Amazon.com
Personal-finance guru Andrew Tobias slams online trading and praises the Roth IRA in his newly revised The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need. This investment bible remains as stimulating and meaningful as it was when it was first published 20 years ago. It's packed with ideas about stocks, living beneath your means, tax planning, retirement, and just about everything else in the financial world. And all of it is presented with Tobias's trademark brevity and ingenuity.
Last revised in 1995, the guide takes aim at a new game in town--online trading. By all means, use the Internet for buying a car or for research, Tobias says. But avoid cyberspace brokers, he says. Point and click enough and you will get slaughtered by commissions, spreads, taxes, and human nature. "It's so easy to click 'OK' a few times and make a $10,000 bet," he warns. "Look how mesmerized we become on a stool in front of a slot machine. Internet investing positively teases you to play." Tobias's favorite new entry is the Roth IRA, which allows you to withdraw your money tax-free when you retire. It's far better than a traditional IRA, he asserts. "Save yourself the trouble of agonizing over the choice and go with the Roth IRA," he writes. "Forget the worksheets." Sometimes caustic and always a skeptic, Tobias believes readers can shape their own financial futures. Just stick to the basics, he says. "By and large, you should manage your own money, via no-load mutual funds," he writes. "No one is going to care about it as much as you." It doesn't matter if it's 1978, 1998, or even 2008. The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need still is exactly that. Some things never change. --Dan Ring
Book Description
For more than twenty-five years, The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need has been America's favorite finance guide, winning the allegiance of more than a million readers across the country. Now this indispensable book has been fully revised and updated-covering all the new tax laws-and reorganized with a new user-friendly design. Concise, witty, and truly understandable, Andrew Tobias shows you how to use your money to your best advantage-no matter how much or how little you have.
o How to spend smarter-and save $1,000 or more
o When to invest in stocks, and how
o The ins and outs of investing on the Internet
o Tax strategies, from tuition to retirement
o Whom-if anyone-you can trust to manage your money
and much, much more
How to spend smarter--and save $1,000 or more
When to invest in stocks, and how
The ins and outs of investing on the Internet
Tax strategies, from tuition to retirement
The basics of life insurance
Who--if anyone--you can trust to manage your money
The inside skinny on annuities, real estate, and Social Security
and much, much more
Customer Reviews:
The Gift of a Lifetime.......2007-10-18
When I was a young lieutenant, my uncle gave me a copy of this book. I always had a pretty good attitude towards money, and over the years I grew rich. My secrets? Hard work, savings, investments. All of them are outlined here.
Now I am an uncle. Each niece and nephew get this book when they graduate.
Each copy has a nice little check inside too.
Trite.......2007-10-17
Not an interesting read. Reads like an encyclopedia. Everything is there. A reference, not a strait through read!
Very Conservative Approach.......2007-10-05
A better title for this book would be " The Only Really, Really Conservative Investment Guide You'll Ever Need." In the author's preface. Mr Tobias marvels how the world has changed since the original publication in 1978. The Guide has been updated frequently so that you will not find any outdated references. In fact, you will be referred to numerous websites in the course of the author's discussions.
Mr Tobias is an advocate of "minimal risk" which is to say he thinks the majority of us would be better off saving rather than trying to get rich by investing. Well there is nothing new about that and it is presented in a flippant and I thought condescending tone.
So the first half of the book is very conservative advice although why he advocates Timber as an investment is beyond me. I think the same argument could be made for soybeans or for sod.
The second half is an excellent primer on the stock market which I feel
is worth the price of the Guide alone. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a basic investment guide with the understanding that it is not a get rich quick reference.
Good updates.......2007-08-07
We were very pleased with the updates Mr. Tobias has made to his book. It lives up to its title. Well worth the price.
Ok.......2007-08-06
The book is decent but "A random walk down wall street" contains the same information this book does (and more). Random Walk is also written better with more details.
Book Description
The national bestseller that can help you create the life of your dreams for only $10 a day, using Jean Chatzky's powerful "debt diet."
Is it really possible to live without credit card debt, bill collectors, whopping interest payments, or anxiety about retirement? Yes it is, and Jean Chatzky, one of America's most beloved money experts, can teach you how to use the debt diet to make that dream a reality.
Millions of Americans watch Chatzky on NBC's Today show, and millions more read her articles in magazines like Money, Time, Life and Travel & Leisure. Unlike some financial gurus, she offers straight talk about the problems real people face in the real world. Chatzky proves that anyone, no matter how debt-ridden or how low on income, can find an extra $10 a day to knock out their debt and build a bright, secure future.
