Ask HN: Good books on managing finances? Hi everyone,
I'm finishing up school and starting my first full-time SE job soon. I'd like to learn about how I should be managing my finances; what books have helped you in this area? I'm not sure how much I should be spending versus saving, or whether I should invest and in what, etc. Thanks! |
The Boglehead philosophy gives one a sense of humility in a world that's driven by hype and market timing. If we are to believe that financial markets are more-or-less efficient, then it stands to reason that you won't be able to consistently pick stocks that perform better than market averages. It teaches you how to grow your wealth in the long run by investing in low fee, unmanaged index funds. It also talks about how to invest in a tax-efficient manner and how to spend/invest appropriate amounts of your income. All around its the best primer to finance that I have read.
The One Page Financial Plan [1] as kokonotu points out is also a good one.
Further more, I'd recommend thinking about what you want to achieve with money. Ramit will tell you to enjoy life and save enough for later, I personally think the amount of money we (can) earn as software engineers can be used to buy a lot more 'free time' than most people think, allowing us to 'retire' (travel the world programming, building open source software, or whatever you like...) way earlier than most people. If you're interested in that kind of think you could have a look into Mr Money Mustache's blog [3] for instance. (Disclaimer: Some people might think he's a bit extreme, if you're that kind of person just try to pick up some of the good parts/habits and you'll be way ahead of the curve.)
[0]:http://www.amazon.com/dp/0761147489/
1) Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Look, it's a parable told by the author stretching the truth, and in the 20 years since it was written Kiyosaki has likely done some shady things. But much like Richest Man in Babylon (also told as parables, though more obviously so) it's a good introduction to thinking about money working for you, not the other way around.
2) Money Secrets of the Rich by John Burley (http://www.moneysecretsoftherich.com/). Ignore the link bait title. Unfortunately, it looks like it hasn't been updated in a few years (it pre-dates Obamacare, for example, which if you're in the US possibly negates my next comment).
I found this both practical and relevant - one chapter on tax actually linked me to a form I could submit as a low-income earner (student) which entitled me to a government rebate of $150 - the people at the office I submitted it to hadn't even heard of it, but it paid for the book 5 times over! There are some useful chapters on investing, but most of the value is understanding common traps like car-financing, insurance, spending too much on stuff etc etc with actual website links and so on. I bought a copy for each of my siblings as they started work as well.
I cant recommend a budgeting one but would recommend bogleheads, as suggested by liamcardenas. Another book worth reading, although heavier is the Intelligent Investor. I read the annotated version and its similar advice to bogleheads. If you really get into investing read Warren Buffetts shareholder letters
Dave hates credit, doesn't think you need a credit score. Suze suggests ways to boost your credit score, and thinks that's important.
Dave says to save up a 6-month emergency fund only after you pay off your debt, Suze says save up an 8-month emergency fund ASAP.
A few other smaller differences. Dave has specific steps you can take, Suze is more general advice.
I'd recommend reading them both and combining their programs into something that works for you.
Dave Ramsey's main book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Total-Money-Makeover-Financial/dp/...
Or the audiobook: http://www.audible.com/pd/Business/The-Total-Money-Makeover-...
Suze Orman's main book: http://www.amazon.com/Money-Class-Create-Future-Deserve/dp/0...
Or the audiobook: http://www.audible.com/pd/Self-Development/The-Money-Class-A...
... Also, if you like Dave Ramsey's style, he has a daily call-in radio show you can listen to for free online/stitcher/itunes
As far as books are concerned I'd always fall back on 'The Intelligent Investor' by Ben Graham. Another handy book is 'One up on wall street' Peter Lynch.
Although investment runs concurrently with tax breaks. So if you find a good book informing on where the income tax credits and breaks are allowed etc. it would be handy.
The important thing in spending is to be unrestrained when it comes to a subject close to your heart. The best things come with a price to pay.
The challenge with such a book is that your financial goals change as your life transpires. Ones 'financial journey' through life can take many paths that are some times deliberately chosen and sometimes chosen for you.
There are of course some basics:
- spend less tha you earn
- invest the difference ('in what?'is one of life choice questions!)
- learn what you can, which you are trying to do now!
http://www.amazon.com/One-Page-Financial-Plan-Simple-Smart/d...