Some of the most historic names among financial advisors are those who never studied much about finances as a discipline, but took hazardous risks, and thereafter shared their knowledge with the masses. Often, there were successful investors, brokers, and others who led simple lives but had extraordinary dreams. They wrote books and educated people across several channels via broadcast and digital media - only to reach out to the world at large. Eventually, they became inspirational financial advisors without enrolling themselves in any formal course as such! And these gurus are who we look up to as we battle through tough decision-making. Here are a few of the best who you should look up to.

Benjamin Graham

When it comes to value investing, there’s no one more superior to the father - Benjamin Graham - himself. This investment occurs when undervalued stocks are identified and bought, which has all the potential to witness growth over time. To calculate the intrinsic value of a company, the approach is a solid one. After all, it eschews all such ideas, trends, and practices that rely a great deal on thorough research, financial analysis, and patience. No doubt these are what we considered as standards now, but back then it was truly revolutionary (at least in the 1930s). Some of the most successful investors in the last 70 years have been Graham’s disciples. For starters, The Intelligent Investor (1949) is a must-read, especially for stock traders and asset managers.

Warren Buffett

Graham’s most famous follower is better known as the Oracle of Omaha. Investor Warren Buffett ensured he kept his mentor’s name alive, after adopting the principles taught to him. However, Buffett didn't follow his guru blindly and he devised his strategies. He had offered huge profits to his original partners and that’s when he publicly announced the acquisition of the famous Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-A) in the late 1960s. The company was eventually made as to the holding company, for all the other investments he had.

Peter Lynch

In between 1977 to 1990, Lynch managed the Fidelity Magellan Fund (FMAGX). While acting in his tenure, he had provided investors with almost a 29% annual compounded rate of return. Once he left the fund, he took to authoring some of the best-sellers that we can lay our hands on even now! Three best-sellers detailed his investment philosophy and focused on small investors and their capability in performing better at the stock market, compared to the large asset managers.

Jim Cramer

We know him as the TV host, but originally he was the hedge fund manager. Best recognized for forming opinions on any stock or economic topic within the shortest time possible - he was a person with a rare quality indeed. The program Mad Money was the perfect blend of a fast and loud show. Even when chaos prevailed at large, Cramer dispensed practical advice and information targeted towards teaching individuals how they could think like true financial experts. His website TheStreet.com offers a sneak-peek into Wall Street-based news, views, commentaries, and more.

Robert Kiyosaki

With more than 30 million copies sold to date, the best-seller Rich Dad, Poor Dad is the brainchild of the genius author - Kiyosaki. The author also conducts frequent real estate seminars (franchised via the Rich Dad Company) and personal finance sessions. He stands out for his fundamental philosophy - the creation of passive streams of investment income and continued growth of the same, till those can offer adequate support and you don’t have to work.

Ben Stein

If you have watched Comedy Central’s prime show Win Ben Stein’s Money, then you would know the fame and name that the actor and host has carved for himself. But did you know that he’s also a former economist and a law professor? Certainly, his Hollywood persona made him a larger-than-life figure, and he is a much sought-after guest in several shows now, mostly based on financial news. With his amazing and confident personality, along with wit, humor, expert advice, and straightforward opinions - he sticks to the point, no matter what.

If you choose to take their words and thoughts into account and walk in their footsteps, the likelihood of you making it to this list sooner and later can’t be ruled out either. At least, you will attain financial freedom, something you yearned for.