5 comments about Personal Finance For Dummies, 5th edition.

1. If you have a kid going off to college, make sure they read this. It is simply the most valuable book they will ever read. And don't forget to get one for yourself. There's a lot of time-worn wisom in this book that most people are ignorant of.



2. This book is pretty informative and gives helps guide you on preparing your finances. It talks about a lot of pitfalls to watch out for, and gives you some straight opinions on employer retirement plans and debt management, as well as some thoughts on good debt vs. bad debt.
   
   The only problem I have with it is the section on cutting costs. It is a little out of place and some of the recommendations on how to save money are a little bizarre and out there. Shaving your head to save money on hair supplies and taking naps at home for vacation instead of going away got a raised eyebrow from me, as did his belief that you have to be a small business or nonprofit to get a Costco membership. He also talks about giving up meat as a possible avenue for cost savings (because it costs a lot).
   
   Like I said, the rest of the book seems to have sound financial guidance. The section on saving money?
   
   Take it with a grain of salt.



3. Thought the book brought things to light I knew that I was in trouble this book just made me see more clearly how to try to fix things.



4. It's just amazing. Every other theme not too well understood is explained with clarity. Website references are a plus. If you have no idea of most financial concepts, what they mean and how to understand them this is a good starter tool.



5. This is such a great book, I will probably by a copy for my eighteen year old sister. The book provides valuable information that is valuable at any age, but even better if she can learn now. Great practical tips on debt management, saving, budgeting retirement, etc.

5 comments about The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities, 2nd Edition.

1. This book does a great job of explaining a long list of macro-economic indicators, their application and relative predictive importance. Highly recommended for those who want to understand how economists measure and attempt to forecast the direction of economies around the world.



2. Very good book to get an idea about all the economic indicators that can make or break the economy.



3. This is an esaly introduction to economic indicators, mainly the american ones. It contains some interesting tips about indicators, like "thumb rules" in some cases. It briefly introduces each of the most important indicators to the US economy (as well to other major economies) and it's effects on the markets. Those interested in detailed information of some indicator will need to go deeper looking for it's original sources.



4. Secrets of Economic Indicators is an excellent book on what drives and affects the economy and the markets. From inflation,consumer spending,unemployment,housing, to the Federal Reserve. Each section explains market sensitivity and why. Would not recommend this book for market-timing necessarily but to understand why the markets go up and down. The last 2 chapter have websites for U.S. and International Economic Indicators for further information. Well done.



5. This book really made market indicators simple and easy to understand. I appluad the author for his format. If you need to understand all of those fancy indicator lingo this is the book to read.

5 comments about Financial Peace Revisited.

1. I have read 4 of Dave's books. I would rank this # 2 behind The Total Money Makeover or the Workbook version of the same title. The concepts are similar to the Total Money makeover but less examples of how to do things and how to put into practice versus The total Money makeover. On that basis, I would recommend reading the Total money makeover first, then this one for other insights. This book does still give you the groundwork of how to do it (get out of debt) and put into practice healthy habits that will make you rich over time.



2. Ramsey offers some good thoughts, but the examples offered are at best questionable. First, I agree that debt is a burden when used incorrectly, but Ramsey seems to tag debt itself as an immoral product of lenders. Debt does not have a moral character; debt is a tool, much like a pick or shovel, when used correctly it has benefits, when incorrectly it can create problems. Ramsey offers this advice when buying a car without cash to purchase. Buy a '$5700' car to arrange for payments of $100, rather than a new $23,000 car with payments of $300. Invest the difference, $200, for seven years to save for the next car. Ramsey uses an investment return rate of 10%. I can't think of any reasonable investments that will yield an average of 10% a year for seven years, especially with an initial investment of $200. Nearly all cars in a recent search of AutoTrader.com in such a price range had well in excess of 100k miles and many were nearly 10 years old. Maintaining a car with age or mileage such as these would be an expense that would likely exceed the savings of $200 per month, unless you are good at car repair. Nor does Ramsey comment on the fact that lenders charge much higher rates on older used cars, rates of 18% (or more) are likely. A much better alternative would be a newer used car, especially one without the bells and whistles, that would have factory warranty remaining. Accelerate the payments, if the payment is $350, pay $450 in order to retire the debt with as little cost as possible, when the loan is repaid, direct that payment to savings. Take care of the car and keep it until repairs exceed the value of the vehicle.
   
