Book Description

For more than twenty years, millions of managers in Fortune 500 companies and small businesses nationwide have followed The One Minute Manager's techniques, thus increasing their productivity, job satisfaction, and personal prosperity. These very real results were achieved through learning the management techniques that spell profitability for the organization and its employees.

The One Minute Manager is a concise, easily read story that reveals three very practical secrets: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands. The audio also presents several studies in medicine and the behavioral sciences that clearly explain why these apparently simple methods work so well with so many people. By the audio's end you will know how to apply them to your own situation and enjoy the benefits.

Reviews (97)

Got a few minutes?
"The One Minute Manger" by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson teaches the readers the three skills to achieving effective management. Although the keys to being an effective and successful manager, as described by Blanchard and Johnson, seems unbelievably simple, they will strike an understanding chord among most people who have ever managed and supervised employees. Not because managers typically follow the principles, but precisely because these simple principles are ones that they intuitively know they should be practicing yet do not because of lack of conviction in the methods, worry about changing management styles, low level of interest, or apprehension that they will take too much time.

Not to fear, Blanchard and Johnson address these concerns in their short simple book. The allegory starts off with a young man in search of an effective manager. Initially disillusioned by the managers he encounters, who are only results-oriented at the expense of the employees or only people-oriented at the expense of the organization, the young man discovers The One Minute Manager. The young man learns from The One Minute Manager and the people whom he manages the philosophy of the one-minute management style. The authors gradually convince the readers through examples, anecdotes, explanations, and quotable quotes why and how their three principles, when followed appropriately, actually work. A brief guideline list accompanies each of the three management skills: the "one minute goal setting," "one minute praising," and "one minute reprimand." There is even a concise flow chart to help solidify the management principles into one page near the end of the book; no doubt, designed to be cut-out or photocopied and posted in every manager's office. By the end of the short 60 minutes required to finish the book, most readers will be convinced to at least test out the method. After all, the title of the book already suggests that time commitment is not an issue; one can become an effective manager by investing a short 60-second of time. When one reads the book, this really translates to several 60-second intervals per day, but the amount of time will be much less than what most managers are used to.

More effective management in significantly less time? Is it possible? The authors certainly make a compelling yet uncomplicated and clear case for this. One does have to wonder if this is too easy. Will it work for managing all types of people in all types of organizations? How about the slackers? Or the employee who is the wrong fit for the job, doesn't have the appropriate training, or lacks motivation? How about the company with a long tradition of top-down management style? The book doesn't get mired in the details or specifics of every possible variation or situation; instead it attempts to provide the general strategies of effective management. The simple message of the book is to focus on making people feel valued which will lead to greater self-motivation and increased productivity for the individual and organization. As the One Minute Manager best described it, "People who feel good about themselves produce good results." And because they are not difficult to understand, learn, or implement, the skills can be readily used by most managers immediately.

The book is not only for managers of people. The message from the book is relevant to anybody interacting with people or when managing your own work and life. For example, I can utilize the skills to not only manage the people who report to me, but also in working with my colleagues or my supervisor, although the lesson on reprimanding may be less applicable in such situations. The most useful setting to apply the skills, perhaps, is when teamwork is involved, such as in committees, meetings, and group projects. This is when setting goals and timelines are critical and working effectively with colleagues, including giving praise and constructive criticism, is paramount to success. Furthermore, I can even see me being a One Minute Manager to myself, be it in the work environment, personal life, educational pursuits, or participation in hobbies. Who wouldn't want to be happier and have better results in all of these activities? I wouldn't mind impressing my boss more, fulfilling all my New Year's resolutions, or running a marathon in 3 hours and 15 minutes. After reading "The One Minute Manger", most readers will want to be a One Minute Manager tomorrow.

Simple and Fast
A quick read because the concepts it describes are simple yet powerful. "The One Minute Manager" has evolved into a management classic since its first edition in 1981. Managers will take three precepts from this book: Efficient Goal Setting with employees, Praise, and Reprimands. In other words, make sure your people know precisely what they are to do, and then give them feedback whether they meet those expectations or not. That's it. Simple and effective. It takes an hour to read "The One Minute Manager", consider it an investment.

