Book Description

How do we fatten our portfolios and stay financially healthy? Former hedge-fund manager and longtime Wall Street commentator Jim Cramer explains how to invest wisely in chaotic times, and he does so in plain English in a style that is as much fun as investing is -- or should be, when it's done right.

For starters, Cramer recommends devoting a portion of your assets to speculation. Everyone wants to find the big winners that can bring outsized gains, and Cramer explains how to allocate your portfolio so that you can afford to take this kind of risk wisely. He explains why "buy and hold" is a losing philosophy: For Cramer, it's "buy and homework." If you can't spend an hour a week researching each of your stocks, then you should hand off your portfolio to a mutual fund-- and Cramer identifies the very few mutual funds that he'd recommend.

Cramer reveals his Ten Commandments of Trading (Commandment #5: Tips are for waiters). He explains why he's not afraid to compare investing to gambling (and tells you which book on gambling you should read to become a better investor). He discloses his Twenty-Five Rules of Investing (Rule #4: Look for broken stocks, not broken companies).

Cramer shows how to compare stock prices in a way that you can understand, how to spot market tops and bottoms, how to know when to sell, how to rotate among cyclical stocks to catch the big moves, and much more. Jim Cramer's Real Money is filled with insider advice that really works, information that Cramer himself used to make millions during his fourteen-year career on Wall Street.

Written in Cramer's distinctive turbocharged style, this is every investor's guide to what you really must know to make big money in the stock market. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Best investment book ever
Thanks Cramer for sharing your insights. I have also sign up the action alert, and profit from your realtime calls, thanks all the help.

Thank You Professor Cramer
In Law School, you learn the Law, but you also learn how to Think like a Lawyer. If you want your hand held and told which stock you would Never lose money in..then this book is not for you. But if you want to Learn how to think and analyze like a Pro...then this is the Best Book ever written on this Subject (sorry Benjamin Graham). Reading this book, I was amazed to find so many things Mr. Cramer and the Great Mr. Buffet share in common.. from their thought, anaylsis to their overall personality. Neither one believes in holding more then 15 different companies, both live for Homework and both LOVE a bargain...be it a Stock or shopping at Target or finding a really good price on a Case of Coke (men after my heart). Neither Man waste money or are flashy with their wealth...and I think that is the greatest lesson that these Men (and this Book) can teach our status seeking society. I also suggest that you read this book before you read his first book, Confessions of a Street Addict...because once you have taken Cramer 101, you can truly enjoy Confessions....including the Horror of the $50,000.00 Desk...do you Know HOW much Sears Holding you can buy with that!

Should you listen to Kramer?
Anybody who thinks they know everything about the stock market should be avoided at all costs. Kramer is one of the world's biggest idiots.I am, unfortunately, the world's greater idiot for listening to him time and again... not believing exactly that he knew what he was talking about, but for believing that other people would follow his advice, resulting in a stock going up or down. I have lost many thousands of dollars taking his advice.He has far too much power for his limited intellect;and his bulldog rants move stocks for all the wrong reasons.In my humble opinion,Eliott Spitzer should investigate him.

Very Good
Unlike Cramer's Mad Money TV show, Cramer's Real Money is a little slow to get started. However,like many other books, you have to slog through the "where-I've-been-and-how-I-got-to-where-I-am-today" portion to more appreciate what he has to say when he gets to the meat of the book.Cramer offers an interesting perspective from the "inside", possibly revealing more than some Wallstreeters would prefer, and demonstrates he is not just another financial "talking head".His book is definately a "must read" for anyone in the market today.

Excellent Book on Trading
This is one of the best trading books out there (and I have gone through most of the books on trading and investing). Just the chapters on picking the bottom and top are worth more than the price of the book.Whether or not you agree with everything he says, the book will surely make you think and trade better, and likely wealthier. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you are tired of struggling to make ends meet but don't know a 401(k) from Special K, this book is for you. Aimed specifically at "Generation Broke"--those in their twenties and thirties who are working yet buried in credit card debt and student loans--this user-friendly guide offers a clear introduction to practical investing and money management techniques that can turn even a dismal financial situation around. Bestselling author Suze Orman has a knack for taking the fear out of money matters, and in The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous &amp: Broke, she shows readers how to set priorities and achieve goals, whether it is to buy a house or save for retirement or pay for a child's education. She also offers inspiration to readers to face their financial problems and get started on a solution. After all, there is good news: young people still have the time to correct problems so that they will never be broke again. Readers who find terms such as diversification and IRA rollover scary--or worse, unimportant--will learn much from this book.

In these pages, Orman clearly and succinctly explains what a FICO score is and why it's so important, offers the lowdown on stocks and mutual funds, provides career advice, and offers lots of tips on dealing with student loan debt, saving money even when times are tight, debt consolidation strategies, and the safest way for newlyweds to merge their finances. She also offers information on credit cards, including why canceling cards is not a good idea, when it makes sense to use them, and the best strategies for paying them off. It may not be the only money book you'll ever need, but it's an excellent place to start. --Shawn Carkonen

All About Suze Orman

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke is financial expert Suze Orman's answer to a generation's cry for help. An Emmy-award winner, Orman is the author of four consecutive New York Times® bestsellers, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, The Courage to Be Rich, The Road to Wealth, and The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life. The Money Book was written to address the specific financial reality that young people face today, and it offers a set of real, not impossible, solutions to the problems at hand and the problems ahead.

• Listen to a special message from Suze Orman.
• Visit the Suze Orman Store

Suze Orman: The Bestsellers

The Courage to Be Rich The Road to Wealth The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life

Suze Orman's Financial Guidebook The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom

Money Cards: Words That Lead to Wealth You've Earned it, Don't Lose It The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke, Audio CD

Build Your Own Suze Orman Library
The Essentials

The Laws of Money	The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom	You've Earned It, Don't Lose It
Money Cards: Words That Lead to Wealth	Suze Orman's Financial Guidebook	Suze Orman's Will And Trust Kit

Pep Talks: Suze Orman Audios

The Courage to Be Rich, CD	The Road to Wealth, CD	The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life, CD
The Courage to Be Rich, Cassette	The Road to Wealth, Cassette	The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life, Cassette

Bestselling Suze Orman Books on DVD

The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life, 2003	The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, 2004	The Road to Wealth, 2004
The Suze Orman Collection, 2003	The Courage to Be Rich	The Best of the Suze Orman Collection, 2004

... Read more

Reviews (51)

Beginners book- but thats what I needed !
I read this book along with 'The Idiots Guide to personal finance in your 20s'. Both books were actually very helpful in getting my head together. I graduated 3 ago (hello scary loans), working (poor), and living (tiny space) in New York City. So this book was perfect for a person like me.

