16 Books I Recommend to FIRE Your Career
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Are you ready to make a massive impact towards achieving your FIRE lifestyle? On my own journey, I’ve found a number of books that have seriously added fire to my goals (pun intended). Check out this list to add FIRE to YOURS.
Each one of the works below I myself have read and found massively beneficial. Some I casually came across, a few were recommended to me, and two I read in my MBA program (but trust me, they were just THAT good). I hope they benefit you too!
The books below have helped me improve my mindset, accelerate my savings, learn how to maximize my investment strategy, create healthy habits, and/or improve my overall happiness and wellbeing. For these reasons, I frequently recommend them to family and friends.
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad
Rich Dad Poor Dad was one of the first books I ever read that related to the FIRE movement. I remember reading it and feeling genuinely surprised that there was a different way to live.
Though the author, Robert Kiyasaki, didn’t himself use the FIRE concept in his book, his strategies are directly related to the various ways you can achieve this lifestyle. It’s a great intro book if you’re just starting to learn about the FIRE movement.
2. 4-Hour Workweek
Similarly, 4-Hour Workweek surprised me with its approach to a nontraditional lifestyle. What I appreciate most about this book is that the author, Tim Ferriss, offers friendly and open advice to help you approach life a little differently.
Tim has some GREAT examples that help him make his point, and this is a book that I frequently reflect on when I think about a FIRE lifestyle. This is also a really great intro to what is possible with FIRE.
3. Unshakeable
Tony Robbins inspires countless people around the world with his messages, and this book is no different. His approach to savings and investing is helpful and inspiring.
4. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing
If you’re new to stock market investing, then this book provides some great foundational investing concepts. If you’re anything like me, then investing in the stock market might initially feel overwhelming.
This book offers truly simple advice that makes investing in the stock market a far less daunting ordeal. It provides some helpful ways you can get started, even if you have little to no education or experience in the stock market.
Investing wisely can be a useful strategy when it comes to obtaining a FIRE lifestyle, and this book makes it easy to get started.
5. A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market
A bit contrary to the name, I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re serious about understanding the ins and outs of stock market investing.
This book provides a comprehensive approach to building a solid investment strategy, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll find some valuable math formulas and strategies to build a good investment strategy, but you’ll also likely find tools you may never use.
While I don’t use every tool outlined in this book, I do use quite a few. I also routinely return to this book to remind myself of certain strategies.
I recommend this book because despite its complexity, it is a good investing book if you’re serious about getting good with stocks.
6. You Are a Badass
The author, Jen Sincero, is one of the most inspiring women entrepreneurs I’ve come across. This book is fun, quirky and makes you feel great about yourself in all the best ways.
If you’re looking for a fun way to uplevel your mindset, this book will deliver.
7. You Are a Badass at Making Money
Another one of Jen Sincero’s books, this badass book is all about leveling up your money mindset. It’s a great read if you struggle with having a positive mindset on money (I sure did!).
8. The Audacity to Be Queen
This is another great book that is all about leveling up your mindset. The author, Gina DeVee, is super inspiring.
Gina tells you that it’s ok to want the things you want, and that you shouldn’t have to make excuses for your dreams. She also shares some effective strategies for building a plan to achieve your dreams.
9. Resonant Leadership
If you want to advance your career and eventually get leadership responsibilities at work, then this is a book for you.
I read this book in my MBA program, and I still remember it as one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read. This book shares some simple concepts on how to be a truly great leader, and it starts with compassion.
If you want to make a great impact as a leader, then I highly recommend this book.
10. Don’t Keep Your Day Job
I first became aware of the author, Cathy Heller, through her podcast (of the same name at the time).
If you’re interested in starting a business, or even if you want to consider pursuing a new career then you should read this book. Cathy offers knowledge and inspiration from great entrepreneurs in a range of businesses who found amazing ways to succeed.
11. Negotiation Genius
Negotiation is an invaluable skill worth developing, in just about every aspect of life. From your career, to life at home, and even when shopping, I highly encourage everyone to consider developing some good negotiation skills.
I read this book in my MBA program, and it’s a book I’ll always feel grateful for.
12. Unfair Advantage
Another of Robert Kiyasaki’s books, this work is focused on developing better financial knowledge. It’s a great combo between developing a healthy mindset and financial wellbeing.
13. Millionaire Success Habits
In this book, Dean Graziosi, shares some helpful examples and tools to help you develop habits that will aid in your success.
He has some great examples, and I’d recommend reading this book and picking from the tools that best work for you.
14. Limitless
As a kid, Jim Kwik, was in an accident that stunted his ability to learn. As a result, he became incredibly interested in finding ways to overcome his limitations.
Through his efforts, he found a way to become limitless, and shares his knowledge in this book.
I found Jim’s story inspiring. The methods he shares in his book can be used by anyone anywhere, and if you’re looking to level up the way you learn, this book will help you learn how to maximize your learnings, regardless of any limits that may exist in your life.
15. The Magic
I found this book at a time in my life that I needed it the most. I don’t think any other book has helped me feel more gratefulness or satisfaction in my life. And the way it works is fairly simple.
This book is all about changing your life for the better through simple practices around gratitude. While I can’t guarantee you’ll find a new appreciation for life, I can promise you’ll at least gain some healthy perspective if you commit to following the exercises in the book.
16. Strengths Finder
If you’re struggling to understand your strengths, then this book can be a powerful tool. Read the book and take the included quiz (which comes free when you purchase the book new), and you’ll get some great perspective on your strengths.
Feel free to reach out to me directly and let me know if you have questions or would like to discuss any of these books. It’s been years since I was part of a book club, but I LOVE a healthy discussion about a good book.
Think reading one of these books will FIRE Your Career and accelerate progress towards your goals? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.
FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing what You Love.