   Ramsey recommends investing in mutual funds as a primary investment vehicle. He then gives examples of the poor return when investing in the NYSE, stating that a dart board approach for picking stocks is nearly as effective as professional investors (he is right about this, because of the short time frame allocated the investment). I don't know who he thinks invests the money placed in mutual funds or what they invest in, but he again assigns the NYSE almost a moral character. Mutual funds usually have expensive 'loads' and have ongoing fees assessed against your investment. If you don't have the time to investigate your investments with some detail, mutual funds are okay, but a better approach is investing your money in the market based on YOUR research. There are many resources to help you do this that doesn't require a great deal of technical knowledge. Investing in anything requires your due diligence and on going follow up. Stock in solid firms that pay a dividend offer the opportunity for a good reward for long term investors.
   
   Buy 'The Richest Man in Babylon' and a good investment book, you will be better served.



3. Dave Ramsey makes everything so simple. I just wish I would have had this information in my 20s or even younger. It is changing my life. It gives me hope and promise.



4. I took the Financial Peace University class and received this book along with the class materials. Dave Ramsey is a special financial adviser in the way that his advice focuses on changing financial management behavior first and then getting into the more in-depth details later.
   
   There are a lot of reviews and descriptions here, so I'll keep my thoughts on this simple: check out the book, take the program, and you will not regret it. This works if you apply it from my experience and the experiences of those I know who took the class. This isn't a quick fix: it'll take you a couple months to get the hang of things and some time after that to get your finances in order.
   
   If you're serious about changing your financial future, you should really take the class, too. It's cheap and they are conducted throughout the country.



5. First, I feel that most of Dave's advice is perfectly solid, and almost guaranteed to get anybody out of debt. The debt snowball and gazelle methods are right on. You have to be extremely motivated to get ahead financially, especially if you are tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hole. His worksheets for budgeting, managing debt etc are simple, straightforward and will get the job done. Nevertheless, I have no choice but to ding the rating on this book, and give it only 3 stars because of one chapter that I find completely unfocused and potentially very damaging: the "Only Buy Big, Big Bargains" chapter. Here's the thing: I've never been in the kind of debt Dave and his listeners have experienced. Never. The reason being: I come from a frugal Scots-Irish family and materialism was always discouraged in my family. Frugality was always praised and rewarded. These are lessons I absorbed in my baby formula. My father's two uncles were bachelor farmers who accumulated a legendary FORTUNE by living simply, frugally and not letting themselves get sucked into the acquisitive, materialist mindset that started taking over this country from the 1950s and onward. Since they were the only rich people I ever met personally, I have based my own financial decisions on their example and folk/inherited wisdom. The number one thing they (and I) would NEVER DO is pay even a cent more than we have to for any type of depreciating asset. The chapter on Big Bargains in Dave's book rambles on for pages on how to get a great deal on a luxury car (that you would STILL end up paying 5 figures for!), implying that you don't *really* have to make any sacrifices to make his system work. This is just like telling a room full of alcoholics that they can still have an occasional beer, as long as they water it down with some ginger ale first. ABSURD. I have to tell Dave's readers that if you want to be wealthy, and teach your children to be wealthy, you MUST adhere strictly to the "Rich Dad Poor Dad" principle of investing in ASSETS, not LIABILITIES. Spend the least amount possible on a depreciating asset like a car, without actually buying a lemon. There aren't many individuals or families that couldn't get by with a secondhand Toyota Corolla, and you can probably get one with about 20 to 30 thousand miles on it for under 10K. NEVER spend more than FOUR digits on a car. That should be GOSPEL. My great uncles drove their pickup truck until it rusted and fell apart and they had no choice but to buy another one, to run the farm. They paid cash for a new truck at that point, although the dealer sneered at their ragged overalls and thought they weren't customers worth his time. Boy was he ever wrong! They were without a doubt the richest people he probably ever met in his pitiful life. You can get rich too, but NOT BY PURCHASING DEPRECIATING ASSETS. If you like "nice things" the way Dave does, then learn to like "nice things" that typically APPRECIATE IN VALUE: paintings, antiques, fine oriental rugs -- NOT CARS. Buy only barely enough car to meet your transportation needs. That's it. Ignore Dave when he gushes about a luxury care he got such a great deal on. He is totally brain farting on this one.