It might be as simple as spending less on your morning coffee or as drastic as trading in your SUV for a more practical car. You'll also learn how to track your spending, consolidate your debts, force credit card companies to give you their best rates, and plan ahead for the inevitable surprise expenses that crop up from time to time.
Customer Reviews:
Financial Relief.......2007-09-10
"Pay it Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day" is an amazing book: easy to read, a workbook to help you sort out your own debt, and a wonderful resource of emails and phone numbers of all the places related to helping you get out of debt--whether you are just trying to get a better car loan rate or are in deep financial trouble. Jean Chatzky regularly appears on the NBC's "Today Show," as well as writing for magazines like "Time" and "Money."
In this book, she provides great advice for following a plan of finding $10 a day to put toward your debt and working your way to a happier life (her plan takes about three years of solid financial discipline to get to most results). She begins with the less painful ways to save and works her way toward much tougher choices. She offers practical advice and even builds in a way to have (planned) splurges. She offers practical advice that anyone can adapt, she realizes the reality of the need for cell phones and (basic) cable, at the same time helping you figure out how to find that extra money to reduce those dreaded credit card totals. She provides excellent advice about credit scores--how they are calculated, how you can improve your own, why you shouldn't cut up all those credit cards, and more.
Whether you just want to save a little more for retirement or need some serious financial help, this book is for you. There isn't anything much on investing money or what to do when you accumulate wealth: that's for another time. This is the nitty-gritty on dealing with debt and getting out from under those oppressive bills. I recommend this book.
Very Happy.......2007-08-23
I had a very pleasant experience purchasing this product. It was delivered in a timely manner, and was in the exact condition that the seller said it was. I will definitely be shopping at Amazon.com again.
Very basic, but there is some good information in it.......2007-08-06
So many negative reviews of this book are based on what the reviewer thinks everyone already knows - however it is they know that. True, this is not an in-depth economic or financial text, but it isn't meant to be. I consider myself an educated, relatively organized professional with workable financial knowledge, but I still picked up a few good tips from this book, and it made me think about a couple topics in a new light. My husband and I did the short exercises and discovered a surprise or two about our spending - nothing that was breaking the bank, but correcting the issues will save us some money that will add up over time.
This book is a very quick read done in a friendly, conversational tone. If you get it from your local library as we did, reading it won't cost anything, won't be much of a time investment, certainly won't hurt anything, and who knows, you may end up learning a thing or two that'll save you a few bucks.
Common Sense for those in debt and feel helpless.......2007-08-06
Get this book from your library (point one in saving $), and then go to your local library and get Oprah's Debt Diet series DVD's. Coupled together, (Jean is in both) you have GOTTA learn something!
Love this book! Way to go Jean!!
book full of nothing.......2007-04-10
If I ran a publishing company, my books would be different.
I would give each nonfiction author who has written a first draft of a book a sheet of paper with the following:
1. have more than 10 other famous authors already written widely available books with identical advice? if so you do not have a worthwhile manuscript. try again.
2. if you are saying "my plan works" where is the data to support your conclusion? basic numbers on compliance with your plan over the first month, first 12 months, two years?
3. if you have no data and you are saying the same thing as everyone else, why publish a book that only has a slight twist that differentiates itself from other books?
those 3 questions would stop books like this, leaving more space for the ones with substance.
the bottom line is that the covers of this book are too far apart. often that is said to disparage the book's content. in this case there is no content to criticize.
waste of paper. waste of time. waste of money and this "author" has damaged her reputation by putting this out, judging from reviews here.
Book Description
A CFP® Study Guide that delivers what you need to succeed!
This quick study guide for candidates preparing to take the CFP® Certification Examination covers the bare-bones essentials needed to pass this challenging exam in a logical and easy-to-absorb manner. Covering some of the most important disciplines of financial planning–– insurance, employee benefit, investment, income tax, retirement, estate, and general planning–– this text provides a no-nonsense approach to studying that includes:
- A highly logical and efficient format
- An in-depth outline of core essentials
- Explanations of all relevant exposures complete with solutions and practical examples
- Key points, exam tips, multiple choice, and mini—case study questions
- Mnemonic devices and study techniques to reinforce key points
- A format that directly parallels the CFP Board’s topic requirements
- and more!
Order your copy today!
Customer Reviews:
Summary with no meat.......2006-08-06
The book is simply a summary outline of the material for the CFP test, which can easily be obtained on the Board's website. Without sufficient detail, I can not imagine how it could be helpful.
