5 comments about Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny.

1. A smart girlfriend sent me this book as a gift. Took me months to finally read it - but I sure am glad I did. While I was fairly familiar with a lot of Suze's advice and well on the way to her plan's steps - she offers some key advice to consider: 1) living trusts can help ease the transition if you pass away, significantly reducing paperwork and fees for your heirs; 2) Roth IRA rules will change in 2010 - so it is a good idea to fund a standard IRA now (even though for me its not tax deductible due to my tax bracket) - because standard IRAs become convertible to the Roth IRA in 2010, only paying tax on the money earned since investing! Roths are the best way to grow retirement money tax free. I loved her advice too about funding the company match 401K, then the Roth (if you qualify) and then the rest of your 401K opportunity. I've told plenty of friends to go out and buy the book - and a few have come back to thank me! I'll probably be giving it out as Christmas gifts this year even though her special offer has passed (maybe she'll get them to renew it!) When I have friends with small nest eggs talking about buying expensive cars...time to give them the wake up call!



2. Believe it or not, this book is a book about women and relationships. That is, the relationships women have with their money. In her characteristically direct, clear, and here's-what-you-need-to-know style, Suze exposes (in a no-shame/no-blame way) the dysfunctional relationship women have had with money, and then provides a step-by-step five-month plan to help set the stage for a lifetime of financial security.
   
   Whether or not you follow all the steps now, this book provides an amazing guide to the essentials of financial planning--from setting up a checking and savings account to investing in stocks and bonds to creating wills and trusts. The overriding theme of the book is quite an empowering and inspiring one: it's time that women realize the value of what they are truly worth...and protect themselves accordingly.



3. I am learning quit a lot about my investments and chooseing the best plan for me. I feel more informed when I talk to the broker after reading this book.



4. Its still suprising how many people don't realize or understand finances
   this is a great book for the novice to get an easy understanding of where you should be at 20,30 or even 50!



5. I love this book! I've always liked Suze (although I was never crazy about her presentation style) but I also thought that you had to have some money to work with before you would benefit from anything she was saying. This book is great because it gives you things to start doing today, no matter what your financial situation is, that will allow you to be in a better situation 6 months from now. She also stresses the importance for women to have their own money! You just never know what the future will hold, and there is no way that any woman should be totally dependent on her partner!

5 comments about The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition).

1. I have been reading the intelligent investor for a couple of days now and just finished chapter 4. The book can seem a bit long but it is not. The arguments are easy to understand and comprehend. Graham argues that investment, as great as it could be, also contains significant risks and for long periods of times have not outperformed bonds when considering inflation. He thinks every intelligent person should have no more that 75% in equities in best of times and should have up to 75% in bonds in bad times. It is definitely a book worth reading not only because he reaches sensible conclusions and warns you not to blindly follow pundits but simply because it gives you overview on market performance by analyzing the historical data that should be mandatory knowledge for everyone serious about investing.



2. Having being for some time a small investor with mixed results I was trying to learn more about the dynamics of the stock market. Benjamim Graham makes an excellent case for value investing which distinguishes true investors from speculators. It is as actual today (if not more then) as it was first written several decades ago. If you only read one book about stocks, be sure you pick this one. Highly recommended!



3. Whether you are an investor or speculator, this book provides more detailed information than any book I have read. To get the most from this book, one must be willing to devote time to absorb what the author is writing about. As it is a rather large book, it is easy to put aside; however if one is serious about the "market" the vital information is available in this book. I firmly believe if one will read and understand this information, your financial program will benefit. Sam Harris



4. Simple like that: if you are a layman investor and don't want to lose a dime, stop your investment actions right now and start reading this book immediately.
   
   I've started composing my stock portfolio a couple of months, before reading this book. At that time, I didn't know any of the Graham's wise lessons and took many decisions, some Graham-complying ones and some not. After six months, all bets on companies in a strong financial position, with a dividend payment history of more than 20 years, offering shares with a discount as consequence of the market fluctuation, and so on, proved to be right, even during crisis time.
   