Here's what I think about it...
The book is not a comprehensive management tool but nonetheless contains good basic concepts all managers should use or at least give a great deal of thought to. A short, easy read that has many nuggets of wisdom, I give it five stars. Other self-help books I liked include "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution."

Just A Minute
The ideas in One Minute Manager are very effective for anyone who feels stretched to the limit by the daily demands of modern business. The advice is both simple and to the point so it means less time analyzing the lesson and more time implementing tips that can improve your overall performance. I highly recommend this book to seasoned managers as well as those who aspire to join the ranks of management.

Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey is another great book for companies to share with employees because it offers entertaining stories and goal oriented advice about improving your workplace and your life.

Best management style out there--Bar None!
This should be in the library of all managers and those aspiring to be leaders. It keeps accountability straight; and promotes initiative and quality in all involved. I find that this method gives each person in my command a sense of worth and it is very respectful of that person's ideas and performance. Better than any other style of management. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (35)

STRONG, SOUND ADVICE!
Investing for your future is sound, strong advice at any age. As a teacher of business management and having counselled an overwhelming number of people in the area of finance, I believe investing is particularly critical for young people today. I am so happy to read that previous reviewers, in their twenties, have learned from this book and are planning for their future. If you are starting your career and in your twenties, now is the time for financial planning, even though you might not be able to put a lot of money aside, "every penny saved, is a penny earned."

There are many books on the market today on investing and financial planning. Some I would highly recommend, others are not worth the time it takes to read the book - save the money you would spend on those "guaranteed get rich quick books" and invest the money where it will guarantee a return. "Smart Couples Finish Rich" is filled with a wealth of information on money management, retirement accounts, living trusts, types of insurance and investing in general. After reading it, you will be better equiped to manage your money and save for the future. That not only makes "smart cents," it makes smart sense. Hopefully, with some financial peace of mind and stability, couples will not only finish rich, they will finish rich... together!

Great advice, very helpful.
There's a lot of financial advice books on the market, but I really think this one is the best. The best for couples anyway.

One of the key concepts of the book is for both you & your spouse to read the book, get you to start discussing your values, finances, and future, as a couple so you're on the same page. Not being on the same page as a couple is probably one of the biggest reason for couples splitting up. My husband is not into self-help books, but this was one book that he did read. It has many helpful exercises, as a couple, to get you to realize some of the why's of your finances & to get you to plan better for your future. For example, it makes you start planning goals. Funny, many businesses have goals, but how many couples have established goals for their futures? And I'm sure most people would agree that their relationship with their spouse is more important than their work.

Before I read this, I read Suze Orman's Financial Guidebook, which was also a great book. But I feel I got greater value out of Smart Couples Finish Rich.

After reading this, I've actually started tracking all of my finances & have a much better understanding of how I'm doing financially & what I need to do to meet my newly established goals.

This book is a must for any couple to help plan for their futures.

excellent resource
_____This book is great to have if you are a novice to the world of personal finance. The text is geared toward married couples, but that doesn't mean a single person cannot read it and learn a lot from it (i.e. the advice generally applies to either singles or couples, with some extra information for couples).

_____The information contained is truly minimal when you compare it to many other books on the shelves. But for a novice I think that is good - Bach himself stresses that the information is meant to present to the reader the aspects of personal finance, while providing links to sources for more detailed information.

_____While I agree that pretty much all of the information contained can be found for free on the internet, the value of this book is in the fact that it contains brief synopses of that information, all gathered into one place, with the added bonus of providing a purpose for all the different aspects of personal finance. Not just "what" and "where," but also "how" and "why."

good, but conservative, advice
This is an excellent book to use when planning your family's finances. Obviously, given the power of compounding, to which the author repeatedly refers, the earlier in your life you start planning for your financial future, the better off you will be. I recommend the book to anyone with the understanding that it follows a conservative, fairly conventional path toward financial security.

If you are a finance whiz, you will find parts of the book too conservative and too plain. If you try to magnify your investment returns by trading options, for example, or you invest in real estate, or any other kind of investment other than 'plain vanilla stocks and bonds' you will find the book limiting.

That said, the book provides an excellent organizational structure for any one trying to get a hold on his financial picture.

Good advice, especially for young couples.
This is one of the only financial planning books I've ever purchased and actually read. It was an easy read, and I would say that Bach's plan is easy to follow. It's nothing incredibly unique, but it's a good message to youger people like me (I'm 30) who seem to these days not have good financial basics or the ability to save. I am somewhat in this category and have plenty of friends who are as well.

