I’m a big fan of books.
For the price of a couple of coffees, the right books are powerful and can change your life – how good is that?
Books offer so much more than YouTube shorts and Instagram reels. They offer you a deep dive into mindset, behaviour, and offer practical action rather than a mere snippet.
I find many people fail at building wealth not because of a lack of information, but because of information overload and lack of direction. Books solve that.
When I embarked on writing my book Minimalist Investor, my simple aim was to offer the clear information someone would need to really change their thoughts on money, spending, and investing.
But it wasn’t that simple.
It was many months of hard work making it all fit together as a cohesive whole, and then more months painfully editing and making it a simple and useful read.
And all that for very little profit! After printing costs and fees, it barely makes £1 per book. But that’s not the point – the point is we systematically fail to understand money and building wealth for our future, when all it takes is a simple conversation (or a simple book) to give us the heads up and guidance we need.
Not bad for the price of a couple of coffees!
If you’re serious about investing and building wealth in the UK, reading the right books is one of the highest-return investments you can make.
Good beginner books on investing in the UK
Investing in the UK is simpler than you may expect, especially if you opt for passive investing such as index funds within an ISA or SIPP.
Below are some great beginner books on investing which are UK-specific.
Yes, that’s my book, but surely I should plug it as your best starting point?
It’s written specifically to solve problems most UK investors face – such as strategies to lower income tax through salary sacrifice, SIPP contributions, and maximising your ISA (and LISA) allowance.
It also covers frugal living, minimalism, and the sheer cunningness of product marketing and consumerism – do you know where all your money goes!?
In addition to the Minimalist Investor book, below are some of the best books on investing if you’re in the UK.
Smarter Investing – Tim Hale
This is the UK equivalent of The Simple Path to Wealth. Tim Hale explains passive investing in plain English, focusing on diversification, asset allocation, and long-term discipline rather than chasing returns. It’s written specifically for the UK system.
You’ll learn how to use ISAs, pensions and low-cost index funds properly, and why behaviour matters more than market timing.
Why would this book benefit you?
If you’re confused but sensible with money, this book gives you a calm, evidence-based framework you can stick with for decades. It’s especially useful if you want clarity without hype — and want to avoid expensive mistakes.
The Meaningful Money Handbook – Pete Matthew
This book walks through the entire UK personal finance system: budgeting, debt, investing, ISAs, SIPPs, and tax efficiency. Pete Matthew explains things in a very accessible way, assuming no prior knowledge.
There’s a strong emphasis on real-world decisions—how much to invest, where to put it, and how to balance pensions against other goals.
Why would this book benefit you?
Ideal if you want a joined-up view of your finances rather than just an investing manual. It’s particularly useful if you’re earning over £50k and trying to make sense of tax thresholds, salary sacrifice and pension contributions.
How to Own the World – Andrew Craig
A broad, thoughtful look at global investing across shares, property, bonds and alternative assets. It goes deeper than most beginner books and explores how wealth is built across different economic cycles.
The UK tax environment is considered, but the book is more conceptual than step-by-step.
Why would this book benefit you?
Best for readers who enjoy context and depth. If you want to understand why different assets behave the way they do—and are happy with a more detailed read—this adds valuable perspective.
Reset – David Sawyer
A mindset-focused book that looks at modern money problems: debt, consumerism, and financial stress. It’s less about picking funds and more about reshaping how you think about money and long-term security.
Why would this book benefit you?
Useful if investing feels emotionally overwhelming. This book helps you reset your relationship with money before you optimise the mechanics.
Adventures in Money – Andy Farrell
A beginner-friendly introduction to personal finance and investing, written in an engaging, non-technical style. It covers saving, investing basics, and avoiding common mistakes.
Why would this book benefit you?
Good if you want something easy to absorb without spreadsheets or jargon. It’s less technical, but great for confidence-building.
Seven Myths About Money – Rob Dix
This book challenges common financial assumptions — about debt, investing, property and risk — using clear examples and behavioural insights.
Why would this book benefit you?
Helpful if you feel stuck between conflicting advice. It sharpens your thinking and helps you make more confident, rational decisions.
The Naked Trader – Robbie Burns
A straightforward guide to stock market investing, written in a very readable, almost conversational style. It leans more towards active investing than passive funds.
Why would this book benefit you?
Best for readers curious about individual shares but who want something approachable rather than technical. Not essential—but engaging.
How to Become a Microcap Millionaire – Justin Waite
A niche book focused on investing in very small UK-listed companies. It’s higher risk and far more hands-on than passive investing.
Why would this book benefit you?
Only suitable if you enjoy research and accept volatility. Not a beginner default—but interesting for those with appetite for active investing alongside a core portfolio.
What investing books do you recommend, and why?
Have you read a book on investing which would benefit UK investors?
If so, feel free to add a recommendation in the comments below!
Leave a Reply