Fans pick 22 books like Pioneering Portfolio Management

By David F. Swensen,

Here are 22 books that Pioneering Portfolio Management fans have personally recommended if you like Pioneering Portfolio Management. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Goals-Based Wealth Management: An Integrated and Practical Approach to Changing the Structure of Wealth Advisory Practices

Tony Davidow Author Of Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management

From my list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tony Davidow has more than 35 years of experience in working with advisors, institutions, and ultra-high-net-worth investors regarding advanced asset allocation strategies, and the use of alternative investments. He's currently Senior Alternatives Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute. Previously, Davidow held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab among other firms. He's a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, and goals-based investing. In 2020, he received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and in 2017, he was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler Writing Award for excellence in editorial contributions.

Tony's book list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change

Tony Davidow Why did Tony love this book?

Jean Brunel was one of the early adopters of goals-based investing.

Brunel shares insights from his decades working with high-net-worth investors. This book serves as a foundation for all those that followed, and provided credence to aligning investments to specific goals, rather than merely outperforming some arbitrary benchmark.

By Jean L. P. Brunel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Goals-Based Wealth Management as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Take a more active role in strategic asset allocation

Goals-Based Wealth Management is a manual for protecting and growing client wealth in a way that changes both the services and profitability of the firm. Written by a 35-year veteran of international wealth education and analysis, this informative guide explains a new approach to wealth management that allows individuals to take on a more active role in the allocation of their assets. Coverage includes a detailed examination of the goals-based approach, including what works and what needs to be revisited, and a clear, understandable model that allows advisors to help individuals…


Book cover of The Purposeful Wealth Advisor: How to Build a Rewarding Career While Helping Clients Achieve Their Dreams

Tony Davidow Author Of Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management

From my list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tony Davidow has more than 35 years of experience in working with advisors, institutions, and ultra-high-net-worth investors regarding advanced asset allocation strategies, and the use of alternative investments. He's currently Senior Alternatives Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute. Previously, Davidow held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab among other firms. He's a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, and goals-based investing. In 2020, he received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and in 2017, he was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler Writing Award for excellence in editorial contributions.

Tony's book list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change

Tony Davidow Why did Tony love this book?

Raj Sharma is an industry veteran who has spent decades dealing with wealthy investors.

Sharma describes the evolution of the wealth management industry, and the importance of total wealth management. This is a good book for financial advisors who are beginning their careers, or for advisors who are seeking to evolve their practices to better meet their client’s needs. 

By Raj Sharma,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Purposeful Wealth Advisor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There are gaps to be filled in the wealth management industry . . . and you can make the difference.

Talking about money is taboo in many families, for many reasons. This lack of transparency spells opportunity for the wealth manager who can offer sane, sound, and practical advice for handling money successfully. However, many wealth management firms aren’t representative of the people they serve. Most focus too narrowly on the ultrawealthy, and the business as a whole isn’t as diverse as the United States―and it should be. There’s a world of opportunity in the financial advisory business, particularly for…


Book cover of Beyond Greed and Fear: Understanding Behavioral Finance and the Psychology of Investing

Tony Davidow Author Of Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management

From my list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tony Davidow has more than 35 years of experience in working with advisors, institutions, and ultra-high-net-worth investors regarding advanced asset allocation strategies, and the use of alternative investments. He's currently Senior Alternatives Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute. Previously, Davidow held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab among other firms. He's a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, and goals-based investing. In 2020, he received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and in 2017, he was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler Writing Award for excellence in editorial contributions.

Tony's book list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change

Tony Davidow Why did Tony love this book?

Hersh Shefrin shares research and insights regarding behavioral biases, and how investors respond to emotional stimuli.

Even though the research on behavioral finance has been around for decades, it hasn't been effectively incorporated into advisor practices. Shefrin emphasizes the importance of financial advisors to understand and embrace behavioral finance. He argues to ignore these psychological tendencies would be foolish and unwise.

