5 comments about The Complete Tightwad Gazette.

1. This book has SO much information on how to save money. I don't think I could ever apply all the tips, but the ones I have applied have really helped! I like to open the book and find one tip to do for the week rather than trying to apply everything at once. You can save money with a bit of time and creativity.



2. I've had the original series since they came out, and I still go back to these books for information. Not only does she give advice, she shows how she came up with it and how to modify it to your life.
   
   I use her recipes all the time (have the granola one memorized, we use it so much). It's worth having this just for the recipes. These books are how I was able to stay home with my kids, even though I made twice what my husband did.
   
   Although I gave this five stars, there are a few things you might want to know (if it matters). The index in the originals was not that great. I don't know if they've improved that in this combination or not. Since the books were set up from a magazine, there are many very short articles, so it doesn't read like a book. But I found it very entertaining. Even though the pricing is from the 80's in many cases, you can make up your own price lists using her principles.
   
   If you like being told what to do, this probably isn't the book for you. If you like having the information to figure it out yourself to suit your life, you'll love these.
   
   I've read about twenty 'save money' books and this series is the best.



3. This book is a collection of articles from Amy's 1990-96 newsletter by the same name. It is written in short, easy to read sections with a sense of humor. A lot of great suggestions to save money - not at all preachy! You decide how far you want to go to save money and how hard you want work at it. Amy's point is it's your money and it's your decision how to make it work for you. Whether you want a farmhouse in Maine with six kids or a Lexus in your garage - why spend money on things that aren't fulfilling to you?
   I think a lot of the negative reviews of this book have more to do with guilt over their unwillingness to put in the effort required than any advice in the book. I haven't heard of a child yet who turned into a sociopath because he/she didn't get a $200 pair of sneakers, $100 jeans and a happy meal everyday. Haven't heard of one that died from being made to try a vegetable either. I have seen too many children, who after following their parents examples of excess, have no idea of how to live within their means. If you're serious about getting your life and your spending under control there's no better guide to doing it than this book and Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.



4. Overall I enjoyed this book as a comedy piece. It seemed on every page there was something my husband and I could giggle at. There were a few good money-saving ideas in here, but some of it was downright ridiculous.
   
   This might be a good book for you if you are absolutely desperate to find new ways to save a penny or two here and there, and don't mind looking tacky in the process.
   
   In her defense, the author warns herself that some of these suggestions are unsanitary if not downright dangerous. Re-using styrofoam containers from raw meat comes to mind, as well as the whole section on dumpster diving. In short, you have to read through a lot of junk to get to any helpful advice. (Hopefully most parents would opt to go on welfare before digging through other people's trash for food!)
   
   As we are looking for a new house I had hoped to find some good advice on that but her advice is dangerous; old houses can have anything from lead paint to asbestos to gas leaks or lead in the pipes and so on. Some things are simply not worth the savings.
   
   Many of the other ideas were very outdated and no longer true. For example nowadays with the rising price of cheese, a homemade pizza will run you at least $8.50. Several of her other tricks I calculated myself and did not come up with any savings. So on most things you will have to do your own math if you want to know the true cost with today's prices.
   
   The only other complaint I have with this book is that it's very unorganized. It's not broken down by subject at all, just short newsletters on various topics which I found irritating.
   
   I reccomend you check this book out at the library before buying. You might find some gems amongst the muck, and you WILL at least have a good laugh. But if you want to buy a more useful book on this subject, I reccomend Miserly Moms as it is much better (and smaller!!).



