Recommended Reading

Financial Independence Advice Books

Rich Dad Poor Dad - Amazon.co.uk Review

Personal finance author and lecturer Robert Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective through exposure to a pair of disparate influences: his own highly educated, but fiscally unstable father, and the multimillionaire eighth-grade dropout father of his closest friend. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" (whose weekly paychecks, while respectable, were never quite sufficient to meet family needs) pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad" (that "the poor and the middle class work for money," but "the rich have money work for them").

Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad Poor Dad, written with consultant and CPA Sharon L. Lechter, lays out his the philosophy behind his relationship with money. Although Kiyosaki can take a frustratingly long time to make his points, his book is nonetheless a compelling advocate for the type of "financial literacy" that's never taught in schools. Based on the principle that income-generating assets always provide healthier bottom-line results than even the best of traditional jobs, it explains how the former might be acquired so that the latter eventually can be shed. --Howard Rothman, Amazon.com

Rich Dad Poor Dad 2 - Synopsis (Amazon)

This text reveals why some people work less, earn more, pay less in taxes, and feel more financially secure than others. It is simply a matter of knowing which "quadrant" to work from and when. Have you ever wondered: what the difference is between an employee and a business owner?; why some investors make money with little risk while most other investors just break even?; why in the Industrial Age most parents wanted their children to become medical doctors, accountants or attorneys... and why in the Information Age those professions are under financial attack? Have you noticed that many of the brightest graduates from our universities want to work for college drop-outs? Drop-outs such as Bill Gates of Microsoft, Richard Branson of Virgin Industries, Michael Dell of Dell Computers and Ted Turner of CNN? Drop-outs who today are the mega-rich of society. This book aims to answer some of these questions and also assist in guiding you in finding your own path to financial freedom in a world of ever-increasing financial change.

Rich Dad's Prophecy - Synopsis (Amazon)

Just a few years from now the vast majority of "baby boomers" will be on the verge of retirement - and looking to cash in on their retirement plans. This will be a major drain on cash reserves for which no-one is ready and there's every chance that peoples' lifelong savings will dramatically lose their value. Sensing this financial crisis is in the offing, Kiyosaki and Lechter provide a detailed financial plan to help forward-thinking people prepare for the worst - and they urge that everyone must start planning NOW! They cover a variety of alternative ways of generating wealth through other forms of investment, including real estate, self-employment and investing in companies.

Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens - Synopsis (Amazon)

This special just-for-teens edition based on the Rich Dad Poor Dad series, builds a foundation of self-confidence from which readers can realise their dreams of financial security in an increasingly challenging and unreliable job market. Teen-friendly advice, examples, sidebars, and straight talk will supplement all of Rich Dad's core advice: Work to learn, not to earn. Don't say, 'I can't afford it?' And, don't work for money - make money work for you! No matter how confident or 'good in school' readers consider themselves to be, this book makes financial intelligence available to all young people with its streamlined structure, clean design, and accessible voice. Here's a book that teaches teens what they don't learn in school - and what many of their parents have yet to learn.

Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant - Synopsis (Amazon)

This text, the follow-up to "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" reveals why some people work less, earn more, pay less in taxes, and feel more financially secure than others. The author argues that it is simply a matter of knowing which quadrant to work from and when. Have you ever wondered: What is the difference between an employee and a business owner?; Why do some investors make money with little risk while most other investors just break even?; Why do most employees go from job to job while others quit their jobs and go on to build business empires?; Why, in the Industrial Age, did most parents want their children to become medical doctors, accountants, or attorneys. and why, in the Information Age, are these professions under financial attack? Many of the brightest graduates from our universities want to work for college dropouts. Dropouts such as Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Michael Dell and Ted Turner; dropouts who today are the mega-rich of society. This book explores these questions and issues to assist in guiding you to find your own path to financial freedom in a world of ever-increasing financial change.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind - Synopsis (Amazon)

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to achieve wealth effortlessly while others work just as hard but still struggle financially? In this fresh and original book, T. Harv Eker explains how you too can master the inner game of money so that you will not only achieve financial success but keep it once you have it. Using breakthrough techniques T. Harv Eker shows you how childhood and family experiences and inner mental attitudes shape your view of money. Each of us has a personal money and success blueprint already ingrained in our subconscious minds, and it is this blueprint that will determine the course of our financial lives. Eker reveals: powerful 'declarations' that drive new, money-attracting beliefs into your subconscious; dozens of high-income and wealth creation strategies; what truly wealthy people know that others do not; the cause of almost all financial problems; and how to earn passive income, so that readers can make money while they sleep. Armed with insights provided in this book, you can begin taking action to transform your financial self, quickly and permanently.

