Get ready for 2025: 12 must-read works on financial education and investments

The New Year brings the perfect opportunity to recharge and invest in continuous learning. For those active in the investment market, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to solidify their financial knowledge, holidays represent a strategic period for mental preparation for upcoming challenges.

Reading is undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools to transform perspectives and build a clear vision of financial prosperity. With it, you can better understand market mechanisms, identify opportunities, and, most importantly, refine your personal relationship with money and investments.

We have prepared a careful selection of 12 works covering everything from financial education fundamentals to deep behavioral analyses, reflections on strategic leadership, and advanced investment tactics. If you want to start 2025 with a sharp mindset and a growth-oriented attitude, this curated list is ideal for your journey.

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Essential works to build your knowledge base

Benjamin Graham and the philosophy of the intelligent investor

The classic “The Intelligent Investor” by HarperCollins is considered a must-read for those who want to invest safely and achieve consistent results. Graham presents proven methodologies to evaluate companies and identify undervalued ones, enabling the construction of robust portfolios over time. The work also provides practical tools to avoid emotional traps that often lead investors to make mistakes during periods of heightened volatility. Warren Buffett, one of the biggest names in global investing, described this book as “by far the best book on investing ever written.” Recommendation: essential for those seeking to master fundamental analysis and start investing methodically.

Robert Kiyosaki and the revolution of personal financial mindset

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” published by Alta Books, has remained a mandatory reference in personal finance for two decades. Kiyosaki compares lessons learned from his biological father — a professional with a conventional mindset — and his “rich dad” — an entrepreneurial mentor who accumulated wealth through smart investments in assets. The work unveils crucial concepts about the difference between assets and liabilities, how to invest properly, and why building passive income streams is essential. Although some critics point out simplifications, the book is perfect for beginners who want to transform their relationship with money. Recommendation: accessible reading full of transformative concepts for those seeking financial independence.

Morgan Housel and the psychology behind financial decisions

Technical knowledge is insufficient to prosper in the financial market. “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel, published by HarperCollins, has sold over a million copies worldwide because it understands a fundamental truth: emotions, past experiences, and unconscious behaviors determine our investment choices. Housel examines how fear and greed — the two emotions that most influence the market — can be managed. He also demonstrates that patience and discipline often surpass pure technical skills. Recommendation: essential for those who want to align financial strategy with balanced emotional behavior.

Nassim Taleb and the ability to thrive in uncertainty

“Antifragile,” from Objetiva publishing, goes beyond the traditional resilience concept. Taleb proposes that thriving in chaotic and unpredictable environments requires not just resistance but the capacity to strengthen through adversity. Connecting economics, statistics, and philosophy, the author shows how investors can build portfolios prepared for crises, while entrepreneurs learn to turn chaos into opportunities. Recommendation: essential reading for those seeking a bolder and more effective approach to risk scenarios.

Mark Tier analyzes the strategies of two investment giants

“Investments — The Secrets of George Soros and Warren Buffett” (Elsevier) dissects the approaches of two of the greatest investors in history. While Buffett is known for his conservative philosophy focused on the long term, Soros stands out for his bold macroeconomic bets. Mark Tier reveals the principles that guided both: maintaining fidelity to the chosen strategy and adapting quickly to market changes. Recommendation: perfect for understanding how different investment styles can lead to lasting success.

Market perspectives in Brazil with “Fora da Curva”

Published by Portfolio-Penguin, “Fora da Curva” gathers experiences from key figures in the Brazilian financial market such as Florian Bartunek and Luiz Alves Paes de Barros. The work documents mistakes, successes, and practical lessons from those immersed in the market, showing how to apply these lessons in real contexts. With a pragmatic approach, it also explores strategies to identify specific opportunities in the Brazilian scenario. Recommendation: essential reading for local investors who want to understand the reality of the national market.

Yuval Harari contextualizes the economic history of humanity

“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” (L&PM) is not solely focused on finance but is fundamental for those who want to understand the roots of economic systems and human behavior. Harari analyzes how societies evolved, exploring the emergence of money, the agricultural revolution, and the impact of power structures on markets. Investors gain a broad perspective on how historical trends shape the future. Recommendation: excellent complement to expand strategic thinking and contextualize financial decisions.

Ray Dalio shares his principles of leadership and decision-making

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, presents in “Principles” (Intríseca) the values and practices that guided his life and career. The work combines philosophical reflections with practical teachings on decision-making in highly complex scenarios. Dalio offers tools applicable to both investments and business management, making it a fundamental read for leaders and entrepreneurs. Recommendation: ideal for those who want to align personal and professional decisions with solid strategic principles.

Daniel Kahneman and the two systems of thought

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” (Objetiva), Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores how two mental modes influence our financial decisions: fast (intuitive) thinking and slow (analytical) thinking. The author identifies mental traps that impair decision-making, helping investors recognize behavioral patterns that lead to errors. Recommendation: essential for refining decision processes in complex scenarios.

George Clason and the fundamentals of financial prosperity

Published nearly a century ago, “The Richest Man in Babylon” (HarperCollins) remains essential for those who want to learn the foundations of financial management. Through parables set in ancient Babylon, Clason teaches living within one’s means, saving consistently, and investing prudently. Simple and straightforward, it’s perfect for beginners in the financial universe. Recommendation: excellent for building a solid base before advancing to sophisticated strategies.

Alice Schroeder describes Warren Buffett’s journey

“The Snowball” (Actual) is a detailed biography exploring Warren Buffett’s financial decisions and how his fortune was built over decades. The book also demonstrates how his strategies can be adapted by any investor in daily life. Recommendation: perfect for seeking inspiration and understanding how resilience and disciplined strategy generate results.

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner challenge conventional economic thinking

“Freakonomics: The Hidden Side of Everything” (Alta Books) analyzes everyday issues from an unconventional economic perspective. The authors propose that economics is not just about monetary transactions but about incentives, decisions, and the unexpected consequences of human choices. Combining statistical data, economic theories, and intriguing narratives, they reveal surprising connections. Recommendation: invites readers to see the world with a critical and curious eye, applying this learning to question incentives behind financial and market decisions.

Turn your rest period into strategic learning

Holidays are a unique opportunity for slowing down and investing in personal development. By dedicating time to inspiring and educational readings, you will arrive at 2025 with a mindset prepared for the challenges of the financial market and long-term goals.

These 12 titles combine proven practical knowledge, deep strategic reflections, and life lessons that transform how you face investments, business, and personal growth. Use this period to reflect, plan, and incorporate these lessons into your journey. The knowledge gained now will be the differentiator that propels your results in the coming years.

Enjoy your reading and much success in 2025!