5. This book is for all of us who get pleasure from saving money. It is for people who get more of a thrill out of walking out of a grocery store having saved $30 on their food bill than they do when the spend $100 on a new pair of expensive shoes. If you prefer the smell of retiring early from a job you dislike to new car smell, you have found your book. While this book is a little extreme with homemade Halloween costumes for kids and going through piles of your neighbors curb side throw outs to repair and use. It has excellent ideas on cooking at home to save money, and a great philosophy on how to stop relying on convenient foods, convenient stores, and conveniently spending all your money on things that add no value to your life. Whether it is buying 10 pairs of the exact same color and type of sock so when one wears out or is lost you lose one and not a pair, or putting a gallon jug of water in your toilet to save a gallon of water on every flush, this book is packed with ideas that will save you the cost of the book itself very quickly. Stock up on items you use frequently when they are on sale, take your time when buying a car or house so you get the best deal possible, negotiate big ticket items. The bottom line is spend money on what is most important to you, a nice house, quality time with your children, or early retirement and stay away from single serve pudding cups, lunch-ables, restaurants, fast food, and grocery items not on sale. Escape the consumer spending trap and the corporate rat race all at one time through spending smart to live more free.

5 comments about The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying.

1. 
   I found this small, hand held, version with nothing profound. Simple common sense



2. Having just gone thru a divorce, Suze Orman gives you the financial down-to-earth motivation you need to move on. Her heart-felt honest advice gives you that feeling that you CAN and WILL be able to handle your money no matter how it is affecting your life.



3. I wanted to like this, and there is some good 101 style advice in there about lump sum versus slower investing and trusts versus wills but this is basic info - the rest is baby boomer rubbish about "attracting money" with your beliefs, treating money as a "cherished friend" etc. She says it makes you "powerless" to help people out financially, that you should not help your kids pay bills, and that the only "powerful" way to give away money is to give it to your parents because you owe them for having you, and to give your money to a charity or church. So baby boomers if your gen x kids are swimming in debt from student loans hand more money to charities and places of worship and don't "lose power" by helping your kids. There is nothing in here for people under 40 and/or those struggling to start out in life under a mountain of student loan debt. Pass this one by.
   
   I strongly recommend "Pat The Money" as the antidote to this book.



4. I love suze, but i didnt know this book was 2 inches big. It is a litlle tiny pocket sized book, for a person of very small pockets:) I didnt realize how miniature, minature edition was.



5. Getting young people early on and actually learing about finances before it gets out of hand is a wonderful concept all parents need to have to instill in their/our children!
   Suze Orman make thing so simple and easily understood.
   Her approach should be taught in High School and beyond.

2 comments about The Only Guide to Alternative Investments You'll Ever Need: The Good, the Flawed, the Bad, and the Ugly.

1. This book is so well written and educational that I read it from cover to cover in only a few days. I found the arguments for the "good" investments well supported, and the explanation for the "flawed," "bad" and "ugly" convincing and supported by facts and research. I only wish that this book was available before I bought some of the bad and ugly investments in the past. As with Swedroe's other publications, he has again provided the average investor with valuable knowledge without any hype or noise.



2. As an investment advisor and co-host of a financial radio program I have read a voluminous amount of investment material from a host of authors over the years. Larry is clearly one of the best financial writers I have come across. This book illuminates the reader on a myriad of investment strategies that are rarely understood by most investors and financial professionals. His writing style is entertaining, informative and supported by solid empirical evidence. Summarizing a quote from Larry Swedroe, "there is a difference between information and knowledge, information is a fact or piece of data, knowledge is information that can be put into practical use to make better decisions". This book provides the reader with practical knowledge on less understood, alternative investments. I recommend this book to all investors and I would also recommend checking out Larry's other books.
   
   Kenneth R. Smith. CFP®, MS
   CEO Empirical Wealth Management LLC

5 comments about The Retirement Savings Time Bomb . . . and How to Defuse It: A Five-Step Action Plan for Protecting Your IRAs, 401(k)s, and Other RetirementPlans from Near Annihilation by the Taxman.

1. A great book to avoid losing your hard earned IRA money. And great tips for passing it on to your kids.



2. Writing reviews for Amazon is getting ridiculous. I received my order before the deadline and in the condition promised.



3. Technical book about 401(k) and IRA retirement plans. It requires some background to understand many of the concepts, but the author tries to make the concepts as understandable to as many people as possible. Useful for people who are of advanced age and required to make decisions about retirement options.