Anthony
You get what you pay for..........2006-03-19
Just took the CFP exam yesterday. I'm a quick study, have been in the industry a while, am a CLU/ChFC, so I hoped I could find a condensed study guide that would serve to refresh my memory and allow me to skate through. I'm CHEAP too, so I was hoping I could save some $$$ by not enrolling in a review course.
Fortunate for me, a buddy that passed the exam last year and paid $1,200 for a BISYS review course heard I was taking the test and loaned me HIS books (all 2500 pages) as a supplement to this study guide. Those materials SAVED MY HIDE!!! I would have failed if I relied on this book. The tax data is all outdated and critical to the exam. Even if it were updated, there is still a HUGE amount of material missing that you need to know. Didn't even work for me as an outline. This is a hard test, so don't fool yourself like I did.
Great book!.......2006-03-10
I'm finding this book very useful and i'm happy that it was available at a much cheaper price. Thanks.
Please Don't Waste Your Money Like I Did !!!!!!!.......2005-10-25
I recently spent a bunch of money to take one of the several well established review courses. I purchased this book since it was relatively inexpensive and I thought I would check out the materials as a portable outline.
The book has not been updated since 2003. So much of the material is outdated!! Big problem!!! Need I say more!
Further, Amazon doesn't have a worthy return policy since I purchased this. I might change my review if the price were $5 because it isn't worth anymore.
Avoid Avoid Avoid
Overly brief.......2005-08-06
This book is too brief to be helpful. It is mainly an outline, with not much more detail than the CFP exam topics list. It doesn't serve as a very helpful reference resource because the Table of Contents is too simplistic, and has a very minimal index.
Book Description
Many excellent books teach God's principles of finance. Perhaps one or more of them has helped you lay a strong biblical foundation for carrying out your money management responsibilities. But as you try to apply those principles to making real-life investing decisions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by jargon and the sheer number of investment possibilities.
Sound Mind Investing is a carefully created "next step" guide that helps you put Godly principles of finance in motion. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, you'll benefit from stepping across this bridge between "theory" and "action". Each user-friendly lesson is written in everyday English and filled with helpful visual aids.
The first edition of Sound Mind Investing was a Gold Medallion Book Award finalist in 1994, and won the endorsements of such respected Christian teachers as Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley, and others.
This book can help you chart your financial future by using the same concepts that have made Austin's newsletter America's best-selling investment newsletter written from a biblical perspective. Whether you invest a little or a lot, these biblical principles apply to you. In short, he's made learning about investing as painless as it's going to get.
Customer Reviews:
Still a Good Source of Financial Advice.......2006-08-14
Yes, things have changed in financial investing since the book was published in 1993. However, the practical biblical wisdom is still appropriate.
Among the investing that still apply today that Austin Pryor mentions include:
1. A Biblical Blueprint for Building Your Financial House on Solid Rock.
2. Investing That Glorifies God and Values His Majesty.
3. Investing That Glorifies God and Builds His Kingdom.
4. Investing That Glorifies God and Upholds His Righteousness.
5. Investing That Glorifies God and Seeks His Wisdom.
6. Investing That Glorifies God and Enjoys His Blessings.
Again, while investing has changed some since the book was published around 13 years ago, the biblical principles mentioned in the book are still relevant and will still be years down the road.
Read and heed the wisdom found in this book. Recommended.
Managing Money with a Sound Mind.......2003-02-18
In the foreward of the third edition of "Sound Mind Investing", Larry Burkett writes "...I endorse the integrity and honesty of Austin Pryor. Obviously you, the reader, must evaluate his advice yourself. No one individual has the right advice for everyone, and anyone can, and will, be wrong in the changing economy we live in. But if you will spend the time to read carefully the counsel Austin provides in this book, you will find it both time and money well spent."
I agree wholeheartedly. After having read numerous introductory texts on money-management from a Christian perspective, this book is the most comprehensive and readable text of the lot.
Austin's book is divided into 6 Sections:
1) Getting Debt-free. The author considers this the first level of financial fitness, an equivalent of laying a proper foundation upon which to build. At this early point in the text, he discusses the importance of tithing in your plan. Austin writes "we are not commanded to give generously. Rather, our giving is a test of sincerity of our love and our willingness to trust in God's utter faithfulness" (based upon 2Cor 8:8,9:8). Austin goes on to say "When you pray about your giving, may I encourage you to give to the full measure of your gratitude and cheerfulness. And continue to ask God to enlarge your heart toward Him so you can eagerly embrace the sacrifice needed to give all the more."
In addition, budgeting as well as the dangers associated with the misuse of credit cards are discussed.