The lessons are simple. Find where to save, save a little each month, invest it wisely (preferably in your companies 401K or a mutual fund), and pay down your debt before racking up more. However, Bach seems to put it in a manner where he does show how this can pay off, and even gets you half-way motivated to do it yourself. Ultimately though, it will be up to the reader to buckle down and prepare for their financial future.

I have recommended this book to my friends. I also hear that Bach is working on a 'Get Rich for Older Couples' type book and I will probably get that for my parents. ... Read more

Book Description

An agressive approach to the new economy from America's most trusted financial consultant.

The incredible economic growth of the past few years may have made scores of new millionaires, and plenty of rich people, but it hasn't made managing your personal and business finances any easier. In fact, most of the old rules and principles have proved ill-suited to this new environment.

The Die Broke Complete Book of Money is the definitive guide to modern money management. The man famous for turning conventional wisdom on its head expounds on the new rules for the new millennium with an opinionated, hard hitting, and informative style. Sophisticated and succinct, this incisive and engaging audio is filled with offbeat, practical advice that stems from Pollan's unconventional strategies. It is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants financial success.

Reviews (2)

Good info, just not right for the audio cassette format
I love Stephen Pollan's work. However, listening to the Complete Book of Money on cassette is like listeining to an encyclopedia on cassette. The book is written as a reference and the audio version is basically the author reading each entry in alphabetical order. I loved the intro where he reviews topics from other books as a primer for the info to follow.
I'll buy the book and keep it on my shelf as a reference, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to finish all 4 cassettes.
Buy the book- the info is great.

Junk of money tips
Listened audio tape edition of this book. Though the contents are somewhat helpful, the recording is all junk of money tips. I don't understand why the author needed to discuss Mutual fund, Neighborhood, Nursing Home, then Outsourcing (your business) followed by Pension plan in that order. Can Mutual fund and Pension plan be discussed in sequence?

Each one of topic is not discussed in detail, so you better off read a book for particular topic you are interested. I would call this book "Complete Book of Incomplete Money Tips". ... Read more

Book Description

Deborah Taylor-Hough specializes in making lives more simplified, smoother and peaceful. In this Christian tape, she shares how we can find peace, sanity and serenity by living within our means. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great tape!
This tape was greatly encouraging. We have been debt free for some years (except for mortgage, and that....only a few more years!), but I was encouraged about how to be careful to stay that way. Sometimes I fear that we get too lax and let the budget slip, or purchase unwisely, etc. Deborah's words reminded me where we were, and how far the Lord has allowed us to come! To Him be the glory!!!!!

Living Within Your Means Cassette Tape
I found the tape to be inspiring as Debi is very candid and shares the many financial hurdles that she and her family have faced and how through her faith in God, she is victorious over several areas in her life relating to finances. She also shares her spiritual struggles as we live in a keep up with the "Jones" world. Having gone through some tremendous financial struggles myself, I could totally relate and understand the points that Debi so easily relates in this tape. It is a tape that I will listen to again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

Growing up with two father figures, a "Rich Dad" and a "Poor Dad," Robert Kiyosaki understood the important of financial planning. In this audio-parenting guide, Kiyosaki and co-author Sharon Lechter have designed a step-by-step program for Moms and Dads to explain to their children the basics of our financial economy-the employees, the self-employed, the business owners, and the investors. By providing their children with financial problem-solving skills, parents can help to ensure a profitable future for their loved ones. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

A Vague Directory to Financial Success
I truly enjoyed reading another one of the famous Rich Dad books. I am a senior in high school, and I had no clue where to find direction on how to avoid my parents (in debt) footsteps -- that is until I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Onto the next guide and more appropriate for my age, Rich Kid, Smart Kid taught me many valuable lessons, especially about taxes and the banking system. Kiyosaki's financial aid also helped me to understand that just because I am not a "numerical genious" doesn't mean I cannot be very successdul in the "real world" creating ideas from my more "genious" skills. The only flaw however, in Rich Kid, Smart Kid, was that it repeated much of what was said in Rich Dad, Poor Dad. As a teenager, I want to know more about how to avoid debt with the government and where money comes and goes. As Kiyosaki says, understanding how money works is the key to financial freedom. Overall, Rich Kid, Smart Kid is a great first step toward success in an ever-changing economy.