It really got me thinking about HOW to take advantage of a 401K and Roth IRA. I am having a great time being young, but when Suzy illustrates how a person who started saving in a 401K at 25 compared to 35 will have hundreds of thousands dollars more by retirement you realise that being responsible is not only smart, but necessary given this recent retirement social security fiasco.

She also gives great motivation to clean up your credit (via your FICO score). As a young person who wants to buy a car and apartment in a few years, you begin to understand how your credit numbers will affect you. Most important- your interest rates on these purchases. She also gives tips on these purchases. Additionally, moving in with someone, getting married, and basics of investing options.

Whats great about the book though is that Suzy motivates you, but also details HOW to get things moving. She offers websites or agencies to further gain financial information.

Buying both Suzy and the Idiots guide may have been a bit redundant. They offer around the same advice, but Idiots guide is a bit easier formatted to read. Its easier for me to reference my Idiots guide. That is the only reason why Suzy gets 4 and not 5 stars.

Average
The advice given can be found in many, many books.Except for a new formating and a slightly easier way to search, there is nothing new here.Read Clark Howard or Dave Ramsey, people I can trust.My trust in this writer took a huge hit when she accepted an endorcement to sell new automobiles. This is at best a check out from the local library book, do not waste your money on it.

Yes you CAN be broke AND fabulous.
I live in Manhattan where it's hard to think of those two words in the same sentence.My parents have given me financial guidance books before but there is something about this that validates who you are and who you want to be- just in the title, that made me respond to it.I am clueless about money and I hate thinking about it. But you have to.This book, along with the online component,was kind of like a financial Mary Poppins.She tells you what to do and how to do it- in a non-condescending way.I wish I had had it 10 years ago.If you are a young woman with money problems like I am, don't question- just buy it and do what she says.

And it's ADD friendly too!
After reading several sections from a friend's copy, I know for a fact that this is the book on finances I've been waiting for.If you have trouble focusing and end up drifting into space before making it through a sentance in any book- let alone one about dreary finances- I think you'll be wanting your own copy of this title as well.As if she had the ADD personality in mind, Susie is direct and to the point without being crass.The book is also highlighted with coloring which is another ADD friendly technique, along with short summeries to sum up the already to the point chapters.She also gives very simplistic examples behind her reasonings to make sure even the most clueless college co-ed or financing novice can understand it, but she breaks things down in a way that doesn't make you feel like a dumb-ass for not understanding it earlier.The PERFECT gift for a highschool graduate who's about to embark on to the world of college loans and credit! And great for anyone who wishes there was such a thing as financing 101 in H.S. or College.Highly Recommended.

Awesome book especially for new college grads
This should be your first financial book in your twenties. I could find so many answers to the questions that I had as I will be graduating soon and start my own career along with investments. Although I am not in huge debt, this book has helped me so much in terms of finding out what I have to do in order to save and what I need to do in order to succeed financially in life. Highly recommended for anyone who's broke or not broke but wants to stay financially stable and happy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The advice and concepts outlined in Automatic Wealth are best suited for those in their 30s-50s who recognize that their current job will never afford them true financial independence. Rather than encourage readers to quit their day jobs today and launch into a new scheme tomorrow, Masterson shows how to turn your skills and experience into significantly more money within seven to fifteen years. For those just getting by, he details how to get the biggest pay raises now and how to move into more lucrative ventures in the near future. For those with some savings, he offers specific advice on building equity and increasing net worth significantly and quickly. Since Masterson made his millions starting and developing small businesses, he encourages people to become entrepreneurs themselves and discusses which kinds of ventures to invest in and which ones to avoid. He also stresses the importance of developing multiple income streams, offering chapters on real estate, stocks and bonds, consulting, direct mail, and other opportunities.

In addition to concrete steps, Masterson also writes about attitude and expectations. His first step, in fact, is to take an honest and realistic assessment of your current financial situation and prepare yourself to change habits. He stresses that you must make getting rich a priority and devote the necessary time to it--act immediately and don't wait until the perfect moment to change your situation (hint: the perfect moment rarely arrives.). Clearly written and filled with informative anecdotes and examples, Automatic Wealth will not make you a millionaire overnight. It could, however, make you one in a decade, and that's a timeline most people can deal with. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (23)

I wish I had read this in high school
I think there are two very realistic points made in this book where most financial planning books go into fantasy-land. First, you have to earn over $100,000 a year or your savings will never add up to anything meaningful in your lifetime (compound interest doesn't kick-in big until after 40 years). Next, the difference between the rich and everyone else is customers. If you don't have customers of some kind, it is unlikely that you'll retire early with $2 million in the bank earning interest.

Unlike most money books, Michael details how to move forward on most fronts. But he seems to spend too many pages on a few subjects that he doesn't seem to know a lot about (like stock investing).

Overall, it is worth recommending.

A GREAT BOOK FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO SUCCEED
Remember learning this phrase in school? "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." Of course you do. Benjamin Franklin lived by this mantra, and so does Michael Masterson.

I've been an avid reader of the author's daily ETR newsletter, and I can tell you, he's one of the most persuasive writers I've ever read. I certainly would never have picked up a book with a title like this, but I bought it because I've learned to trust Masterson's judgment. Day after day, his words make sense and move readers to action.

His book is extremely helpful for women, especially mothers who step out of the work force to focus on raising their families a few years. Masterson believes it's not years and years of so-so experience that make a person successful; it's acquiring a needed set of skills, learning to excel in those skills, and having integrity.

Ladies, this is a book you can carry around in your purse and read anytime you have a minute. It's filled with powerful stories that energize you and show you that success comes to those who don't give up. Masterson's not afraid to share his failures and what he learned from them, and we can all glean from his "Ready, Fire, Aim" experiences.

Here's a list of THE TOP TEN THINGS YOU WON'T HEAR MICHAEL MASTERSON SAY:

1. The main characteristic of successful people is that they enjoy sleeping in late.
2. Watching a few hours of TV every night is a great way to spend your time (year after year after year...).
3. If you don't like your present job or income, stick it out andspend the rest of your time entertaining yourself.
4. Complaining is the best way to get what you want.
5. The quickest way to become successful is to close yourself off from the world and work alone.
6. It's best to surround yourself with people who are pessimists.
7. If you're not financially independent by the time you're 40, it's too late. You'll never make it.
8. Don't bother saying thank you to people who help you. They're too busy to notice anyway.
9. When you make new friends, it's okay to let go of your old ones.
10. Busy, successful people don't have time to read fiction or exercise.