2) Saving for Future Needs. This includes the principles of saving money in a secure, low-risk emergency fund (financial planners recommend 3 to 6 months living expenses; Austin recommends $10,000) as well as in an accumulation fund for big-ticket items that you anticipate purchasing within 1 to 5 years. He also includes advice on preparing to help your children to finance their college or technical education. He believes that, if parents have the financial means, they should consider helping with the expenses of a college education for their children. Emphasis is given to the benefits of investing for your children's education as early as possible. Powerful examples are given. Note that Austin believes that children should be responsible for a portion of their educational expenses as well. Advice on where to invest this money is given, including but not limited to Ed IRAs and 529 plans.
3) Investing Your Surplus. Once you are debt-free and have adequate savings in an emergency fund, the author believes you can then begin to take educated risks by investing your surplus in mutual funds. This section is a primer on investment basics and mutual funds.
4) Diversifying for Safety. Austin is a strong proponent of building an age-appropriate,diversified portfolio through mutual fund investing. For the typical investor, he advocates "dollar-cost-averaging" or "value-averaging" strategies versus market-timing strategies, although he does admit venturing into market-timing strategies in his personal investment approach (He did this professionally in the past, but does not recommend market-timing for the average investor. Reasons are given). This book includes a short quiz that enables the reader to see what their personal tolerance is for investment risk. Once you determine your tolerance level, Austin leads you through determining your appropriate portfolio mix and shows you how your mix should change as you go through the various financial stages of your life.
5) Retirement Countdown. Austin wants his readers to have a realistic view of their needs for retirement. He discusses how to properly lower your investment risk as retirement approaches.
6) Investing that Glorifies God. The book ends with a section entitled "Investing that Glorifies God, a Biblical Blueprint for Building Your Financial House on Solid Rock". This section is priceless. Austin essentially reminds the reader of the importance of an eternal perspective, and that our investing should glorify God by acknowledging His sovereignty, valuing His majesty, building His Kingdom, upholding His righteousness, seeking His wisdom, and enjoying His blessing.
Please consider the counsel given in this book. I have and it has changed my financial life.
Highly Recommended.......2001-07-18
This is an awesome book! It is helpful for the beginner as well as someone who already has a "foundational" knowledge of finance. It is easy to read and understand and yet gives you a wealth of information. I read it cover to cover and even now often find myself using it as reference for making financial decisions. A must have for anyone interested in getting their financial house in order in a manner that is honoring to God. Worth every penny and more!
Sound Mind Investing is great.......2001-07-07
After trying to invest on my own,with mixed results; I've come to have a real admiration for the years of solid experience and great insight in Sound Mind Investing. The market perspective, great research and wonderful world view rate this book tops for me.
SOUND MIND INVESTING HAS HELPED OUR FAMILY.......2001-07-02
Austin Pryor teaches all of the basics of investing in this one book. The principles he teaches have already helped me. I trust his wisdom and knowledge. This book is well worth the money you'll spend for it.
Book Description
How to Use Financial Statements explains in clear, easy to understand methods how to read a financial statement. Written for the non-financial professional, this book is ideal for:
- Professionals that have been promoted to a job that requires reviewing financial statements
- Investors that have accumulated enough savings to begin looking at alternatives
- Spouses that have suffered the loss of the member of the family who has always dealt with financial matters
- Readers who work in non-financial areas and have no interest in investments
This practical guide includes:
- An overview of financial statementswhat they are and what they tell us
- A thorough, yet basic introduction to the accrual concepts
- Easy to understand explanations of profit and loss
- Statement of cash flows and special reporting issues
Customer Reviews:
Awesome book.......2007-01-29
I am very happy with financial statements. It is clear, concise and gets right to the point. Plus it's light too. Overall I am happy with my purchase.
good and bad.......2006-10-10
There is no doubt that the author is extremely knowledgeable about financial statements, but he struggles to write a clear introduction for newcomers. I finished the book with a muddy, incomplete understanding of financial statements.
In his attempt to introduce financial statements to first-timers like me, the author gets a couple things right:
- it's short. the length is a very comforting 130 pages.
- it's illustrated. there are drawings of scales with profit/loss, etc. This is essential for visual learners like me.
However, the author fails on these points:
- cute phrases instead of genuine insight. The author's little jokes in the text felt a little self-indulgent, and didn't help explain. There is one exception: it was useful when the author describes the fans of the various reports - P/L vs Balance vs Cash Flow. However, most of the rest of the joking was irrelevant and amateur.
