Business

	A good friend of mine always said: "The best retirement plan is to be independently wealthy." The following is a list of books for those who want to pursue a hobby of financial security. This is NOT a "Millionaire over night" solution. This is NOT the sexy "Investor du jour" solution. This is a step-by-step guide to developing the mindset and skills needed to analyze companies, and buy stocks that are worth buying. It is an often-boring regiment that can reward patience with wealth.

		Foundation
	1.	Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter (Contributor) This is a great starting point when you decide to make financial security your hobby. This book is light on secrets, but heavy on motivation. It will set your mind thinking in the right direction.
	2.	Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter (Contributor) The next "must read" in the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. Again, this book is best for motivating and directing your thoughts, rather than presenting detailed solutions. It is a quick read and worth the time.
	3.	Rich Dad's Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest in, That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter (Contributor) This book completes the re-prioritizing of your financial thought processes. It is the third in the series, but the last in the series you will need before studying the financial masters. Do not skip this one.
	4.	The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko Before you jump in, you should hear from the real millionaires. This book is not about their secret formulas, but about how they think and live. Reading this book will help you get there quicker.
		Stock Investing
	5.	One Up on Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market Peter Lynch, John Rothchild (Contributor) At this point, your itching to pull the trigger on some kind of investment vehicle. Peter Lynch, once guru manager of Fidelity's stellar performing Magellan fund, gives a great introduction to stock picking.
	6.	The Warren Buffett Way: Investment Strategies of the World's Greatest Investor Robert G. Hagstrom, Foreword by Peter S. Lynch Warren Buffett is the undisputed stock market master. Robert Hagstrom is highly regarded for his ability to convey the wisdom of this stock picking genius.
	7.	Financial Statement Analysis: A Practitioner's Guide, 3rd Edition Martin Fridson, Fernando Alvarez If you are going to do your own research, rather than rely on the perpetually-offered advice of all the good willed, self-appointed market gurus, you are going to need to learn this. This book stands out for the real-world flavor it brings to the subject. It is a fast read, looking at the financial statement from both sides.
	8.	Buffet Step-By-Step: An Investor's Workbook - Learn to Analyze and Apply the Techniques of the Master Investor Richard Simmons Let's get started! This workbook walks you step-by-step through many of the major stock picks made by Warren Buffett. You will see details, right down to the numbers he used to make his decisions including, dare we say, some of his admitted mistakes.
		Advanced
	9.	The Intelligent Investor: A Book of Practical Counsel Benjamin Graham, Warren E. Buffett (Preface) In this classic investment strategy book is the information you need to take the next step. Warren Buffet describes himself as ``85% Graham, 15% Fisher.'' Graham's concentration is value investing.
	10.	Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings Philip A. Fisher Where Graham's methodology is quantitative, Fisher takes the qualitative approach. This classic will help with the intangibles that are not always apparent in the numbers. Fisher's concentration is growth investing.