Trusted titles chosen by Phil to help you learn, grow, and think differently about your financial future. These are the books he’s enjoyed, learned from, or found himself recommending in conversations with clients over the years. You’ll find a mix of investing basics, personal finance favorites, big-picture economic reads, and a few unexpected gems that offer fresh ways to look at money and decision-making.
Whether you’re trying to build better financial habits, understand the markets a little more clearly, or simply pick up something interesting for your next read, Phil’s Library is here to guide you. Think of it as a friendly bookshelf—filled with ideas, stories, and perspectives that can stick with you long after you’ve put the book down.
The Price of Time - Edward Chancellor
The Price of Time digs into the history and importance of interest rates, showing how this seemingly simple number shapes everything from economic growth to financial stability. Chancellor explores how artificially low rates can encourage risk-taking, distort markets, and create unintended consequences that ripple through economies. It’s a fascinating look at why understanding the true “cost of money” can help investors make wiser, more informed decisions.
Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds - Charles MacKay
Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds explores some of history’s most fascinating moments when large groups of people got swept up in excitement, speculation, or fear—often with surprising and costly results. Through stories like the Dutch Tulip Mania and other financial bubbles, Charles MacKay shows how human psychology can push entire societies toward irrational decisions. It’s a memorable reminder that staying grounded, curious, and independent in our thinking can help us avoid the pitfalls of following the crowd.
Value Investing Makes Sense - Jean-Marie Eveillard
Value Investing Makes Sense offers a clear, thoughtful look at why focusing on a company’s true worth—rather than chasing trends—can lead to smarter, more resilient investing. Jean-Marie Eveillard explains the principles of patience, discipline, and independent thinking, showing how they help investors avoid common pitfalls and stay grounded through market ups and downs. It’s an encouraging reminder that long-term success often comes from sticking to sound fundamentals and resisting the noise of the crowd.
Devil Take The Hindmost - Edward Chancellor
Devil Take the Hindmost takes you on a historical tour of financial speculation, showing how markets have repeatedly swung between excitement and excess throughout the centuries. Edward Chancellor digs into famous booms and busts to highlight the patterns of risk-taking and optimism that tend to repeat themselves, no matter the era. It’s an eye-opening look at why understanding past manias can help investors stay thoughtful and steady when today’s markets heat up.
The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success - William N. Thorndike Jr.
The Outsiders profiles eight CEOs who delivered exceptional long-term shareholder returns by ignoring corporate “best practices” and instead allocating capital with unusual discipline. The common blueprint is radically rational decision-making—especially around when to buy back shares, make acquisitions, divest, or hold cash—paired with lean operations, decentralized management, and a focus on per-share value over flashy growth.