- Not well written. Like many technical books, the quality of writing was poor. Many parts like first drafts - left me with lots of questions. The illustrations often felt incomplete and didn't help explain much.
- Expert blindness. In some ways, experts are the worst people to write books for beginners. They are passionate about the details and history, which is not what newcomers need.
I understand why financial experts would recommend this book to newcomers: they share the passions of the author. However, this doesn't help newcomers. I will keep shopping for the book that gives me the basic 'big picture' understanding of financial statements I need.
excellent refresher.......2006-02-17
I had a basic understanding of financial statements from accounting courses in college, but had forgotten most of it in the past 7 years. This book was a great refresher and would probably also be a good first book for someone with zero - very limited knowledge.
Great for understanding & interpreting financial statements.......2000-03-26
This book teaches anyone (from owners, to managers, to employees, to customers, to lenders, to suppliers, and to attorneys) how to obtain answers from financial statements by asking the right questions. This book is not filled with esoteric symbols and mathematical babbles, but with clear diagrams and down to earth explanations of the applications of each part of the financial statements. The author has done an excellent job on making this seemingly confusing subject very easy to understand and useful to those who needs to make decisions from it.
Good Things Come In Small Packages.......1999-12-24
The best book of its type: covers key points in a direct and effective way. If you need to refresh understanding of financial statements, or learn the basic in a concise format you will be pleased with this book. As a finance professor and practioner (CFA) I have recommended Bandler to numerous students and associates.
Book Description
Designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, this popular study guide25,000 copies were bought of the first edition! covers everything from financial analysis and forecasting, planning and budgeting to leverage and capital structure, mergers and acquisitions and multinational business finance. This closest-thing-to-a-personal-tutor includes many problems with fully worked out solutions and a comprehensive exam. It's ideal for independent study, as preparation for CMA and CFA exams and for professional review.
Customer Reviews:
Effective reminder ... Efficient reference.......2007-01-07
I recommend this text to financial professionals I teach ... VERY helpful to clear the cobwebs several years after college!
Good Study Material but Some Sloppy Errors.......2005-03-11
I read this book to supplement my CFA curriculum studies. Compared to other Schaum's books, Financial Management by Shim and Siegel merits a rating of between 3 and 3 1/2.
Four chapters covering topics of Risk Return & Valuation, Capital Budgeting, Capital Budgeting Under Risk, and Cost of Capital were excellent. Other chapters were also well written. The problem sets solidified concepts and were a pleasure to work through.
The authors present the material in a straight forward and easy to understand manner. They provide numerous examples of how to apply the concepts which are truly beneficial.
My main complaint is that there are dozens of errors throughout the book, which indicate sloppy proofreading. This can potentially frustrate readers new to the field of financial management. Calculation errors (!), misapplication of formulas (Do vs. D1) and mislabeling of charts (time lines / cash flows) were particularly frustrating and can be confusing.
I welcome the authors to contact me if they plan to release an updated edition (this book copyrighted 1998). I'll be glad to share with them the errors (at least I think they are!) I found.
It would also have been nice if the authors utilized financial calculators for some of the TVM (time value of money) applications and indicated the keystrokes. A break-out box showing the steps on a Texas Instrument BA-II or HP12-C (two popular financial calculators) would be helpful.
In sum, Financial Management is a very readable book. It is comprehensive, practical, and provides a good depth of discussion without getting too theoretical. Just watch out for the silly mistakes.
great resource.......2004-11-03
I don't know what that reader below is saying.?? This book was very helpful to me when I used this for a finance class. It's great because it has quizzes/exams, definitions, key terms, a useful index, many many sample problems, and formulas in bold. When you are a busy person and are using this as a refresher, or in conjunction w/ a textbook, it's very helpful to have this paperback workbook to go through for a quick reference.
I've referred to it many times while reading through my textbook, doing homework problems, or studying for a test.
Love the schaum's series - this one in particular has been very useful to me.
Financial Management y Schaum's.......2003-07-21
This work is a good supplement to the class text. It has hundreds
of solved problems depicted. In addition, the Schaum's covers
international financial management problems which are not always
found in the standard texts. This is a good practice
workbook to reinforce the current text and class notes.
Complex cash flow problems, present value and return on investment problems are shown with accompanying diagrams to aid
in the visual presentation. This text is excellent in order to
prepare for formal licensing exams and other comprehensive
tests .
lack of knowledge.......2003-05-27
just open the first sample page. you see that the author does not even understand what profit maximization, as defined by economists, is. i would be careful if i were you.
