5 comments about The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received: Priceless Wisdom from Warren Buffett, Jim Cramer, Suze Orman, Steve Forbes, and Dozens of Other Top Financial Experts.

1. "Best Investment Advice I Ever Received" is a quick and easy read. It includes a lot of great advice offered by those who really know what they are talking about. Truly, these individuals have earned our respect. This is not a so-called great book. However, Liz Claman has put together a work that can be profitably read for five to ten minutes at a time. It easily deserves 4 3/4 stars out of 5.



2. I was moving cross-country and this was one of several audiobooks I purchased for the trip. I'm not a newbie to this material so perhaps that is why I almost drove myself into a ditch with boredom. Probably best for someone who doesnt read the WSJ or watch CNBC on a regular basis.



3. Dozens of authors means there is no developed coherent thought.
   
   You could read this and you might find a few gems, but you'd find more in other works. Benjamin Graham can give you better insight into value investing, John Bogle has the sell on index funds, William Bernstein will give you the low-down on asset allocation, and Jim Cramer will do a better job introducing you to market psychology and the business cycle.



4. This book provide many views on investments from many interesting people who are considered at the top of their games. It is an interesting read.



5. Whoa! How will last week's turmoil on Wall Street affect your organization and your team members? Here's a simple idea to bless your staff. Every morning around the coffee pot or the water cooler, hold a stand-up check-in meeting of no more than 10 minutes.
   
   After reviewing the day's priorities, read a page or a paragraph from this insightful book. Fast forward 10, 20 or 30 years. Many of your team members will be retired--if they have managed their investments prudently. Ask your staff how many hours they have invested in the last 12 months on learning about prudent money management practices?
   
   You can help them prepare for retirement by adding several financial planning books to your resource library, including this one. The subtitle reads, "Priceless Wisdom from Warren Buffett, Jim Cramer, Suze Orman, Steve Forbes, and Dozens of Other Top Financial Experts."
   
   With 20/20 hindsight almost a year after the publication of the paperback (November 2007), it's still revealing to read and discern the wisdom from these 65 business and financial experts.
   * "It is startling to know that a $23,000 investment at birth, invested at a 6 percent annual interest rate, would grow to $1,015,334.35 at age sixty-five." (Paul O'Neill)
   * "There was a wonderful money manager decades ago who said you should invest the way you play tennis. Unless you're a pro, just try to get the ball over the net. In investing, just try to get the ball over the net and let compounding interest do the rest." (Steve Forbes)
   * "His advice was remarkably simple: Save. Save a lot and save often. One of the unique characteristics of Americans is that we generally don't realize that savings and consumption are mutually exclusive. You simply can't do both." (Richard Bernstein)
   
   You'll find more wisdom in this quick-reading book. Buy it and your ROI could be stunning. It's a helpful resource to "The Budget Bucket," one of the 20 buckets in my book, Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit.

5 comments about The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less.

1. I first heard of this book on the Today Show. Then I happened to run across the movie on HBO. It is a good quick read.



2. I thought this was a wonderful book that came to my attention only after the author had died. The story revolves around a family of 10 kids, an alcoholic father and how the mother (sporadically) supports them by winning contests and jingles she (Evelyn) has written.
   
   While the story wouldn't hold up in this century - I thought it was a great slice of life of the 50's. Evelyn's journals and contest entrys are well preserved and entertaining to read. She must have kept everything!
   
   Underneath all the entrys and journals is a smart woman. She knows the power of the written word and also hooks up with a group a ladies that also enter such contests. These women are smart as whips - yet somewhat stymied by their roles in life - housewives. Contesting offers them a way to challenge their wits and writing.
   
   The father is a somewhat disappointing character - but somehow he even redeems himself, but you have to read the book to find out how!



3. I saw the movie based on the book first. Once I found out it was a book, I had to read it. I couldn't put it down.



4. This book is a real-life account of growing up in a large family with limited financial means and often rocky family dynamics. The matriarch of this clan is the prizewinner of the title. While raising 10 kids and keeping the wolf from the door, she hits upon a way to generate income by entering any/every contest that comes along. She frequently does win, of course, very often in the nick of time. The book was written by a daughter, who ably recounts the challenges and rewards of growing up in a family that lives so close to the edge. Her mother is a gritty, funny, honest-to-god domestic goddess. She is a prize-winner in so many ways--it makes this book uplifting without being sappy--good read.



5. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I am thrilled to have found this treasure.
   
