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Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective through exposure to a pair of disparate influences: his own highly educated but fiscally unstable father, and the multimillionaire eighth-grade dropout father of his closest friend. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" (whose weekly paychecks, while respectable, were never quite sufficient to meet family needs) pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad" (that "the poor and the middle class work for money," but "the rich have money work for them"). Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, written with consultant and CPA Sharon L. Lechter, lays out his the philosophy behind his relationship with money. Although Kiyosaki can take a frustratingly long time to make his points, his book nonetheless compellingly advocates for the type of "financial literacy" that's never taught in schools. Based on the principle that income-generating assets always provide healthier bottom-line results than even the best of traditional jobs, it explains how those assets might be acquired so that the jobs can eventually be shed. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective through exposure to a pair of disparate influences: his own highly educated but fiscally unstable father, and the multimillionaire eighth-grade dropout father of his closest friend. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" (whose weekly paychecks, while respectable, were never quite sufficient to meet family needs) pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad" (that "the poor and the middle class work for money," but "the rich have money work for them"). Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, written with consultant and CPA Sharon L. Lechter, lays out his the philosophy behind his relationship with money. Although Kiyosaki can take a frustratingly long time to make his points, his book nonetheless compellingly advocates for the type of "financial literacy" that's never taught in schools. Based on the principle that income-generating assets always provide healthier bottom-line results than even the best of traditional jobs, it explains how those assets might be acquired so that the jobs can eventually be shed. --Howard Rothman
Download Description
A #1 New York Times bestseller, 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' is a true story on the lessons about money that Robert Kiyosaki learned from his two "dads." One dad, a Ph.D. and superintendent of education, never had enough money at the end of the month and died broke. His other dad dropped out of school at age 13 and went on to become one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' will . . .· Explode the myth that you need to earn a high income to become rich · Challenge the belief that your house is an asset · Show parents why they can't rely on the school system to teach their kids about money
· Define once and for all an asset and a liability · Teach you what to teach your kids about money for their future financial success. In 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad', Robert Kiyosaki explains how to make your money work hard for you instead of you working hard for money.
Customer Reviews:
Rich Dad Poor Dad Audio CD.......2007-10-24
EXCELLENT material! Recommend to everybody! The secret to becoming rich is actually no secret at all. It is available to anyone willing to work for it.
Very helpful information !.......2007-10-21
This is a book I didn't like at first, and later on found it to be very valuable and useful. It truthfully tells you where you need to spend your time if you really want to become rich. To use these methods presented in the book, you will have to work really hard, take risks, study, plan, and take the subject matter presented seriously.
Disappointing.......2007-10-20
I bought this book out of curiosity, to see for myself what the hype is all about.
I have to admit that the first part really drew my attention. Co-writer Sharon Lechter did a good job placing the story in the setting of two kids growing up. It makes the simple content digestible.
But then out of the blue Mr. Kiyosaki takes the word and it feels like the editor didn't have the time to finish her job. It is embarrassing to see K. showing off and telling us how he made his fortune being a real estate speculant.
Regards,
Norbert
An Interesting Perspective.......2007-10-20
While it is difficult to imagine what new commentary one could add to the thousands of reviews of this fine book, I thought it would be beneficial to point out a significant characteristic that seems rarely touched by others. Namely, the testimony-like nature of the message.
While there are many business and investment books on the market worth the time to read, few are as adept as Robert Kiyosaki (and his actual writer, Sharon Lechter) at contextualizing his instruction. By giving the reader a "this is what happened to me, and this is what I learned from the experience" message, the author is essentially giving his own personal narrative of his life's journey into his present understanding of business and investments. By so doing, he offers the reader insight into the WAY a person of his economic stature thinks...and more importantly, WHY.
The autobiographical nature of the text adds tremendous flavor to the message this best-selling book conveys. In my opinion, Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a remarkable book that anyone interested in business and/or investments should consider a "must read" in their studies.
Moreover, to truly garner the key nuggets of the author's revelation, one should also immediately read the sequel, Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom. Nearly twice as thick, this second text is truly the finishing touch on the original work.
In conclusion, the few negative reviews I have read of Rich Dad, Poor Dad seemed to be written by those who expected something different than what was intended by the author. By logical extension, it appears obvious that they failed to read the sequel so that they could truly conceptualize the appeal of the author's message...an appeal that has made this not only a best-seller, but a true legend in the business non-fiction genre.
Inspirational stories - but repetitive information.......2007-10-19
Robert Kiyosaki has shared a lot of his personal experiences of making money. I enjoyed reading the first few chapters. The rest, pretty much carried the same information. This book motivates you to become rich. The author recommends to develop and use your ingenuity to create wealth.
I couldn't still understand why "buying a house" couldn't be considered as a way of asset creation. Most of the author's examples are about real estates & investing in stocks.
If you want to get inspired about making money, this is the book to read.
