3 comments about The Complete Tax Guide for Real Estate Investors: A Step-By-Step Plan to Limit Your Taxes Legally.

1. There are four types of real estate for tax purposes: For sale, For personal, For investment and For business. Find out how you can make money in real estate and reduce or eliminate the income tax from the sale. And it's all legal.
   
   You'll find Chapter 19: 24 Steps to Successful Tax Free Investment to be helpful; it covers the benefits of using 401K, OPI, or IRA to avoid giving your real estate investment profit away.
   
   The complete Tax Guide for Real Estate Investors provides a Step-by-Step guide to investing in real estate. Whether you are just starting out or are a long-term investor, this guide provides tips and secrets to help you make a profit.



2. The Complete Tax Guide for Real Estate Investors breaks down a complicated and often intimidating subject into an easy guide for people looking to cut down the amount of taxes on their real estate investments.
   
   This book explains everything from a dealer versus an investor to the different classifications of real estate to ways to cut taxes and increase earnings. The language is simple and easy to understand, and the book runs through the entire process from explaining what real estate is up through the time of the investment and after.
   
   Even for someone that has never quite understood taxes in real estate, this book will give you the knowledge that you need to make wise investments that will pay you back for as long as you have them.



3. I read the first 6 chapters and got really annoyed. The author (a 2007 college graduate in English & Creative Writing) is not a real estate investor, tax accountant or attorney and has limited/little knowledge about real estate investing and taxes. This book is vague, misleading and useless. Don't waste your money!

5 comments about The Weekend Millionaire's Secrets to Investing in Real Estate: How to Become Wealthy in Your Spare Time.

1. Nothing is left to chance in this book. I have found myself reading chapters over and over! David W.



2. It was my first book on real estate that I read and I thought is was perfect for that. High level stuff that introduces the reader to the key concepts in real estate. Lacks detail of the actual how to part but I don't believe it was intended for that. You will need to read other books to enhance your skills but this really gives you the big picture. I also love this book because it is not a get rich quick book. They tell you how to build long term wealth not quick cash. Since reading this book I have continued to read many others on real estate and leveraging but I recommend this to people as a great first or second read.



3. I made 200k with my first real estate deal. I am hoping to do maybe one more later this year.



4. An excellent book for the Cash Flow oriented investor. It offers real life buying samples and the structure of the deal. One chapter covers the importance of the Net Operating Income and the cash flow of your investment. Another area of importance is the Letter of Intent to Purchase Property, where it assist you and your realtor to get multiple offers presented to different sellers at the same time. I'm a fan of Robert T Kiyosaki and I believe that this book has alot to offer.



5. This is one of the first REI books I've read and I continue to go back to it for motivation and information. I started investing in 2003 and since then I have purchased 4 single-family homes all with a positive cashflow. I now have a net worth of over half a million. Their style of REI is to buy decent, rentable properties and rent them out for the long term without having to deal with landlording. If you had someone paying your mortgage, wouldn't that make you happy? Now if you were able to have 10 people paying off 10 of your mortgages, that will make you wealthy. Also, what these authors do that others don't is they host FREE live chat rooms and information on their website. Other authors charge you several hundred dollars for the same mentorship. I was very impressed with the information and I will continue to acquire homes, turn my trickle of monthly cashflow into multiple streams of massive wealth, not to mention the appreciation and equity you will gain by having others pay your mortgages. Great book, buy it!

5 comments about The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording.

1. The book is excellent and very informative and is written in a simple yet to the point manner. Mr. Michailidis take you through the process, and provide life examples to validate his theory. The book is enlightening and provides an easy road map to success - utilizing the "rent-to-own" concepts. The only draw back I found in the book is that Mr. Michailidis did not provide a totaling spreadsheet reflecting the impact if one is following his book advise - but this can easily done by the reader as well. This book should certainly be in any real estate investor library.



2. how to book. Most have the theory and little actual details.
   It was hard to believe there were as many buyers out there as the author says. I gave the book to a local realtor and he read it then introduced me to a couple of mortgage brokers. They pretty much confirmed that buyers were there. They also gave some stories of higher returns than the author stated.
   