4. This book is well worth the price. it is a very easy read. In fact, I would say it is humorous, and breezy....no small feat since , and that means something when many books in this area are like reading economic text books in University. This will help teach you how to keep Government away from your nest egg.



5. So, this book was great for me. The topics were exactly what I wanted... most people don't concern themselves with the distribution side of the IRA, but rather only with the contribution and investment side. Ed discusses this mostly in the context of estate planning and figuring out how to maximize your contributions. If you plan on depleting your retirement plan and not passing it to your heirs, there is much in this book that you'll pass over. However, if you have a large retirement plan and intend on either
   a) being able to pass to heirs
   b) have to pass to heirs
   then you'll want to read this book.

5 comments about Empire of Debt: The Rise of an Epic Financial Crisis.

1. If you want to know what is going on in the world of money today, here is the book to read. Very well written. It describes in detail and easy understandable form the diease of todays financial world. If everybody would have read this book two years ago it would have protected a lot of people from personal loss or bankruptcy. Thank you for speaking the uncomfortable truth.



2. I love this book. I must have read it thru ten times already.
   
   Don't let the title scare you. Bonner and Wiggin bring a dull subject to life with an irreverent but refreshing take on history.
   
   "Would the nation be better off if Lincoln had not slaughtered so many Southerners?" they ask. "Would world history have been worse if Wilson had not meddled in World War 1."
   
   Political correctness is cast aside. Party propaganda is ignored. National heroes get skewered. "The most popular American presidents were those who stole most beautifully," they intone, describing the logic of democratic larceny. These guys love to poke fun at pompous politicians.
   
   The authors do get serious. After relating the rise and demise of past empires, they report that America is headed for the same fate. She has moved away from her founding principles, away from the freedoms of republic and into the clutches of empire.
   
   With the inexorable rise of the state come delusions of grandeur and pseudo patriotism. Government intrusion crowds out free enterprise. Civil liberties are tossed in favor of fast money. Original thought gives way to corporate cool. History is relegated to the dustbin.
   
   We are consumed with the running of empire. We mind everyone's business but our own. We shred the Constitution for wars without end.
   
   Wave good-bye to the American Republic. Say hello to the Empire of Debt.



3. I just finished the book in time to turn on the news that my bank, WaMu, has been seized and sold in one motion. Now the boys in Washington are telling us that they were caught by surprise and have to craft a solution that needs to be passed in days if not hours. President George "Chicken Little" Bush has appeared to tell us that we will face the fires of hell if we don't pass his (and his cronies) best guesses at a solution. Hmmm, WMDs anyone?
   
   Bonner and Wiggin predicted the whole thing well in advance and since I don't subscribe to the divine revelation theory of economic analysis it is clear to me that the situation was clear to others as well. Evidently none of those people were at the SEC or in goverment until yesterday. Glad they could show up but I am seriously frightened by what they might do now that they are belly up to the bar.
   
   We, as a people, have got to get educated and yesterday would have been a good day to start. This book is an example of the information that is available. It is up to us to begin to us it.
   
   Bonner and Wiggin recommend gold but that is clearly indicated to be a strategy available to the less connected and less sophisticated investor. For the savvy folks who are in Martha Stewarts phone tree, they recommend investments in companys in contrast to stocks. The company performance is the criteria, not the stock and they require different approaches that are explained in the book. The basic difference is the amount of effort and the methodology for investment. Personally that phone tree looks pretty good to me...
   
   Good luck everyone.



4. Bonner can turn a phrase but his arguments get old after about half way through. The book is also dated. Instead of this one, try "Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets," where he has an outstanding writing partner in libertarian journalist Lila Rajiva. It is much better written on every level (especially if you like savage humor) and speaks to the current crisis in a very sophisticated but accessible way.



5. A prognosis most Americans have not wanted to hear for decades (until now when sadly the disease can no longer be ignored). Philosophical but easy to read for anyone willing to expend a little thought/effort, and read with an open mind. Almost everone who reads it will find something offensive to their perceptions of the world we live in, but that's the point. Some might see this as gloom & doom but it's excellent at cutting through perceptions to expose realities; and perhaps more important how reality and perceptions so easily and stealthily diverged from one another.
   