Book Description
In e-Learning and the Science of Instruction authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayerâ internationally recognized experts in the field of e-learningâ offer essential information and guidelines for selecting, designing, and developing e-learning courses that build knowledge and skills for workers learning in corporate, government, and academic settings.
Customer Reviews:
E-Learning and the Science of Instruction.......2007-01-03
(My first language is Spanish, so excuse any misspells) I have been working on delivery management, and now development, of online courses ind Guatemala since 1999, for a private university, international training organizations and government. Among all my research to learn about the topic and improve my work, this piece of literature is among the very best. It bases its conclussions on research results, it places the human being (who is the target of e-learning programs) in the center of the process and, based on that, and other aspects, it provides valuable information on what works and what doesn't, concerning teaching methodologies for online teaching and/or training programs. Though, it does not concentrate or cover management systems for e-learning program delivery, another very important issue for successful distance programs. The book is great, simple and clear. Bright!!
Valuable resource........2006-11-11
Ruth Colvin Clark continues to put out valuable resouces for those interested in multimedia education. This would be a valuable addition to any library.
Great for eLearning Designers and Reviewers.......2006-08-01
With many years of experience in building eLearning and educational software I was looking for a reference to back up my "I know it when I see it" thoughts on good and bad courseware. This book met or exceeded my expectations. I like that the chapters are shorter and that the observations are backed up with study results. The References section is a valuable collection of eLearning studies in itself. There are also useful checklists included with the book.
There are some newer technologies such as Wikis and Blogs that are not covered in the book, but since the authors focus on proven techniques with studies to back them up it's unlikely such technologies would receive a lot of coverage at this point.
If you're responsible for designing or reviewing courseware this is a very good nuts-and-bolts reference.
A book that every person in this field need to use.......2005-06-04
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction is a must have for anybody that is already a pro, or just starting out at designing web-based instruction. The authors give outstanding guidance for every step of the way, from explaining theories to the best way to set up your web site. It shows excellent illustrations of what to do, as well as what NOT to do. This book is a tool that every one in the business shouldn't be without.
Excellent practical book for practitioners.......2005-05-16
I have been designing and developing e-Learning for 6 years and this book has been wonderful to help remind me of some basics, teach me a few things, and give excellent practical advice as I continue developing. I am not one to read textbooks or non-fiction but I find this writing style very easy to read and I am able to easily apply the concepts. If you have never developed e-Learning but are studying the topic in school, this book may come across as dry and hard to read. Hold on to it and pick it up after you've been developing for a year or so and I'm sure you'll find it as useful as I have.
Book Description
An economist's version of The Way Things Work, this engaging volume is part field guide to economics and part expose of the economic principles lurking behind daily events, explaining everything from traffic jams to high coffee prices. The Undercover Economist is for anyone who's wondered why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great, or why they can't seem to find a decent second-hand car, or how to outwit Starbucks. This book offers the hidden story behind these and other questions, as economist Tim Harford ranges from Africa, Asia, Europe, and of course the United States to reveal how supermarkets, airlines, and coffee chains--to name just a few--are vacuuming money from our wallets. Harford punctures the myths surrounding some of today's biggest controversies, including the high cost of health-care; he reveals why certain environmental laws can put a smile on a landlord's face; and he explains why some industries can have high profits for innocent reasons, while in other industries something sinister is going on. Covering an array of economic concepts including scarce resources, market power, efficiency, price gouging, market failure, inside information, and game theory, Harford sheds light on how these forces shape our day-to-day lives, often without our knowing it. Showing us the world through the eyes of an economist, Tim Harford reveals that everyday events are intricate games of negotiations, contests of strength, and battles of wits. Written with a light touch and sly wit, The Undercover Economist turns "the dismal science" into a true delight.
Customer Reviews:
dry wit and real world examples make this a mostly enjoyable introductory course in economics.......2007-10-07
Harford offers us an introductory course in economics with a dry wit and lots of interesting, real-world examples. There are a few dry stretches (such as the extensive treatment of agricultural land prices), but the book is mostly engaging and some parts are very entertaining. For example, Harford's treatment of price targeting and how supermarkets and Amazon have used technology to target customers is intriguing and fun. I also found the treatment of stock valuations insightful. In explaining the reasons that poor countries stay poor, he tells quirky (albeit disheartening) tales of his time in Cameroon. It isn't quite as fun a read as Freakonomics, but it does a better job of teaching fundamental economic principles. (Freakonomics shows that economics can be interesting and can answer questions you wouldn't expect it to; The Undercover Economist shows that economics can be pretty interesting and answer fundamental questions that you would expect it to!)
Harford is refreshingly aware of the weaknesses of the free market but does a solid job of characterizing its strengths. Sometimes the analysis is simple (the history of China's recent development, for example) and may miss important points. The key to remember is that Harford is teaching basic principles with a great deal of explanatory power but not with _all_ explanatory power. Take away the principles from your reading, but don't treat the analysis of a given application as definitive.
