Financial freedom means being able to live your life without worrying about money, and focusing on what really matters. Sounds like a good goal to strive for.
Still, the road to financial freedom takes more than just wanting it - it takes commitment, discipline and growing awareness. Fortunately, several knowledgeable Estonian authors have shared their knowledge and experience in inspiring and educational books.
Investing as a way of life
Investing is more than just putting money into stocks or real estate - it's a long-term commitment to managing your finances and changing your mindset. The longer you save and invest, the better the results you'll see in your investment account, which in turn builds your motivation to handle money wisely.
By investing, you'll come to understand the basics of saving and spending money, as well as how the business world and markets work more broadly. A savvy investor knows exactly where their money is going and keeps a good overview of the current state of the markets they've invested in.
To help you grow on your journey towards financial freedom, we've picked out the five most practical books to help you both take your first steps and build on the experience you've already gained in the world of investing.
1. "Rikkaks Saamise Õpik" ("The Getting Rich Handbook") – Jaak Roosaare
Jaak Roosaare's "Rikkaks Saamise Õpik" is the best-selling investment book in Estonia and a real gem for anyone who wants to start their journey towards financial freedom.
The book offers practical advice on how to start investing, how to find the motivation to save money, and how to set up effective money management, with a specific focus on the Estonian economic environment.
Whether your goal is to work up to major investments or simply improve how you manage your money, "Rikkaks Saamise Õpik" is a great starting point.
2. "Alustava investori käsiraamat" ("The Beginner Investor's Handbook") – Taavi Pertman
"Alustava investori käsiraamat" is a thorough guide that helps anyone easily understand the basics of investing, introduces different investment options, and provides concrete exercises for getting started with investing.
Getting started with investing can feel like a scary step into the unknown for many people.
Luckily, Taavi Pertman has drawn on his own experience to write a book that helps beginner investors get past these fears and take their first steps as an investor.
3. "Rahaedu põhimõtted" ("Principles of Financial Success") – Kristjan Liivamägi, Tõnn Talpsepp, Tarvo Vaarmets
The first part of the investing trilogy, "Rahaedu põhimõtted", focuses on achieving financial freedom. The book combines theory and practice, offering Estonian readers tips and strategies tailored specifically to local conditions, presented in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
All 3 authors have dedicated their lives to investing and have both long-standing experience and relevant academic backgrounds. Among other things, all of them hold doctoral degrees and have published internationally recognised research on investing.
4. "Kuidas alustada investeerimisega?" ("How to Start Investing?") – Kristi Saare
Kristi Saare's book "Kuidas alustada investeerimisega?" is meant for anyone who feels they'd like to start investing but isn't sure how to go about it.
Saare shares her own experience and lessons learned, describing how she started investing on a teacher's salary, setting aside just 10 € a month. Today, Kristi has become one of the most respected investors among Estonia's money-savvy community.
The book focuses on practical steps for improving your financial situation and explains how to make your first investments. You'll also learn about the risks involved, why it's important to diversify your investments, and what tax aspects you need to take into account.
5. "Kuidas ma investeerin börsiaktsiatesse" ("How I Invest in Stocks") – Seppo Saario
The book by Seppo Saario, one of the most respected investors among our northern neighbours, "Kuidas ma investeerin börsiaktsiatesse", is an updated edition that reflects today's fast-evolving investment landscape. This book helps you take the next step as an investor, offering a great overview of how to succeed on the stock market and how to find profitable stocks.
Saario, whose advice has been followed for decades, offers clear and realistic guidance on how stock markets work in an age of rapid change, and gives advice on how to find the best opportunities on the market and reduce the risks that come with investing.
Achieving financial freedom isn't an elusive, vague goal - it's the result of consistent action and informed decisions. All the books mentioned above offer valuable information and practical advice to help you move towards financial freedom.
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