Top shelf advice

There are lots of financial advice books out there, but how many are worthwhile. Here are a few good examples.

It's hard not to be cynical when you see book titles spruiking how to make money fast.

A good example? Try How to Be a Quick Turn Real Estate Millionaire: Make Fast Cash with No Money, Credit, or Previous Experience.How is that possible? Admittedly, we've not read the book. But when we see titles such as this, we run a mile, knowing that the only people making fast cash out of it is the publisher and the author.

While many financial self-help books promise much but deliver little, there are some good examples out there that will teach you the basics and give you a solid understanding of how to manage your money and investments successfully (available on amazon.com).

A Purse of Your Own 

Overview Author Deborah Owens, a 20-year veteran of the financial industry who has her own radio and TV shows in the US, has written a practical guide for women to help them with investment basics and the smart management of their money. Based on her "power of the purse" analogy, Owens interviews real women and uses their experiences to make it easily identifiable for readers.

Audience Specifically targeted at women, it is designed to get you organised and in control of your finances to "fill up your purse".

Usefulness An easy read, Owens has tapped into the power of women with her book. Along the way, she's built a cult following and now has an interactive website for fans of her no-nonsense approach.

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The Financial Fairy Tales: Dreams Can Come True 

Overview British author and personal finance expert Daniel Britton has written an engaging story about Tom, a woodcutter's son, who lives with his parents in a wooden house in the middle of a forest. Tom wants to buy a horse to improve his earning ability and we follow his trials and tribulations as he tries to reach his goal.

Audience Beautifully illustrated, the Dreams Can Come True tale is for children aged between five and 11.

Usefulness Britton has made good use of his expertise to craft a fun story for children to learn about financial responsibility that will - hopefully - build a solid foundation for their later years and not turn them into mini Gordon Gekkos.

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The Warren Buffett Way (second edition) 

Overview Author Robert G Hagstrom, a US-based financial consultant, has done a good job considering he couldn't interview the billionaire investor for the book. However, he did have permission to quote the Oracle from Omaha based on his comments in the annual reports of his conglomerate holding company Berkshire Hathaway.

Audience For Warren Buffett wannabes seeking inspiration and an analysis of his investment strategies, techniques and the types of companies he backs. For the record, Mr Buffet prefers to buy and hold.

Usefulness This New York Times bestseller has sold more than a million copies - and no wonder. As one of the world's most successful investors, the modest Mr Buffett and his strategies are a recipe for success.

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