   Trouble is that there are 2 markets around here. One where I wouldnt want to go after dark and one where 180K is a low end house.
   
   So now I am sending a copy of the book to another realtor in a nearby community



3. Hello everyone I have read John Michailidis's book and will be putting it to the test!
   
   Please read about my experiences at my blog: http://happyventure.wordpress.com/
   
   I have a few questions on the process and would like to exchange ideas with readers would have implemented or will be implementing his method.
   
   I've just started so comments and feedback are much appreciated!



4. This is a no frills book on one method of investing in real estate. The author has done a great job of explaining his system in a concise and straight-forward way. Thumbs up!



5. I liked the book.
   Easy read which applies economic, financial and
   accounting principles combined with marketing
   ideas to come up with a unique real estate
   capitalization plan. Waiting for an up-tick in
   property values and I'll give it a spin.
   I don't believe the theory works in a down market.
   thank you - John.

5 comments about 40 Days to Success in Real Estate Investing.

1. I am just getting started in the world of Real Estate Investing and picked up a copy of Roberts book to help get me started. Wow! The knowledge he shares with you is extremely helpful and easy to understand! This book is helping me get my foot in the door...Cant wait to do my fisrt deal! Thanks Robert!



2. I have enjoyed all nine of your books and give this one 5 stars. I think that this is a must have for all investors or beginners. If you like the down to earth approach that is easy reading for all people you found it in RObert's latest book.



3. This is a great call to action for those of us that have analysis paralysis. You will either take action or throw this book across the room. I recently returned from a Robert Allen Enlightened Wealth Retreat where I met several, and I mean more than a few dozen ordinary people that took action. One couple amassed over a million dollars in just 90 days. One couple has made 10 million in Real Estate in the past 3 years. Many folks made over $100k in a few months enough to quit the J.O.B. So this is real stuff my friends, I witnessed it myself.
   
   Real Estate is a numbers game and the close ratio is about 1 out of 10 offers will be accepted. So if you are not making offers every week, you will NEVER SUCCEED. You just have to start somewhere to get comfortable and this book helps.
   
   So "Get 'er Done" with this book all your excuses are taken away.



4. This book has excellent information on real estate, the 40 days to success is spaced out accordingly and offers delightful insights from an investor's point of view on how to flip, how to rent, etc. The main theme of the info is to buy properties cheaply and then find a buyer.
   
   I also bought this book along with Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores), which taught me how to buy the properties and find out where to get the buyers within a week.



5. Many people want to get into real estate but they don't know how to start. This book really helps you with a good start and you will be motivated.

4 comments about Investing in Real Estate With Other People's Money: Proven Strategies for Turning a Small Investment into a Fortune.

1. I read this book in less then a week and I am already putting together a purchase proposal following this books examples. It has many great ideas and explainations of how to flip properties, using first and second mortgages to benefit you, using home equity, taking a mortgage from the seller when they have 100% equity. I have been a minor in real estate for a few years, but this book has opened my eyes to new ways and techniques that I wish I knew many years back.

   Jack Cummings is a great author, easy to read and follow. Nice short chaperts.




2. Investing in RE with OPM is useful if you just came out from a cave or just landed on Earth. Can't make a deal work? Great suggestions from Cummings include asking your family member (THE FAMILY LOAN), borrowing against life insurance policies (MUST really really make sure that its whole and not term)(THE POLICY LOAN) and how about asking for a co-signer (THE AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR). Only Cummings can manage to write chapters and pages about how to get a loan from a family member or how to add a co-signer to a loan. Investors, please, you have more important things to do.



3. One reviewer obivously stopped reading. Yes Jack Cummings has a chapter on cosigning and one on borrowing against a life insurance policy, but he also has 38 other chapters on very creative ways to finance real estate. But lets face it, these books are written for novices, so cut him some slack. He's covering all bases. And there are a one or two other just as cheesy ones such as chapter 37, "The Root Beer Float" (And in fact, this type of advice is why I didnt rate the book higher - but if you can gleen a couple of ideas to use then I feel a book is worth it).

