My New Favorite Financial Book

I have often been asked for recommendations on what I think are the best books on investing and financial matters. Early last year, I wrote in this space about The Behavior Gap by Carl Richards (Finer Things - January 2023). Some of the art on my office wall are also his creations and I regularly receive questions, comments and even compliments on those as well.

I recently read The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security by Scott Galloway and it has taken the top spot and become my favorite financial book and the number one recommendation I have for people—especially young people—on how to save and invest intelligently. I could not be more enamored with this book.

I first heard of the author on a few recent podcasts to which I subscribe. I found it strange that I had never heard of this seemingly high-profile guy and suddenly he was on several of my different go-to media outlets. He was also a recent guest on Bill Maher’s show. After hearing his interviews and commentary, I had to explore his work more and quickly secured a copy of his most recent book.

I was enchanted by his articulate, practical and relatable message. He communicates what can seem like complex or intimidating concepts by breaking them down into simple, bite-size nuggets of easily digestible information. He writes with a conversational tone that I found to be exceptionally eloquent. And I was delighted by the fact that much of his message echoed what I have preached for as long as I have been providing financial advice…and that is, the secret to building wealth is to do it slowly!

Scott Galloway is a serial entrepreneur and is now a professor of marketing at NYU Stern School of Business. He has served on the boards of directors of the New York Times, Urban Outfitters and Berkeley Haas (University of California’s business school). This book is a terrific read for young adults just starting out in their post-college lives as well as more seasoned adults preparing for retirement and the later phases of their lives.

The Algebra of Wealth - Amazon

–Gary Weiss, September 2024