When it comes to building long-term wealth, few people are more respected than Warren Buffett. Known for his disciplined approach to value investing and lifelong learning, Buffett often credits his success to the books he’s read.
For women over 40—many of whom are navigating career pivots, financial independence, or planning for retirement—learning from Buffett's bookshelf can be a game-changer.
Here are 10 timeless investment books Warren Buffett has praised, with insights tailored for women seeking smart financial growth in 2025.
1. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
Why Buffett recommends it: By far the best book on investing ever written.”
Why it’s great for women over 40: This classic teaches the fundamentals of value investing and emotional discipline—perfect for building a secure financial future with confidence.
2. Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham & David Dodd
A more technical deep dive than The Intelligent Investor, this book is for women who want to understand how to evaluate businesses like pros. Think of it as your financial “x-ray vision.”
3. Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher
Buffett credits this book with teaching him to value the quality of a business, not just the price. Women interested in growth stocks or entrepreneurship will gain a lot from Fisher’s insights into long-term investing.
4. Business Adventures by John Brooks
Buffett loved this collection of Wall Street case studies so much, he sent it to Bill Gates. It offers valuable lessons in leadership, risk, and resilience—skills that are just as useful in life as they are in finance.
5. The Essays of Warren Buffett by Lawrence Cunningham
This curated selection of Buffett’s annual shareholder letters provides plainspoken wisdom on investing, business, and integrity. Perfect for women who want to understand Buffett’s mindset directly.
6. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle
Buffett has praised Bogle for creating the index fund, and this book explains why. Ideal for busy women looking for low-maintenance, high-reliability investing strategies.
7. Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? by Fred Schwed Jr.
A humorous, brutally honest look at Wall Street’s flaws. This one helps readers stay grounded and skeptical—especially useful in a world full of financial influencers and “get rich quick” schemes.
8. The Outsiders by William N. Thorndike
This book highlights CEOs who excelled at capital allocation—something Buffett emphasizes constantly. It’s perfect for women who are entrepreneurs, investors, or even managing family finances.
9. Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charles T. Munger
Buffett’s business partner offers timeless advice on decision-making, mental models, and living a principled life. It’s less about investing and more about *how to think*—a must-read at any age.
10. Tap Dancing to Work by Carol J. Loomis
A collection of Fortune articles and interviews chronicling Buffett’s life and career. It gives context to his strategies and philosophies, offering inspiration to women creating second (or third!) acts in life.
Final Thought: Knowledge Is Compound Interest
Buffett’s reading habit is a key part of his success. For women over 40 looking to take control of their financial future, these books offer more than just strategies—they offer clarity, confidence, and independence.
Start with one. Take notes. Apply the lessons. You don’t have to be Warren Buffett to build wealth—you just have to think like him.
Which of these books are you most excited to read? Drop a comment and let’s build wealth together—page by page.