Must-Read Books for Financial Advisors to Kickstart 2026 (Updated)

Updated February 2026: Some of the better books for financial advisors in 2026 cover market cycles, behavioral finance, practice growth, and emerging trends like AI and crypto. This updated list features titles like Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks and Scaling Up by Verne Harnish, chosen to sharpen planning, investing, and client-communication skills for the year ahead. 

Last year, I shared a list of must-read books for financial advisors, and the feedback was fantastic (check out here).

Now - a year later - if you’ve finished that list and need fresh inspiration, you’re in luck.

With 2025 just around the corner (now over), I’ve curated a new collection of must-read books designed to sharpen your skills in financial planning, investing, and practice growth. These titles cover everything from market cycles and scaling a business to Artificial Intelligence and geography - knowledge to help you grow in the year ahead.

I firmly believe reading is critical to success in any field, especially in building a competitive edge. And while others might skip these books, think of it as an investment in yourself that makes you more valuable. As Warren Buffett famously said:

"Read 500 pages every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest."

Of course, 500 pages every day is a tall task. But that doesn't mean don’t read.

Thus, whether you’re a seasoned advisor or just starting out, these titles will help you stay ahead of the competition.

So, treat yourself - or a fellow financial advisor - to the gift of knowledge this year.

Here are this year’s top picks by category:

Financial Planning

• Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All Your Money Goals by Grant Sabatier - Step-by-step strategies for helping clients achieve financial independence and build lasting wealth.
• Advice That Sticks: How to Give Financial Advice That People Will Follow by Dr. Moira Somers - Practical insights into the psychology of financial planning to help clients trust and follow your advice.

 Investment Strategies

• Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks - A must-read for understanding market cycles, with insights to help advisors make smarter timing decisions during booms and busts.