Relative to a similar volume, Landsberg's Armchair Economist, this is more enjoyable: Harford relies more on real-world examples and empirical research (not entirely, but more) than does Landsberg with his hypothetical scenarios, although I also enjoyed Landsberg. (I guess this isn't surprising: would you rather shadow an Armchair Economist or an Undercover Economist? The answer is clear!) I have yet to read some of the others, such as Naked Economics (I'd rather _not_ shadow a Naked Economist, given most economists I know) or Discover Your Inner Economist.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a good job reading the unabridged audiobook, which consists of nine compact discs.
Much better than Freakonomics indeed!.......2007-10-04
I've read a number of "popular economics" books recently, and Tim Harford's is my favorite by far! His writting is witty and very much to the point.
flawed.......2007-06-11
Yes it is well-written. Yes it enlightens people ignorant re: economics like myself.
Unfortunately, anyone who bothers to match up his premises and conclusions will find gaps - no matter how rational and convincing the writing seems. There is a strong and obvious bias, especially at the concluding sections of each chapter, which diminishes the value of almost anything he says. At least I know what the issues are now, but from his writing I can't depend on Harford for unbiased data.
A clear, enjoyable, and educational read.......2007-06-11
The strength of this book is that Harford explains pretty traditional, mainstream economics in a way that the non-economist can appreciate and realize its importance. With all sorts of politicians and special interest groups touting economic policies to make the world a better place, Harford's book helps us to be better citizens and make informed decisions. And I found Harford to be a pretty engaging writer that made the chapters breeze by.
Most interesting to me with the chapter on health care, which explains why it is so costly and unsatisfactory in the United States with private insurance, and quite frankly, isn't much better in other countries with national health care plans, such as the UK. Harford cites Singapore as an example where patient choice coupled with governmental intervention in the event of extremely costly health care as a system that works, and explains the economics behind it.
Given the enormous discussions on free trade, immigration, health care reform, and effective economic policies for developing nations, Harford's book is quite welcome in neatly spelling out the economic issues and the paths to progress in what I felt was a balanced view of the issues. I'm glad I read it.
CD verson was very insightful and great fun!.......2007-06-06
First I will point out that I never had a course in econ, so that may be part of the reason I found this work to be so wonderful. In the CD version Robert Ian MacKenzie reads the book so that you think some devilish man is taking great delight in revealing to you the wicked ways of how the world works. Trickery and trust issues are a big part of this. The author, through MacKenzie, points out that the difference in a few cents worth of ingredients differentiates a product sold for about one dollar from one, more special, sold for three dollars.
I do agree with another reviewer that the used car argument made by the author is not that tight. But an important concept is being advanced nonetheless.
One of the many good takeaways for me is the economists' notion of truth, wherein the truth is determined by what people do and not what they say. What is important to people is shown by what they freely choose when they have the chance, and may have little to do with what they want their government to do or provide for them.
It clearly is pro-capitalist, and well defends that view. E.g., while not being in favor of harsh conditions, it notes that sweatshops are not the problem but rather a symptom of worse alternatives the workers in a sweatshop have available to them. Sweatshops didn't cause terrible poverty, but even sweatshops make the lives of workers better.
Overall I found this to be great fun to listen to. Intellectually, it is a powerful source of information and ideas to anyone who is not familiar with economics (I can't speak for those who are).
Book Description
“The economy [isn’t] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product),” notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPR’s Marketplace, “economics is about who gets what and why.” In this acclaimed and riveting book–part exposé, part user’s manual–the astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much to why efficiency is not necessarily the answer to ensuring a fair society, from improving health care to curing crosstown traffic–all the dirty little secrets of dollars and cents are delightfully revealed by The Undercover Economist.
“A rare specimen: a book on economics that will enthrall its readers . . . It brings the power of economics to life.”
–Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics
“A playful guide to the economics of everyday life, and as such is something of an elder sibling to Steven Levitt’s wild child, the hugely successful Freakonomics.”
–The Economist
“A tour de force . . . If you need to be convinced of the everrelevant and fascinating nature of economics, read this insightful and witty book.”
–Jagdish Bhagwati, author of In Defense of Globalization
“This is a book to savor.”
–The New York Times
“Harford writes like a dream. From his book I found out why there’s a Starbucks on every corner [and] how not to get duped in an auction. Reading The Undercover Economist is like spending an ordinary day wearing X-ray goggles.”
–David Bodanis, author of Electric Universe
“Much wit and wisdom.”