By Hersh Shefrin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beyond Greed and Fear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of behavioural finance. With the use of the latest psychological research, Shefrin helps us to understand the human behaviour that guides stock selection, financial services, and corporate financial strategy. He argues that financial practitioners must acknowledge and understand behavioural finance - the application of psychology to financial behaviour - in order to avoid many of the investment pitfalls caused by human
error. Shefrin points out the common but costly mistakes that money managers, security analysts, financial planners, investment bankers, and corporate leaders make, so that readers gain valuable insights into their own financial decisions…


Book cover of The Art of Asset Allocation: Asset Allocation Principles and Investment Strategies for any Market

Tony Davidow Author Of Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management

From my list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tony Davidow has more than 35 years of experience in working with advisors, institutions, and ultra-high-net-worth investors regarding advanced asset allocation strategies, and the use of alternative investments. He's currently Senior Alternatives Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute. Previously, Davidow held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab among other firms. He's a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, and goals-based investing. In 2020, he received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and in 2017, he was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler Writing Award for excellence in editorial contributions.

Tony's book list on wealth advisors who want to embrace change

Tony Davidow Why did Tony love this book?

David Darst offers a foundational perspective on the importance of asset allocation.

Darst examines the differences between strategic and tactical asset allocation, and the historical risk-return characteristics of asset classes. He also acknowledges some of the behavioral biases of investors and suggests how to deal with them effectively.

By David Darst,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Art of Asset Allocation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the all-in one guidebook for understanding - and profiting. It is from - today's most up-to-date, market-proven asset allocation strategies. All investing constitutes a trade-off between the returns you seek and the risks you are willing to take. Asset allocation involves the spreading of those risks in order to minimize their potential impact. Too often, however, even minor misuse of asset allocation principles can adversely affect portfolio performance - and lead advisors and investors to disregard the very tools they need to get their portfolios back on track. "The Art of Asset Allocation" is today's most comprehensive and…


Book cover of Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment

Martin S. Fridson Author Of Investment Illusions: A Savvy Wall Street Pro Explores Popular Misconceptions About the Markets

From my list on investing from a money manager.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a money manager for high-net-worth individuals. During my Wall Street years, I was ranked number one in my category in the Institutional Investor All America Research Survey for nine consecutive years. The CFA Society New York presented me its Ben Graham Award in 2017. I’ve served as a governor of the CFA Institute and consultant to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. My writings have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, the Financial Times, and various scholarly journals. I live in New York City with my wife, musicologist Elaine Sisman. We have two children and five grandchildren.

Martin's book list on investing from a money manager

Martin S. Fridson Why did Martin love this book?

As head of the Yale University endowment fund, the late David Swensen was one of the foremost innovators and most successful practitioners of institutional investing. Remarkably, he also wrote one of the best books ever for individual investors. Unconventional Success shows why on average, mutual fund investors significantly underperform the funds they own: They trade excessively, buying at the highs and selling at the lows, creating tax inefficiencies in the process. Swensen also valuably details hazards to avoid in fund selection. 

By David F. Swensen,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Unconventional Success as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In UNCONVENTIONAL SUCCESS, investment legend David Swensen reveals why the for-profit mutual fund industry consistently fails the average investor, from its excessive management and incentive fees to the frequent 'churning' of portfolios that forces investors to pay higher taxes. Perhaps most destructive of all are flagrant schemes designed to thwart regulators and further erode portfolios, limiting investor choice and reducing returns. Swensen's solution? A 'contrarian' investment alternative that creates more diversified, equity-oriented, 'market-mimicking' portfolios that minimize loss and reward the investor with the courage to stay the course. Swensen backs up his unconventional proposal with well-documented evidence supporting not-for-profit investment…


Book cover of The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio

Larry R. Frank Sr. Author Of Wealth Odyssey: The Essential Road Map for Your Financial Journey Where Is It You Are Really Trying to Go with Money?

From my list on issues that confuse many people about money.

Why am I passionate about this?