5 comments about Stock Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. Like it says, it's stock investing for dummies. Not only will you get explanations for key terms that you will encounter, you also will be taught how to look at numbers on a balance sheet, and decode what story the balance sheet is telling you. The way this book is written is very novice-friendly, you won't have to worry about being lost or not being able to understand some words. I can see how the more "advanced" investors might flip through the pages going "I already know that...." But like the title says, It's for dummies. If you know nothing about investing and want to know more, this is a great start. However, If you want to take it to the next level, I recommend a successful mentor.



2. This book is fantastic. It covers all the basic fundamentals, provides resources to learn more about every area, and covers every broad aspect of evaluating a company. You learn about company fundamentals, accounting formulas, economic indicators, political signs, trends, and much more. Probably the best beginning book on stock trading I've read, and I have read many.
   
   Not only that, but the author's results speak for themselves. The 1st edition was written in 2005, and he made several predictions, every one of which came true. In the book he mentioned that according to his research silver would be in very high demand in the next few years - then showed the indicators to prove it. Silver then went on to go from $7 to $17 currently, over 30% annual growth. He accurately predicted the internet stock bust in 2001, the housing bust, the rise of silver, the rise of oil, the collapse of financial service companies, and the rise of commodities.
   
   Obviously results alone don't mean anything, but when taken with the strategies he teaches, it's very clear that this guy knows what he's doing.



3. I liked the book and thouht it was really good, some stuff I didn't think about was menioned in this book, even though its for Dummies :-)



4. It has basiclly very much everything to know about stocks. For newbie like me, I'm glad that I got this book. It shows u from buy to sell stocks and what matters would happen.



5. Time is an important asset. Invest your time in this excelent masterpiece, it will be your first good investment of many.
   
   Two considerations:
   
   Specalutors are not welcome here, this is pure investment for dummies. Aggresive tactics only in a conservative macro-enviroment.
   
   Investment could be very hard if you like, but like all things in life, it is best to keep it simple. Paul's book will be always in your hands when your strategies became too complex, heping advanced investors return to the basics.
   
   
   (Sorry for my english, is not my primary language)

5 comments about Rich Dad's Advisors®: The ABC's of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss (Rich Dad's Advisors).

1. Very simple to read and understand. Practical sound writen plans for real estate investing. Do recomend this book for any one interested in learning the real life basic's in begining real estate investing as a business small to large. Realistic reading of expearance. Made very good since. A straigt forward book of good information.



2. This was a thorough book. The author has real-life experience doing exactly what he writes about. He gives excellent advice on how to find the diamonds in the rough, and how to do 99% of your research BEFORE you spend a dime. I recommend this book to anyone in the industry. Fabulous!



3. This is the first book in the Rich Dad series that actually tells you how to find, buy and manage apartment complexes. The author writes the entire step by step process of locating a good market and a good deal.
   
   The disadvantage is that the step by step process is written in paragraph form, not outline form, so that makes it a little harder to go back and find the step you are looking for after reading the book.



4. This is more of a book on how to run a real estate investment business than what you traditionally find in real estate investment books. I would not recommend this book for beginners or even amateurs because there's no way you'll be able to raise the millions needed for investing in huge complexes from investors without a lot of experience. I certainly wouldn't give a million dollars to someone that's never purchased and managed a large complex so they could learn with my money.
   
