Three Books I Wish I Read before I Turned 18

These books will help you understand money and imbibe self-discipline to live the life you desire

Eighteen is an important milestone in a young person’s life. You finally begin to gain the freedom to do a few things you love to do. It’s certainly an age many young people look forward to for independence. In many countries, you can now vote in general elections in your country, drive a car, take credit cards, operate a bank account independently, attend parties, the list goes on. On your 18th birthday, you finally turn to your parents to request the things they promised you couldn’t have until you turned 18. I certainly did this. Did you?

There were many things I wish I knew and did better when I turned 18. I wish I had more self-discipline and better knowledge of money. Like many other young persons, at 18, all I thought about was how to spend any money I had. I had no idea about budgeting, investing, or how to save money. Here are the books I wish I had read before I turned 18 in no particular order.

The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason

This book teaches a story of a certain rich man during the ancient times in Babylon where he was persuaded to teach others how he was able to build and grow.

George brilliant’s piece on personal finance enlightens us by living below our means, reducing debts, working hard, and investing money. The Author provided insights into steps to help everyone get smarter and wiser with money.

What I learned:

Pay yourself first

The principle that immediately appealed to me was the intentional act of paying myself first. It’s interesting how much work we put into earning an income, and when the money shows up in our bank accounts, we don’t reward ourselves. Instead, we are focused on paying all other bills or purchasing essential and non-essential items.

I have never looked back since paying my first, and this has come in very handy. Not only because I deserve it but also because it makes me feel fulfilled and look towards the future.

I’m glad I now own a copy of this brilliant piece, and I would have recommended it to my 18-year-old self.

Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert Kiyosaki

Second on the list is the series by Robert Kiyosaki, who had two dads — a rich one and a poor one. The real dad was the poor one, while the rich dad was his dad’s closest friend. This book is a must-read for people getting started with money, investing, and the economy.

Robert explores the use of money as a tool for creating wealth. He highlights the habits of the poor and the middle class, how they work for money, and how their lives depend on the paycheck. He also articulates the practices of the rich, which makes them wealthy and more affluent by making money work for them instead of working for money.

What I learned:

Maintain a low status and live within your means

• Assets produce income and increase in value. On the other hand, Liabilities lead to debts because they take money out of your pocket and depreciate. If you want to become rich, you need to acquire assets and not liabilities.
• Saving money will not make you rich. To become wealthy, you need to make your money work for you by investing in areas you are knowledgeable about. Early investment is essential.

No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline — Brian Tracy

The last in the series is Brian Tracy’s brilliant piece on self-discipline. Brian Tracy is a renowned author who has published over 40 books on productivity, personal development, and career success.

Each chapter in his “No excuses” book teaches us to be more disciplined in our lives. He also provided practical, real-life exercises as a guide. The book offers simple ways to become self-disciplined in daily living by focussing on oneself instead of being envious of others. Self-discipline is essential for building self-esteem and personal pride and will provide ways to overcome daily challenges and live the life you desire.

What I learned:

“No Excuses! teaches us that self-discipline is the key to success and gives us practical advice to master it and achieve self-actualization, happy relationships, and financial security” — Clara Lobina

Final Summary

If I could go back in time, I would recommend these books to my 18-year-old self. These books will help you learn about self-discipline, money management, investing, and how to make sound financial decisions for your future.

Self-discipline is essential to living an extraordinary life and achieving your goals. Money is a great resource. It can easily be misused if there is no sound financial understanding and self-discipline. Money lives with only those that understand it.

Many young people, including myself, did not have access to financial education while growing up. These ideas were not taught in school. We thought all we had to do was spend everything we got and save a little to have more fun in the future.

If you want to get ahead in your life and career, it’s important to understand money early and imbibe self-discipline to achieve your goals.

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