These books made Warren Buffett a billionaire. We read them for you

Business tycoon Warren Buffett has accomplished many things. A legendary investor, he owns or has an interest in many companies, including AT&T, Fruit of the Loom, Wells Fargo, Coca-Cola, GEICO, IBM, American Express, Dairy Queen, and The Kraft Heinz Company. (And those are just the giants.)

A man who always knew the value of a dollar, Buffett rose to notoriety after gaining a controlling interest in Berkshire Hathaway in the 1960s. While the company’s textile mills were failing, he took what little income they had and invested it in a variety of insurance companies and products. Even after the mills officially shut down in the 1980s, that was the name he kept for his holdings company.

Warren Buffett has not only established himself as one of the most incredible self-made wealth stories of our time, but he has also been sharing little bits of advice with us along the way. His 3-step strategy for focus has been analyzed backward and forwards, his daily activities are public knowledge and something many people try to mirror in their lives, and he doles out tips and tricks like there’s no tomorrow. His cartoon series Secret Millionaires Club — which aired from 2011 to 2017 — even provided practical steps to creating wealth for children to understand. Every bit of advice that comes from Buffett seems to drip gold itself, so when the man tells us about his favorite books and influential reads, we listen.

Below, check out some of his favorite reads over the years and why they’d make a pretty great addition to your library.

1. Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises by Tim Geithner

Why not start with a title that actually makes our blood boil? A financial crisis is not unique. It has happened multiple times in the last couple of decades, and if you’ve survived the last year or so the way we have, you can understand how important it is to be well educated on how to handle it. Written by the former US secretary of Treasury, the book details the mortgage crisis and how the government handled such a catastrophe to the economy. It is an ideal book for any manager to tackle as they learn how to navigate their team and prepare for crises, big or small.

If you’ve gathered nothing else from this year, the idea that you may have to pivot in life should stick with you. Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises is actually a good reference to have in your back pocket to help you feel like you can tackle any situation.

2. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Widely touted as one of the first books Buffett sought out for investment information at the age of 19, The Intelligent Investor is somewhat of a blueprint for anyone looking to successfully invest their money. Written by British-American economist and well-known investor and professor Benjamin Graham, Buffett warmly speaks of the title as “by far the best book on investing ever written.”

At its simplest, this book truly caters to brick and mortar establishments and the old ways of the world, though it still provides some fundamental insights to the investment world that are key for a beginner. In his 2011 and 2013 letters, he waxed poetic about its importance in his life, claiming: “Of all the investments I ever made, buying Ben’s book was the best (except for my purchase of two marriage licenses). In contrast, Ben’s ideas were explained logically in elegant, easy-to-understand prose (without Greek letters or complicated formulas).”

3. Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip A. Fisher

By the time Warren Buffett picked up Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher, he already seemed to be a die-hard fan of the Stanford Graduate School drop-out and the way he created success for himself. Not only did Fisher evaluate a company’s financial statements when approaching his own success, but he created a more well-rounded valuation of a company based on the company’s management and potential growth. His writings have helped to revolutionize the stock market in a way that allows people to better understand growth patterns and potential business blunders. Buffett has been quoted saying, “I am an eager reader of whatever Phil has to say, and I recommend him to you.”

4. The Clash of the Cultures by John Bogle

If you’re really struggling with patience and recognizing when the long game is the best game in financial management, you should definitely pick up John Bogle’s The Clash of the Cultures. Suggested by Buffett in his 2012 letter, Bogle focuses on the benefits of long-term investing in a world that makes short-term and quick-decision stocks feel like the optimal investment. (Note: Time is your friend. Play the long game.)

The book takes a more debate-like approach, paying specific mind in making sure the reader has a good understanding of the basics of investing, like outlining the different types of fund management so that the reader can get a more clear view of the stock market.

5. Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street by John Brooks

Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street was famously cited by Buffett as his favorite book in 1991. Bill Gates – another intense business mind – had asked for a recommendation, and was sent a copy in the mail by the Omaha-based tycoon. This book is innately interesting, as it is composed of anecdotes that give an outsider a well-rounded glimpse into the world of Wall Street. Real-world scenarios can help guide a business mind — Harvard Business School works almost solely with real case studies — which makes this book so innovative, even today. While Slate has dubbed the book “catnip for billionaires,” it has served as prime reading to our generation’s money-makers.

6. Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? by Fred Schwed

Included in his 2006 shareholder letter, Buffett praised a book that brings a little more humor to the world of investing than we are used to. The title itself comes from an anecdote in the book about a visitor to New York City who noticed all the yachts and boats belonging to investment bankers, and wondered why those who were investing with those people didn’t have their own fancy things. While the book was first published back in 1940, the sentiment is still largely the same.

Buffett highlights it as “the funniest book ever written about investing,” while Schwed lays his own experience on Wall Street out for everyone in a very honest and intriguing way. This read probably belongs on the “comedy” shelf in your library, with a note attached that says “still some practical insight, be sure to read up.”

Investing your money isn’t the intense headache that we have all truly been made to believe as outsiders to this Wall Street world. But there are some things to look out for. If you’re well-read on any one of the books in Buffett’s library of financial advice, you’ve got a true leg up. What better time than now to look into your own investment options, and perhaps pursue a career in wealth management?