   A must read book for anyone aspiring to be a fraction of what a true investor is.



5. The Intelligent Investor has helped me focus on the long term, to really internalize what sort of returns I should expect from my stock and bond investments and to temper my enthusiasm when the market gets exciting. Graham writes clearly, uses examples that are easily understood, and makes his points in an understated style. Though a bit dated -- Ben Graham met his greater reward more than thirty years ago and Jason Zweig focuses his commentary on the internet bubble and its aftermath -- the lessons set forth remain critical to value investing today. Just buy and read (and re-read) this book!

5 comments about Debt Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About.

1. Even if I dont take everything in this to be gospel, some of is just common sense, it is still a good book reference good information



2. There are a lot of books out there about tackling debt. Find one not written by Trudeau. Many are cheaper and written better than this book. It's hard to read this book if you of average IQ because it's repetitive and dull. A fifth grader could read this book and learn something from it I'm sure. But, unless it's a gift for your child whose opening up their first checking account, I recommend something with a little more useful information and less finger pointing (great for scaring those young teens away from credit cards). I would recommend Suzie Orman. Though you will find everyday information in her books too, she helps you make sense of it all and create a plan for financial success. Oh, and it's written on an adult level so you may find it less annoying.



3. I am so glad I looked up "Debt Cures" on Amazon. I saw about 5-10 minutes of the infomercial; I know you can negotiate interest rates, so I thought the book looked interesting and figured I'd rather buy it at Amazon. I've been had before, as smart as I like to think I am, so knew I'd better check the reviews. Thanks to all the reviewers for the warnings, especially the two men under their real names who listed Trudeau's rather rich criminal past.
   
   Now that I know about "Kev", I watched the rest of the infomercial to learn what a con man looks like. Trudeau's mannerisms and speech patterns, his enthusiasm, the adoring panel of women who were so amazed and appreciative, the phone calls from guys who supposedly `bought the book' and how much they knocked off their bills with Kevin Trudeau's "two secret words" (one guy claimed he bought the book to help a friend who'd been dogged by a huge bill for years, to have it completely wiped out)...very interesting once you know his history. Lots of hand-rubbing, even on the cover of the book, like greedy b******* everywhere I guess.
   
   If you're not a con, and thank goodness most of us are not, you expect ethical behavior. We don't think like cons, they're sociopaths, whereas I think most of us are golden rule types. Kev, who calls himself a `consumer advocate,' says things that are easy to agree with; example, credit card companies are not ethical. So you say "yes, he's right" and now he's got a hook in you. People like this know every trick in the book to influence people to do what they want. (One book I recommend is Dr. Robert Cialdini's "Inside Influence" for the science behind the main influencers: scarcity, authority... Cialdini stresses ethics and admits to being had a few times himself. It's a fascinating read, and you learn how guys like Kev push all the buttons.)
   
   The people who say they don't care that this guy has a long history of fraud must be crazy - or more likely, their real name is Kevin Trudeau.



4. I bought this book at the store prior to reading the reviews here. ONE star is too much to give! There is no good information in this book. If you need help, check out Jerrold Mundis and Dave Ramsey. Both write sound advice. Forget this book. I wish I had! What a waste of money!!!!!!!!! DON'T BUY IT!!!!!!



5. I'd give it no stars if possible. Don't fall victim. Wish I hadn't. I was so mad at myself for not reviewing this BEFORE ordering. NOW I'm going to try to get money back. I'm sure it won't happen, but I'm going to try. The only thing ordering this book did was increase my credit card debt by $140 instead of the $19.95 I agreed to.

5 comments about Money, and the Law of Attraction 8-CD set: Learning to Attraction Wealth, Health, and Happiness (Law of Attraction).