   Every type of financing one could think of is covered in this book from syndication to yes, using a family cosigner. Each idea also includes possible pitfalls. I rate this book 3 1/2 stars and feel it is a solid purchase.




4. I've bought many expensive courses and books on real estate investing, from the late-night TV guru to classic books on the subject. They all have some valuable information, BUT I WOULD TRADE HAVING BOUGHT THEM ALL IN FAVOR OF THIS ONE LITTLE BOOK UNDER $20. Whereas many real estate experts turned authors would have you believe that their courses give you tricks and secrets to wealth that you won't find anywhere else, Mr. Cummings explains in detail how all of these methods of finance are used all the time in real estate and are the foundations of amazing fortunes through property. Each technique is explained with examples, benefits, and potential pitfalls, each over the course of four to five pages. You can read this book in short snippets and walk away mentally charged with the possibilities or more likely get engrossed in the reading and not break for 100 pages. This isn't pie-in-the-sky, might work for somebody else stuff. This is how it's done all the time by the people that know how to maximize their return while minimizing their risk. I'm an avid reader and for books on financial success, I would place this book at number 2 on the must-read list, right behind Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. That book tells you why you must turn to property. This book tells you how to do it. I can't recommend it highly enough! Great, great book! By the way, any reviewers thinking the use of OPM (other people's money) to buy property is only useful if you just crawled out of a cave or just landed on earth must have paid all cash for their houses, otherwise, they used OPM. Any kind of financing IS the use of OPM!

5 comments about Make Money in Short-Sale Foreclosures: How to Bypass Owners and Buy Directly from Lenders.

1. I was extemely disappointed in this book. In the title ........How to Bypass Owners and Buy Directly from Lenders....Yet on page 93 you learn that this is NOT possible as you must have the owners permission prior to ever contacting their lender. I found the title misleading as to the content.



2. I found this book pretty good.... It definitely spelled out all the details of short sales.... I think for property investors trying to understand exactly what is involved with short sale purchases this book is perfect. The book was written at a level that I enjoyed....not overly complicated.



3. The book has a couple good points, and is probably benefical to a novice pre-foreclosure investor, but is not worth the time or money of any pre-foreclosure investor thats ever closed a deal before. Most of the examples in the book 'window dressed' profits on deals by not listing all expenses involved.



4. I have bought a ton of books on foreclosures, and top be honest, there are all pretty much the same - vith variations. Short sales are not as easy as they say they are. I would put my money into a book that encompassed all facets of property foreclosure. Probably be better value.



5. I am completely thrilled with this book, it is easy to read, not super technical, and it's fun yet concise teaching style gets you pumped up about making profits in a very little explored area of real estate finance, pre-foreclosure investing. There are several examples in each chapter giving approximate dollar figures in several hypothetical scenarios, with several different strategies. These figures are a great visual aid in learning how to make profits, and even how to create equity in situations where the buyer has none to buy! The authors walk you through each step of the deal, how to deal with various other types of liens and mortgages, and there are a few sample contracts and agreements. I agree the title is a bit misleading, because it is always necessary to negotiate a sales contract with both the lender and homeowner in case of a short-sale deal, but don't let that deter you, because in these cases, seller and lender will be extremely motivated! What they teach you here will allow you to vaporize the competition, they will walk away, you will be left with the best deal, everybody's happy.

5 comments about Selling Real Estate Without Paying Taxes: Capital Gains Tax Alternatives, Deferral vs. Elimination of Taxes, Tax-Free Property Investing, Hybrid Tax Strategies ... (Selling Real Estate Without Paying Taxes).

1. I have read a number of books about real estate tax planning, and this is by far the best. It is clear, to the point, and very readable. The author goes through the basics of how a capital gains basis is calculated, rules about stepping up basis, primary residence exclusion rules, etc. He then discusses various ways of deferring or eliminating capital gain consequences via 1031, installment sales, private annuity trusts, charitable remainder trusts and Roth IRAs. The chapter on private annuity trusts is one of the least known, yet most valuable strategies that exists. Buy this book!



2. This book answered all my tax and property questions quickly and precisely. It was well written and perfect for someone who is not a CPA or property specialist. Highly recommended.



