Top 7 Financial Magazines Smart Investors Should Read

Many millionaires and successful entrepreneurs swear by reading the morning newspaper or keeping up with monthly subscriptions. If you want to stay on top of the latest financial trends, as well as getting solid, long-term insight that you can use in your financial planning efforts, reading financial magazines can be a big help.

To get the most benefit out of these financial magazines, choose two or three, and read them regularly. This will allow you to develop a solid understanding of which way the markets are blowing, as well as providing you with the information you can use to shore up your financial situation.

However, there are so many magazine titles on the market that choosing which ones to read can feel even more challenging than picking the right stock!

Here at Investor Junkie, we've pinpointed the top seven financial magazines for smart investors to consider reading.

Editor's Note: Although it's not specifically a magazine, special mention must be made of The Wall Street Journal. The Journal has been a go-to resource for financial news since 1889.

1. Barron's

As we've previously stated in our Barron's review, few magazines are as respected as Barron's when it comes to investing and finance.

Barron's is published every week and is devoted entirely to investing, unlike other magazines that also feature general business and world news. Every issue is chock full of ideas for the individual investor, with in-depth analysis, charts, and everything else you need to make an informed decision.

Although Barron's is written with the assumption that you understand the market basics, it's not an overly technical read. And you'll learn a lot.

You can also head over to Barron's website, where you'll find quick links to details about your favorite companies and their stocks. There's plenty of information and analysis on what's happening in the markets and how to profit from what's happening day-to-day.

Every week, Barron's includes a pullout called “Market Week.” This special section focuses on news-driven analysis from the previous week and includes several different trading ideas for the international markets. “Market Week” also lists the closing prices for the most active stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, closed-end funds, commodities, bonds… you name it… from around the world.

Together, Barron's and “Market Week” are a weekly one-two punch and a vital resource for investors.

2. The Economist

If you are into economics and how the larger picture might change your smaller picture, The Economist is a solid choice.

This venerable publication has been around for a long time (since 1843!), and bringing an intelligent view of the world to your doorstep every week. In its pages, you'll find in-depth articles about politics, economics, science and technology, and more, as well as business and finance.

With a subscription to The Economist, you'll really feel as though you have a handle on the situation, whether it's a local or global effect, no matter what that situation is. And if you sign up for both a print and digital edition, you'll also receive The Economist Espresso a daily morning briefing from the magazine's editors.

Every December, The Economist publishes The World in…, a collection of predictions and insights for the year ahead.

3. Kiplinger's

If you are looking for practical advice and information on what to do next, Kiplinger's Personal Finance is an excellent choice. This magazine has long been the top choice of investors and economy-minded individuals for personal finance topics.

Kiplinger's is published every month, but its publishers also release a range of weekly newsletters on subjects from taxes to planning your retirement. The “Kiplinger's Tax Letter” is excellent for those who want to make sure they are legally and properly handling their taxes and investments.

Kiplinger's recently unveiled another tie-in service, an email service called “Kiplinger's Alerts.” These briefings deliver actionable information to your computer or mobile device.

The magazine's website is also an excellent resource for topics including investing, insurance, taxes, retirement, and even small business.

4. Investor's Business Daily

Investor's Business Daily is a great choice for serious investors. It's a finance magazine aimed at investors and offers investment research and education, delivering a lot of great information. As its name implies, it's released daily.

Until recently, Investor's Business Daily would arrive on your doorstep every morning. But times have changed now subscribers receive only one physical copy a week. For the rest of the week, they can access their daily issues on the publication's website — investors.com.

Read the market analysis, as well as other commentary and information about finances and investing. It's solid information from a respected resource, so you can be sure you're always up on current events and have the most accurate information possible.

5. Bloomberg Businessweek

Although it's sometimes a little sensationalist, Businessweek is still one of the more respected business publications. You can get a great insight into business and management and read commentary on how the latest economic and political news will impact your investment portfolio.

Bloomberg Businessweek also features a website that provides you with a comprehensive look at what's happening right now and helps you figure out how it is likely to affect you and your portfolio or finances.

They offer three ways to subscribe and receive this regular publication: print only, mobile/web-based, or tablet membership. Or choose all three and make sure you never miss any important information.

6. Forbes

Forbes magazine is a great source of information for news and financial updates. This business-focused magazine publishes articles related to finances, economics, investing, and marketing. In recent years the magazine has been completely revised to make it much more current. This is no longer your father's financial magazine.

Forbes also reports on things like technology, science, and law in relation to how these industries will affect your investments or business. It showcases up-and-coming entrepreneurs, startups, and tech that are expected to change the future of our culture.

The magazine is also well-known for its lists and rankings of the wealthiest people and companies in America, such as the Forbes 400.

Forbes also publishes actionable investing newsletters, which are delivered right to your email inbox, as well as a new digital network intended for female Millennial entrepreneurs, called Women@Forbes.

7. Money

Now available in only digital format, Money Magazine gives investors access to topics that include investing, saving, retirement, and taxes. It also offers practical tips on lifestyle topics like paying for college, credit, career, and home improvement.

The best part that will interest you as an investor, though, is you can read up on stocks, find out news about the economy, insurance rates, loans, and more. The magazine frequently does features on retirement-related topics by showcasing real-life case studies and stories.

No matter what stage of life you're in, Money Magazine aims to share the advice you need.

Readers: There are many other financial magazines out there. What are your favorite financial publications?