All this to say, thanks for taking the time to write this book, Mr. Masterson. The wisest man who ever lived had this to say, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper" (Proverbs 13:4 NLT). I'm sure you're there with him.

Simple Advice You Can USE...from wealthy "Uncle Michael"
Are you SICK of reading financial advice books written with so much analysis, jargon, and formal posturing...you can't figure out what the heck you're actually supposed to DO?Me, too!

That's why I LOVED this book. It's like your super-wealthy Uncle sits down and tells you how he made his fortune...and how you can make yours, too.Simple, practical, straight-from-the-shoulder advice you can USE, no matter where you are in life right now.

Quite simply, the best, most practical, easiest-to-understand book of financial advice I've ever read.Do yourself a favor and buy it now!

Solid Advice on Building Wealth
Masterson, a self-made millionaire, puts forth a logical approach for building wealth.He believes that a person, who is willing to put in the effort and time, can amass wealth in a period of 7 to 15 years.I think that timing is a bit optimistic, but even if it takes 20 to 25 years, the end result is still the same - financial independence, more freedom and tranquility. Masterson believes one's primary goal is to accumulate enough capital to generate passive income to pay for life's necessities.

This 271-page book is divided into only six detailed chapters.Each one explains one of the six steps to achieving wealth, which are:
1. Face the facts - you won't get rich saving 10% or more in your pension plan or getting measly salary increases.
2. Plan to become wealthy - This is occurs one step at a time and requires planning.
3. Develop specific wealthy habits - work hard, good a what they do, are extraordinary savers, pay themselves first
4. Radically increase your income - to the tune of 25% to 150%
5. Get rich while you sleep - by receiving passive income
6. Retire early - to live the lifestyle you want

Masterson provides specific examples of each of his six steps, as well as personal experiences and appropriate stories.It all seems very real and makes a lot of sense. He mentions that an individual has to make getting rich a priority and be willing to focus his/her energies on building wealth.He also covers the need to have a detailed short-term and long-term written action plan with specific goals.

The author suggests that everyone choose specific lifetime goals; calculate their retirement income needs based upon an analysis of assets and liabilities, and lifestyle requirements.He then recommends that individuals prepare wealth building goals, health goals, personal relationship goals, and personal growth and development goals. These goals should be set for daily, weekly, and monthly timeframes.He is a strong believer in time management and suggests managing time in 15-minute increments so that multiple goals can be worked on during the day.

Masterson believes that real estate can provide significant income and spends time covering how to invest in real estate and what the income should look like.Although he does mention investing in the stock market, he only invests 2% of his money in it. He is reluctant to plunk down a chunk of his money in stocks because they are too risky for him.Obviously, looking back the stock market's devastation during 2000-2002 and the real estate market's appreciation during that time period, his advice seems right on the mark.

He feels the stock market is a very difficult place to make money, and that investors should tread lightly there. For those who invest, he strongly urges them to cut losses at a specific level (25% for him), and use stop loss orders and trailing stops to protect profits.He does not recommend investing in the market unless you have at least $100,000 to invest.

He is a strong believer in investing a sizable portion of income in side businesses and local real estate to build wealth over time. He prefers investing in income generating real estate, buying rental properties, and buying fixed income investments - holding bonds to maturity to avoid any principal losses due to rising interest rates.

Overall, Masterson does a masterful job of explaining the steps necessary to accrue wealth and enjoy life.For those who believe that investing in the stock market is a critical element in the process, as I do, I recommend a newly published book by Paul Merriman titled "Live it Up without Outliving Your Money" which provides a conservative way to build a highly diversified portfolio that has outperformed the market with less risk.

Presents a good way one could get wealthy
I found this book slightly disappointing, having read so many 5 star raving reviews of it.It is a worthwhile read, for sure.To me, the book was more of a "how I succeeded" book than I was expecting.He is very specific in recommending those things that have done well for him.He offers many strategies for making more money doing specific types of (high paying) jobs, investing in real estate, and starting or financing small businesses. There is good advice in there, and I think it is worth reading for that, since Mr. Masterson is very successful, and whose example to follow but someone successful?

The book's pitfalls to me center around specific investing advice.For instance, he recommends not investing much in the stock market because of its volatility, and talks about how much he likes investing in bonds, since if you hold them to completion you know what you are getting.This is true, but does not consider the effects of inflation, which makes that steady income worth less (whereas stock valuations and dividends tend to keep up with inflation).This is a perfect example where you have to realize he is telling you what has worked for him, but may not be the best advice for many (although I agree with him the stock market is currently overvalued).He also seems to contradict himself when he uses the stock market's historical average of 10% returns to claim you need a net worth of 10 times your living expenses to retire (or 12 times if you're more conservative).In one breath he is poo-pooing the stock market as an investment, then using its average returns in his retirement calculations.

I also wish he didn't refer to real estate investing as "flipping" real estate.All the advice he gives about real estate is sound, explaining rents need to be able to cover your mortgage payments, and that today we're in a housing bubble (here in San Diego it's a bubble bath!).Then later he estimates an average ROI of 25% from real estate investing.Again, after inflation is taken into account, I doubt this to be an accurate figure (even taking into account the leverage involved) in today's already-too-pricey environment.Personally, I believe there will be many people losing a lot of money (read: bankruptcy) in real estate over the next five years.I kind of wish Mr. Masterson hadn't used the term "flipping" houses, as I expect it to be a term that in five years will be looked back on with regret and disbelief, just like "day-trading" is today five years after the Nasdaq crash.

I've spent a lot of time here explaining my negative comments.I do think he has presented a good way one could get wealthy - one that has been proven, which is even better.So I would say read intently his wealth building strategies, but double-check the math on your own.
... Read more

Book Description

"Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences--his two fathers.One father (Robert's real father) was a highly educated man, but fiscally poor.The other father was the father of Robert's best friend--the Dad who was an eighth grade dropout who became a self-made multi-millionaire.The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad."Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retore at 47.RICH DAD, POOR DAD, written with consultant and CPA Sharon L. Lechter lays out Kiyosaki's philosophy behind his relationship with money.RICH DAD, POOR DAD opens readers eyes by:

- exploding the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich
- challenging the belief that your house is an asset
- defining once and for all an asset versus a liability
- explaining what kids need to know about money for their future financial success" ... Read more

Reviews (1475)

Eye opener !
I am a 35 y/o computer person. As I grew up, my parents told me to go to school and become an engineer, or an accountant, so that I could have lots of money. I grew up thinking it would happen, and my belief got stronger when I chose a profitable computer carreer. However, I spent 15 years working on computers, with many over-time hours, and lots of time away from friends and family because I was learning newer technologies to try to make more money.