3. Understanding the tax implications of your investments is one of the most important things you can do as a current, or aspiring real estate investor. While Mr. Williamson's book will not make you a "tax expert" it will give you the foundational knowledge you will need in order to intelligently converse with your attorney/accountant, and to make wise investing decisions.
   
   Chapters include information on: capital gains, tax basis, exclusions, exchanges, installment sales, and trusts. I have personally given this book to new agents in my company in order to familiarize them with the tax implications of real estate investing.
   
   In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. Unlike many real estate investing books, it is written to be a genuine "How To" book that "takes you by the hand" and walks you through a step-by-step process for getting started in real estate investing -- investors across the country are giving it rave reviews. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading. You might want to check out the companion CD too -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.
   
   A related program that's well worth checking out is:
   
   The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.
   
   I believe that Williamson has written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.



4. Is a tremendously informative resource and well written so that a novice in real estate can understand and must have. It was so helpful, I purchased 4 more to give as gifts.



5. I purchased the book to plan my tax strategy when selling an investment property that incurred significant gain. The sections on CRUTs, Installment Sales, and 1031 Tax Free Exchanges were very helpful and thorough. It is somewhat technical information, but written in a manner that a layman (non-CPA) can understand. My only complaint is that he doesn't address the implications of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) anywhere in the book, and it has become a VERY significant consideration for selling highly appreciated property. The other thing I noticed is that his evaluation of TIC 1031 Exchanges covers some of the risks, but neglects to mention that the vast majority of 1031 TICs include HUGE fees or loads. One I examined had a 20% profit to the sales company when the property was flipped to the 1031 investors. Most have 8% - 12% commissions to the salesman. Otherwise, I thought this was an extremely helpful book and I would recommend it...with the caveat that the reader get additional advice on the AMT.

5 comments about Sold!: Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro.

1. Lois Gellar's book is an excellent ongoing reference for new and seasoned real estate professionals. Direct mail is only good if people see your mailing and don't immediately chunk it in the trash can, and she shows how to be competitive in the direct mail game. She has even answered questions via email for me and that is a sign of an author that stands behind the rhetoric in their books. I highly recommend this book!
   
   Collier Swecker
   Mega Agent Real Estate Team
   Keller Williams Realty
   [...]



2. This is a very interesting and helpful book. It's easy to read/understand. My main purpose in buying the book was for the information on writing copy. There's a lot of good advice and suggestions on what to incorporate in my marketing efforts. I'm still reading the book and deciding what to try first. And there's more to the book than just hints on making the message/copy stronger.



3. Some great ideas on setting up a farm and marketing to it. Some of the ideas seem to be more geared toward a product. For instance, the one time mailings using a rented list. All in all, a few good ideas with not too much blah blah.



4. This is one of the better books on Direct Marketing written with the Real Estate Agent in mind.
   
   What I reallty liked about it is that, for once, a book for Real Estate Agents where the author offered out of the box ideas adopted from different successful Direct Marketing strategies.
   
   What you will learn from this book is the importance of content, not just sending "New Listing" and "just Sold" postcards. It covers how to come up with the content, who you should send it to, and the importance of closing the sale.
   
   This book might go over people with absolutely no marketing background, and might be a confirmation of what those experienced marketers already know.
   
   I think every one should have this book and read it. If you don't get what is being taught in it, reread it or do some research on the subject you did not understaind.
   
   I blog on similar topics and I was very delighted to see someone out there published a book specific to real estate.



5. If you've never read anything about marketing yourself as a REALTOR or about branding, you might get some useful information from this book. I thought this book was a total waste of my time. "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller gives a more comprehensive explanation of lead generation and how it fits in your overall business plan. On top of that, it was written by someone who has actually sold real estate and been successful at it. Also try "The Brand Called You" by Peter Montoya for branding and direct mail advice.

5 comments about The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit: How You Can Double Your Income By Investing in Real Estate on a Part-Time Basis.