–The Houston Chronicle
From Publishers Weekly
Nattily packaged-the cover sports a Roy Lichtensteinesque image of an economist in Dick Tracy garb-and cleverly written, this book applies basic economic theory to such modern phenomena as Starbucks' pricing system and Microsoft's stock values. While the concepts explored are those encountered in Microeconomics 101, Harford gracefully explains abstruse ideas like pricing along the demand curve and game theory using real world examples without relying on graphs or jargon. The book addresses free market economic theory, but Harford is not a complete apologist for capitalism; he shows how companies from Amazon.com to Whole Foods to Starbucks have gouged consumers through guerrilla pricing techniques and explains the high rents in London (it has more to do with agriculture than one might think). Harford comes down soft on Chinese sweatshops, acknowledging "conditions in factories are terrible," but "sweatshops are better than the horrors that came before them, and a step on the road to something better." Perhaps, but Harford doesn't question whether communism or a capitalist-style industrial revolution are the only two choices available in modern economies. That aside, the book is unequaled in its accessibility and ability to show how free market economic forces affect readers' day-to-day.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Harford exposes the dark underbelly of capitalism in Undercover Economist. Compared with Steven Levitt’s and Stephen J. Dubner’s popular Freakonomics (*** July/Aug 2005), the book uses simple, playful examples (written in plain English) to elucidate complex economic theories. Critics agree that the book will grip readers interested in understanding free-market forces but disagree about Harford’s approach. Some thought the author mastered the small ideas while keeping in sight the larger context of globalization; others faulted Harford for failing to criticize certain economic theories and to ground his arguments in political, organizational structures. Either way, his case studies—some entertaining, others indicative of times to come—will make you think twice about that cup of coffee.
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Good Read About How Economics Affects Us.......2007-10-05
"The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford gives readers an economist's view of many aspects of how the free market works and how it can bring about certain societal conditions.
Topics discussed in "The Undercover Economist" include the power of controlling scarce resources, how supermarkets price goods to maximize profits and confuse consumers, and how inside information affects negotiations.
An interesting chapter Why Poor Countries Are Poor evaluates the role corruption and kleptocracy play in keeping poor countries poor. Harford points out that corruption is not only unfair, but it's also ineffective at distributing resources and growing a country's economy.
As one resident of a poor country notes, even if the country receives massive financial aid to improve infrastructure, it doesn't matter, because the dictators tend to pocket the money. And, what is actually spent on infrastructure is often wasted.
Harford writes: "Development projects are often commissioned by people with no great interest in success but a great interest in bribes and career advancement. If the effectiveness of the project is a minor consideration, then it can hardly be a surprise if the project does not deliver on the publicly announced aims, even if it has delivered on the real aims of enriching bureaucrats." [Unfortunately, this is happening more and more in America today due to the growth of earmarks, where politicians set aside government investment for specific projects. These projects benefit cronies who in turn support the politicians.]
People have little incentive to get an education in a corrupt country, because people don't receive jobs based upon meritocracy. Jobs are given to political cronies. Governmental institutions then become dysfunctional. The institutions tend to become more corrupt. The lesson: institutions do matter, and an objective rule of law is crucial to a country's economic well-being. The citizens of a country ultimately pay for political corruption.
"The Undercover Economist" devotes one chapter to understanding what happened during different government auctions of cellular radio spectrum, i.e., the right to create cellular networks and thus sell phone service to customers. How the auctions were set up played a major role in determining if the auctions were effective in raising revenue for the government.
Harford compares the spectrum auctions to auctioning off your house, worth $300,000 and receiving either $3,000 or a whopping $2.3 million. The author includes a good discussion of poker and game theory. In the case of the successful U.K. auctions, Harford says economists showed they could "earn their keep."
"The Undercover Economist" argues it's important to set rewards and penalties, so it's in the best interests of people and industries to behave responsibly (we'll just define "responsibly" as meaning what broader society wants). By doing so, Harford suggests economic policies can address major problems not usually considered economic in scope.
For example, Harford discusses how sulfur emissions were reduced by auctioning off the rights to produce a given quota of sulfur emissions. Harford explains: "They [the EPA] set up an auction for the right to emit sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Polluters were given a quota of emission permits and could either buy more permits in the auction or reduce their emissions by shutting down, installing sulfur scrubbers, or buying cleaner coal. When the EPA simply tried to tell them to install sulfur scrubbers, the power generators argued that it would be very expensive to do so, and they lobbied hard to stop the mandatory regulation. Even the EPA estimated that the cost of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions by one ton would probably be in the range of$250 to $700 and might be as high as $1,500. But when the EPA conducted the auction in 1993, very few polluters made high bids. The companies had been exaggerating their costs. By 1996, permit prices had fallen to $70 a ton, and even at that price many polluters were buying cleaner coal or installing scrubbers rather than buying permits to continue polluting. ... The regulators discovered that getting rid of sulfur dioxide was so cheap that few people were willing to pay much for the right to keep producing it."
Harford says economists today could create the same sort of auctions for dealing with greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. Through such an auction system, Harford says, we'd quickly learn just how much it really costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford is a readable introduction to many aspects of economics and how they play out in everyday life.
The Economist as Detective.......2007-09-19
Ever since the surprise success of "Freakonomics", a flood of economics books for the general public have been published, all trying to cash on the success of that peculiar best seller. According to the principles explained in Tim Harford's book, that is probably a mistake: profits come from scarcity - so further books about `the economics of everyday life' face diminishing returns. And yet, Harford offers several explanations as to why such books may continue to be published: one is that if everyone thinks that economics books are going to be best sellers, an editor who wouldn't publish economics books may lose her job. I'm merely speculating, of course, but this is what happened (with dotcom stocks instead of econ books) to Tony Dye, chief executive of Phillips & Drew (pp. 135-137).