1. More insights on life and being from the group of souls who collectively call themselves Abraham.
   
   Their take on these topics is a radical departure from the usual, and that's good. I especially like their views on selfishness, and how those who decry selfishness the longest and loudest are too often the very ones who are being the most selfish.
   
   I'd give this book five stars for the importance of its teachings except for one little item. The authors still do not explain clearly the origins of what they call "resistance," or getting out of alignment with one's true being.
   
   (From my own personal experiences of healing the energy essence portion of who I am, I know there's more involved to getting out of alignment with my true self. I seek the explanation--and it's fairly simple, actually--not to dwell on being out of alignment, but to know even more about staying in alignment.)
   
   Even so, when the authors write that everyone's one true job is joy, and following our bliss, I can only exclaim, "Amen!"
   
   If people had any idea how much misery they have caused themselves and others by the warped notion of sacrifice, they would be much slower to advocate it or do it. We were not created to relinquish or joy to anyone or anything. We were created to be free and joyous. End of discussion. Now go play!



2. Esther and Jerry Hicks have once again presented channeled information from their guides collectively called "Abraham." I wanted a fresh perspective because I have read and listened to all their previous material.
   
   Well Jerry and Esther Hicks once again deliver the goods on the Law of Attraction. I AM very pleased with this book because Esther and Jerry Hicks are connecting the dots in a new way that I love. The information makes it clear how to attract wealth, health and happiness in practical ways.
   
   Definitely check out this book. It's a good book to add to your collection of other "Abraham-Hicks" books. For those who haven't read anything by them, you can start with this book.
   
   Another book that I love is "Nexus: A Neo Novel." It reinforces many ideas contained in Abraham-Hicks material in a fascinating journey of people at a retreat.
   
   
   1. Money, and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Wealth, Health, and Happiness
   
   2. Nexus: A Neo Novel



3. I pre-ordered this book from Amazon. I have every Hicks book written and am a big fan. This book was well worth the wait. I feel this book is the best one written by them to date. They keep getting better!



4. There is no doubt that Esther and Jerry Hicks, and Abraham have, over the past twenty years, presented a radical new way of looking at our lives. I'm so grateful to all that the three of them have done. That said I was disappointed in Money, and the Law of Attraction because it is basically a compilation of material that has been previously published. The same processes (For example, The Wallet Process, The Pivoting Process, and The Book of Positive Aspects Process can be found in previously published Abraham material) I was expecting some new insight regarding money, and was quite surprised to find that I had read the material before. If I was a long time Abraham fan, I wouldn't buy this book, however someone new to Abraham would find it very worthwhile.



5. I am a seasoned Abe-head (Abraham-Hicks reader and follower) and I, too, was hoping that this book would take me to a new level, but it doesn't. This book can stand on it's own, that is, if you're new to Abraham, you can start with this book and jump right in. (Of course, nothing can replace "Ask and it is Given") For us Abe-heads, it's a nice addition to our growing library of Aberaham books, but I didn't find any new processes to work with.

5 comments about The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.

1. This book contains a lot of great information for getting out of debt. The suggestions are easy to understand. I also enjoyed the testimonials.
   However, for someone like me with only a mortgage (cars are paid off, no credit card debt) many of his steps are difficult to implement. I also found that he seemed to repeat himself repeat himself many times. I suppose repetition is a good thing.
   
   Overall, good book. I would recommend it to my friends and family.



2. dave ramsey's book was my first financial book. I was about to get married and I need fianncial help. His book helped me in my marriage. Most couple fight because of money but since following Dave's book - i never got into debt. We are on our way to financial freedom because of Dave's great book



3. This book is absolutely awesome. I finished reading it within a single day, and am very excited to start this plan. I highly recommend this book.



4. Dave gives a simple no nonsense approach to personal finances. Requires a strong commitment to paying off your debt.



5. Dave gives solid financial advice that doesn't fly "over your head." I'm not a finance type guy. But I feel much more confident and able to manage my daily finances with Dave's advice. This book is a great starting point for anyone that feels swallowed up by credit card debt.