   A wonderful, humorous and touching story about a family of 12 (10 kids) growing up in the 50's and 60's. With such a large family, an alcoholic father and a stay at home mom, money was always tight. Mom takes to contesting with writing poems and jingles to earn extra income and prizes to support her family. Her timing of winning was impecable and you found yourself rooting for her to win again to keep the family afloat. Evelyn Ryan seemed to find the good in everything, no matter what the circumstances and never seemed to dwell on their dire circumstances. She was certainly an amazing woman to be admired.
   
   Her poems and jingles and the details of the contests are discussed, adding to the humor and the charm of the story. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator does a great job bringing the story to life.
   
   This is non-fiction, but it reads quite like fiction. A truly inspiring story that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for light humor and inspiration.

5 comments about Suze Orman Ultimate Protection Portfolio.

1. MY FRIEND PUCHASED ONE OF THESE FOR $300. I PURCHSED ONE FOR EACH OF MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF AND SPENT $15 ON EACH ONE BECAUSE I RESEARCHED AND BOUGHT ONLINE. GREAT BUY, NO DELIVERY PROBLEMS, IN WRAPPERS AND EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.



2. The Ultimate Protection Portfolio is a great way to consolidate and organize all those important papers. There is plenty of room in the box to store documents as well as CD-Roms, and other essential items. Each folder comes with a checklist of documents that should be stored there. I actually found a few important items that were not on the list and added them to the folders. There is a booklet to accompany each folder. For example, the "Retirement" booklet gives a quick overview of retirement options and what you should be doing now. I think this is a great product if you like Suze Orman's books. I haven't used the CD-Rom that came with the product.The box is sturdy but easy to carry in case of emergency.
   
   When the product arrived, a couple of the folders were very slightly damaged. Also, the plastic sheet for storing ID cards, passports, etc. had a small tear along one of the top corners. I fixed it myself with a small piece of clear tape.
   
   While you could gather all your documents and store them in your own folders and briefcase, I personally enjoy having all the booklets that are part of this package. I find that Suze Orman speaks to me about money in a way that I can understand and relate to.



3. I was very pleased to see that the portfolio and
   all of the contents were exactly as described in
   her Tv show and also on Amazon web site. The cost
   was minimal compared to the valuable contents and
   I have one place to keep all my records,& documents
   contained. The carry all case is also very handy.
   Thank you Amazon for making this affordable.



4. I rcvd this kit as a gift. I was disappointed. Overall there are some good checklists to review and some valuable info. The case itself is plastic and does not have a lock (I recommend a fire proof lockbox).
   There is not enough space in the folders to hold some documents, such as the dearth of health care info that comes with each policy these days.
   Finally, the software seems unfinished, had numerous error messages, is cumbersome as far as saving and locating documents, and locked up when trying to download an update.



5. I am a sucker for a kit. This one is attractively packaged in a colorful, water-resistant portfolio, but it has no lock and all my info is now in one convenient, portable case (should I be concerned about identity theft?). The checklists and books (corresponding to each folder) contain valuable info, and as always, Suze has loaded it with extras including cd roms and website tools. Unfortunately the case contains barely enough space to hold everything listed, such as a couple checkbooks, much less the rest of the box of checks. I recommend a locking, fireproof safe to keep the documents listed on the checklist, and if you live in hurricane/flood country, use this to hold a set of duplicates so are covered for both fire and flood.

5 comments about You've Earned It, Don't Lose It : Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make When You Retire.

1. I am satisfied with the quality of the product and the quick delivery.



2. Good book for young people to plan the future and what information to compile to leave loved ones.



3. Too dated to be useful in CT, but it did spur me to visit my attorney to get briefed on changes in estate planning.



4. The book was written too long ago to be of much use in this century. It needs to be updated or scrapped. It is behind the times and makes some of the information useless if not incorrect. A better choice can be found.



5. This book has sparked discussion and debate amongst my family, and clarification from my lawyer, and my desire to seek out more legal opinions and facts while I'm still young.
   
   Highly recommended for anyone who owns property, and especially for those who are nonchalant about facing the responsibilities of their estates and assets.

5 comments about Suze Orman's Financial Guidebook: Put the 9 Steps to Work.

1. Suze not only shows you how to find out where you need help, but she also makes you figure it out yourself. She gives you the guidelines to use and the task to do it with. But of course, it is up to you to do your homework



2. This is a good companion to the 9 Steps book. If you really want to take your finances in hand, the two books are a great investment. If you are only going to buy one, buy the 9 Steps and skip the workbook.
   This book changed my life.