Rich Kid Smart Kid
Rich Kid Smart Kid expands the 'basics' taught in Rich Dad Poor Dad and focuses on the weaknesses of our fractured education system in America. Kiyosaki does not disappoint the reader. He serves up his usual recipe of powerful yet simplified steps to remedy the imparities he defines. This book is a must read for every parent, counselor, and educator. I found the principles described in this book were very applicable to my personal financial plan. This value of the content of this book is definately not limited to 'Kids' as one may mistakingly derive from its title. Excellent book...I highly recommend it!

Instant Replay
Thank goodness it wasn't in slow-motion!
This is the fourth book of Mr. Kiyosaki's I have read. The ideas in all of these books could have fit in to one.
So why read this one? I couldn't tell ya

Great Book
This book was very insightful to parents all across the world. It teaches parents that in order to be successful in the financial world and the buisness world, you have to have a good education. (...)

Book Summary
Our current education system fails to adequately teach our children the financial skills necessary to survive later on in life. Robert Kiyosaki wrote Rich Kid, Smart Kid to fill those gaps. The fundamental premise of the book is that all children are born smart and rich. The goal of education is to bring out that natural genius within our children. Awakening this genius inside of us is a sure way to become happy. Therefore, being happy through realizing our innate potential is more fulfilling than being rich and unhappy. Rich Dad said, "If you are not happy while getting rich, chances are you will not be happy when you get rich. So whether you are rich or poor, make sure you are happy" (14).

The root of the current problem lies in America's transitioning from an Industrial society into an Information society. Kiyosaki explains the need for transitioning our thought, "In the Information Age, what you know becomes obsolete very quickly. What you learned is important, but not as important as how fast you can learn, change, and adapt to new information" (xi). These structural changes tangibly affect us regardless of whether or not we acknowledge them. Some of the problems facing tomorrow's youth include social security, healthcare, increased risk of obsolesce through increased specialization, and the need for lifelong education. Education must adjust with the times.

Currently, our education system teaches scholastic and professional skills. Scholastic education focuses on the ability to read, write, and do arithmetic. Professional education trains students for high-level careers later on in life. However, this Western brand of education fails our children in some crucial ways. Rich Dad said, "The child learns by doing, making mistakes, and then learning" (238). It's failure lies in its unconscious suppression of the innate genius within all of us, and by dismissing the role mistakes play in the learning process. This happens when our education system forces us to conform to what is only a partial definition of what intelligence is.

Financial education should be taught as soon as the child demonstrates some interest. While this may happen as early as five years old, more commonly a child's perceptions and self-identity is formulated between the ages of nine and fifteen. It is crucial to form the child's perception concerning money in a positive light during these ages. Encouraged by a famous Chicago-based study on learning, Kiyosaki believes, "...a parent's most important job is to monitor, guide, and protect a child's self-perception" (109). As a parent, the process begins by devising a "winning formula" for your children.

The formula Kiyosaki recommends should be tailored to each child based on their interests and which of the several types of genius they possess. Success requires having at least a winning formula for learning, for being a professional, and for financial success. We must be flexible enough to adjust our winning formulas when conditions render them losing formulas. The next step involves homework. Rich Dad said, "the primary difference between the rich, the poor, and the middle class is what they do in their spare time" (50). Kiyosaki recommends teaching financial literacy during your spare time.

To better serve the greater majority of students who fall through the cracks schools must adopt new teaching methods that engage students not just mentally, but also physically, emotionally, and spiritually . One way to achieve this in the classroom is by playing games. Games engage all our senses and reinforce learning. At home this entails teaching your children through pictures, games, and real life examples. Kiyosaki encourages parents to set-up three piggy banks for their children for tithing, saving, and investing. Parents should also expand their child's financial vocabulary. Appendix A and B offer many practical lessons that parents can immediately use with their children.