   I believe this, and his Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing, are great books for investors that are moving from single and multi-family residences to large complexes. But I just don't bite off on any Joe Blow being able to raise the capital to do what he's teaching.



5. After all its the 'ABC', for beginners. Would take a couple more books to get to 'XYZ'. Its great for those who are interested in the real estate investing and want to know what its about (this book only talks about rental apartments, not houses or condos). For people who are already in the business this book will only point out the obvious. It doesn't cover all of the aspects of real estate investing. Well, no book does. It serves more as a guide, touches on the surface of 1) finding deals, 2) how to investigate a property, 3) how to come up with the price of the property, 4) a little bit on how to manage rental apartments. It doesn't cover on other important topics such as 1) funding, bank loans, financing and morgaging your property 2) taxes and 3) market researching.

5 comments about The Great Bust Ahead: The Greatest Depression in American and UK History is Just Several Short Years Away. This is your Concise Reference Guide to Understanding Why and How Best to Survive It.

1. You do not need an economics background to write a book like this but the ability to construct a logical argument or a knowledge of history would help. The author ignores even the most basic understanding of monetary supply, fractional reserve banking or GDP. An annoying book demonstrating the authors ignorance and little more.



2. The basic thesis, that there will be another Great Depression, seven times worse in fact according to the author, rests entirely on one premise: the number of 45-54 year olds peaking and declining precipitously will cause the Dow Jones (the economy) to crash just as hard. I must admit, the 80+ year correlation between the inflation-adjusted DJIA and the 45-54 year old demographic is astounding. But as we all should know, correlation does not equal causation. In fact that correlation unraveling as we speak, the Dow was sluggish at around 11,000 until 2006-2007, turned highly volatile, peaked in 2007 at over 14,000, and declined since then to well below 12,000. We are now in a bear market if not a recession, and All while the "big-spender" demographic skyrocketed, which will continue until 2011! Where is the boom? The Dow should be on its way to 26,000 and eventually crash to 5000 according to the author. Although this was not the first time the two graphs diverged, he seems to have an explanation for the other divergences (e.g. the New Deal, birth control, etc.). If the New Deal could turn things around, how come this time he says the government will not be able to do anything about it? This book leaves the reader with more questions than answers.
   
   I do believe we are in for some rough times ahead, but demographics is not the reason. The credit and housing crises, combined with high oil and food prices (really just a commodities bubble that has popped), has been hammering away at the economy for the past year or so, and things may still get worse before they get better. Stagflationary recession is likely if we are not already in one, and it may be longer and deeper that expected. But a 13-year depression? The only things that could do that (given all the safeguards we now have in place thanks to FDR) are a) Peak Oil happening suddenly, b) a major war or severe terrorist attack, or c) The Fed. Even Bernanke admits the Fed turned the mild recession of 1929 into a full blown depression through overreacting and using an outdated playbook (i.e. raising rates before and during a deflationary recession).
   
   As for Japan, their 13-year malaise was caused by their own housing and credit crisis, plus the stock market (Nikkei) bursting. Combined with the BOJ raising rates. And like us, the correlation between the Nikkei and demographics has parted ways since 2007, when it declined again.



3. This book may save your life's savings. Please read it. Kudos to the courageous author for writing this remarkable book, and for giving common people timely and fair warning for what lies ahead. We need more people like Mr. Arnold, who makes this world a better place.



4. Reasonable theory with his demographic studies. Takes one hour to read and can be very helpful to your financial planning, if in fact the baby boomers can affect the economy like he says.



5. I thought this book was very informative and logical. I think that the "experts" sometimes get lost in the details and completely ignore the BIG PICTURE. It's like they are laying sandbags along a swelling river in front of them and ignoring the growing leaks in the big dam behind them. I realize that this is not an exact science, but the author seems to recognize that as well. Given recent events, he is looking pretty smart right now.
   
   Though the thought of a coming bust is troubling in some ways, I found this book to offer some hope. The author not only outlines the reasons for the coming downturn but offers good ideas for avoiding financial catastrophe. I only wish that I had read it a few years ago.

