!)
And if you want to use your personal brand as a vehicle to create wealth for yourself and your family, then you’re personally invited to schedule a Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group.
Our team specializes in helping mission-driven individuals like you build their influence and monetize their personal brands.
We’ll guide you towards not just financial success, but also a legacy of impact and purpose.