The larger goal to be achieved is to reorientate the way we view business and wealth. Kiyosaki says, "...if you want your children to be rich, teaching them to serve as many people as possible is a priceless lesson for them to learn" (197). Echoing the message of management guru, Peter Drucker, the primary purpose of business is to create a customer first, then to make a profit. This new perspective teaches our children and us that commitment to the public good is not incompatible with making a profit. In fact, it may be the best way to achieve social harmony. Everyone wins when we seek to develop our own unique genius and parlay our ability toward serving others while simultaneously enriching ourselves both personally and financially. ... Read more

Book Description

In his national bestseller The Roaring 2000s, Harry S. Dent, Jr. forecast a booming market that he says will continue to rise through the first eight years of the twenty-first century. Dent's many predictions in that book, from unprecedented Dow Jones highs to corrections throughout the year, were consistently correct with an uncanny accuracy.

In The Roaring 2000s Investor, Dent provides precisely the information people will need to get them the life they want -- for the rest of their years. While The Roaring 2000s highlighted Dent's theories about the forthcoming economic future, this new audiobook zeroes in on specific strategies aimed at getting you there.

Whether you are planning to retire in ten years or forty years, whether you are looking for a larger home or a smaller home, whether you are planning to put several children through college or planning for life after the graduates leave college, you will need a financial plan to guide you through the great boom of the next decade -- and the hard times that Dent theorizes will follow. Dent takes into account many realistic and different forecasts for inflation, college and retirement costs, insurance needs, real estate investment costs, taxes and tax-deferral opportunities, and offers a unique approach to building a diversified portfolio for the emerging new economy.

The ultimate goal of The Roaring 2000s Investor is to have investors get personalized and effective financial planning that fits their specific needs and allows them to achieve their highest life goals. According to Dent, typical investors have not reaped the great benefits of this bull market because they have not been taught the most important principles of systematic investing. As Harry Dent's observations and predictions continue to hit the mark, investors will gain great rewards, making The Roaring 2000s Investor an invaluable commodity. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Worth the time and money
As a financial professional, I am acutely aware of Harry Dent and his 'new' economic analysis framework. In The Roaring 2000s Investor, Harry makes his case for demographic driven financial markets: the Baby boomers, who are now reaching their peak spending years, will drive the market onward and upward for the better part of this decade (2000-2009). He goes on to identify his strategies for:

1. Outperforming the stock market; 2. Identifying which sectors should perform best in the coming decade; 3. Selecting a competent financial advisor;

What I found most useful was the common sense, logical approach Harry takes when presenting his case. Truly, real wealth is built not by aggressive trading but through the identification of long-term trends and investing accordingly. Harry also makes a strong case for a number of sectors that should outperform during the baby boomers reign. Other tidbits I found useful include:

1. The use of long-term data to drive nearer term investment results; 2. The use of different portfolio strategies for different times of your life; 3. The risk of modest portfolio underperformance; 4. Why today's hot stocks and funds become tomorrow's dogs.

I cannot guarantee you that following Harry's recommendations will make you "the Millionaire next Door." However, as a one-time Wall Street professional, I believe he will give you enough perspective on upcoming demographic trends to give you a realistic chance of realizing financial independence.

Side note: I have also read Harry's prior book, The Roaring 2000s. The 2000's Investor is a certain reiteration of Harry's economic views and analysis previously laid out in The Roaring 2000s, which was published in 1999 (one year prior to the 2000s Investor). The themes are the same but I believe Harry gives us more application in this newest version. Therefore, read this book and spare yourself the time of the other.

How this guy ever got published is a lesson in itself...
I read this book back in 2000 before the crash and agreed with
some of his reasoning as to the mechanics and ideas which would be implemented in the New Millenium, but disagreed with his
belief that there would be such great prosperity,as history ALWAYS repeats itself.
But alas, no one wants a pessimist. Then he came out with the "Roaring 2000's Investor", which again was creative and showed brilliance, but proved to by flawed on many levels. Now he has another book slated to come out

"The Greatest Bull Market in History: 2003-2008: Investment, Business and Life Strategies - For the Great Boom Ahead and the Great Bust to Follow"

If his past predictions are any indication, this title itself is already filled with hindsight and error. I can tell you there will be no sustainable bull market on any of the indexes for at least the next decade.

I must admit I would like to speak with this guy. With a few real life experiences under his belt he may really hit the target, but so far the best title for a book would be "The Roaring 2000's: How to prosper by making the best seller list by publishing books that make people believe you have the answers."