Tim Harford's stuff, though, is worth reading. A regular contributor to slate.com and the financial times, Harford has the gift of explaining complicated economic ideas in accessible language.
Although the comparison to "Freakonomics" is made prominently by the book's cover (which in my version includes an endorsement from Freakonomist Steven Levitt himself, as well as a description as the "elder sibling" of Freakonomics by `The Economist'), `The Undercover Economist' is the better economics book. Freakonomics, after all, doesn't teach too much economics: beyond emphasizing that "people respond to incentives" (an important message, for sure) it answers such questions as whether Sumo wrestlers cheat (They do) and what name should you give your child (It doesn't matter). Harford, on the other hand, explains such valuable economic concepts as rent seeking, externalities and asymmetrical information, and does so in a language that suits both academics and laypeople, with fun examples and a little history of economic though to boot. What more can you ask for in a popular book?
For those with a little knowledge of economics (I have an undergraduate degree in Business Economics) much of it will be familiar. And yet there are enough interesting tidbits that don't make it into your average introductory economics textbook. The chapters about the stock exchange and the application of game theory for auctions were both informative, thought provoking, and fun to read.
For me, the great revelation was the discussion of the environmental effects of globalization. I admit that I have long considered environmental damage to be the most credible counter argument to economic benefits of trade; But Tim Harford makes a good case that that ain't so. "Races to the Bottom" in which countries compete for the worse environmental regulations are unlikely, Harford argues - the advantage in producing "dirtily" is simply not big enough. Rather, Harford shows that protectionism leads to over production, and thus to pollution. And yet, Harford acknowledges that economic growth as such does hurt the environment. And therefore the dilemma of environmentalism or growth is not entirely imaginary - just exaggerated.
There are times when Harford does not raise his opponent's best arguments. In the chapter on free trade, Harford does not discuss various theories of Path Dependencies and learning curve. In the chapter of poverty, he hardly discusses the effects of the environment on economic growth (a major issue in Jeffrey Sachs'The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time), or the questionable legacy of western imperialism. I'm not saying that these are irrefutable objections - quite the contrary - but Harford doesn't quite do them justice.
Still, Harford's book is well written, entertaining, and informative. It targets the economically challenge but has something to offer to all readers, no matter how economically astute.
An excellent treatment of everyday economics.......2007-08-26
I must begin by saying that I liked this book very much. Not to cut suspense, since the review is obviously favorable all along, but just to set a positive tone for the start.
On the surface, "The Undercover Economist" is just another popular economics book, of the kind that is quite common lately (Freakonomics is one example that immediately comes to mind). However, once you finish reading it (paying attention all the way, of course), you realize it presents some relatively deep ideas, explaining them very thoroughly and logically connected pieces from different aspects of economics.
The book begins by a thorough overview of supply and demand, providing simple and befitting examples, both from real life and imaginary. Next, it treats the topic of price targeting (also called "differential pricing") - with really a huge assortment of examples from diverse fields. Then, it explains about free markets and what's good about them.
The connection of market freedom to "finding the truth" is enlightening, and becomes even more so while reading further. The author then moves to more macro-economic topics, discussing globalization and the economic situation in third world countries, such as Cameroon. Finally, he concludes the book with a thorough treatment of the changes in the Chinese economy in the past 30 years. This is the best part of the book, in which all the concepts presented in previous sections come together to explain why the communist system prevailing in China before 1976 failed, and why the gradual freeing of its economy in the years that passed since succeeded on a magnificent scale.
Here are another few topics that I found interesting, in no particular order:
* Why is wine always very expensive in restaurants ? Because one of the big costs in a restaurant is table space. Restaurants would therefore like to charge customers for dawdling, but because they can't do that, they charge higher prices for products that tend to be consumed in longer meals, like wine, appetizers and desserts.
* The story of how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA reduced sulfur pollution problems in the 1990s by cleverly issuing "pollution permits" that factories could buy. This way, the "truth" was exposed - the real costs of pollution reducing equipment to companies.
* Did you ever think about what an "efficient economy" means. Simple. If we can point to a change that could make at least one person better off, and nobody worse off, we (economists) say that the current situation is inefficient. This simple explanation is much deeper than it first appears, as it sets one of the basic rules of free markets - in an efficient market, everyone lives on the margins (excepts of one having scarcity power). If some field is too profitable, more competitors will enter it.
* There is an excellent treatment of the problems with the USA's current health care system that's worth reading, not only for Americans.