Rich Dad's Escape from the Rat Race - Synopsis (Amazon)

How do you get a child interested in learning about finance? Give them a comic book! Robert Kiyosaki, author of the Rich Dad series, recognised the increasing need for people to begin their their journey to financial literacy - and life-long wealth - as early as possible, even before they become teenagers! In Escape from the Rat Race basic lessons about 'working to learn, not to earn', buying assets and understanding the financial statement are revealed through the kid-friendly tale of Timid E Turtle. When Tim runs out of cash at an amusement park his savvy friend, Red E Rat, shows him how to make money work for him - and tells Robert T. Kiyosaki's own riveting account of learning the basic principles of financial success. Illustrated with full-colour sequential art that ties in to Rich Dad's popular cashflow games and Website, here's a book that allows children - and reluctant readers of all ages - the chance to take their first steps towards financial success.

The Secret - Synopsis (Amazon)

Once known only by an elite who were unwilling to share their knowledge of the power, 'the secret' of obtaining anything you desire is now revealed by prominent physicists, authors and philosophers as being based in the universal Law of Attraction. And the good news is that anyone can access its power to bring themselves health, wealth and happiness. Fragments of The Secret have been found in oral traditions, literature, religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. A number of the exceptional people who discovered its power went on to become regarded as the greatest human beings who ever lived. Among them: Plato, Leonardo, Galileo and Einstein. Now 'the secret' is being shared with the world. Beautiful in its simplicity, and mind-dazzling in its ability to really work, The Secret reveals the mystery of the hidden potential within us all. By unifying leading-edge scientific thought with ancient wisdom and spirituality, the riveting, practical knowledge will lead readers to a greater understanding of how they can be the masters of their own lives.

Before You Quit your Job - Synopsis (Amazon)

One of the basic tenets of the Rich Dad philosophy is to make the jump from employee to boss. This is the book that shows you how to make that leap - in 10 easy steps. Everyone in business knows that you won't ever achieve great wealth by being an employee. The real secret to making money and reaching financial independence is to start your own company and develop it quickly. Millions of aspiring entrepreneurs are already convinced that this is the way to go - but they just don't know how to take those first few steps. In BEFORE YOU QUIT YOUR JOB, Robert Kiyosaki presents first-hand accounts of his own start-up companies and how he learned from both his failures and his successes. Along the way he explains the basics of: * How to determine if your idea is a good one * How to write a solid business plan and where to find other People's Money to help finance the idea * How to incorporate yourself for business and tax purposes * How to help you find key advisors to help develop your concept * How to best launch your product or service.

Screw It, Let's Do It - Synopsis (Amazon)

Global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has built a business empire and made billions and is renowned for his approachability and ability to challenge and succeed against the odds. "Screw It, Let's Do It" reveals the lessons that have helped him through his business and personal life, like believing it can be done and that, if others disagree with you, try and try again until you achieve your goal; or that you must love what you do. These and other lessons, with examples of how he learned them and how he's used them, are included in this stirring and candid look at his lessons from an exceptional life, which will inspire you to make a difference in your everyday life.

The Money Secret - Synopsis (Amazon)

Practical and life-changing, The Money Secret will totally revolutionise your attitude to money and show how it can either be the source of freedom and happiness or a burden of guilt and debt. When you have finished this powerful story you will want to cut up your credit cards forever and rid yourself of the power of the banks and lenders and advertisers who dupe us all into a spending frenzy based on false promises and slick delusions. As well as offering solutions this book will challenge the status quo and question current spending habits. Rich or poor, we have all at some time felt in despair about money and its power over our lives. Rob Parsons shows a new way forward which will change your life, focus your priorities and put you back in control.

Your Money or Your Life: - Synopsis (Amazon)

The most popular question Alvin Hall is asked is 'Where does my money go?'. In this ideal complement to his successful TV series, Alvin helps everyone get their finances in order. Helping you to understand your money psychology, Alvin beats a clear pathway through the financial maze of mortgages, insurance and pensions, provides a practical understanding of credit card debt and interest rates, and advises how to set up balance sheets for budgeting personal finances. Here is the easy-to-follow advice for a brighter, sounder financial future.

You and Your Money : - Synopsis (Amazon)

Years of experience working to help resolve the money difficulties of many individuals and families has taught Alvin Hall one crucial insight: our financial status has little to do with the amount of money we earn. The real factor that determines our success or failure with money is how we handle the various emotions and relationships that impact the decisions we make about money. Our response to these complicated emotional issues actually has the ability to make or break our economic security, but now Alvin is on hand with his famous straight-from-the-hip advice to ensure we control our finances - no matter what the underlying issue. With practical and workable tools grounded in reality, Alvin shows us how to make sure the money we work hard to earn works hard for us, and sets us a clear pathway for long-term financial success.