1. Thomas J. Lucier is one of the best real estate writers in the business today and he comes through with another winning book here. His advice is far from the "get-rich-quick" nonsense so many authors and pseudo-investors peddle in books on this site and elsewhere. As a real estate lawyer and investor for almost 25 years, I admire this man's work greatly. Lucier is a genuine real estate investor and his clear, straight-forward, easy-to-follow, and honest investment suggestions always put his books a cut above so many others out there. The best part of his writing is how he breaks complex subjects into simple-to-digest pieces best designed for newbie investors wanting to get started in the real estate business. This book in particular debunks many of the get-rich-quick so-called "creative" real estate techniques like subject-to GET THE DEED buying and offers real world reasons why you should not do it, as opposed to so many authors that base their whole careers around such dangerous nonsense. I can't praise this book enough for its clarity and practical information. There is not a single wasted page in the entire text. This is by far one the best real estate books being sold today in print.



2. When I started reading this book, I thought I was going to learn everything about how to be a profitable real estate investor. There is just no way you can cover everything this book tries to cover in 300 pages. Each chapter leaves you with too many unanswered questions. Though, I could see how this book might be a good starting point for anyone interested in investing in real estate.
   
   If you haven't heard of Tonja Demoff, you should give her book Bubble Proof: Real Estate Strategies that Work in any Market a look. Her book is a very easy read and it's packed with information that will help you get started with the right mindset and the right information to begin investing in today's market.



3. A thorough real estate investment book that covers a lot of topics with a very readable style.
   
   Of particular value is his online Resource List at the end of the book. The author has listed email addresses for many useful websites. I liked the online Property Sales Information, where I first learned about Craigslist as a great online source for finding properties for sale. I like to search specifically for homes with guest houses, and Craigslist makes it easy to do that type of "specialty" search.
   
   I also like the fact that he recommends useful products to make our investment businesses run more smoothly. It shows that he's a down-to-earth guy who has been down the same path that we travel. For example, on page 65 he recommends the Desk Apprentice (designed by 2 participants in Donald Trump's The Apprentice TV show) to keep your office desk organized, and on page 66 the Cab Commander for your car seat office. Lucifer knows that we have to spend a lot of time behind the wheel searching for properties, conducting drive-by property inspections, and driving to appointments.
   
   This is a good book with useful information.
   
   Terry Sprouse - author of the book, "Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-up and Rental Business in Your Spare Time."



4. The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit: How You Can Double Your Income By Investing in Real Estate on a Part-Time Basis
   
   I'm glad I read his other two books before reading this one. Otherwise I would not have bothered to read the other two, which I would highly recommend to anyone interested in real estate investing.
   
   The problems I had with this book I would put primarily under the category of either no or very poor editing.
   
   First, I think he contradicts himself regarding recommended courses of action in a few places in the book. For example, he devotes a couple of chapters to talking about how hard it is to make profits in real estate investing, then gives several anecdotes throughout the book about making $20k to $30k after 2-3 months of owning a property. He spends a good portion of the book talking about real estate loans, escrow closings and good credit, then mentions briefly toward the end of the book that he prefers not to use conventional loans, but instead to use owner financing (which is some of the most helpful information I've obtained by reading books on real estate investing, so I agree with his preferred course of action. Why wait until the end to throw that out?)
   
   Second, I wish some editor had reined in all of the portions of the book which allowed his personality to really shine through. If I live to never see the word "bullspit" in print again, I will have been blessed. Also, the constant references to "how we did it in the Marines." There was WAY too much of those things. There was some of this in his other two books, but not enough to annoy me. Here, it affected his credibility more, because I started to think of him more as a windbag. It didn't change my appreciation for his other two books, but it has affected how devotedly I will adhere to all of the advice in those books.
   
   Last, and this is a trivial point, I don't think he had an editor because there were about 5,000 unnecessary commas. I had to stop often to re-read sentences because the commas were inserted at random places, making many of his sentences nonsensical.
   
   As I've stated a couple of places in this review, I would highly recommend his other two books. They're practical, and useful, and give one what I consider to be all of the basics to get started in real estate investing. This book I found to be more meandering in the point it was trying to make, and less encouraging. Also, as another reviewer stated, it was pretty much a regurgitation of material in his other two books. In fact, when determining whether this book was necessary for my collection (I got it from the library), I compared it to his book on pre-foreclosures, and much of the information in this book is contained there. Get the other two books instead.