Lession #1: Don't put dates in the titles of your books that try to predict the future"

Unfortunately Harry Dent is Wrong But There Is Hope
In late 1999 the stock market was in a hey day. I would walk into work in the morning and my supervisor would say to me, "Ron, your stock is already up three points!" Then I came across this book by Harry Dent, and I showed it to some co-workers. At the time, this book seemed to be a revelation to us.
In the early 90s, Harry Dent predicted that in the late 90s, the stock market would hit 10,000, and we would have low inflation and low unemployment. That indeed happended, so it seemed reasonable to listen to his further prognostications. In this book, he predicts that the DOw would hit 40,000 in the year 2007, followed by a sharp bear market that would last for about 10 years.
What was his basis for predicting this? Well, lets call it the "birthrate theory." Harry Dent took a chart of birthrates, shifted it by about 44 years, and saw that this chart had a strong correlation with the ups and downs of the economy and the stock market. Why shift the birth rate chart 44 years? Because that is the age by and large where people reach their peak in earning and spending. They have reached maximum productivity--they are old enough to have learned what needs learning, and young enough before the natural decline of aging. So basically, when the group of those around 44 years old increases, so goes the theory, the stock market and the economy goes up, and when the group of those around 44 years old decreases, the market and economy is in decline. Thus that "baby boom generation" when they entered their 40s, fueled the market and economic surge of the 80s and 90s. An interesting point to be made concerning Dent's interpretaion of this data is that while people conventioanlly start the "baby boom generation" from 1945, Dent starts it a couple of years earlier, and I do think he is right, the increase in birthrates started earlier than 1945.
One objection to Dent's theory that has been made--by Dr. Shiller who wrote "Irrational Exuberance"--is that why did not this demographic birthrate theory affect other asset classes, like real estate. A reply to this objection from the basis of the birthrate theory is that it has but in a different way--that since people buy homes generally when they are in thier 20s and 30s, then you should shift the bithrate chart around 30 years for real estate. And this seems to be confirmed by the experience of the 1970s, when real estates values went up when the baby boom generation was in the 20s and 30s.
A devasting objection to Dent's theory, however, is that is has been for all intents and purposes been falsified. For the market to reach 40,000 in the year 2007 from this point today, the market would have TO HAVE AN ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN OF AT LEAST 25 PERCENT FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. The odds of that happening are astronomical and has no precedent in stock market history.
Dent had a chart showing the rates of return of the market by decade. He pointed out that while there has been two consecutive decades of above average market returns (for example, the 50s and 60s, and the 80s and 90s) there has never been THREE CONSECUTIVE decades of above average returns--but the exeception would be this time. Dent should have stuck with the decade analysis.
So it looks like that the period of 2000-2010 will be a decade of below average returns for the stock market, comparable to the 30s and the 70s.
This book has some value in that it can get one to think in broader historical terms about the markets. Part of the title of this review/essay is "but there is hope." As the decade analysis of the market shows, bear markets do not last forever, though they may last a decade, and then they are followed by bull markets. SO perhaps around the year 2010 a new bull market will begin and it would be a good time to be invested.
If one is interested in good investment advice, I have been following Bob Brinker lately. He has a radio show about investing heard on stations around the country. In early 2000 he told his listeners to get out of the NASDAQ and the market; Brinker was right in calling the top. He has not yet gone back into the market--thus avoiding terrible declines for his followers. Mr. Brinker, against the academic view, thinks he can "time" the market, and believes that one can make money on rallies in the general bear makret. He has not, at this time, yet given a signal when this "counter-cyclical" rally in the bear market will occur. Stay tuned.

Got Hope?
Harry Dent is a bull. Hands down, gotta-own-stocks, Katie-bar-the-door bull.

If you need a shot of confidence in your battered portfolio this book will give it to you.

Dent has the economic research, the demographic data, market insights, and statistical modelling to build a very persuasive case for equities over the next 6 1/2 years, until 2009.

Be careful of the sectors you are in and keep an eye on your allocation, he warns. The markets will shift dramtically down the road. I read his book today and will be changing my asset allocation tomorrow.

Harry S. Dent makes a strong case to be bullish.

I would have liked to read a more current introduction from him in light of market and economic developments over the past two years, but his basic story has remained, largely, unchanged. 4 Stars.