However, I never got rich, I made good money but I was never able to accumulate more than $5,000 on my bank account. I never understood why after working so hard, money was still a big concern! I figured out that there's gotta be another way to become wealthy. I gave it my best shot at studying and working hard, and years went by and things didn't get better.

I started looking for information on wealth accumulation books, and a friend of mind recommended this book. This book has been very enlighting, I wish I had learned the principles shown in here 15 years ago. If I had, I know for a fact that money would not be a big concern for me today. I feel much better now because, even though I don't have lots of money (not yet), this book pointed me in the right direction.

I also recommend "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. It goes deep into detail about what to put in your mind if you want to become wealthy.

I hope my review helps.

This book is an eye opener to all of those who desire money.
I have read both 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' and 'Cashflow Quadrant.' Being young and still in college, these two books have taught me how the rich think. As Kiyosaki emphasizes, getting a high paying job after college is not the answer to becoming financially indepent and satisfied. His books unteach the reader everything he/she has learned about money and allows the reader to focus on building wealth the way millionaires do. His books are enlightening, and his method to achieving wealth makes sense logically. After reading 'Millionaire Next Door', I could honestly tell that Kiyosaki's method is the way the truly rich think. 'Millionaire Next Door' simply focuses on frugality and spending as little money as possible. Who wants to enjoy all of their money when they become 60 yeas of age, having spent their prime years living as cheap as possible? Kiyosaki's book is excellent in teaching the common man/woman how to have money work for them and allows them to live life to their fullest. I recommend this book and 'Cashflow Quadrant' as the first two readings for someone seeking financial independence.

Powerful, life changing program
A few months ago, I was working in sales for a B>B Business Group. I followed Mr. Kiyosaki's advice and started investing my money in passive income. I bought some equities, a rental or two and started a home based business.

While my colleagues spent their checks and worked for ThankGodItsFriday and cheer for Wednesdays because it was "hump day" and yell hooray for the weekend, and then made wise cracks about my goals. I invested, left that company over 6 weeks ago and am now full time in my own business. Meanwhile, my colleagues were recently served notice that their company (my former company) is laying off 150 people!

Thank God for Robert Kiyosaki.

Can't communicate to save theirselves
Easy read-18 minutes & spelling and grammer errors are throughout. Plus, pure money making "Dribble". Follow this & you LOOSE!

A book on how to think like the rich do
This book is about strategy, not tactics. Here you will start to learn how the rich think. This book changed my life as it was the first book of my new life! It's not going to teach you the exact tactics the rich use (try the new van tharp's book for that) but more importante it will teach you the thinking behind what they do. Don't mind the bad reviews: it worked for me. ... Read more

Book Description

This text, now in its tenth edition, is clear and concise with shorter chapters that allow for flexible course organization without compromising coverage.Designed as a mid-level approach to personal financial planning, this text is written in a conversational style with many real-life examples.The life-cycle approach, practical applications, and decision-making focus are reinforced with expert advice, helpful tools, and real-life examples. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superb Introduction to Financial Planning
I bought this book for a non-credit Financial Planning class at Florida State.I didn't stick with the class, but I'm keeping the book.It seems to cover just about everything anyone except a financial professional could ever need to know about the financial planning process.If there's a downside to the book, it's that it reads like a textbook; HOWEVER, that's what it is.AND, being a GOOD textbook, the writing is clear and understandable.

Anyone who would order this book should know that I received an e-mail today (February 24) from the instructor of the intro class at Florida State, making reference to a ninth edition.The instructor did not specifically mention this book by name.However, since [Amazon.com] is showing the eighth edition as of February 24, it may be safe to assume that this is the book the instructor was referring to.

Excellent resource for taking financial control
I had to purchase this book for a university course I once took (several editions earlier).This book is a great resource for taking you through the personal financial planning process.This book may seem a bitintimidating but if you want personal financial success, it is worth goingthrough the book.It will take you step by step on how to achieve yourfinancial success.This is the best textbook I have ever purchased.

Looking for help
This isn't a review.I'm looking for help.Anybody order this book?The one I need for a course at Florida State has this description:

Personal Financial Planning by Lawrence J. Gitman & Michael D. Joehnk (Note:This shrink-wrapped package should include worksheets to accompany thePersonal Financial Planning textbook as well as a computer diskette.) ISBN:0-03-028076-1 (Eighth Edition - 1999) Published by Dryden Press (asubsidiary of Harcourt Brace)

The Amazon.com description doesn't say ifit includes the goodies.Anybody know?

E-mail me atmark_n_tam@yahoo.com

Thanks ... Read more

Book Description

This personal finance book introduces readers to the concepts, tools, and applications of personal finance and investments. It builds on the 15 Axioms of Personal Finance, and helps individuals develop an intuitive understanding not only of the financial planning process, but also the logic that drives it. In order to leave a lasting impression, this book concentrates on the fundamentals and underlying principles of personal finance, rather than focusing on equations and specific tools which are more easily forgotten.Chapter coverage includes how to prepare for the financial future and highlights some of the important decisions to be faced. The book covers pertinent topics that relate to getting a job and turning that job into a successful career. It also provides easy to follow advice from an expert CPA that can be used as a learning tool in such areas as purchasing a car, getting insurance, investing in mutual funds, etc.For anyone looking for a guide to personal finance and financial planning. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition of America's # 1 best-selling real estate book takes the pain out of choosing, negotiating for, and buying a home. Helping home buyers save time and money, personal finance guru Eric Tyson and real estate maven Ray Brown deliver the up-to-date information people need, showing them how to:

• Research neighborhoods and home values
• Select the best mortgage-including the latest developments
• Understand the pros and cons of buying different types of housing
• Assemble the right team for putting the deal together
• Negotiate the best price and terms

Reviews (56)

Great book for anyone interested in the home buying process
Eric Tyson is a savvy writer with a wealth of knowledge that is shared in this fantastic book. I am a first time home buyer and purchased numerous books about the process; this one is by far the best. It served as my "jungle guide", and I found myself referring to this book on a daily basis for information. His chapters on gathering a solid real estate team, comparable market analysis, and escrow were particularly enlightening. Tyson's wit and the easy-to-read Dummies style proved a quick read and served to give me the confidence to discern what I wanted and ask the tough questions about one of life's bigger decisions. If there is ONE book to buy regarding home buying, buy this book.