5. Author claims to be "non-Sense" - and in my mind he is. But his is the only things "different" about this book. His "only" twist is that is tends to showcase the "risk" whereas the others showcase the "reward". This book is not worth the read or money.

5 comments about America's Financial Apocalypse: How to Profit from the Next Great Depression.

1. The author shows how America has changed economically. It also discusses critical changes to the nation's social and educational fabric. Although first written in 2006, it predicted both the extent and severity of the real estate shakeout including devastation to the banks.
   
   But as the author points out, this is only the beginning. As the baby boomers retire and peak oil is reached, many other problems will surface. Specifically, Medicare and Medicaid threaten to bankrupt the nation. While Social Security can be fix with little pain if the apprpriate changes are made now, the real problem is not so much with solvency as it is with diminished buying power and the reliance on this program as the primary income during retirement.
   
   The author emphasizes the top 2 problems with America - health care and free trade. He discusses why America continues to mortgage off its most critical assets to foreign interests in exchange for non-essential imports. The results of these trends have already registered, with most foreign currencies posting huge gains compared to the dollar. And without a uniform playing field, America can not expect to compete in a global free market system since all other developed nations provide health care and pensions by the government. As a result, jobs have been sent overseas. While some companies have shutdown permanantly, most have benefited from corporate migration to Asia. As a result, corporate profits reached a 60-year high over the past 4 years, accounting for the surge in the stock market in 2007. But as the author points out, the stock market has been in a bearish correction mode since 2001. He predicts that during this 2001-2012 time frame, the market will yield average annual returns of around 3%. Thereafter, things will get worse, as the effects of the baby boomers and peak oil will cause a global slowdown in the economy.
   
   Soaring inflation and interest rates are expected, as well as soaring gold and oil prices. The analysis and predictions contained within this book are supported by an enormous volume of data, unlike anything I have ever seen. This is a very unique book and was well-thought out, unlike most out there. For readers who want to get through the material in a couple of days, I recommend the Condensed Edition, released in early 2007 and updated in certain spots. It is also considerably less expensive I highly recommend either editions. I own both editions, and I expect to refer to them for years to come.



2. SYNOPSIS: The illusion of over two decades of economic greatness in America was created in large part by Greenspan's bubble economy. But the author paints a different picture of America and makes chilling predictions for its future. Only those who can see through the smoke signals created by Washington will be able to avert and/or profit from America's next depression. And this book definitely allows one to see through the smoke screen.
   
   CONTENTS
   The author begins by briefly summarizing America's history, noting key events. Only later are some of these events revisited (monetary policy, wealth disparity, oil, pre-depression conditions) when appropriate to emphasize their significance within modern day America. Next, he discusses the economic effects of free trade. Finally, he reviews America's declining edge in education and innovation, ending Part 1 of the book with an overview of America's future.
   
   Part 2 discusses the major problems today--with chapters on U.S. debt, healthcare, Social Security, pension plans, and the real estate bubble. Part 3 opens with a tutorial of how the government manipulates economic data such as the GDP and inflation. He then extends earlier discussions on the credit bubble, the economic consequences of the baby boomers, fraud and control by corporate America, and the effects of peak oil. He concludes with 3 chapters devoted to short and long-term forecasts in the stock market and provides a very sound investment strategy to profit both before and during America's Next Great Depression.
   
   OPINION & REVIEW
   This is by far the most informative investment book I have read this year and the very best on this topic. The author is clearly an expert on investments and economics. The book is as well-organized as a college text book but reads much better, is easier to understand, and you will learn more. If you like to see actual data to back up statements you will love this book, as it has been extremely well researched. The author's command of the subject matter is impressive in both depth and coverage...exactly what I needed to be convinced of a coming depression.
   
   I especially enjoyed the chapters on the real estate bubble, health care, retirement, and the one showing how the government manipulates economic numbers. The investment advice is very valuable and rational and is fully supported by the previous 16 chapters.
   
