6+ Favorite Books on Financial Independence (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on financial independence (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker
$24.95

In Early Retirement Extreme, Jacob Lund Fisker shares his journey to financial independence by age 30, mixing practical advice with a philosophical approach. The book encourages readers to rethink their lifestyles through simple living, self-reliance, and a DIY ethic. I found it to be a real game-changer, challenging my views on money and prompting deep reflection. While it's a bit rough around the edges since it's self-published, I appreciated that rawness. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to reshape their financial future and values.
Pros:
The book changed my behavior and mental framework.
It challenges my logic and values regarding money.
I appreciate its extreme approach to financial independence.
Cons:
The book is self-published and rough around the edges.
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03/11/2026 08:05 pm GMT
The Little Book That Beats The Market by Joel Greenblatt
$15.78

In The Little Book That Beats the Market, Joel Greenblatt offers a straightforward guide for investors looking to outshine the market averages using a simple formula. I appreciated how accessible the book was, breaking down key concepts like earnings yield and return on capital. However, I felt Greenblatt oversold his model, which seemed odd given the market's tendency to eliminate public advantages. Essentially, while the book gives a solid framework for evaluating stocks, the promise of consistent outperformance may not hold up in reality compared to just investing in the market as a whole.
Pros:
The book provides a good starter framework for evaluating individual companies.
It's clear and accessible.
It offers useful takeaways on evaluating stocks and implementing a mathematical formula.
Cons:
He overpromises the specific model rather than selling it as a practice example.
The market quickly prices in any public advantage.
There is no advantage to the model compared to just buying the whole market.
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03/11/2026 08:04 pm GMT
Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle
$16.27

In The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, John Bogle champions the power of index funds over actively managed funds, highlighting their lower costs and better long-term performance. He breaks down the differences clearly, making a strong case for why most investors should stick to broad market index funds. I really admire Bogle’s straightforward approach and find this book to be a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the investment world without getting lost in complexity. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike—it’s a brilliant guide for everyday investors.
Pros:
Advocates for low-cost index funds over expensive actively managed funds
Provides simple, idiot-proof advice for investors at all levels
Explains complex concepts in very simple language
Cons:
Nothing!
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03/11/2026 08:04 pm GMT
Enough. - True Measures Of Money, Business, And Life by John Bogle
$31.93

In Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life, John Bogle offers straightforward insights into business and investing that I wish I had discovered earlier. The book, published in 2009, emphasizes the importance of building true wealth over mere riches, highlighting the dangers of greed and blind ambition. Bogle’s call for a cultural shift in business resonates deeply, especially as I reflect on my experiences in the industry. His principles are clear and practical, making this a quick yet impactful read. Overall, I found it refreshing and thought-provoking—definitely a book worth picking up.
Pros:
The book is concise and well-organized, making it a fast read.
It presents a powerful message that resonates with real-world business experiences.
The author, John Bogle, is credible and has firsthand experience in the financial industry.
Cons:
There weren't many negatives; anything I didn't like seemed minor and didn't detract from the overall quality of the book.
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03/11/2026 12:06 am GMT
Common Sense by Joel Greenblatt
$4.85

In Common Sense, Joel Greenblatt shares his views on creating an economy that benefits everyone, but it's more about policy than investing. He proposes bold ideas on immigration and education, emphasizing the importance of skilled immigration and advocating for public charter schools to help children in low-income areas. While he presents some interesting policy suggestions, I found many of his arguments lacking depth and overly complicated. Instead of straightforward solutions, he often opts for convoluted approaches. Greenblatt shines as an investor but doesn't quite hit the mark as a public policy writer.
Pros:
The book presents well-argued policy ideas.
The author offers a lively and provocative perspective.
It highlights the importance of skilled immigration for economic growth.
Cons:
The book is only peripherally related to investing.
Many arguments fall flat or misframe the issue.
The solutions proposed are overly complicated and not straightforward.
The author is a great investor, but a mediocre public policy writer.
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03/10/2026 09:03 pm GMT
Poor Richard's Retirement by Aaron Clarey
$7.95

In Poor Richard's Retirement, Aaron Clarey offers a down-to-earth guide to achieving financial freedom and planning for retirement without the usual fluff. I found his practical advice on budgeting, managing debt, and smart investing really refreshing. Clarey’s perspective is relatable, emphasizing that while we face challenges in America, we can take control of our financial situations. Although the book's independent publishing shows some rough editing, the straightforward approach and useful takeaways make it a solid pick for anyone looking to navigate their financial future. Overall, it’s a practical read that feels accessible and real.
Pros:
Practical advice on retirement and finances
Accessible approach for everyday people
Unique voice in personal finance literature
Cons:
Editing is a little rough around the edges.
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03/10/2026 10:01 pm GMT
The Narrow Road By Felix Dennis
$14.99

In The Narrow Road, Felix Dennis shares straightforward advice on building wealth through 88 practical tips. He draws from his own experience as a self-made entrepreneur who built a media empire without formal education. I really appreciated how he emphasizes the importance of talent, preparation, and cash flow, while also reminding readers to stay adaptable and avoid getting too attached to any one project. I found the book engaging and concise, and even though I preferred his earlier work, this one packs a punch with valuable insights. Honestly, I didn't have many complaints—it's an excellent read!
Pros:
Engaging storytelling from a successful entrepreneur
Concise and practical tips for starting a business
Combines personal wealth accumulation with effective writing
Cons:
Not a whole lot - excellent book.
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03/11/2026 05:02 am GMT
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel
$10.99

In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel explores the intricate relationship between our minds and our finances. I found his writing engaging and relatable, making complex ideas easy to grasp. While the book isn't a step-by-step guide to managing money, it emphasizes understanding our behaviors and emotions around wealth. Housel’s anecdotes and insights resonate, reminding us that financial success is less about numbers and more about mindset. My only concern is that some readers might expect a traditional how-to approach. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that encourages a healthier perspective on money and investing.
Pros:
Morgan Housel is an excellent writer with engaging stories.
The book is easy to read and accessible to a general audience.
The author shares personal money management experiences, highlighting hypocrisy in personal finance.
Charts and statistics support the stories without overwhelming the reader with numbers.
The book emphasizes the truth in cliches, which are often dismissed.
Cons:
Some readers may expect a How To guide rather than a What and Why book.
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03/10/2026 10:02 pm GMT