5 comments about When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change.

1. I do not believe that this book is worth buying or reading
   because of three factors:
   
   1. It contains minimal advice for investors wishing to
   change their investment strategies.
   
   2. It is written for an audience for professional economists
   with advanced degrees.
   
   3. The editing of the text is very poor. Each chapter contained
   multiple references to something "that I will deal with in
   the next chapter" or "that I covered in previous chapter."
   A few of these references is understandable, but the text
   is so poorly written and edited that these references quickly
   became a distraction and a nuisance.
   
   I would strongly advise prospective readers to avoid this book.



2. This booke seemed to be a mosthy a discussion of emerging China and its interaction with the ecomonies in the developed countries. I believe that the book has increased my understanding on this subject a lot.



3. This book got my attention after I saw Alan Greenspan had commented on it on the back cover. Surprised at first as he rarely recommends books publicly, I decided to check into it. Sadly, the book was terrible. It is very convoluted and difficult to understand and didn't not present any non-elementary insight. Mohamed's book reminds me of a prof I had in college who would love to use big words but say absolutely nothing. Nothing is new here.
   
   Basically Mohamed El-Erian is a Oxford graduate turned PhD who late in his career entered the Investment Management game(he freely admits that). He managed the Harvard University's endowment fund and then recently quit and moved to the bonds management company PIMCO as a Co-CEO (seriously, who still thinks Co-CEO is a good idea). I suspect all of those people on the Back Cover who reviewed his book are his buddies from Harvard or PIMCO and probably everywhere else he works, knows, or pays. Even Alan Greenspan who now consults for PIMCO. I am willing to wager Mr Greenspan never even read his book but got paid a lot of money for "consulting" with PIMCO and now recommends the book of they guy who is paying his salary. Boy, Alan was a good economist. His book was excellent...
   
   This book should really be titled "When I wrote a book to impress my Harvard colleagues: Nothing new but noone will know because noone can understand it, sucka"



4. This book was awful. Part of the problem is that the author couldn't decide who his audience was and, as such, probably bored the pants off finance people and left regular folk scratching their heads at his absurdly opaque writing "style".
   
   A couple quick points if you are considering buying this book:
   
   1. It you read the newspaper most days, are reasonably intelligent and realize there is a big world with lotsa money beyond America's shores, this book will give you no new information on "when markets collide".
   
   2. If you have some (I mean A MINIMAL AMOUNT) of investment knowledge, you will be painfully disappointed by the lame chapter on how to profit from future "collisions". Really, the author just lays out a pretty mundane asset allocation plan (which is available for free on any number of websites) and then fills a couple dozen pages with worthless blather. Seriously, that's it.
   
   3. The writing really sucks. Others have commented on this so, rather than gives examples, I'll just reinforce what others have noted: the writing sucks. Whatever happened to editors?
   
   4. If you really want some ideas about investing internationally, try The World is Your Oyster by Jeff Opdyke (2008). Heaven forbid, he writes in plain ole' English and gives a lot of worthwhile advice. If you really want to understand where the world is headed, read Billions of Entrepreneurs, How China and India are Reshaping Their Futures and Yours, by Tarun Khanna (2008).
   
   5. If you really want some ideas about investing in general Peter Lynch's classics are still every bit as instructive (and humorous...and nicely written) and the biography of Warren Buffett, "Buffett", is incredibly instructive. Jeremy Siegel's "Stocks for the Long Run" is also pretty handy, although el-Erian makes some snide comments about it...but never quite gets around to justifying them...hmmm...some petty Harvard - Wharton rivalry?
   
   6. el-Erian's shout-outs to colleagues here and there get more tedious as the book goes on, particularly as he never seems to articulate how the work of these experts is relevant to creating an investment portfolio. Gee, thanks.
   
   7. Let me say it one more time: When Markets Collide is a worthless read.



5. I think this is an excellent book that makes you think. Mr. El-Erian certainly has a very deep understanding of the current economic and financial environment and is able to convey much of this understanding to his readers. I enjoyed the book very much.

