dapperdobbs wrote:

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Just to clarify, _The Intelligent Investor_ was written for the general
public by Benjamin Graham, the latest edition of which was published in
2003 (although Graham's last addition to the book was in 1973, I think).
_Security Analysis_ is a textbook written by Benjamin Graham and David
Dodd, the most recent edition of which was published in 1988.

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish

Willca -

On the subject of investing, I'd go for Benjamin Graham's "The
Intelligent Investor". That's the 4th edition of the original "Security
Analysis" (1934). With your major in Finance, it should be pleasant
weekend reading. You might want to follow that up with Peter Lynch.
(Btw, what NOT to read is important, in this case ... over the past 10
years I've picked up a dozen books pretending an in-depth analysis of a
company, only to find they were shallow and inaccurate. One book
contradicted itself on an important point, within two pages. Go figure.
None of it was useful.)

If you want even more on investing, stick with Accounting texts. Always
read the corporation's 10Ks. (Portfolio management is, in my mind, a
different subject. There is an overlap, but it's kind of like the
difference between learning to ride a horse (investing), and rounding
up a herd of horses - e.g. ya' cain't round 'em up if'n ya' cain't ride
one!)

Financial planning, I'm told, is facilitated by having money, so study
hard in college, plan your work-life, and good luck to you.

willcates[at]gmail.com wrote:
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Try these three - all are regarded as classics and live on through
multiple editions:

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need - Andrew Tobias - title is
only a slight overstatement, but this is an easy read, it's funny - he's
kind of the David Sedaris of personal finance if that means anything.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street - Burton Malkiel - not really a personal
finance book but a great overview on investing and what the stock market
(and markets generally) are all about.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds - John Bogle - or one of his other books
since - you'll probably invest using mutual funds and could do so your
entire life. This is a great introduction to the concept of index funds
and their long-term advantages.

A lot of financial planning involves topics other than investing
(insurance, credit and debt management, taxes) so if that's your
interest a more general book would be better. Maybe something like Eric
Tyson's "Dummies" book on the topic.

Also the Wall St Journal puts out a bunch of slim paperbacks on these
topics, they're really good references and well laid out.

-Tad

_The Millionaire Next Door_ should be required reading for anyone who wants
to become involved in financial planning either as an advisor or for one's
own benefit.

Its material is foundational: One cannot do well in investing until one has
one's own house in order.

Its anecdotes and statistics are fascinating.

I bought a copy on Ebay last year. It was also available through my public
library.

<willcates[at]gmail.com> wrote
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I am a college student majoring in Finance and I was just wondering if
anyone had any information on good books for basic investing, financial
planning, etc.

Thanks