Wealth Odyssey is a summary work based on a 12-hour adult education course I taught for 10 years. It’s important to me to educate people through my 29 years in the profession (1994-2023), my focus has always been on helping people first understand that retirement means you’re wealthy enough not to work anymore – working is optional. You don’t need to be rich. Wealth is scalable for any income level and comes from foundation income and investments to supplement that foundation to support your desired lifestyle’s Standard of Individual Living (SOIL) for as long as you live. Your focus should be on your plan and apply a few concepts grounded in well researched evidence.

Larry's book list on issues that confuse many people about money

Larry R. Frank Sr. Why did Larry love this book?

This is a wonderful book organized around four main concepts, each valuable in their own right: 1) The Theory of Investing; 2) The History of Investing; 3) The Psychology of Investing; and 3) The Business of Investing. 

The latter, the business section makes it clear the stockbroker is not your friend, even though they’re friendly (by design). Having started my career on the sales side of the business, I quickly learned the agenda is less about the customer and more about product sales, even though I was also a Certified Financial Planner ProfessionalTM

I dropped sales licenses and became a fee-only advisor and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) where the focus is on planning and helping clients achieve their wants and goals.

The principles in Bernstein’s book marry well with those of both Swedroe’s and Statman’s books (above) in the application of growing…

By William Bernstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Four Pillars of Investing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This new edition of the bestselling guide brings sophisticated investors-including institutional and individual investors, investment bankers, and those who want to follow in the footsteps of legends like John Bogle-up to date on ETFs, risk management, neuropsychological investing concepts, and more

Since its original publication two decades ago, The Four Pillars of Investing has become a classic guide for serious investors. The practicalities of investing, however, have changed dramatically, particularly pertaining to ETFs, and thinking has evolved about a host of key issues, such as lifecycle finance, the nature of risk, and basic finance and neuropsychological concepts. This new edition…


Book cover of Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Superperformance in Stocks in Any Market

T. Livingston Author Of Swing Into It: A Simple System For Trading Pullbacks to the 50-Day Moving Average

From my list on learning stock market trading.

Why am I passionate about this?

The stock market has been a passion of mine for over 15 years. These books have helped me learn how to spot trends and manage my risk while trading in stocks and cryptocurrencies through bull and bear markets. 

T.'s book list on learning stock market trading

T. Livingston Why did T. love this book?

Mark Minervini is undoubtedly one of the greatest traders to ever live. This book is an absolute gem, building on what O’Neil wrote in his book. Minervini has gotten his trading down to absolute precision, from when to buy, when to sell, and how to screen for stocks. It’s all in here. A must-read for anyone looking to learn about trading.

By Mark Minervini,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Minervini has run circles around most PhDs tryingto design systems to beat the market." -- JACK SCHWAGER, bestselling author of Stock Market Wizards

"Mark's book has to be on every investor's bookshelf. It is about the most comprehensive work I have ever read on investing in growth stocks." -- DAVID RYAN, three-time U.S. Investing Champion

"[Minervini is] one of the most highly respected independent traders of our generation. His experience and past history of savvy market calls is legendary." -- CHARLES KIRK, The Kirk Report

"One of Wall Street's most remarkable success stories." -- BEN POWER, Your Trading Edge

THE…


Book cover of Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement

Wade Pfau Author Of Retirement Planning Guidebook: Navigating the Important Decisions for Retirement Success

From my list on preparing you for retirement.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am economist who first started exploring retirement planning for my own personal situation. I became so captivated by the topic that I changed fields and was selected as the Professor of Retirement Income at the American College of Financial Services. I am a past curriculum director for the Retirement Management Analyst designation and past program director for the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation. More recently, I am the co-creator of the Retirement Income Style Awareness and co-host of the Retire with Style podcast. I enjoy learning and teaching about all topics related to retirement.

Wade's book list on preparing you for retirement

Wade Pfau Why did Wade love this book?

When looking for the birth of retirement income planning, many arrows will point to William Bengen, a financial planner who looked to the historical data to better understand about what the sustainable spending rate from an investment portfolio is.

His pioneering research led to what is known today as the 4% guideline for retirement spending. In this book, he combines all his previous research into an easy-to-digest format. He explores what can be learned from historical data when it comes to retirement spending.