5 comments about The Intelligent Investor: The Classic Text on Value Investing.

1. This book is hailed, and with strong reason, as one of the cornerstone pieces of investment literature. The ideas surrounding valuation and the like are as valid now as they were when the pen first touched this masterpiece.
   
   It is not one of those over-hyped, over-produced get rich quick in the stock market type pieces, but rather a solidified educational fundamental foundation to theory of value investing.
   
   A warning to the novice: This book is written in a very technical language that will be hard to grasp without an understanding of the market in general. This should not be a first investment book, but rather a compliment to your growing collection.



2. Since reading Graham, I keep running into his name everywhere -- and for good reason. Graham (and his disciple Warren Buffet) does not talk about -- or believe in -- get-rich-quick schemes (those are speculation), but in sound principles of looking for solid, well-run companies, and buying their stock when the price dips. (The market gets hysterical and goes up or down in ways that have nothing to do with the intrinsic value of the company.) If other people are foolish enough to sell off a good company at a bargain price, there's nothing wrong with being smart enough to go against the market and buy a bargain. If you want to invest but don't know how to do it intelligently, read Ben Graham for starters.



3. This is a great book for a beginner. covers a lot of the basics, some of the stuff may be outdated but the fundamentals do not seem to have changed.



4. Typically, when Nobel laureates and/or Pulitzer Prize winners are asked how they came to such remarkable achievements in the understanding of their chosen fields, their response is, "because I stood on the shoulders of giants." In essence, they studied and improved upon the contributions of the giants who came before them and that's telling; because, if you want to gain a clearer understanding of the modern day great minds, simply dig up the classics that they studied. For instance, for a better understanding of classic capitalism you have to read An Inquiry into the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. But if you want to gain a clearer understanding of Adam Smith's true message concerning capitalism you have to read The Wealth of Nations in conjunction with his other famous work, The Theory of Moral Sentiment. For a better understanding of politicians and what we commonly refer to as their unscrupulous behavior, you have to read, The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli. If you're looking for a clearer understanding of man's quest for validation here on earth, one has to read Viktor Frankl's, Man's Search for Meaning. All of these people and their works are universally recognized and accepted as the pinnacle starting point of greatness in their fields. If you were to add to that list, The Intelligent Investor, by Ben Graham, you may very well have found a blue print for the successful manipulation of life. If the world were to recruit one of its greatest investors to instruct the rest of us in balanced, diversified portfolio management, we'd start with Ben Graham. For those of you interested in exploring the possibility of wealth creation and personal portfolio management, there is absolutely no better financial and/or philosophical starting point than The Intelligent Investor. According to Warren Buffet, "The Intelligent Investor is by far the best book on investing ever written." Even if you don't plan on managing your own portfolio, wouldn't it be nice to know what questions to ask? Probably so! Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Read it, learn it and love it! Because once you've learned the text of this book, you'll never be the same.



5. If you understand Benjamin graham in "The intelligent investor" you would only think that he sold a million dollar idea for $20 .This wouldn't just make you rich but will give you a robust character . My title says Sweatless fortune , you got to understand graham to believe that .

5 comments about How to Win Friends and Influence People.

1. i just added this book b/c it sounded interesting and to bump cart price up to free shipping.
   its an easy to read book with relevant insight.



2. This book was life changing for me. As a dad, a husband, a school teacher and a stand-up comedian, I needed these teachings. This book showed me a better way to lead at home and in the class room. It also has helped me deal with club owners, which has already materialized in more money. I now know that a leader doesn't make you follow him, he makes you WANT to follow him. My home, work, and business relationships have improved drastically because of this book. If you follow these teachings from the heart, you will see drastic changes in both your business and personal lives.



3. If this guy's so good at winning friends and influencing people, how come he's dead?



4. this book is a great book to read!especially if you want tbe become a leader.



