To The Moon

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set some reading goals and dive into books that inspire, educate, and entertain. Here’s what’s on my reading list—and why I’m excited about it!

1. Revisiting Magical Worlds

I’d love to read more books from the Harry Potter series and perhaps explore spin-offs, fan interpretations, or deep dives into the wizarding world. The magical storytelling, fascinating characters, and intricate plotlines make these books hard to put down. Maybe even books about J.K. Rowling’s inspirations or how she built such a captivating world would be fascinating.

2. Deepening My Knowledge of Investing and Trading

One of my biggest goals for 2025 is to expand my knowledge of the stock market and build a more disciplined and informed approach to investing. The topic of investing is vast, and I plan to focus on several key areas:

Learning the Basics of Stock Analysis

To make smarter investment decisions, I’ll dive into books that teach the principles of fundamental and technical analysis. Books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, often referred to as the "bible of investing," will guide me in evaluating a company’s intrinsic value and building a margin of safety. For technical analysis, books like Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets by John Murphy can help me understand price patterns and market psychology.

Understanding the Strategies of the Masters

I plan to learn from the best by reading about the approaches of renowned investors like:

• Warren Buffett: Books like The Warren Buffett Way and his annual letters to shareholders are packed with wisdom on long-term, value-oriented investing.

• Peter Lynch: One Up on Wall Street offers practical advice on spotting opportunities in everyday life and investing in what you know.

• Ray Dalio: His book Principles: Life and Work combines lessons on investing with insights into leadership and decision-making.

• George Soros: For a more aggressive, macroeconomic perspective, I’d love to explore how Soros views global trends and executes trades accordingly.

Learning About Trading Techniques

While long-term investing is a priority, I also want to understand short-term trading strategies. Books like Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas and How to Make Money in Stocks by William O’Neil will help me grasp the mindset required for successful trading, along with technical setups and risk management techniques.

Diving into Financial History

To truly understand market behavior, I plan to read about historical financial events that shaped the world of investing. Books like Manias, Panics, and Crashes by Charles Kindleberger explore the cyclical nature of markets and how bubbles form. Learning from the past will help me recognize patterns and navigate uncertainties with greater confidence.

Exploring Behavioral Finance

Investing is as much about controlling emotions as it is about crunching numbers. Books like Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard Thaler will shed light on the biases and psychological traps that can affect investment decisions.

Expanding Knowledge into Alternative Investments

While stocks are a major focus, I also want to explore other asset classes like bonds, real estate, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Books like Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond by Chris Burniske and The Bond Book by Annette Thau can provide a well-rounded understanding of diversification opportunities.

Practical Portfolio Management

Building and managing a balanced portfolio is crucial for long-term success. I want to explore books that teach practical strategies, such as Asset Allocation by Roger Gibson and The Four Pillars of Investing by William Bernstein. These books focus on risk assessment, rebalancing, and how to align investments with life goals.

3. Exploring the History of the Stock Market

Understanding where we came from is critical to predicting where we might go. The history of the stock market is a treasure trove of lessons. I’m particularly intrigued by:

• The rise and fall of the Dutch East India Company and the early days of stock trading.

• The Great Depression of the 1930s and how it reshaped global finance.

• The Dot-Com Bubble of the early 2000s and its parallels to today’s tech-driven markets.

Books like Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahamed or The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson can provide a detailed and engaging look at these transformative moments.

4. Broadening Horizons with Other Genres

While my focus on investing is strong, I also want to mix it up with fiction, personal development, and biographies to maintain a balanced reading list.

5. Building a Reading Community

Another goal is to connect with other readers—especially those with similar interests in investing and finance. Sharing book recommendations and discussing key takeaways can enhance understanding and open doors to new perspectives.

What’s on your reading list for 2025? Let’s inspire each other to make this year full of amazing books and new discoveries! [Smile]