3. Most informative I got lots of good input and I will buy more of Susie's books.



4. This book has a lot of helpful tips and exercises to help you in any area of finances!



5. I really enjoyed this book, and it has been very helpfull in gething my finances in order. I really recommended it to anyone.

5 comments about Suze Orman's Will & Trust Kit: The Ultimate Protection Portfolio.

1. The CD will not work with Mac 10.4. When I emailed the tech assistance, they just referred me to an online application of the Will and Trust Kit, which was NOT what I had wanted. I wanted to be able to use the CD in my pc. The online application did NOT update the CD to be able to use it with Mac 10.4



2. This software installed easily on my MacBookPro with OS v10.4.11. Then the application started and explained that ALL the information, including social security numbers, dates of birth, etc., etc. are stored somewhere online. You have the option of exempting certain information but you then have to re-enter it each time. As with any end-of-life planning, there is highly detailed personal information about financials, property, etc. that I am completely uncomfortable about storing in the ethers regardless of assurances of complete security. I was hoping this was a piece of software fully contained on the laptop and used the internet solely to update forms and push changes to the laptop. Further, the fact that all this personal data is stored somewhere online is not explained anywhere on the outside of the box or on any of the paper inside. Had I been aware, I would not have made this purchase. Supposedly there is a way to replicate the online stuff to the laptop but even this is only a disconnected version of what is already online. Not at all happy.



3. This was a very easy to use book. I have been wanting to make a new will and trust. I am still working on funding my trust. I had no idea what to do and she has letters that add your info. It is very worth the money.



4. I am puzzled by some of the complaints of Mac users being directed to the website for updates to the program. What is the big deal? You can opt out of storing any sensitive information and you just download and print.
   
   I am very happy with the purchase and am glad to have the powers of attorney included, as well as the choice of standard will or trust. I HIGHLY advise everyone to get this kit and get these essential documents ready. The best kit of its kind on the market!



5. I don't have a huge estate, and thought this would work for me. I am shocked to see that SENSITIVE INFORMATION, your SS number, account numbers, date of birth, address, EVERYTHING, is stored on some server somewhere in cyberspace! Hackers would find this server a TOTAL GOLDMINE!! I selected the option not to save my data to the server, but to export it to my own computer, and import it next time I used the software. After filling in a good deal of sensitive information, I found no option to save it, and ended up exiting and losing it all. Throughout the use of this software, I had to click on a disclaimer, and warned to have a lawyer look at the documents it produces to be SURE they are complete, etc. I looked on the CD for "help" files, and found that the entire "program" consists of four tiny files, just enough to get you online. EVERYTHING is done online. There's nothing on the box that explains this. I would never have bought this had I known it's vulnerability. I can't believe someone with the status of Suze Orman would allow her name on this software. I've lost my respect for this lady.

5 comments about The Road to Wealth, Revised Edition.

1. As Suze Orman indicates at the beginning of this book, "The Road to Wealth" provides practical information for people who look to Suze Orman for clear, honest financial perspectives. Overall, the book is in a question and answer format with explanations of all new terms and examples which confirm the reader's understanding of the material. The chapters may be read independently if a single subject is of concern, or in order. I started at the beginning of the book and have read straight through. I've found the presentation of value personally and have insight, as well, into issues which may be ahead for me or are impacting people whom I know. This is both a reference book and an introduction to financial planning.



2. Don't know whether to invest in a 401k at work? Or how to best start saving for that new baby's college? Do I need a living will? These kind of questions invariably crop up as you start living life away from the nest, and Suze Orman does a very adept job at tackling the answers in a way that is readable and understandable by people who don't have expertise coming in.
   
   I like the way the book is organized. She presents her personal opinions on subjects at the start of each chapter, but the rest is dedicated to rapid fire Q&A. Find the question you have (pretty easy to do) and she gives you a digestable answer to get you started on the right path. I love that it's not a "cover-to-cover" sort of book...because that can get a bit dry.
   
   I get the sense that any real expert in the field would find some of her answers overly simplistic, but that's a minority of the population, and for those people, there's reams of other books to consider. For the rest of us, this book is a perfect and easy way to get started in the world of personal finance.



3. I bought this book as I watch Suze whenever I can find her on TV. While I have invested for sometime, I wanted to review some basic information on insurance. I then let a friend of mine borrow it as she is just starting out in the investment arena. This book is a great overall read and good for research when you find yourself ready to buy insurance, invest in 401 K's, IRA's or any other area you may have questions in. It is a hefty book coming in just a little short of 600 pages. Arm yourself with knowledge-I cannot think of a better book to keep around for research and knowledge.