No comments about The Ten Roads to Riches: The Ways the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!.

5 comments about Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!.

1. I've read countless books on personal finance and creating wealth, but I must say Kiyosaki's is one of the better ones. Most finance books are pure finance and potential suggestions. They miss what precludes any great change in your life, and where most fail at; stepping back from your life as an employee and creating the proper mindset to get rich, (or achieve whatever financial goals you have). In other words, if you're head isn't in the right place from the beginning, the discipline and tools will not be enough to get you there. He feels that the single most important quality to achieve success is in the philosophy. How the wealthy think is what makes them different from the average worker or those just getting by.
   
   People who grind it out for the man day in day out need a complete brain makeover before they can see the forest for the trees. Kiyosaki had two father figures, a poor one (his real dad) and a rich one. His poor dad offer this worldview to his son; "Study hard so you can find a good company to work for." For him, talk of money was bad. Risk was bad. He argued that one's company is responsible to make sure all his needs were met. Finding the best job with the best company that offered the best benefits, to him, was best. His rich dad, on the other hand, encouraged talking about money around the dinner table, to teach the children how to think. He encouraged managing risk, rather than avoiding it. He argued against reliance upon an employer and for "total financial self-reliance" (16). Of course, Kiyosaki's book promotes the mindset of his rich dad.
   
   The book breaks down into six main lessons, which help the reader understand the mindset rather than a method. To close, Kiyosaki makes suggestions about how to begin. First, he combats the five main reasons people stay in their current life-style: fear, cynicism, laziness, bad habits, and arrogance. He then gives ten steps to begin this new mindset.
   
   Great book for its simplicity, original approach and value.



2. Kiyosaki's book does have some strengths, but also sends some mixed signals and has a lot of plain bad advice. Overall, the book is a bad choice.
   
   The good:
   - The story is interesting enough and certainly captures one's attention.
   - The motivational part. It does make you think about your financial life.
   
   The mixed:
   - "Leaving the Rat Race" -- spend less, invest more: excellent and much needed advice. Unfortunately, Kiyosaki's own bad example follows. He brags about his Rolex, luxury cars and such. Given the amount of time that he seems to spend promoting his stuff, maybe Kiyosaki himself is in the Rat Race -- albeit in a golden, roomier cage.
   - "Work to learn, not for the money". Again, good advice followed by bad examples. Learning at work is usually by DOING, not by being around or watching other people do. So, the Xerox case is fine, but all the others are just foolish.
   - "Assets and liabilities". Dubious "redefinitions": something that doesn't put money in your pocket can still be an asset (if it saves you money that would otherwise be spent -- say, a house...).
   
   The bad:
   - The whole "traditional education is bad for you" approach. No, it isn't. Harvard costs what it costs for a reason. The reason is more money for YOU down the road.
   - "Pay yourself first". Bad idea. If you're on a positive cash flow, it makes no difference. If you're not, it makes you incur in debt and thus INTEREST, which is a nice way to throw away money for zero added value.
   - Risk isn't always good, as Kiyosaki implies. The strategies discussed in the book are very unsound and will work only on a bullish market (if any).
   - Insider trading and tax evasion are illegal, period.
   