Customer Reviews:
This book has given me financial freedom.......2007-09-07
I was in a big mess. Without going into details - I owed almost $95,000, my yearly income is $45,000 before tax, and I am supporting a family of 3. I live in New York. My apartment rent alone is $1,100. Owed amount was getting bigger and bigger because of the interest. Obviously, I wasn't eligible any kind of loan.
No money to hire an expert. I didn't have money to buy many different books. Luckily the one I picked was the right book. Now, I had the will and I had the right book. I owe only $7,000 now. My total credit limit from different credit cards is now $175,000. My bank is willing to give me loan. Didn't happen overnight or it didn't happen without any work on my part -- but it did work out with the help of this book.
Thank you, Mr. Kelly.
A good book to help YOU get started.......2007-07-12
This book is very helpful. To the reviewers who said there were a bunch of useless forms in the book....yeah if you don't use them. I mean he tells you what to do, gives you a form to go by all you have to do is work towards your goal...getting that credit score up. What do we expect our credit scores to go up just by purchasing/reading the book? You have to do something.
pretty good - I rate it a solid 3.5.......2006-07-09
Pros - easy to read and concise; good tips on how to establish and re-establish credit; good job explaining the credit reporting process and the importance of credit and the three types of lenders (prime, subprime, and secondary).
Cons - does not include info about credit scoring; steps for fixing credit are too cumbersome for the average consumer to follow; tips for how to strengthen credit are ineffective, outdated, misleading - such as having account added to your credit record - the agencies don't do that anymore. incorrect data about the length of time chapter 13 bankruptcies stay on credit reports; sample letters are too vague.
The book could have been more detailed to help readers fully grasp credit. It's a good introdution to credit that wiill leave you seeking more information. recommendation - The Insider's Guide to credit Repair by K.E. Varner and Your Credit Score by Liz Weston.
Sucked........2006-01-09
I'm giving this two stars, because it's better then nothing, but it's just a giant listing of form letters and a boring algorithm to follow. I suppose it might actually work, but it doesn't give you an insight or knowledge you can use to work the system like the Gorilla Guide does. I ordered the two books at once figuring I'd read both, and this one flat out sucked.
Solid info. Easy to read.......2005-08-02
This book is great if you want to challenge inaccurate or "old" credit files reported by the big three agencies. The book provides a plethera of letters & follow-up letters to challenge the false reports. In addition, it offers up ways to negotiate payment plans w/your creditors.
Book Description
The Completely Revised and Expanded Edition of the New York Times Bestseller That Focuses on Personal Finance for Every Budget -- and Every Stage of Life
Taking control of your personal finances is the first -- and most important
-- step toward successful investing and a secure future. The Motley Fool You Have More Than You Think, now fully updated and expanded, provides guidance for anyone trying to balance lifestyle aspirations and financial realities. The latest edition of this Motley Fool bestseller covers topics such as:
- Getting out of debt...and into the stock market
- Turning your bank account into a moneymaker
- Using Fool.com and the Internet to learn about all things financial -- from buying a home to getting the best deal on a car
- Saving enough to send your children to the colleges of their dreams
Download Description
The Fool focuses on the fundamentals of personal finance, offering information and advice for every budget and every stage of life. Includes updated information on using the Internet, managing investments while using them as a source income, giving to charity, and creating a portfolio for a child.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Way to Start!.......2007-03-06
I bought this book a good five years ago and ate it up. I have read it several times only to be reinforced in my investment approach - a well-diversified assortment of passive index funds, along with a few well chosen blue chips that pay regular dividends. Monthly automatic investments are now a way of life and though humble in its beginnings, my portfolio today is more than respectable in comparison with most of my "buy it new and yesterday" peers. The Gardner brothers style is informative, quirky, quite clever and humourous. If you don't have time to be a slave to mammon, you'll find as I have that INDEXING is the way to go- slow and steady, living within your means, depending on what you can invest per month-in 20-30 years you will be very wealthy.
Read it, love, it, recommend it!.......2006-10-27
Wow. This book was really, really, really useful. I'm one of those people who, until recently, never gave a second thought to savings or investment because I was always living paycheck to paycheck. Now that we have a little gbreathing room, my husband and I have been reading up on financial things of interest.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for your first one if you're absolutely clueless about personal finance. It takes a bunch of terms that many people find terrifying (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) and not only explains them and many others in amusing detail, but also makes the process of investing a lot more accessible to the average person. It's realistic, though--for one thing, the authors explain why everything from lottery tickets to penny stocks are a bad idea. It also bursts other bad habits, such as not buying Stock A because Stock B is cheaper per share--but not returning as much interest to the owner.
