Lifetime Book Club: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
Welcome back to the Lifetime Book Club! This month, we’re diving into a timeless classic that has guided countless individuals on their financial journeys: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.
Why We Love It:
The Richest Man in Babylon takes us on a journey to ancient Babylon, offering wisdom through parables that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. Clason’s storytelling makes fundamental financial principles come to life in a way that’s engaging and easy to grasp.
Key Takeaways:
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Pay Yourself First: One of the core lessons is the principle of saving at least 10% of your earnings. This simple yet powerful habit lays the foundation for financial growth and security. At Lifetime, we couldn’t agree more – prioritising your savings is a crucial step towards financial independence.
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Control Your Expenses: Clason teaches us to distinguish between needs and wants, and to live within our means. It’s a straightforward concept, but one that’s essential for maintaining financial health. We believe that smart budgeting is key to achieving your financial goals.
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Make Your Money Work for You: Investing wisely is another pillar of the book. The idea of putting your money to work through sound investments aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Lifetime. We’re here to help you make informed decisions that will grow your wealth over time.
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Seek Financial Wisdom: Learning from those with experience and knowledge is a recurring theme in the book. Whether it’s through reading, mentorship, or professional advice, educating yourself is crucial. At Lifetime, we’re dedicated to providing you with the insights and guidance you need to succeed.
Why You Should Read It:
The Richest Man in Babylon distils complex financial principles into easy-to-understand stories. Whether you’re just starting out on your financial journey or looking to reinforce your existing knowledge, this book offers timeless wisdom that can help you build a solid financial foundation.
Win a Copy:
We’re excited to share this wisdom with you! This month, we’re giving away a copy of The Richest Man in Babylon to one lucky Lifetime client. Click here to enter.
Happy reading, and here’s to making wise financial decisions together!
Market & Portfolio Update: February 2026
The global share market (represented by the MSCI World Gross Index) returned +1.4% in New Zealand dollar terms, despite many listed software companies facing pressure during the month. Investors are questioning how durable some software companies’ competitive advantages really are, as developments in artificial intelligence (AI) may make it easier to replicate their software. Nonetheless, the broader market tone was more resilient as investors continued to favour industries related to AI infrastructure.
Lifetime Book Club: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
In a world that often confuses busyness with success and income with wealth, this book offers a different perspective. One that suggests true wealth is freedom. Freedom over your time. Freedom over your decisions. Freedom to live life on your own terms.