   When you read this book, it will be nearly impossible to disagree with the author's conclusions and investment advice because of the enormous amount of supporting evidence. It will cause you to rethink dozens of issues and introduce many others you probably weren't aware of.
   
   And if you are like me, the book will motivate (or scare) you to demand politicians address these issues instead of ignoring them. The main reason they don't deal with difficult issues is because (as the author points out) they don't want to risk losing a reelection. Corruption serves as a motivation for other politicians. As long as voters are not fully aware of the problems challenging America's empire, they will continue to avoid engineering effective solutions. If all voters read America's Financial Apocalypse, they would force politicians to confront these difficult issues. That would be the only way to avoid a depression.
   
   To the author: Thank You for this essential, eye-opening book!



3. This Book Really Delivers
   
   Unlike other books that discuss America's problems, this one does not focus on one or two problems but presents all of the major issues America is facing from economic, social and global political issues, to all of the financial issues. Rather than focusing on America's national debt as a primary issue, the author realizes that no one problem is strong enough to take down the greatest nation on earth. Instead, the book discusses the two biggest problems in America--the healthcare crisis and free trade, which have accelerated America's declining competitiveness. The author also explains the misconceptions of the state of Social Security, the global oil shortage, continued presence in Iraq and growing tensions in the middle east, the real estate bubble, the pension problems and many more topics; all of this in addition to the growing record national debt and trade deficits. And he relates all of this together to the Baby Boomers.
   
   He also makes an excellent case for Alan Greenspan, or the "Great Bubble Maestro" as the author labels him as a primary cause of much of America's stock market and real estate bubbles. Perhaps the greatest achievement of this work is that the author presents exhaustive data to back his points, something I have yet to be seen elsewhere. It is easy for someone to say that healthcare needs to be fixed or that America's living standards are in decline, but the author shows all of the date to support almost everything he mentions.
   
   He also makes very reasonable but adverse predictions for the dollar, long-term interest rates, and explains why America has a major economic correction that is inevitable. He points out well that we never recovered from the recession thought to have ended in 2001-2002, and Americans have been using credit to fuel the economy. The author goes at lengths to prove this and he even illustrates how the most critical economic numbers such as GDP and inflation have been manipulated by the government.
   
   Even if this book did nothing more than to point out these issues, it would be a great achievement. But the author goes further to predict a major depression and he pays out very rational low-risk recommendations for investments.
   
   I could see this book being useful for everyone--working Americans, activists, politicians, economists, and citizens concerned about America's future, as well as investors at all levels. It is truly a critical read.



4. Although over 500 pages, I was glued to this book because of its full coverage and detail of the topics. The real estate bubble chapter alone is better than other books I have read devoted solely to this topic. The same can be said of the debt, Social Security, Pension, and Debt chapters. And although the author does not devote a chapter on the global oil situation, he talks about it extensively in many chapters and covers it in more detail with better insight than any other book I have read exclusively devoted to this topic.
   
   The 3 chapters on investments are brilliant and stem from the analysis and data presented in the previous 15 chapters. I am a very experienced and successful investor and the information within this book has opened my eyes and I plan to send a copy to my local Congressmen as well as my financial advisor. In fact, getting this book is like getting 6 books rolled up into one. The author obviously spent a very long time doing his research and analysis and it shows. This book puts all others related to America's economy and future to shame. And unfortunately, I am afraid the conclusions he has made will come to fruition, but now I will be ready.
   
   Thank you for opening my eyes to the realities of America.



5. 
   America's Financial Apocalypse goes far beyond other self-serving 'meltdown' books to thoroughly explain the many factors contributing to our current economic crisis. The author obviously knows his stuff as his predictions are now being played out, one by one. He has done massive amounts of research in this well documented, comprehensive volume and provides a sobering account of what to expect after this mess subsides. He makes the case that America's pain will continue for many years and provides priceless insight on how to best negotiate these turbulent times. Indispensable for anyone who wants to know what's really going on.
   
   Don't rely on mainstream corporate-owned media for accurate financial guidance! Get the facts from an independent source so you can stop being played!