5. El secreto de los multimillonarios reside en este libro. Por mas de 7 decadas se ha mantenido como el mejor libro de aprender a llevarse con las personas.
   
   Debe ser un requisito en las escuelas del mundo!!!!

5 comments about The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) From the Inside Out.

1. Not happy with this product. It seems that if you buy something from this author he imediately tells you he has something better.



2. Excellent and inspiring. Dr Joe Vitale has changed numerous lives with this book. I am vwer grateful to him for all his works. This book is a must for everyone.



3. The Attractor Factor is a great book. A book everyone should read several times! And the workbook is fantastic, really makes the book about you!



4. I've read Spiritual marketing. I also read the first version of The Attractor Factor - but I'd borrowed it from the library.
   So, since the first two versions "worked" at least enough for me to feel flush enough to purchase this version I figured, it would be good to have in my library.
   
   There is not much new in this version, I'm not a fan of the quiz in the beginning telling me where to start but I did like the addition of space to write in the book -- in essence - forcing me to complete the exercises.
   
   This time around I think I really grasped more of the message that Vitale is trying to pass on and feel more at peace with my own complicity in my life's situations. My life is fine, but sure, I'm expecting more prosperity, but I'm not desperate for it like I have been in the past. I think that is the essence of the book. Reading it alone won't get you there, it's a mindset.
   
   I can also clearly see the hypnotic writing which Vitale is famous for at play in the book. I see why people would buy his book/s and run out to buy the next, sign up for his trainings or his coaching programs --it's woven into every nook and cranny of the book. Is that a bad thing? No! I don't think it's covert, I think it's right out in the open.
   
   The bottom line is -- if you're ready to do the WORK, take ACTION and make steps toward your perfect life - this book is full of practical ways to do that, with some good points to ponder as well. If, on the other hand you're looking for a quick fix or a guarantee change in your life after reading it -- get real. Fix yourself and your thinking, and the approach the book with a beginner's mind and do the exercises. It will help!
   
   Peggie Arvidson
   [...]



5. I saw Joe on the Secret and Joe just spoke to me. He is a regular guy with a great success story from streets to wealth. With so many of the same types of books out there I was drawn to Joe's story. I had purchased the "Missing Secret" CD set and they both have the same message but work well together. I liked being able to write in the book so I can go back and referrence where I started to see how I progress. It is not my choice to be on the street and experience that, I will skip that part and write my own success story.

5 comments about You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead.

1. Straight forward, to the point. Putting things in perspective to help you dig yourself out of the hole you created. Thank you Larry WingetYou're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead



2. Great book. Larry has a great sense of humor but gets to the point. Everyone should read this book. It should be mandatory for high school students, so that they won't have to muck up their finances/credit in the first place! Keep up the good work, Larry!



3. I am a 59 year old happily married female with 3 adult children, 2 foster children, and 14 grandchildren. My family is what I live for. Yet...can you believe I secretly blamed them for the financial chaos I'm living in? I truly believed it was my "generous" heart...helping others that created my mess. In his book, "You're Broke Because You Want To Be" Larry Winget helped me to see that the blame is mine and mine alone. Excuses are just that...excuses! He helped me to see that there is a right and a wrong way to spend my money. The book was especially helpful in showing me how to be a "giving" person without corrupting my own financial well-being.I can't wait to get started with his simple, easy to implement, life changes and see how long it takes to get my life back...not only in financial matters but all areas of my life that are undisciplined! Thank you Larry Winget...I'll let you know of my success as it happens!



4. I watched Larry's show Big spender when it was on A&E. I read this book and gave it to friends. Larry don't sugar coat it. If you want the real thing and get your butt into gear this book is great. I gave it as gifts last year and only you can change yoru ways. He gives the tools to do it. And they are easy. If you are in a money rut buy this book.



5. Here's a no-nonsense guide to dealing with the money mess you've made and want to clean up. Winget takes the chaos of your financial life, encourages you to see it for what it is, and then tells you how to change it for the better from the inside out. No silver bullet. No fairy dust. I got just the kick in the butt I needed!