   I don't agree with every cause and effect or conclusion but overall Bonner is spot on. As a treatise to show the ill effects of blind trust, overreaching government, misleading press, ignoring history and human frailities - this would make excellent reading in HS or at least college where we want to teach that it's not just OK to challenge conventional wisdom and leaders, but that our long term freedoms rely on us doing so.

5 comments about One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good.

1. Boy, was I disappointed with this book. It's clearly aimed at housewifes and house husbands. Almost nothing about organizing paperwork, calendar, your office...etc. This was an utter waste of time for me.



2. A picked up one helpful "jewel" from this book. That you need to understatnd what, in your past, makes you behave the way you do in order to change your behavior. This tidbit made it worth the cost of the book and the time to read it. You can staighten things up, but if you don't change your behavior, then it won't last. Other than that, the "Just Do It" attitude and the importance of taking things a step at a time are well presented in this book.



3. I loved reading though this book and imagining what my life could be like if I implemented the wonderful room-by-room systems outlined here. The book made me feel as though I could really finally clean out my attic, find time to vacuum under the beds, balance my checkbook, plan ahead for meals, and recoup a large tax deduction from Goodwill after I collected and donated all my family's unused clothes, toys and knick-knacks. And I'm going to do every single one of those things -- after I start my novel and truly dedicate to flossing everyday.
   
   Unfortunately the book does not come with Dobby the House-Elf to actually perform all of these tasks, or at the very least kick me in the behind until I start doing them.
   
   But my personal shortcomings aside, this is a wonderful reference for those enterprising slobs who can actually do more than daydream about being able to start each day without digging through the laundry mountain for clean underwear and coming across that earring they lost five months ago.
   
   I recommend purchasing this volume and keeping it on your bedside table -- for the shaming factor, if for nothing else.



4. I like how she divides things up to a room, group of rooms, or other group to organize your home. This method breaks it down to manageable pieces that don't overwhelm you.



5. Out of all the organizing books I've read--more than I'd like to admit--Regina Leeds' "One Year to an Organized Life" stands out as the most comprehensive and inspiring book yet.
   
   The book is organized into 12 sections--one for each month of the year, starting with January, although as Regina points out, there's no time like the present to get started. She takes you through not only the main areas of your home--the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom all get their own sections, as well as "common rooms" and, intriguingly, "hidden areas" which includes the attic, basement, garage, laundry and guest rooms--but also devotes sections on travel, entertaining, creating a festive atmosphere, and paper organization. I'm especially drawn to July's section, titled, "Fun in the Sun: Scrapbooks, Memorabilia, Greeting Card Collections, and Your Address Book." There are also sections on Back-to-School and Moving, both of which offer general tips and strategies anyone can apply--even those who don't have kids or are planning to move.
   
   The sections contain an introduction, a summary, and four chapters that correspond with the weeks in a month. Each chapter opens with a bulleted list, encouragingly titled "This week you can," followed by a time estimate for how long it takes to complete the task. The short essay at the beginning of the section introduces the "Habit of the Month," while a week-by-week summary, followed by a "Bonus tip," and "Affirmation of the Month," provides review and closure.
   
   It's been two months now since I received "One Year" and the difference in my home is evident in almost every single room. Just following the "Habit of the Month" alone can make a significant difference. While some reviewers apparently are uncomfortable about the spiritual aspect of organizing that is part and parcel of Leeds' approach, I LOVE this about the book. It's obvious that organizing is so much more than learning "tips or tricks." The perils of chaos--and the benefits of organizing--are undeniably linked to one's emotional health. If you want to get organized and treat yourself in the process, I recommend curling up with a nice cup of tea and plotting your own year to an organized life.

5 comments about Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money (Rich Dad's).

1. It was very fun to read though. It definetly follows in the line of his other books



2. This is a great read for anyone looking to learn how money really works. We need to put this into the cmoneyuricullum at every school so kids learn something about the real world before getting shoved out into the cold.