Good but there's a better one
Having read both this volume and the Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying and Selling a Home, I recommend the idiot's guide over this one. The main reason is because the latter is better written and easier to understand. Home Buying for Dummies is very comprehensive but reminds me of my own Ph.D. dissertation: heavy on theory but little on practicalities. The idiot's guide presents information in a way that make it easier to digest and follow.

In short, this is a good advice primer for first-time home buyers, but I think you get a better book and also a better value if you buy the complete idiot's guide version.

(I'm not affiliated with any authors or publishers, nor do I even know or have met them in any manner.)

Only buy this book if you really are a dummy
This is the first "for dummies" book I've ever bought. It's also going to be the last. They're not kidding with the title. Instead of stating their point simply and clearly, the authors patronize the readers with silly stories. For example, instead of saying something like "do not buy a house that's too far from your work," the authors spend a paragraph telling a story of some poor dummy who did buy a house too far from his work and ended up hating everything. Oh, and BTW, if you need a book to tell you that you shouldn't buy a house that's far from your work, then this book is for you. The information presented is oversimplified, incomplete, and sometimes just incorrect. Moreover, this book will not help you at all if you're dealing with an unusual market, such as SF Bay Area, NYC, LA, etc.

I'm not in the real estate business, nor do I have any vested interest in anybody buying or not buying this book.

This book will save you a lot more $$$ than its sell price
This is a great book and gets you thinking about topics and asking questions that your realtor or mortgage lender / broker probably wouldn't otherwise bring up for you. While it does not go into real depth on any single subject, it highlights enough to really help you become an educated buyer. It addresses everything from getting financially positioned to buy a house in the first place (e.g. pay off your bills, save some cash), to finding a good mortgage that works for you (e.g. fixed-rates versus ARMs), understanding where and what are good buys (e.g. principles of progression and regression), forming a team (e.g. realtor, mortgage lender, etc), and the offer / counter/ and escrow processes. With all the info you'll learn, you will easily save yourself the cost of this book (probably many times over). The only drawback is that this book provides general information for all of America as a whole - it does not address specific real estate hot-spots such as Southern California.

Good information
This book had some very good information when I wanted to buy a house. Had good tips and was written in an easy to understand language.

However, I didn't have good enough credit to get a big loan, so I found did a rent to own instead. Good site: www.nkinvestments.com

Nick ... Read more

Book Description

It’s been said, and too often quoted, that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. To these can be added one more: being confused by investing. But remember that no one is born with financial knowledge. It's acquired over time.

If you’ve succeeded in accumulating some money to invest, congratulations! You’ve already accomplished a feat that the majority of people haven’t done yet. But with the increased coverage of the investment world, you may think that investing times have changed. But to a large degree, things haven’t changed all that much. Investments that were lousy years ago are still considered lousy today. But the best investments for building wealth – stocks, real estate, and small business – haven’t changed.

Whether you have a modest or immodest economic means, this easy-to-use guide can help you understand how to increase your wealth by

• Living within your means and systematically saving and investing money, ideally in a tax-favored manner.
• Buying and holding stocks, ide ally through the best mutual funds.
• Building your own small business or career.
• Investing in real estate.

Equally, if not more, important is understanding and choosing investments compatible with your personal and financial goals. Nearly every professional athlete, movie star, or business big shot that gets on the evening news by making an investment blunder and losing considerable money could have – and should have – avoided the error. With Investing For Dummies, 3rd Edition, you'll discover how to do just that. You'll also

• Cut through the jargon and get to the heart of what investments are.
• Figure out what rate of return you can expect and how much risk you should take to get it.
• Explore the financial markets and how you can participate.
• Research stocks and how to best buy them.
• Uncover the best resources to use and the experts worth listening to.

You don’t need a fancy college degree or a rich mom or dad to invest money. What you do need is a desire to practice simple yet powerful lessons and strategies. This book can help by showing you everything you need to start and maintain and investment program. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Helps you build a solid foundation for further reading
I have been investing in stocks, mutuals funds and real estate for about 8 years without ever reading a book on the topic. I bought this book to learn the nuts and bolts of investing. Despite the fact that I am not a beginner I still found the book informative. For example, Tyson says when a stock plummets don't bale out, buy some more at the lower price. I baled out of amazon.com at $11 and of course I deeply regret it now. I have since learned to hold during the bad times and now I am in profit territory with all of my stocks. He suggests that college savings accounts, such as 529 plans, may be a bad idea because it could hurt your child's chances of getting financial aid. He explains how bonds can go down in value and says instead of buying individual bonds it is better to buy bond mutual funds. I had been wary of bonds before reading this book, now I am thinking about buying a bond fund in the interests of diversification.

I didn't agree with Tyson on everything. He is more conservative than I am. I am only in my early 30s, so I believe I am young enough to take some financial risks. Also, he believes that it is a bad idea to pick your own stocks. Yet he also says that if you buy good companies and hold for several years you will always come out ahead as long as you have a diversified portfolio. I see no reason to pay a financial planner (who may put his/her own interests ahead of mine) to do this for me.

One thing I really like about the book is that he doesn't just focus on financial instruments. He also discusses investing in both real estate and small businesses. I will be buying a franchise within the next year and I found this information very helpful. Of course, I will need to do further reading on this topic.

This is an excellent book that I had a hard time putting down. If you want to learn more about investing I suggest that you start with this book. It will provide a solid foundation, and help you move onto more complicated financial books and magazines.

Very good book.
Eric Tyson's Investing for Dummies in broad in scope, but still written in plain english. Even the most naive to investing can understand and apply what he writes.I also recommend Personal Finance for Dummies and Mutual Funds For Dummies.You will find these books more informative than Jane Bryant Quinn's books. What is the love affair with her anyway? I made the mistake of buying How To Make the Most of Your Money and found it to be a complete waste. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Read and apply Eric Tyson's great work. You'll be glad you did.

