Quote: (09-10-2015 11:02 AM)MdWanderer Wrote:
If you can, I would invest in paid courses and use the self-teaching methods to supplement it. You might have some questions about certain things you do not understand and its helpful to go to an expert when you get stuck. Assuming that those teachers have had real world background in accouting/business and have worked in the real world using it, their insight would be helpful to your own development. Remember, people are dependent on your knowledge and expertise if you plan to start a business and you want as much of it as you can so you will be dependable.
I put it this way (to use an extreme case). If you ever needed open-heart surgery, would you trust a doctor more who has a.) gone to school and was vetted by other doctors that he knew what he was doing, or b.) one who has only learned online and through reading. School is expensive, but the hands-on experience and expert guidance is well worth it.
This is agreeable for people who need to be professionals(ie: Lawyers, Doctors and Engineers).
However, he made it clear he wasn't interested in a regular profession. College is not a bad option for looking into careers but you should consider taking some time to explore your options before you go to college. It isn't the end of the world if you wait until you are 24 or 25 to go to school(And might be better considering most women are attracted to older men).
You seem to be interested in learning how to make money which is fine. On business books, here are some to start off with. Look into reading the following books.
a) 40 Alternatives to College-By James Altucher
b)The Education of Millionaires-By Michael Ellsberg
c) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-By Steven Covey
d)Think and Grow Rich-By Napoleon Hill
e)How to Win Friends and Influence People-Dale Carnegie
f)How will you measure your life-By Clay Christensen
g)Zero to One- By Peter Thiel
h)Secrets of Closing The Sale-By Zig Ziglar
i)No B.S. Direct Marketing: The Ultimate No Holds Barred Kick Butt Take No Prisoners Direct Marketing for Non-Direct Marketing Businesses-By Dan Kennedy
You can easily look into other subjects as well which you mentioned such as Accounting, finance and economics. I can't say much on accounting because accounting practices differ from country to country.
If you want to start learning economics, I would recommend Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell. When you are done with that, look into his other book Applied Economics.
For investing, check out The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. I would also look into Barron's Finance. http://www.Investopedia.com is also a great site for learning the basics on finance.
Also, if you ever want to learn more on the fundamentals, go to a university book store, write down the titles they have for the courses, than order those books for yourself. For a self taught person, an older edition is cheaper and just as good.