3. This was an excellent book. The book has taught me a lot about the true state of the Union. Robert tells you what the main stream media and the government will not admit. Both the Democrates and the Republican party have really messed things up for you and I, in this beloved country of ours. From reading Robert's book you would get the idea that the "Central Banks" both foreign and domestic are running our puppet government. The average citizen has been sold out by the rich and the greedy. God bless and protect us from the storms both now and yet to come!



4. Another solid book. I read all his books and they are all motivational. You learn 50% new stuff, and 50% is just relaying the foundation. But it helps to stay submerged in his stuff to motivate yourself into taking action!



5. I have to say, I've listened to quite a few audio books and read a few books by Robert Kiyosaki. I have to say I was very impressed with this one. I really think this one does a really good job at getting you to see things a different way. I especially like how he talks about expanding your means (as he has in the past) but this time he actually goes in and shows you how he would budget for a surplus and you get to actually see exactly what he means. He has more specific examples, rather than just the concepts and ideas by themeseleves.
   He explains why and how he's both a capitalist and a socialist, and he clearly explains why you can't simply blame one side of the political spectrum, and gives examples of things that both republican and democratic presidents have done which ends up hurting those who save.
   I think that if you were to read one Robert Kiyosaki book, this would be the one, it seems like he really put everything he's ever taught together in a way that really makes a lot of sense. Why savers lose, the increase of the money supply, the need for financial education, why most politicians don't know how to handle money, why most businessmen do the very wrong thing and cut spending on advertising during a reccession, when they should be looking to expand their means, all about your brain and how you learn best, and what to do about it and a whole lot more.
   
   It was also interesting to see him forcast before this book was completely released in March, that we most likely have just reached the edge of the storm, and things could get a lot worse. October clearly may have been a significant part. Kiyosaki has been right on about a lot of things.
   
   Going into debt isn't bad, in fact, it can be very good if you know completely what you are doing. However, as they say "a litle knowledge is dangerous" Don't stop at just this book, but make a plan, simulate the real thing and then start small and take the right managable calculated risks, and you can build wealth and get rich.
   
   I believe that this book will dramatically shorten the learning process, and may save you a lot of valuable time and money that you would have paid through learning from the mistakes that you would otherwize made.

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich.

1. A great follow-up by Jim Cramer to his book "Real Money." In "Real Money" (read that one first), Jim explains some of the basic ideas you can use to stay slightly ahead of the market. Jim often says (in his books and on TV) that he doesn't believe in a pure "buy and hold" strategy, but rather "buy and homework." In Real Money he explains some ways you can know the time to BUY... in this book he adds more detail, and further explains all of the required HOMEWORK you have to do before buying, and what you have to do to know when to SELL SELL SELL. His style is entertaining, and his language is straightforward. A great book for those small investors looking for plain talk and a way to understand the market.



2. I've heard all Jim's books and I remain a huge fan of his teachings. I have utilized his advice for my investment strategy.



3. This guy is nothing short of a genius in my opinion, I've purchased all of his books I'm pretty sure and have NEVER been dis-appointed with them. He's a 5 STAR AUTHOR all the way.



4. I listened to the audio version of this book. Or at least I tried to. The first 30 minutes were completely hype. No content whatsoever. I got so tired of his voice, the way he talks, and all the hype that I couldn't continue the book. Sorry. I hear his earlier books were better.



5. Some have said that a New York accent is the most effective method of birth control known to man. If that is true, listening to Jim Cramer may be in the second slot. It has all the appeal of a fingernail scratching a blackboard ...
   
   It could alternatively be titled, "Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Listen to it, Get Annoyed" I listened to the entire book on CD and IT FEELS LIKE CRAMER IS CONSTANTLY YELLING AT YOU!!!!!!
   
   Egads, pass me the Ibuprofen...

5 comments about How to Be Invisible: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Personal Privacy, Your Assets, and Your Life (Revised Edition).