   And the naked, cruel truth that RDPD DOES NOT SAY:
   (because it isn't "best-seller material")
   - According to Kiyosaki's theory, all you have to do is "wake up the financial genius within you". In reality, there are two honest ways of making money in this world:
   1) WORKING. Ok, say you were lucky enough to have a truly great idea or talent. You still would have to work -- don't Steve Jobs, Madonna or Shaquille O'Neal work? Then again, not everybody will be THIS lucky -- and in this case, you are much better off being a highly paid EDUCATED worker. Just the opposite of what RDPD says. By the way, making money from real estate or IPOs or starting your own business will require a lot of work and knowledge, too. Even more than a white collar job.
   2) CAPITAL GAINS. Dividends and interest. Kiyosaki is right that it is possible to live on them. What he doesn't say is that it will take a TON of cash to make a decent living within manageable risk levels. And you must HAVE money to BEGIN WITH -- which means inherit it (but then you would not be reading RDPD, would you?) or, more likely, work and SAVE A LOT.
   Consider a 3% yearly interest rate above inflation, which is what low-work/low-risk will get. In order to have $5000/month BEFORE TAXES -- not exactly a high roller lifestyle -- you would need $2 million.
   Even somebody investing at 8% above inflation (and, may I add, 8% ON THE LONG RUN isn't that easy to achieve), starting from scratch and saving 50% of whatever comes in -- a very rigid discipline -- would take 33 years before being able to live on passive income. Make that a quarter, which is still above the savings level of most Americans, and you got 47 years.
   Don't believe me? Open up Excel or Calc and type:
   =NPER(8%;1;0;-12/8%)
   =NPER(8%;1;0;-36/8%)
   Still don't get it? Stop reading RPDP and go STUDY real, not fairy tale, economy.



3. What ppl don't understand is that you're never supposed to actually take things you read in books like this literally. If he says a certain investment is smart, or he made money a certain way, do your research and see if its right for you. Just like any book, the specific examples used are not as important as the message behind the book. I read all the criticisms of Robert Kiyosaki online, (just google him and the word scam). But to me its not about him, whether or not he has this or that, its about the fact that I his message is one that resonates with me.
   
   I'm a business student in college and I really learned a lot from this book, not just about money, but about life in general. People don't know this book is more about life and how you choose to live: a slave or free. Many of the things he's saying, "don't work all your life like your parents, ect."are all things I have thought about, but this book really articulated the ideas well and re-affirmed it.
   
   Don't buy this book if you literally want to learn to get rich, what you will get from this book is a good sense of the mindset you must be in to be rich. Its about being ambitious and thinking Rich, securing yourself financially so you can be free and do what you want. Would def recommend this to every and anyone, period. The bad reviews come from ppl who take the words literally and try to follow his instructions, go for the message, not the details.



4. This book was a real eye opener. I knew allot of the advice but hadn't thought of it in the way the author told us. Great helpful book.



5. Ok, let's skip the fact that by Kiyosaki's own admission, both dads were to a great extent fabricated.
   
   Let's skip the fact that many of the experiences in this book were either embellished or outright fabricated.
   
   Let's skip the fact that much of what he speaks of is in generalities without specific details.
   
   What remains are pleasant-sounding platitudes, lacking in the real-life specifics that most people need. To say that "The poor work for their money, while the rich have their moeny work for them" sounds nice, but is of very little help to someone lacking a compass.
   
   About the only thing that I agree with Kiyosaki on is the fact that our schools (at all levels) lack any kind of personal finance educational curriculum. This is an absolute travesty, but understandable when you consider that our nation is running record budget deficits. When debt is a way of life, people tend to accept it as a given in their own situation.
   
   I've known several people who are devotees of this book series. None (as in zero) have made a discernable difference in their lives. Most are also devotees of MLMs such as Amway, Quixtar and MonaVie...the common thread here being the desire to suceed (which is admirable), but the unwillingness to get the degree, the job and put in the time. Another Kiyosaki theme of "Become a real estate investor!" sounds great on paper, but without the education and training can potentially be a disaster. No one book (or series like this) can prepare someone for an entire career.
   
   If you want to learn how to handle money, try Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey or Lou Rukeyser. The fact that this series is a bestseller, does NOT necessarily mean the series has merit. It simply means that there is a market for baseless hope and optimism. I am sure Kiyosaki is laughing all the way to the bank.

5 comments about Killing Sacred Cows: Overcoming the Financial Myths That Are Destroying Your Prosperity.

1. The Right message for the right time!
   
   What if you could have it all and live the life you've always wanted now?
   What if you and your spouse could be on the same page about your financial future?
   