* When we bash dictatorships in third world countries, we must keep in mind that not all dictatorships are equally bad. In fact, stable dictatorships damage their country's economy much less than unstable ones. This is because stable dictators expect to stay in power for a long time, and hence don't have an interest to rob the economy too much, because that will reduce from their future profits. Unstable dictators, OTOH, are the worst kind - they just come to power, steal as much as possible and disappear. The author cleverly compared stable dictatorships to biological viruses, that have over time evolved not to kill the host body, but rather to use it in order to feed and reproduce to other bodies.
As I mentioned, I really liked this book. In fact, I think it's one of the best popular-economics books I've ever read. It is very highly recommended.
Powerful and fun!.......2007-08-08
Who said that economics was boring?
Tim Harford, a young English economist, has written a splendid book, probably the best I have read of its kind, about the application of the basic economic principles to little things. This book is for anyone with common sense ---even economists--- who want to better understand the world we live in.
The analysis is rigorous and consistent, yet simple and fun. In a natural way, Harford reaps the rewards of almost 300 years of economic doctrines to explain how things work, why frequently they fail to work properly, an what can be done to fix them.
Setting "good economics" at the service of anyone who wants to learn from it, the author explains with a clean logic why freedom and trade probably are the main pillars of modern societies. Indeed, it seems that there is not more direct way for achieving sustained economic growth and social development.
Harford emphasizes the goodness of a free market, in which prices give adequate information for efficient resource allocation, but without idolatrizing this system of exchange. In fact the author devotes many pages of the book to explain the serious problems that emerge when imperfections, as the lack of competition, the presence of externalities, information asymmetries, and inadequate institutions, are important.
Current affairs as corruption, poverty, globalization, environmental problems, and the emergence of China are analyzed with good detail under the magnifying glass of the "undercover economist", who always offers a fresh perspective of the problem and an opportune remark. If these remarks were listened by at least some of the people that actually takes policy decisions, no doubt it will deliver some gains to more than one person without taking from any other.... Pure economics!
Econ 101 Deja Vu.......2007-07-21
Not as incisive as all the reviewers seemed to think....that is all those folks in New York and Washington. A nice review of how principles of economics work out in the marketplace. A bit thin on decisions made by individuals. Still, a useful primer for the person who never thought about economics before.
Average customer rating:
- Khalid Almedfaie - review on a bank teller simulation
- Useless since incomplete
- Book is useless without the software
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Midtown Bank: A Bank Teller Simulation
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Book Description
Now your students can learn up-to-date banking skills right at the computer with this realistic bank teller simulation. Students learn the mechanics of receiving, distributing, and accounting for money in a financial institution setting.
Customer Reviews:
Khalid Almedfaie - review on a bank teller simulation.......2007-07-05
I have ordered the book. It explains how to use this book along with the simulation software.
it is totally useless as no software was included.
I hope Amazon take this into consideration and do something about it.
I don't recommend this book as its not complete.
Useless since incomplete.......2007-04-10
The book could have been helpful, but is useless without the CD. I cannot figure why it is offered for sale if the simulation CD is not included. I returned the item for a refund.
Book is useless without the software.......2004-06-19
I ordered this book and it did not come with the software. This book is USELESS without the software.
Amazon.com
Though tightwad seems like a derogatory term, author Amy Dacyczyn wants to assure you that it's okay to be a penny-pincher. This self-styled "Frugal Zealot" wrote and published The Tightwad Gazette for over six years to spread the frugal gospel. Each issue contained tips from her personal experience and from her many readers. The wealth of information contained in all these issues has been compiled into one volume for the first time. You'll find literally thousands of ideas for saving money, from the simple or practical to the difficult or bizarre. On the simple, practical side, Dacyczyn advises would-be tightwads to keep track of price trends at several stores in a "price book" and to buy in bulk when prices are low. Other, stranger offerings include tips for turning margarine-tub lids into playing-card holders, old credit cards into guitar picks, and six-pack rings into a hammock or volleyball net. More helpful are inexpensive recipes for making homemade versions of pricey, well-known products and ingenious ways to fix broken or damaged items. The book's disorganization encourages browsing, but the detailed index will point you to the exact page for specific items. Dacyczyn's occasional "thriftier than thou" tone is balanced by the friendly support for frugality that infuses every page. She even reminds her readers that it's okay to "sweat the small stuff"--because this small stuff is the essence of frugality. --C.B. Delaney
Book Description
At last--the long-awaited complete compendium
of tightwad tips for fabulous frugal living!