4. Overall this is an OK book, with pretty good information. It poses financial questions that Suze then answers. The problem is that in 99% of the situations i.e. divorce, prenuptual agreements, or any other situation where the relationship does not work out, IT'S THE MAN'S FAULT. I am about 3/4's of the way through the book and I feel like I'm being insulted on almost every page.
   
   A prenuptual, a will in trust, or any other legal document is always to protect the woman. If you are a male you will definetly be offended by this book. AVOID IT.
   
   Again, while the book has good information, I would look for an author who has experienced fewer issues with the men in his/her life.



5. My concern after reading this book is did Orman follow her own advice to gain prosperity or did she gain prosperity from her other ventures? Not all of us can have a television show or sell millions of books. I can't help but question if her advice really works.

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.

5 comments about The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke.

1. This book gives you the ins and outs of personal finance. Things you think are common knowledge but you actually always overlook.
   
   If you are going to college or a recent college graduate this book is perfect for you. It gives you the information needed to stay out of financial trouble and how to fix trouble that you have made; and if you're not in trouble it will help you better your situation.
   
   To me the most valuable parts are knowing your credit score, how to save money, how to pay down your debt, and everything you need to know about student loans.
   
   Lastly this isn't a drab or dry book. The book is written as if Suze is talking to you. Her humor takes the edge off of these sometimes dry topics.
   
   I highly recommend this book. I'll be referencing mine for many years.



2. Despite its goofy title, this book is very helpful to people facing money decisions for the first time.....the IRA at work, the Roth IRA, life insurance, buying a house, etc. Orman uses clear examples and helps folks understand how to wade through that financial stuff we all have to face. Also, she shows how time is on your side, and demonstrates the wonderful effect of compounding.



3. I'm not sure it's fair for me to say this, given the title of the book, but it really is geared toward people who are actually seriously broke. I am young, financially illiterate, and hoping to avoid becoming broke, and I felt like there wasn't as much in the book for me.
   
   Still, she gives a very easy-to-understand summary of some important financial terms, systems, etc. If I were broke, I would definitely love it.



4. Suze doesn't beat around any bush, she is straight forward. This was a good read and definitely geared to the audience as stated in its own title. You can get through this book very very quickly. Useful information for recent college graduates who are seeking to manage their finances, build a stable financial future, and NOT run themselves into major debt. In short, do not spend what you don't have!



5. I haven't had time to finish the book, but so far it is fabulous! Thanks for getting it to me in such orderly fashion!

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

1. If you are a woman, you need Suze Orman's 'Women & Money.' It is a must in order to gain knowledge about your finances, so you will not have to rely on someone else or pay a huge fee for attorneys or financial assistants. Great - great product.



2. Suze Orman provides an excellent perspective on women and power/money. Very useful information with interactive website. Nice.



3. This is an excellent book that I would recommend to any woman who wants to gain organization and control over her financial situation. The book is written is an easy to understand format. It clearly explains what actions need to be taken each month, for five months, to create order surrounding your finances. Buy this book, get out your highlighter, mark the steps you are going to take, and check them off as completed.



4. I never imagined in a million years I would pick up a book on personal
   finance. I had an idea that investments and numbers were just too hard,
   something I'd never understand. Reading Suze Orman's "Women & Money"
   turned that notion on its head. Her warm, funny and no-nonsense book is
   not only informative and empowering, it is also really enjoyable to
   read. While she offers plenty of detailed and helpful financial advice,
   the underlying theme throughout -and what really impacted me- is that
   control of your financial destiny begins with you. How you treat your
   money is an extension of how you treat yourself. Her 'Save Yourself
   Plan' is about letting go of the old excuses that say 'I can't' and
   letting go of the shame and blame of past decisions; it's about
   empowering yourself with knowledge and starting fresh from exactly where
   you are in this moment.
   
   A wonderful companion book to Ms. Orman's that expands on these
   ideas is Ariel and Shya Kane's Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life. Their inspiring approach to
   living in the moment (instead of in a continuous loop of worry about
   the past and the future) gives you the tools to dissolve those old,
   limiting stories about yourself ("I'm not good with numbers!") and step
   into a life that is easy, alive, and full of possibility.



5. I love Suze Orman and as a 26 year old woman I was more that excited about learning how to control my own destiny by learning all I could about my money. The problem....I would like to enjoy it before I retire. Suze should change all the names of her books to. " Suffer now, Retire rich part 1, 2, 3 and 4" because that's the philosphy of her books. I am more interested in learning techniques that can produce results in 3-5 years. 35 years is too long to reap the harvest. This book has it's place but it didn't help me much.