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The Best Books I Read in 2023 Thumbnail

The Best Books I Read in 2023

Best Of

So I read a lot of books every year (58 this year) or I have someone else read it to me, but it's basically the same thing. Audiobooks, in my opinion, are like taking a test drive: I listen to the book and if something jumps out at me, something I think I really need, I buy the book. Here is this year's list of books I have or am planning on buying for reals (last year's list can be found here):

Making Money Simple - Peter Lazaroff
Peter Lazaroff is a financial professional who manages over $6 billion. He has managed to break down some of the most complex concepts in finance into smaller, understandable parts. Now, it clearly was written for a US audience, and a wealthy US audience at that, however, being a financial professional myself, I was able to absorb plenty of information that I can use in my business. I have already implemented a few of them, have you noticed?

Be Useful - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Who better to take advice from than a person who excelled at three VERY DIFFERENT fields in their lives? Don't think this is a biography, that's what the Netflix show is for (not FUBAR, that was not great). With plenty of real-world examples, Arnold (I can call him that, we're tight) breaks down what you need to think about as you go through life, whether you are looking to start a business, get in shape or be a better human being. This may be added to my annual read list. Bonus, the audiobook is read by him and he goes off-script a lot!

Same as Ever - Morgan Housel
In 2021, I read The Psychology of Money and ordered the book. I actually ordered 11 books and gave 10 of them away to clients. Then I sat in on my virtual book club's AMA with Morgan Housel. Then I was part of a panel with Morgan Housel. His newest book looks at the fact that the wrapper may be new but what's inside is still the same. Through stories, he outlines some areas in life where things never seem to change. If they never change, we should be able to prepare for them but, alas, we're still surprised when they happen.There was nothing groud-breaking here but it was all in one place. 

Delivering Massive Value - Matthew Jarvis CFP
Where Peter Lazaroff is a big market, CIO, who only works with mega-rich people, Matthew Jarvis is more like me; more concerned with the people and their endgame than the money and the rate of return. This book is an extension of his podcast and lays out many ways we advisors can make a major difference in someone's life OUTSIDE of the investing part. I have also started or plan to start implementing some of the ideas in this book as well.

Honourable Mention
It was another banner year for biographies. I took in books on Elon, Brittany, Cpt Picard, Jeff Bezos, and Geddy Lee. I also went way deep on the nerd scale with titles on Economics, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution and Behavioural Psychology. 

How about you? Read any good books lately?

Kenneth Coombs CFP CHS RRC

Ken has worked in the financial services industry since 2005 and holds the Registered Retirement Consultant and the Certified Financial Planner designation. Ken has written financial planning columns and has been a guest on financial radio and podcast programs.

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