Practical Introduction for Beginners
Considering that I know hardly anything about investing in stocks, real estate, etc., this book was a very good one because it introduced me to the basics. It starts with each topic on "level one" and gradually leads you to the level where you understand the topic but do not have useless information. It discusses stocks and bonds, real estate, portfolio buiding, and even the interesting psychological obstacles in investing. I thought an interesting idea was that to succeed long term in mutual fund investing, your portfolio must be diversified and well-researched. This book also discusses the pros and cons of having a financial advisor, and gives resources for more information. The book has cartoons, which add humor and taught me how investing would be applied to my life. The section of the book least applicable to me was about running and buying business, but it was interesting nevertheless. It was a great introduction to investing and I feel much more prepared than I did before reading the book.

Buy the Third Edition instead of this OLD one
The Third Edition of this book is already out. Why would you buy the second edition if the third edition is newer?

Lacking
There are very few good nuggets of information in this one.
I listened to the entire audio version in my car on the way to work. I didn't have to stop once to jot down anything important. ... Read more

Book Description

Covers the financial impact of the recent tax cuts

"Detailed, action-oriented advice . . . A standout personal finance primer."
—Kristin Davis, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Do you need help managing your financial priorities? Relax! This friendly guide, now updated to include changes to the tax code, gives you just the information you need to take control of your finances, buy the right insurance coverage, and weather economic downturns.

Praise for Personal Finance For Dummies

". . . provides tremendous insight and guidance into the world of investing and other money issues."
–PBS Nightly Business Report

"Tyson doesn’t tell you what to do or consider doing without explaining the hows and whys – and the booby traps to avoid – in plain English."
–Chicago Tribune

"Smart advice . . . . Rewards your candor with advice and comfort."
–Newsweek ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Required Reading
When I bought the first edition of this book, I was a poor post-graduate loaded with bad debt. At the time, I knew nothing about CD's, funds, stocks, bonds, insurance, 401(k)'s, home-buying, budgeting, saving, debt-reduction, taxes, or any other basic issues of personal finance. All I knew is that I never could seem to "get ahead" financially. Tyson's book led me from this sorry state through four years of self-education and growing self-confidence about controlling my own financial future. Even now, debt-free and market-positioned, I still reference this book when I encounter a new facet of my financial life.

No "get-rich-quick" scheme, Tyson lays out a solid framework for anyone interested in getting and maintaining control of their own financial situation throughout a lifetime. The ideas he lays out help a person not only educate him/herself concerning money, but also instill confidence that a financial situation can be corrected or controlled personally.

Although this book would serve as a valuable reference to ANYONE interested in their own financial future, it would especially be useful to a young person just "starting out" or to any person who feels overwhelmed by their own financial situation.

Great start to personal finance
When I entered the real world fresh out of graduate school, my financial situation was not too healthy, which most new graduates can empathize with. After overcoming the horror of my overwhelming debt, I started reading books on personal finance (a great hobby that is not expensive if you use libraries and friends). Personal Finance for Dummies was a very refreshing, practical book on personal finances. Unlike most books, it gave a lot of necessary PRACTICAL DETAILS in an EASY TO READ fashion. And it was not full of bogus get-rich-quick schemes or attempts to sell a plethora of expensive get-rich-quick products that you "need." If you want down to earth advice, read this book.

The money it took to buy this book and the time it took to read this book were the two best investments I ever made! Two years later, I have investments, and I am almost debt-free. It took a lot of work and a lot more discipline. But without this book, I probably would not have come as far as fast.

Good luck! Jason

If you make money, you need this book
They don't teach personal finance in schools. In this book, author Tyson teaches what every high school in the nation should teach anyone who plans to earn money.

This book provides excellent advice on how to save your money and how to set your savings and spending priorities. In particular, Tyson takes into account the tax advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, and he gives an easy to implement way to maximize the tax benefits that the government provides to encourage wise financial decisions.

It is true that the author likes Vanguard's mutual funds and his book clearly recommends them (along with some others). He's in good company: Consumer Reports also recommends some of Vanguard's mutual funds, and Vanguard consistently has the lowest costs in the mutual fund industry.

Finally, a word of advice: Avoid, avoid, avoid any book that recommends dubious tax evasion schemes like starting your own fictitious business for the purpose of taking tax deductions on personal expenses. Instead, buy this book and follow Tyson's recommendations on taking advantage of legitimate tax benefits associated with wise saving and spending.

The most informatvie book on the subject I have ever read!
I work as a financial professional, counseling individuals regarding the options in their employer-sponsored retirement plans. Although the counsel I can give is limited to their retirement plan, several have asked me for advice in other areas of their financial lives. I do not hesitate to recommend this book. Whether you are starting from square one in getting your financial house in order, or your checkbook is balanced to the penny every week, there is information in this book that will benefit you. The "For Dummies" format is perfect for this subject, and Eric Tyson does an excellent job of breaking into layman's terms the most complex of finance and investing concepts. Also, an excellent section on selecting a financial planner is provided. I have often seen the devastating effects that the wrong financial advice has wrought in people's lives. The list of criteria to apply when seeking a financial advisor is one of the most valuable tools I have seen on the subject. This book is one of the most valuable resources I have ever seen in helping the average person get control of their financial lives. Applying its principles will pay immediate as well as long-lasting rewards.

this book has changed my life!
I recommend this book very highly to just about everyone. This is a down to earth guide to getting your personal finances into tip-top shape. No hype here. Just honest to goodness advice that took me from a hand-to-mouth existence and debt up to my eyeballs, to nearly no debt (just mortgage), money in the bank, and investments, plus nearly a paid-off home, all within about 5 years. Anyone willing to hold down a job and follow the common-sense advice in this book, should have no problems achieving similar goals. I should point out that this book is NOT about any "get-rich-quick" schemes, but about down to earth long-term investing, and money/finance management. ... Read more

Book Description

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money & Investing initiates you into the mysteries of the financial pages -- buying stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures and options, spotting trends and evaluating companies. For those who are curious but intimidated by everyday financial jargon, this guide offers a literate, forthright and lively alternative. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Incomplete and Misleading Basic Definitions
To me a guide from a brand name source like The Wall Street Journal should always elucidate and never mislead. If this book were called a dictionary of money and investing, I would give it a five star rating. For it works well as a dictionary. In fact, it is better than a dictionary because the explanations are clearer, more detailed, and better illustrated.

In the sections on what money, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and economic indicators are, the book functions as that five star dictionary.