1. This is an interesting read for anyone curious. Some facts are simple, practical, and easy to apply - such as checking off "temporary move" when getting your mail forwarded to a new address if it is not a temporary move. Other techniques and advice are interesting, but they're not always easy to execute. I found myself saying "sounds nice, but that's too much trouble" when a single mistake can "blow your cover." However I realize some people (e.g., battered wives) will find this book invaluable and will go to great lengths to protect themselves. This book was released years ago. I recommend consulting a PI for advice if you seriously need help of this nature.



2. My Dad had a copy of this so I read it one afternoon for a laugh. It's not long. Basically, I agree with the other 2 people posting poor reviews.
   
   The only person who'd need to use the tips in this book is hiding from the law for some reason. Either to hide assets or other skullduggery. The only legitimate use for it I can think of is if you have an insane ex-boyfriend who's out to murder you and will stop at nothing.
   
   I think you'd have to be pretty paranoid to put this stuff into place - and some of the suggestions have absolutely nothing to do with hiding your trail. For example, it's legal in the US to give yourself a phony title such as Doctor, Professor, lawyer etc... as long as you do not practice or offer advice. With this false title you can try to infiltrate professional organizations/clubs. Uhm. If you are trying to hide from an ex boyfriend who's threatening to kill you & your kids - of what possible benefit is it to do such a thing?
   
   I also felt that anybody who decided to live life that way would be pretty lonely because basically you can't have any friends because they might betray you to "your enemies."
   
   Moreover, in one of the early chapters J.J. Luna quotes HIMSELF. Not exactly quality writing if you ask me. Totally goofy stuff!
   
   I was hoping I'd find some good suggestions for protecting my identity online or other practical things but it all seemed a bit over the top to me.



3. I read the silliness written by "Miss Deplume" and shook my head. It is wrong and ignorant at best and I hope the thinking person will see this shoddy review is FAR outweighed by the postive comments.
   
   We review our book regularly and are slowly instituting measures that provide us with more security. And let's face it---in this day in age there is one person and one alone who is watching out for your best interests: a look in the mirror will reveal who this is.
   
   Growing up, our family was affected by violent crime more than once. Had we had some of Mr. Luna's tactics in place....they would not have happened.
   
   In a culture that is increasingly naive about the evils lurking out there (Hello? Facebook?)...this book could literally save your life. And if you have a daughter- it is incumbent that you educate yourself and her.
   
   Finally---If you're a criminal on the lame---find another book. This book is for honest folks looking to decrease their risk of identity theft or being the victim of a violent crime.
   
   I've urged several of my friends to purchase this book and hope you, dear read, will do the same.



4. Don't waste your money on this book because its mostly useless. If you want it then get it used. The author wants gullible readers to jump through hoops in the name of privacy. There's a fine line between privacy and paranoia. And he just seems to want to scare you.
   
   Let me start by saying that yes we're all part of "the system" but you can still manage to have your privacy. The government is made up of people, its not like they're some god up in the sky. And they make a lot of mistakes and mostly go after people who want the attention and make a lot of noise about it too.
   
   Like people who hold protests and give the government headaches, these are the people that the government most likely will deal with.
   
   I've learned the #1 rule of privacy is don't tell anyone anything that you don't want them to know. Even if they're family, best friends, the gf or bf of the moment, etc.
   
   Even if they are trustworthy, sometimes by accident they might make things to others known that you would rather they keep private, like when they go out to a bar with other friends on a Saturday night and might let some things slip. No one is entitled to know your whole history if you don't want them to. An individual is allowed to their own privacy. Some things in life are just for you.
   
   It also helps if you don't sign up for everything that people want you to sign up for. Like credit card offers, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, bookstore memberships, blockbuster memberships, grocery store memberships, if you move then don't register to vote, etc. It helps if you minimize your involvement in the system.
   
   Starting over doesn't have to be some "fantasy" that you read about in a book. You can even legally change your name in court if you want to. Move to a new city in your state that's very far away from your old life, or move out of state and have a clean start.
   
   I believe that our lives belong to us and if we can't live them as we wish to live them then what's the point, after all we only live once. But I really think that the best way to keep your privacy is to keep things to yourself, and minimize your involvement in the system.
   