By William P Bengen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The leading edge of the baby boomer wave will pass through age 68 this year. Retirement looms large for them and the 20-year generation that follows. Although many in the generation have saved to supplement their retirement, they will probably live longer in retirement than any previous generation, so they must grapple with questions about how to manage that money and make it last. The purpose of this book is to present the author's groundbreaking research into this topic, presenting new material as well as an update of the original research in a comprehensive, authoritative form.


Book cover of The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor

Martin S. Fridson Author Of Investment Illusions: A Savvy Wall Street Pro Explores Popular Misconceptions About the Markets

From my list on investing from a money manager.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a money manager for high-net-worth individuals. During my Wall Street years, I was ranked number one in my category in the Institutional Investor All America Research Survey for nine consecutive years. The CFA Society New York presented me its Ben Graham Award in 2017. I’ve served as a governor of the CFA Institute and consultant to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. My writings have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, the Financial Times, and various scholarly journals. I live in New York City with my wife, musicologist Elaine Sisman. We have two children and five grandchildren.

Martin's book list on investing from a money manager

Martin S. Fridson Why did Martin love this book?

Forget bromides such as buying a stock because your experience with the company’s product has been good. The hugely successful money manager Howard Marks makes the essential point that the goal is not to find good companies but to make good purchases. “It’s not what you buy,” he says, “it’s what you pay for it.”  Investors who are interested in good outcomes rather than thrills will find many more sound principles in this book.

By Howard Marks,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Most Important Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This is that rarity, a useful book."--Warren Buffett Howard Marks, the chairman and cofounder of Oaktree Capital Management, is renowned for his insightful assessments of market opportunity and risk. After four decades spent ascending to the top of the investment management profession, he is today sought out by the world's leading value investors, and his client memos brim with insightful commentary and a time-tested, fundamental philosophy. Now for the first time, all readers can benefit from Marks's wisdom, concentrated into a single volume that speaks to both the amateur and seasoned investor. Informed by a lifetime of experience and study,…


Book cover of The World's Simplest Stock Picking Strategy: How to make money investing in the companies in your life

Jason Kelly Author Of The 3% Signal: The Investing Technique That Will Change Your Life

From my list on to learn systematic stock market investing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing and The 3% Signal, among other financial books, and editor of The Kelly Letter. Despite having been ranked by CXO Advisory as one of the best stock-market forecasters, I gave up the practice in favor of price reaction. I realized that nobody knows where stocks are headed, myself included, and set out to find ways to beat the market without forecasting—and succeeded. My readers and I are now much happier and wealthier.

Jason's book list on to learn systematic stock market investing

Jason Kelly Why did Jason love this book?

I liked this book enough to write a blurb for it, as follows: “Any plan that would have led investors to Amazon, Apple, and Google is fine by me—and this one would have. Edward Ryan has created a systematic framework for owning what you know, a tried-and-true tactic.” No less a luminary than Peter Lynch endorses the idea, and in this book you’ll learn five steps to systematize it: list your life activities, extract stock ideas from them, rank those stocks, invest, and manage the portfolio. The second step is the most interesting to me; it’s where you consider which products and services in your life are most likely to keep a stock moving higher.

By Edward W. Ryan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The World's Simplest Stock Picking Strategy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every investor needs an edge.

Professional investors on Wall Street have the best education, the deepest knowledge of company accounts, the latest technology, and teams of analysts at their disposal to help them identify the best stock investments. That is their edge. As a part-time, individual investor, you cannot compete on their turf.

What can you do? This is where The World's Simplest Stock Picking Strategy comes in.

As you go about your life, there are companies you interact with regularly as a consumer. Some companies will stand out to you as having remarkable products or services, which you use…


Book cover of Goals-Based Wealth Management: An Integrated and Practical Approach to Changing the Structure of Wealth Advisory Practices
Book cover of The Purposeful Wealth Advisor: How to Build a Rewarding Career While Helping Clients Achieve Their Dreams
Book cover of Beyond Greed and Fear: Understanding Behavioral Finance and the Psychology of Investing

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