Within each section beginning with stocks, the "guide" also begins to guide you in subtle ways that can cause you harm. Let me cite a few examples. The guide seems to suggest that when the market is going up, a company's earnings are doing well, and interest rates are not rising that is a good time to buy a stock. The illustrated graph seems to show other times when it is good not to buy stocks. As such, it suggests the mentality of buying and selling stocks to catch cycles. Yet research has shown that few people can master that process, so those who try will tend to do less well than those who buy and hold.

Another example is in failing to discuss the role of management fees, expenses, portfolio turnover, and diversification on which mutual fund to pick. As John Bogle shows in Common Sense on Mutual Funds, these are very important factors to consider. Yet they are not defined or cited.

The book also teaches people a little about short selling, commodities, futures, and other exotic investments. The book fails to point out that these are well beyond the skill of the average investor, and that many people get hurt in these areas. Basically, this is like a book of definitions about poisonous snakes that fails to mention that the snakes are poisonous if they bite you.

Other obvious omissions included no mention of tracking stocks, ADRs in the stock section (you find the definition in International markets, where to me it fits less well), the differences in discount brokers, electronic trading choices, and how to find information about stocks on the Internet (the only source cited in the SEC).

The focus is overly on the U.S. with only a small section on international securities. The area of interest rate futures, where Europe dominates, is barely referred to in this book.

Some of the information is just plain out of date. NAIC is cited as being the National Association of Investment Clubs. I believe it dropped that name over 10 years ago although it still goes by NAIC. The guide refers to there being 37,000 investment clubs in the U.S. I think that number was exceeded many years ago.

Further, much of the information is basically about how to read economic statistics. Many people would argue technical analysis is at least as important as economic statistics, but nothing about technical analysis is included in the book.

If you want to learn about investing, you need to know investing principles more than you need to know these terms (such as the various aspects of a stock certificate's printing and engraving). You will find most of the relevant terms covered in basic investing books like Louis Engel's book, How to Buy Stocks. You would be far better off reading ChangeWave Investing, Common Sense on Mutual Funds, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad's Investment Guide than this book for getting a sense of what the basic investing issues are.

Overcome your misconception that anything with The Wall Street Journal's name on it is bound to be the best resource. Certainly, that isn't true in this case.

My suggestion is that The Wall Street Journal revise this book and either cut it back into being an expanded dictionary, or expand it into an investing guide worthy of its name.

A foundation for investing.
I purchased this book six years ago so that I could start down the long road of learning how to invest my money. It is far and away the best beginning level investment book that I have ever seen! THE GOOD: 1) It starts from the beginning! It begins by explaining money, the Federal Reserve, and economic cycles. From there it moves on to stocks, bonds, mutual funds and futures & options. 2) It is simple! With its colored charts, simple paragraphs and real world examples even grade school kids can understand the concepts presented here. 3) It is concise! It gives you enough information so that you completely understand the concept, yet it does it in two pages! No more wading through economic textbooks looking for the meaning of "price/earning ratio." THE BAD: 1) It starts from the beginning. If you already know about money cycles, common and preferred stock or U.S. Treasury bonds then this book may bore you. 2) It is simple. Don't go looking for too much detail here. If you want detailed information about which mutual find to buy, look elsewhere. 3) It is concise. Once it covers the basics it ends. If you already know the basics, then you could be considered a graduate of this book. OVERALL: The title really says it all: it is a guide to understanding money and understanding investing. Once you understand the concepts you can move on to more detailed books.

The Best
As many have said in their reviews, this is a great starting point for those new to investing and financial markets. In fact, it's the best I've ever found and I've looked a lot. The simple, plain English explanations are what makes this book stand out. For the nuances and more detailed information regarding the topics in the book, look to a textbook from a college finance class. But for the person who knows very little, start with this.

Good for beginner investors
If you are new to investing and need a simple primer, read this book. It's well organized and written. Those that have invested for a while will find this book simplistic. Nevertheless, I think every beginning investor should get a copy and read it.

This is My Bible
Even now, after much study of investing, I always come back to this book for clarification. Consider this book as the very basic starting point for all other investing knowledge.

YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS BOOK!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

The incredible national bestseller that is changing people's lives -- and increasing their net worth!

CAN YOU SPOT THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR?

Who are the rich in this country?
What do they do?
Where do they shop?
What do they drive?
How do they invest?
Where did their ancestors come from?
How did they get rich?
Can I ever become one of them?

Get the answers in The Millionaire Next Door, the never-before-told story about wealth in America. You'll be surprised at what you find out....

Reviews (560)

Nice work, but let's hear more...
I firmly believe in the principles, having seen it work for several people including my Dad. I live in an area that is like a case study for the book.

However, like other reviewers, I feel it would have been nice for the authors to tell us how these folks balance their lives. Although the (car) price per pound thing is factual, I doubt any of the millionaires ever thought or care about this piece of trivia.

I understand not overspending on a car, suit, watch, etc. But what is the best vacation they ever took? Not spent the most - but the best. What is the most expensive gift they bought their wife on an anniversary? What kind of mutual funds did they pick?

They spend several hours each month addressing their finances. What are they doing? Do they regularly assess the performance of their stocks, or ???

Did any of them not figure out the MND formula until their late 30's, or do you have to be like this from birth in order to make it into the club? In other words, what makes them tick, not just the statistics

A Change of Perception
This book is from research done in the 90s concerning millionaires in the United States. Using surveys, interviews, and tax information, this book draws a picture of the millionaire. The picture will likely not match your idea.

Does having the statistical picture of a millionaire help? After reading this book, I am inclined to say "yes." Seeing fancy clothes, expansive homes, and expensive cars reminded me of wealth. As pointed out, the average millionaire is not concerned with the appearance of wealth. For some reason, knowing that I don't have to look wealthy calms me and encourages me.

One concept that will stay with me is the necessity of offense and defense to attain wealth. The authors point out that merely earning lots of money (offense) will not always help. Just as in sports, you need to play good defense to win. Here, the author's point out that you need to control your spending and debt if you want to reach wealth.

This book was recommended in "The Cashflow Quadrant" book (of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series). I would also recommend this. Although the tables will sometimes be distracting, there is some good information here.

Very good book--A classic that still rocks!
With great authors like Dave Bach who has written an excellent book "The Automatic Millionaire", sometimes classics like The Millionaire Next Door get shoved aside and forgotten. The Millionaire Next Door should be read in addition to The Automatic Millionaire. I also recommend More Wealth Without Risk by the late, great Charles Givens.