   Garrett Gunderson provides the right kind of message that resonates with our family and we look forward to learning more from this insightful author.
   
   "Killing Sacred Cows" is an Easy to Follow, Common Sense Road Map to Live in Abundance Now!!



2. I was raised in a 'traditional' financial and economic mindset that essentially got me nowhere. Reading Garrett's book really opened my eyes as to how these traditional financial myths were undermining my family's prosperity. Reading this book and working with Garrett's company has changed my life and I now have systems in place to ensure that I am controlling my life and finances instead of the other way around. Highly recommended reading!



3. I used to work in financial services; I left because I didn't believe in the concepts we were trained to share with others. Investing all of your extra cash in high risk/potentially high return instruments in response to your concern about possible future lack, often robs people of the best possible present moment. I don't believe that we can afford to live without planning for tomorrow, but heavily mortgaging your present for a possible better future may not be the best move either.
   
   The author shares with the reader a different way of looking at day to day finances, retirement planning, and general investing. His approach allows for investing without that quake of fear in your stomach every time you open the financial section of your newspaper.
   
   This book fills an important gap in the financial planning/get rich sooner than later book section you'll find in all the bookstores. It presents an open-hearted, sensible, fearless approach to money and its long term accumulation that will strike a lot of people as the right way to go.
   
   Mr Gunderson's success is a testament to the methods he shares here. This book is highly recommended.



4. Amazing book. The principles taught in this here really opened my eyes and made me look at money, and my stewardship over it in a whole new way. I would recommend this book to everyone.



5. Rich Dad must be making progress in influencing other authors. This is another recommendation to "buy rental properties". The author does not hit it nearly as hard as Rich Dad does though. It is subtle but it is throughout the book. We also learn that that banks are ripping you off by taking your deposits and lending it out to others for more than they pay you. Gasp! 401K's are awful and a waste of your money.
   
   The author does have a decent discussion of risk vs. reward. Different investment vehicles are not really inherently risky. It depends on your knowledge of them. Overall good insurance discussion, but lacking disability insurance coverage past a few bullet points.
   
   Overall....waste of the time I spent to browse it. That is the opportunity cost I willingly paid. If you know nothing it will only make you think that everyone is out to get you and make money for themselves...which is probably true, but this book will not arm you with any knowledge to fight back.

5 comments about Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time.

1. One of the best books I have ever read. Inspiring, amazing and perhaps the most motivational story I have heard.



2. this is one of the most inspiring books i have ever read. greg mortenson's journey and bridge building is a life lesson. it is a great gift to others. this man should be given the nobel peace prize.



3. I heard much about this book; many have written reviews about this book. I expected a heroic story about white man goes to brown country, sees horrible plight, saves brown people. It is about the journey of Greg Mortenson - but in his journey you "see" the people of Pakistan (and little of Afghanistan.) And yes, you also see Greg's personal struggles to understand and navigate cultures so different than his own.
   
   What surprised me was how I choked when reading about the death of a key donor. I realized there are many journeys in this book, many different people I felt connected to, many transformations. I didn't expect it from a non-fiction book.
   
   What stayed with me: Feed the creative minds of women and cultures will change.
   
   The end of the book resonates -- we Americans must live up our ideals as an democratic, empathetic nation -- and stop fueling the anger of the Muslim world. Books not bombs.
   
   Please remember to vote in this critical election year.



4. What a great book. To really enhance and visualize the terrain watch the Planet Earth session on mountains. An uplifting example of a grassroots movement that can make a terrific impact and the power and dedication of one person. A wonderful read, and a cause to get behind. I've since bought 5 more copies for friends. No wonder it has been on the #1 stop in the NY Times for so long!!!



5. One of the best and most timely books I've ever read. Besides being a good read, I learned so much about the Middle East. I am 70 years old and my 16 year old grandson loved the book as much as I did. He's a mountain climber!!