As soon as I had a real job, I had a financial advisor who was recommended by a colleague. I found him mostly shady, but he opened my eyes to all I didn't know about finances and wealth.
So, I started learning on my own. Over three decades, my focus has shifted as have my influences, but I owe a lot to these people:
The 2000s - David and Tom Gardner
Before I worked at The Motley Fool, I was reading the books: You Have More Thank You Think and Rule Breakers, Rule Makers were two inspirations to get me started in the world of investing at a young age where I could appreciate the power of compounding.
The 2010s - Dave Ramsey
With the ushering in of the 2010s, I became a father and provider and realized I needed to get my house in better order. The reinforcement of the Baby Steps on his podcast and reading The Total Money Makeover were key to getting personal finances squared away.
The 2020s - Morgan Housel
Morgan and I were once colleagues at the Fool. I regularly read his column and attended his talks. His focus on behavioral science in the Psychology of Money meets my current focus on mindset. I am looking forward to his new book Same as Ever coming soon.
These people were the right inspiration at the right moments in my financial and investing journey.