The Millionaire Next Door shows how the wealthy became wealthy. It wasn't due to luck, politics, inheriting a fortune or help from the government. It was by developing and applying a few simple disciplines. This book will show you how too.

Frugality, Frugality, Frugality, Frugality
I am continually amazed when people think that all of their money problems will be solved with more money. But when they get that "more money" what do they do with it? They spend it! Or as they say; "I spend my money on my lifestyle!" And these are the people who are behind on their car note, still paying rent and have credit card debt up the cazoo. And they are probably the same people giving this great book 1 stars.

Get a clue! If you keep spending all of your money on your lifestyle, guess what? You'll always have to. And you'll always be broke as well.

Surprise, surprise...
Many years ago I talked to some friends about how it would be sort of cool to be really rich, and then not to show it. To live a life just like normal people with normal homes and cars.

Little did I know that this is not the exception, but the rule! This is how millionaires become millionaires! The ones we *think* are rich, the "rich and beautiful" with flashy life styles mostly have big financial trouble, because they live above their means...

Learn how anybody can become rich. It is not easy, because it takes one hard thing: patience. But that is all. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What do you do after you've written the No. 1 bestseller The Millionaire Next Door? Survey 1,371 more millionaires and write The Millionaire Mind. Dr. Stanley's extremely timely tome is a mixture of entertaining elements. It resembles Regis Philbin's hit show (and CD-ROM game) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, only you have to pose real-life questions, instead of quizzing about trivia. Are you a gambling, divorce-prone, conspicuously consuming "Income-Statement Affluent" Jacuzzi fool soon to be parted from his or her money, or a frugal, loyal, resole your shoes and buy your own groceries type like one of Stanley's "Balance-Sheet Affluent" millionaires? "Cheap dates," millionaires are 4.9 times likelier to play with their grandkids than shop at Brooks Brothers. "If you asked the average American what it takes to be a millionaire," he writes, "they'd probably cite a number of predictable factors: inheritance, luck, stock market investments.... Topping his list would be a high IQ, high SAT scores and gradepoint average, along with attendance at a top college." No way, says Stanley, backing it up with data he compiled with help from the University of Georgia and Harvard geodemographer Jon Robbin. Robbin may wish he'd majored in socializing at L.S.U., instead, because the numbers show the average millionaire had a lowly 2.92 GPA, SAT scores between 1100 and 1190, and teachers who told them they were mediocre students but personable people. "Discipline 101 and Tenacity 102" made them rich. Stanley got straight C's in English and writing, but he had money-minded drive. He urges you to pattern your life according to Yale professor Robert Sternberg's Successful Intelligence, because Stanley's statistics bear out Sternberg's theories on what makes minds succeed--and it ain't IQ.

Besides offering insights into millionaires' pinchpenny ways, pleasing quips ("big brain, no bucks"), and 46 statistical charts with catchy titles, Stanley's book booms with human-potential pep talk and bristles with anecdotes--for example, about a bus driver who made $3 million, a doctor (reporting that his training gave him zero people skills) who lost $1.5 million, and a loser scholar in the bottom 10 percent on six GRE tests who grew up to be Martin Luther King Jr. Read it and you'll feel like a million bucks. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (148)

The Millionaire Mind - Must Read for College Students
Thomas J. Stanley's The Millionaire Mind (Andrews McMeel Publishing) is a must read for anyone interested in achieving financial independence and/or who is fascinated with how the wealthy achieve success. This book should be required reading for college students. It is filled with practical advice not just about how to protect one's future financially but also about setting priorities, and I don't mean just getting rich. The Millionaire Mind covers everything from choosing spouses to raising children to buying homes. It is loaded with common sense and practical advice.

Achieving great wealth was never my highest priority in life, but I am convinced that if I had read The Millionaire Mind when I was younger, I could have joined the millionaire club. More importantly, like most of the millionaires Stanley surveyed, I could have done so without sacrificing any values, principles, my character, or time with my family. The Millionaire Mind is as much a statement of a philosophy of life as it is a guide to great wealth. Its tone is very positive and reinforcing.

The Millionaire Mind dispels several popular myths about wealthy people--that they made their money the old fashioned way by inheriting a bundle, that they graduated from the finest colleges and universities, and that they blew the lid off of SATs and grade point averages. Most of the 733 millionaires Dr. Stanley studied did not fit any of these characteristics. When asked what factors were most important to their success, the top five rated items (out of 30) were #1 being honest with all people, #1(tie) being well disciplined, #3 getting along with people, #4 having a supportive spouse, and #5 working harder than most people. "Graduating near/at the top of my class" was ranked 30th. This list, better than anything else in the book, is a confirmation that character and commitment count and that measures of achievement need to be broadened.

How encouraging it is to read a book that says that the American dream still exists, that individuals can overcome inadequacies, disappointments, failures, and seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve success and happiness in life. And it can be done ethically, legally, and in one generation, during one's lifetime, as many of Stanley's millionaires have proven. Stanley and his millionaires are telling us to count our blessings, play to our strengths, believe in ourselves, not let our critics get us down, and take personal responsibility for our lives. His millionaires have been married to the same spouse for an average of 28 years. The majority live modestly for their means, spend considerable time their families, and don't flaunt their wealth. What a potent message this book delivers.

I will make sure each of my children gets a copy of The Millionaire Mind and recommend it highly to my classes at The University of Georgia.

Dr. Fred Stephenson Associate Professor of Distribution Terry College of Business The University of Georgia March 12, 2000

Finally, a Tribute to the "Leisure Class"
Ever since Thorstein Veblen wrote "The Theory of the Leisure Class," the critics of capitalism (including politicians and Hollywood producers)have delighted in bashing the rich for their "conspicuous consumption," prospensity to divorce and find trophy wives, engage in white-collar crime, and avoid paying their "fair share" in taxes.

Now along comes the exhaustive work of Professor Tom Stanley, concluding that the millionaire wealthy class is in reality the model citizen! 92% are married and have been with their first wife for an average 28 years; they live well below their means; 40% have paid off their mortgage; few inherited wealth; over 90% are college graduates; most are not in the top of their class, but average "B" or "C" students; they avoid the lottery and gambling, and enjoy spending most of their time with their family or playing a game of golf with friends; 37% are deeply religious people who attend church regularly; integrity in business is their # priority, and they pay most of the income taxes in this country!

It's great to finally read a book defending the wealthy and the truly successful in this country.

My only gripe: The book has no index!