Additionally, there's a lot of really good advice for newbies to investment.
Cha-CHING!.......2005-09-30
This book was a great read - I think tha's probably one of the benefits of reading a book on finances written by two English majors.
Pros:
- Helps you understand where to start in your personal world of finance. I especially enjoy the fact that there is an especially abhorrent attitude towards debt (i.e. - pay what you owe before you every try to put that money anywhere else).
- These guys don't promise any fast cash, but employ a methodology that tends to scream, "slow and steady wins the race!"
- The advice is sound, and there isn't any threatening terminology to find yourself lost in.
- Like I said before, it's a great read. You aren't necessarily reading a manual written by guys who want to lay out the bare facts. You will be reading an entertaining and thoughtful tome on how to have fun with the way you think for your financial future.
- The authors don't seem to assume any drastic steps here - just being smarter with what you have.
Cons:
- While the book helps you start in your personal world of finance, it still leaves a lot for you to figure out on your own. In the end, I was still wandering around the Internet trying to find more information. The book shows you a good direction in which to move, but it doesn't necessarily show you the door in.
- The book isn't written for everyone. The authors admit this throughout their writing also.
- Shameless self-advertisement - but it's funny at the least.
My general perspective:
(Third time, at least) This is a GREAT book. Even if you don't think that you can trust yourself to make a deposit in a savings account, give this book a chance. It opened my eyes to see that there are a lot of people out there making a lot of money and doing very little to merit their worth. These guys aren't business or marketing majors, but their experience speaks through the written word. They won't lose you in a milieu of doublespeak, but sort of hold your hand in understand how you can be your own money manager - and I like that.
This is a work that is for the ordinary man - the sort of fellow that doesn't feel like working his way through a financial dictionary just to understand a book on personal finance. I found this book in my local library - and that's $11.20 you can take straight to the bank!
A must for any college student or independent adult. .......2005-08-27
I have to say that this is the perfect book for any independent adult and/or college student. The main reason I say that is because schools do not offer education on financial freedom. If you are a teen or think you can't read this, go read Motley Fool Teens before reading this one.
This book is separated into two halves. One half will tell you how to have good spending habits, pay debts, find good bank, etc. This half is good enough alone. They give you advice and tell you the reasons behind instead of "Trust us". This is a plus since most of the info is shocking. For instance, it is better to go to a casino than play the lottery since a casino has a payoff of 95% while the lottery is -50%! I personally can say that my life will be easier because of the forewarnings of mistakes and following the path least famous, but most secure.
The other half is about how to invest the stock market. It is amazingly easy and it makes sense by adding charts of growth over time using average return. One of the points the book tries to keep in your head is the stock market only looks scary since not too many know much about it. Remember when you thought you would never learn addition in second grade? In this half the book goes in detail of how to open an account, deciding your stocks, why you shouldn't panic during slumps, etc.
Unlike the teen version, this book is amusing with jokes on every page without overkill. The jokes do well to keep you entertain instead of dreading the fact you need to learn how to compound growth. The jokes even do well to get points across. A book of choice if you don't like books that sound like Ben Stein at pep rally.
We all have gotten advice on money from other people and it is nice of the authors to actually mention advice people give and why or why not it is good. I mean, some people say they lived on ramen noodles and finger toothbrushes in college while the book offers strategies that allow you to live within your means. Remember that ramen is fattening!
I can't say how priceless this info is for being practical and wonderfully hopeful of what is achievable with a small amount of thought. Nowadays people do not know what to do with their money and I see most knowing how to get rid of it. Anyway, this book is a must own for any adult and students alike struggling with the sheer thought of money.
I give this book my strongest recommendation to possible to own, not rent.
(...)
fun to read, describes a clear vision.......2005-08-18
The title of this book reflects the optimism that it breathes from beginning to end. It makes you want to go for it, without encouraging hasty decisions, and encourages to read more. For true fools (I mean morons) like myself, the book adequately warns you to first get out of debt before trying to invest. The part that tells you how to get out of debt is brief but the advice is sane, and optimistic. Once ready to invest, we are adviced to use a buy-and-hold strategy, and the arguments for it seem to make sense. Most importantly, after reading this, the reader has a clear general framework that help him/her to make confident investment decisions.
Picky points:
-A bit wordy on occasion.