In a newsletter published from May 1990 to December 1996 as well as in three enormously successful books, Amy Dacyczyn established herself as the expert of economy. Now The Complete Tightwad Gazette brings together all of her best ideas and thriftiest thinking into one volume, along with new articles never published before in book format. Dacyczyn describes this collection as "the book I wish I'd had when I began my adult life." Packed with humor, creativity, and insight, The Complete Tightwad Gazette includes hundreds of tips and topics, such as:
¸ Travel for tightwads ¸ How to transform old blue jeans into potholders and quilts ¸ Ten painless ways to save $100 this year ¸ Picture-framing for pennies ¸ A comparison of painting versus re-siding your house ¸ Halloween costumes from scrounged materials ¸ Thrifty window treatments ¸ Ways to dry up dry-cleaning costs ¸ Inexpensive gifts ¸ Creative fundraisers for kids ¸ Slashing your electric bill ¸ Frugal fix-its ¸ Cutting the cost of college ¸ Moving for less ¸ Saving on groceries ¸ Gift-wrapping for tightwads ¸ Furniture-fusion fundamentals ¸ Cheap breakfast cereals ¸ Avoiding credit card debt ¸ Using items you were about to throw away (milk jugs, plastic meat trays, and more!) ¸ Recipes galore, from penny-pinching pizza to toaster pastries ¸ And much much more . . .
Three books in one--a $38.97 value for only $19.99!
Customer Reviews:
TIGHTWAD ABSURDITY.......2007-10-21
You can save money, but most of these suggestions are worthless...like something you dream up to fill up a book. I wonder if the next one is save dental floss, you can reuse it 800 times. I doubt if normal sane people will go for the absurd suggestions here in this book. This is taking cheapness to a ridiculous level that is not normal.
...or just go live under the bridge...........2007-09-19
I mean COME ON folks, nothing against saving money, but I guess going as far as eliminating tooth paste from the household is a kind of an extreme measure. Of course, some pieces of advice are helpful, but most are absolutely useless, if not plain stupid. The lady preaches washing dishes with an old athletic sock... Do I need to say more?...
Useful information, some of it extreme.......2007-09-01
Growing up in a tightwad family, I have to speak the truth about the effects of tightwad existence on children. Yes, this book has lots of helpful advice to offer, but think twice about never letting your children have nice clothes or things that are very prevalent in their culture because they will feel the effects of it in a myriad of way and odds are they will grow up a spendthrift because they'll correlate any unhappiness they have with their lack of material possessions. Then, as soon as they start making money of their own, they'll start trying to buy their happiness by purchasing those expensive clothes and gadgets and putting themselves into great debt over it. I've seen it in my family and with friends. There's a reasonable boundary when it comes to all of this. Frugal has it's perks, but when one starts to feel lack because of it, it shapes how they view the world and suddenly those material things or lack of them become the reason for their unhappiness. That can lead to a very materialistic view of life which is really the root of our society's issue with money and credit card debt. Bigger, better, newer, more expensive - gotta have it because it will make me happy. That's what the media preaches and that's what we are brainwashed into thinking. In some cases, rare or special ones, yes, the bigger, better, newer or more expensive should be had. All things in moderation, right? But be wise with where you choose to be frugal. Washable cloth diapers? Wonderful! Clipping coupons? Smart! Dressing a toddler in less expensive clothes that they'll only grow out of in a few months? Brilliant! Dressing a teenager in an entire wardrobe that doesn't fit in with current trends just to save a buck? Recipe for disaster!! Instead, allow them a few of the trendy items, and teach them to earn some extra cash on their own, part of which they must save and part of which they are encouraged (yes, encouraged) to buy items they feel they must have. They'll choose wisely with their buck, especially when they've been raised to understand the value of the dollar and what happens if they don't save and live in debt. That's a lesson that all teens should be taught in my humble opinion. It's probably the reason why so many are in serious debt.
This review has been written by a child of tightwad parents. Take from it what you will.
Everyone should own this book.......2007-08-30
The only problem I have with this book is that the pages after the first section do not line up well with the index, making it difficult to use. That is an editor's mistake that I hope they correct in any future reprintings.
I bought this book back in 2000 and still read it from time to time for motivation. Even though some of the ideas presented may be extreme for many, one can still find inspiration to do things at a lower cost and save time. Although I still used disposable diapers on my children, getting diapers as presents and early potty-training did save me money later on.
This book not only gives great ideas, it is also thought-provoking. She reminds us that the little things do matter overall and shows us through her own personal struggle without being annoying. When she states this is a serious lifestyle, believe it.
Wow a lot of information here.......2007-08-29
I've been reading (and reading!) this book, and although a bit outdated (as books generally get real fast), I have to say Amy is sure one creative lady (I admit the sketchings in the book crack me up a bit).
But to raise 6 kids I'm sure is no small feat. The 2 I had kept my checkbook busy enough! I am a natural spendthrift, and I'm trying to convert, so I'm very interested in getting my hands on any and all info that is available on the subject, as it does not come naturally to me. I have several books by Mary Hunt on "Debt Proof Living" a.k.a. previously "Cheapskate Monthly". I recommend all her books, as they are more up to date and don't focus quite so much on extreme measures to save money such as saving dryer lint, egg cartons, etc. Mary promotes cheapskate living with "class". But I can't fault Amy for her methods and advise, as they have obviously worked for her and others. Just reading the book has helped with developing the right kind of attitude that must be had with this lifestyle. I recommend it for reading.
