Financial literature: Books to read when looking to invest in stocks

One of the most vocal and prominent traders in Zimbabwe, Tadiwa Muguto (popularly known as Snow Patrol) said: "The one thing that's stopping traders from being wealthy is lack of financial literacy. That side of money is underrated immensely."

This is not the case with forex traders only but stock market investors too. The situation is dire for more than a few.

A better entry point can be picking up a book by an expert who thoughtfully and sequentially presents and explains financial concepts and investing topics. Resources like these can help you realize that investing doesn't have to be intimidating or complicated. Here are the best investing books for beginners that are great places to get started.

 1. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason 

This book has been noted as one of the best books on personal wealth and financial planning. The book tells a fascinating story about the secrets to personal wealth set in ancient Babylon. 

When investing, do not take any advice from an inexperienced person, but make safe investment decisions. The Richest Man in Babylon connotes that, he who takes advice about his savings from one who is inexperienced in such matters, shall pay with his savings for proving the falsity of their opinions.

Key takeaways: keep 10% of your earnings for yourself, invest in what you know, Advice is free 

2. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham 

Benjamin Graham, known as the “Father of Value Investing,” writes about his strategies and thoughts on value investing and offers advice on how to achieve financial goals. His investment approach inspired one of today’s most renown investors, Warren Buffett. This is considered one of the most important books on value investing, and Graham reminds readers to not get caught up in every twist and turn in the stock market. 

This is a book about value investing. It emphasize on the investment tactics on selected undervalued stocks. It warns investors from making substantial errors and promotes long term strategies with their money. 

 Key takeaways: diversify your portfolio, while investing Don’t make hasty decisions based on emotions 

 3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki 

The book tells a story of how Kiyosaki learned the two different worlds of finance from his 2 fathers. The book provides basic rules and principles to achieving financial freedom. 

 Key takeaways: Don't work for money, let money work for you. Understand the difference between assets and liabilities. 

 4. Zimbabwe Stock Exchange: Stories from Retail investors by Albert Nangara 

The book consists of 25 stories from Retail investors in Zimbabwe. The book is hailed for providing real stories from real people about their experiences or journeys investing on the Zimbabwe's capital markets. 

Key takeaways: People in the same environment as you are are actually investing in stocks. The book changes the whole narrative that investing in shares is for the rich and business moguls only. Learn and earn from other peoples' mistakes.

 

5. Investment Strategies: With stories from Retail investors by Albert Nangara 

This is another incredible book about investment strategies which are backed by stories of Retail investors. This book contains stories of people on how they are using strategies to make money on stock markets. From goal setting to many unique ways to invest. The stories also back the credibility of these strategies. 

Key takeaways: Pick a strategy/strategies and stick to the investment goal 

 6. My maid invests in Stock Market by  Bo Sanchez 

The book offers key concepts and techniques on investing in the stock market. Bo Sanchez taught his maid how to invest in the stock markets until she became capable of investing on her own. 

Key takeaways: invest in Giant companies. Retire a millionaire by investing on the stock market