-Not enough advice on what to do when your stocks just keep declining
Customer Reviews:
Don't waste your money.......2003-10-22
As a CFP(r) myself, I was very interested and excited about reading this book. My outlook soon changed. This book should be subtitled "WHY you should capture the middle market and increase your profits" rather than "HOW TO capture the middle market and increase your profits". And the WHY should already be obvious. The author makes a compelling argument for targeting middle market Americans for financial planning services, however she falls dramatically short in providing ANY new or insightful marketing ideas on HOW to capture the specific market. In fact the ONE chapter dedicated to actually marketing is redundant of any marketing strategy book one chooses to pick up today, and it covers about 4 pages on how the author designed her own FP logo. In my opinion its another case of a financial advisor needing to stroke their own ego by writing a book - and if you like reading this "canned" praise for the author, you may just enjoy this book after all - it is full of it. The rest of the information, if you are a financial planner, you should already know or be ashamed you don't know it.
Middle America plus..........2003-03-28
Middle to upper middle income America have traditionally been underserved by the financial advisory industry. Yet they typically benefit in the most impactful ways from even basic financial planning strategies. I know from experience as a practicing CFP. Garrett and the planning network she has been building have methods for providing financial planning advice using an hourly billing model. With the hourly model for practicing (clients pay an hourly fee to their planner just like they would to their attorney, CPA or career counsler) the client can buy needed financial planning to at least start them on a path of financial planning realization. They remain in control of the costs of their planning, and it doesn't take long for the results to take hold and justification for the expense is easy. The idea is that paying by the hour and therefore knowing what the costs and scope of the work will clearly be, enough planning can be done without trying to shoehorn someone into some broadly defined, comprehensive level of analysis that simply is not necessary for entry level planning needs. And, because that level of planning is expensive, good folks often can't afford or rationalize that large an expense, especially having no previous experience hiring a planner. So often no planning takes place at all.
This book will sharpen the interest of planners everywhere who are tired of fighting over the much smaller group of wealth management clients, and provide a means for accessing the much larger group of middle-upper middle income clients who will pay a professional fee for an unbiased professional advisor. Why not help clients grow into the wealth management client we all seem to want them to someday be?
The popular media have been all over the Garrett Planning Network in a very positive way. Get the book and see what all the fuss is about.
Practical Advice from a Middle Market Expert.......2003-01-21
Sheryl Garrett has done a masterful job of communicating her view that a fee-only, hourly approach to providing financial advice can be both personally satisfying and financially rewarding. Sheryl clearly defines the size and potential of the Middle Market, and defines in detail a practice model to serve that market.
I'm impressed by the level of detail Sheryl provides in the book. She not only outlines her practice model, but she presents a detailed look at how she serves her clients. She includes tips and techniques that she actually uses in her practice when dealing with clients. She also does a good job of highlighting various helpful websites.
If you want a good discussion of the future of financial planning in America, this is a great place to start!
Garrett's Guide to Financial Planning.......2003-01-16
Timely and practicle. This book brings the leading edge of working with the middle market to financial planners. This book is full of practice tips and techniques for being "an all- american financial planner". It's a book that should be on every financial planner's desk.
Great Financial Tool for Individuals and Financial Planners!.......2002-12-17
I really enjoyed this book and it's "common sense" approach to the confusing world of Financial Planning! It provides a wealth of information for both individuals and Financial Planners about what Middle America is really looking for from a Financial Planner.
Book Description
Teens are targeted as consumers more and more. This gives them tremendous influence, but it also sets them up to be taken advantage of. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens" teaches them how to get money, save and invest it, budget it, spend it wisely, and keep track of it. Whether they're saving for their first car, trying to make sense of a checking account statement, or trying to establish a good credit history, this guide has solid information and teen-tested tips.
Customer Reviews:
Definitely 5 stars!.......2001-11-24
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens by Susan Shelly is really easy to understand especially for teens. Lots of useful tips on how to earn, save and spend money. Thumbs up to this great book that will continue to help teens out there to get a head start and be financially healthy!
This Book is Definitely NOT for the Idiot!.......2001-03-21
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens by Susan Shelly is a book for people who want to take control of their money. It presents information on topics such as why money is so important in our society, how one can go about earning money, and other topics such as budgeting, debt and investing. The author provides concrete information that is beneficial for any teen who wants to become familiar with the basics of financial management. Shelly writes on the level of a teen-ager, short and to the point. She leaves out the extra, useless information that would cause narcolepsy in most of today's teenaged population. Shelly goes into detail about how to "make your money work for you." She talks about the benefits and disadvantages of different types of savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market accounts. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens is a great book for anybody who wants to be more financially savvy. The essential information it provides will send any teen on his or her way to a financially successful future.
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Books Index
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Investing for Dummies Cd (--for Dummies (New York, N.Y.).)
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