   I'm not saying you have to be a hermit, I'm a very social person but there are things that I do keep to myself.



5. This book is an Introduction or Beginner's Guide to Privacy Protection. There was NOTHING New within the wasted pages of this book, all the information found in this volume can easily be had by simple research on the web, the only thing you will find in this book that you won't on the web is the author's boring and useless stories. When I saw it was published by St.Martin's Press, I had my reservations on it content, as large or main stream publishing house's won't publish a book worth reading that does'nt fit within the parameter's of social conformity, and if they do (such as this book) it's only going to be filled with midless dribble and nothing of substance. So why did i buy it, well there were so many positive review's I thought I has missed a hidden gem, unfortunately all these positive reviews MUST come from those new to the privacy game.

5 comments about The Millionaire Real Estate Agent: It's Not About the Money...It's About Being the Best You Can Be!.

1. Whether you are an agent or a manager, you will find this book to give you a road map to success. Out of all the real estate books I have read, this one gives you the focus and steps necessary to achieve your goals. This was, by far, the best investment for my business.
   
   ~Michelle Fradella, Broker - Picayune, MS



2. I am a real estate agent. This book hits the nail right on the head. You take what you want and need and leave the rest. A must read for any real estate agent or anyone thinking of becoming one-especially in this down market.



3. Having a business mission to link the corporate employees, residents and schools in my area, through my publication, anything about the business of real estate interests me.
   
   So, when Masoud Riazati, a San Diego Keller Williams Real Estate Broker, offered me a copy of this book, I gladly accepted his offer.
   
   From the first page, all the way through, I related to this book, and have profitted, during my reading this book.
   
   "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent," is a great follow up to "The Art of Selling to The Affluent" by Matt Oechsli, because they are both thorough, entertaining, fun, focused upon the reader embodying a millionate mind set, and they both are written in a style that makes you, the reader, feel as though the author is having a face-to-face with you, as questions and "light bulb moments," arise.
   
   Also, having read "The Millionaire Next Door," Stanley, and "Think and Grow Rich," by Napoleon Hill, it's great that Gary Keller has taken the step-by-step approach to guiding readers to acquire the millionaire mind set.
   
   Charts in Keller's book are also so easy to follow, and worth adapting into your office Operations Manual, as a guide to keep you on course, towards your $1,000,000 net income goal.
   
   The only challenge that I had in reading this book was asking myself, "If real estate agents do listings to be successful, what does listings equate to, in my business? Am I already doing the equivalent? If so, how do I quantify this into expected revenues?"
   
   Usually, I like to power read through non-fiction books, while I take copious notes. And I like to reread great non-fictions, until there is nothing left for me to gain from them. But, "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent," was different.
   
   There is so much to learn from this book, about being in, and growing your busines, that I wanted to savor ever "ah ha" moment. And there were many of those moments for me, in this book. This is definitely a book that I will reread, again, because by creating the systems in this book, I will be ready to go to the next business level.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who is in, or plans to be in business. This is also great for those who are in leadership positions, working for someone else.



4. If you want to read a book on how to spend a million dollars, without making a single dime, this is the book for you. Keller spends a great deal of time showing you how to blow money, but he offers you NO program for earning money. If you are new to selling real estate, you need to learn how to prospect for new business, qualify customers and clients, present to them, close the sale, service the customer and close the transaction. This book does not tell you how to do any of that. Amazon has much better books available to you: Ray Smith's "Master Blueprint for Real Estate Sales" or Dave Stone's "Training Manual for Real Estate Salespeople", both out of print, but available, are way better choices for you!



5. Gary Keller's book is a great introduction to the industry. It is helpful, not only from an agent's perspecitve, but also from a consumer one as well. Real estate is certainly a complex subject and it is certainly important to understand the workings of the industry especially if you are an investor making many real estate transactions. For teh agent, it provides a proven real estate model in which to set up your business.
   The book takes the overall view, looking not at too many specifics or specific situations, but more of the overall picture on how to create your business plan from day one.