Book Description
This book employs an "issues approach" to consumer economics. Each chapter has one or two consumer issues that are highlighted through engaging, real world examples. These real world examples are highly applied aspects of everyday consumer situations.
Book Description
A recent online survey found that 86% of working moms said they would stay at home if they were financially able to do so. Ellie Kay, America's Family Financial Expert has written Price Living her fi nancial expertise and experience as a mom to write this step-by-step plan on how to downsize from two incomes to one. Featuring Kay's trademark wry humor, Half-in esponse. Kay combines Half-Price Living also gives readers real life stories, comprehensive charts, worksheets, and a plan to make it work. Far rom being a book about deprivation, these tips will make living on one income a pleasure.
Customer Reviews:
Great for ideas on how to become a stay-at-home mom!!.......2007-04-13
I thought this was a great book on exploring the ways in which a mom could stay home vs. working......I am a very happy stay-at-home mom and was looking for some ideas on saving money, so this book wasn't the right choice for me. While some tips were listed, it was largely geared toward exploring the pros/cons, etc. of working vs. stay-at-home moms. A great book for those in that situation!
1/2 Price Living is enthusiastically recommended for learning frugal habits .......2007-04-07
Written by "Shop, Save & Share Seminars" founder Ellie Kay, popularly known as "America's Family Financial Expert", 1/2 Price Living: Secrets to Living Well on One Income is a practical, no-nonsense guide to cutting one's living expenses in half - including food bills and vacation expenses to housing, clothing costs, and outright debt. From owning a home business that doesn't own you, to means to adapt when one's savings are hit, to the advantages of being a stay-at-home mother (or father) despite the reduced family income, 1/2 Price Living is enthusiastically recommended for learning frugal habits. Anyone who isn't fabulously wealthy - even reasonably well-off readers will find the tips, tricks, and techniques helpful for saving up for a rainy day.
I learned a WEALTH of information-literally.......2007-01-19
As I read this book, I was highlighting like a mad woman! As a mom with a home-based business, I learned new ways to save money on clothing, groceries, and even vacations. The book was fun to read, with lots of practical info and excellent resources. It was informative and inspiring!
Book Description
Clark Howard answers all these questions and many more in Get Clark Smart. With practical tips and on-line resources, Howard helps readers to get rich by saving money in unexpected places and investing those savings creatively. Howard has a passion for saving money and a zealots enthusiasm for sharing everything hes learned. His strategies for getting rich by saving wisely will turn readers into financial wizards.
Download Description
What are the 3 secrets to building long-term wealth? Whatare the 5 things that no one thinks of before buying a home? ow can you save up to 40% on the car of your dreams?How can you get long distance telephone service for almost nothing? lark Howard answers all these questions and many more in Get Clark Smart. With practical tips and on-line resources, Howard helps readers to get rich by saving money in unexpected places and investing those savings creatively. Howard has a passion for saving money and a zealot's enthusiasm for sharing everything he's learned. His strategies for getting rich by saving wisely will turn readers into financial wizards.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful book for those new to personal finance.......2007-02-16
This is a wonderful book for those new to personal finance and investing, or just looking to get a handle on their own financial situation. The author encourages frugality, but there is much more to his philosophy. My only ding is that this book is desperately in need of an updated edition. A lot has happened in terms of online technology and finance in the 5 or so years since this book was published (hence my 4 star rating). In the meantime, the author has a wonderful web site with helpful advice.
Very informative book.......2007-01-04
This is the first book that I have read by the intelligently frugal guru, so I can make no comparisons. For a novice like me, I found the book easy to read and understand. I recommend his practices for people who do and do not understand how to get the most value for their money.
Does he ever sleep? .......2006-10-05
Okay, the guy is smart when it comes to getting a discount and making intelligent purchases. He even saved me from making a costly mistake, making this book totally worth buying (rent a car BEFORE you commit to buying it!). But this guy is not the Mr. Joe Average Consumer he tries to portray himself as. He gives readers a whole lot of personal examples of how he saved money and if you add those stories up this guy must never sleep. He probably does more smart spending in one week that the rest of can do in an entire year. I couldn't help but feel bad for his family who he drags along on some of his economic adventures (dialogue I imagine coming from the backseat of the family car: "Daddy, can we PLEASE stop buying stuff and GO HOME." ~ "No honey, Daddy has another financial advice book to write.") Anyway, Clark is full of clever cash-saving ideas. As another reviewer put it, this is not a how to get rich book. It's about cutting costs -- and spending money is not the same as saving money.
Not for the truly broke.......2006-06-26
Yes, if I bought a $3 latte every day, and I cut that out, I could save more than $900 a year.
Guess what? I can't afford a $3 latte every day and the best way I have found that Clark could help me save money was if we had never bought his book.
Excellent retailer.......2005-07-02
The book arrived as describe and on time. I could ask for nothing more.
Book Description
The Exam Review contains 1,300 chapter-by-chapter questions in a multiple-choice format to help students prepare for the state board exam. Two 100-question sample tests and answer keys are available as on-line companions.
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