Avoid! Try Sy Harding's "Riding the Bear"
This book was never needed, it is rehash of the now thoroughly disgraced clap-trap Dent had in his earlier book about the roaring 2000s. So relentlessly wrong it is funny. Read Sy Harding's "Riding the Bear" and Charles Caes' "Tools of the Bear" to make easy money quick in this bear market that will last for years to come. Dent was merely a good salesman. This book's strategies will financially ruin you! ... Read more

Book Description

Get out of debt and stay out with the help of Dave Ramsey, recently seen by millions of Today Show viewers. His practical regimen, first set forth by The Financial Peace Planner, which will be published by Penguin in January 1998. Loaded with inspirational insights that come from personal experience, this set of books is the most valuable purchase a debt-ridden reader can make. ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Good, sound advice for the average American family.
I heard about this book from a friend a couple of years ago but just got around to reading it. I truly wish I had read it back then - I'd probably be debt free by now. Debt free in America? What a concept! Ramsey makes the reader realize that we live in a "gotta have now" world and that by using credit to get it, we end up spending way too much money for even simple things like food (i.e. eating out compliments of a gold card at 21% interest) and everything we think we own is really owned by a bank or finance company. Scary ideas at first, but very comforting once you buy into the concept of debt-free through discipline.

UN-common sense
Say what you want, this book is a life changer. My wife and I have had the same exact income (thanks to a raise freeze at my work) for nearly 2 years straight. Year one was a break even year, and then we read Financial Peace. Year two still has two months left, and yet we've already paid down more than $5,000 worth of debt by following these stupidly easy steps he outlines. Common sense is ignored too much because "It can't be that easy". It wasn't easy at first, but each new 'paid in full' statement made us that much more fanatical.

Read this, follow the steps, and watch your life change. We'll be debt free except the house after 13 total months of following this program ($14,000 in debt). Think about it, no increase in income, but about an $1100 monthly increase in disposable income. You don't need a raise or 2nd job, you need to manage your money with wisdom (aka common sense).

SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL
This is a very simple and easy to read book about getting out of debt and becoming financially free. The steps are clear-cut and presice and I plan on using the techniques to become free of debt. But to me the most powerful thing about the book is how it changes your way of thinking about debt. I like everyone hates being in debt but for some reason we've come to think that it's neccesary. The whole nation is in debt and it's only getting worse. This book opens your eyes to the fact that debt destroys lives and causes a never ending cloud of depression over you.
I really don't think people realize this in their everyday lives. They buy and buy what they can't afford and wonder why they're not happy with their spouses, jobs, careers, lives. Bottom line ,,, Debt equals NO PEACE and this book proves it.

The only negative about this older version of the book is that it doesn't suggest what a person should do if they don't have the money to take the steps. The book is so powerful in influencing your mindset it seems strange that it leaves out the important fact that a person may have to get a part-time job or they may have to cut out a lot of luxuries in order to get debt free. This version also doesn't suggest how a couple should work out differences of opinions when it comes to credit.

Other than those two things this is a great read for everyone and a book I feel every freshman in college should get for free before they start receiving all of those pre-approved credit card statements..

Knowledge without Action is Powerless!
Dave Ramsey presents some very good information and IF most people appled it they could indeed create Financial Peace. The truth is as Dave says on page 271, "..Reading this book and obtaining knowledge is good, BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH." Over 7 trillion dollars in consumer debt has families struggling with not only money but with time. They need a system that takes less than an hour a month, which is about all of the time and energy they have to break free. Dave certainly has the heart of his reader in mind when he wrote the book.

Change your life...now!
This, in a nutshell, is a great book. That is a title that I do not give lightly but the reason that I do is that the principles in this book have the potential to change you life and the lives of your children. In a very easy to read and understand writing style, Dave Ramsey communicates how to win at the personal finance game. He teaches how to get out of debt and stay out. He teaches how to invest wisely for your future. And he teaches how to come up with a monthly financial and how to live it so that it works. I've tried for years to make a budget work for me but seemed to blow it every single attempt. Putting Dave's practical methods into practice, I've seen how a plan can put me in "control" of my money, instead of wondering every month "where did it go!"

I would recommend this book to anyone that's serious about getting control of their lives. It is not for those looking for casual reading. Read only if you want to change your life. ... Read more

Book Description

THE REVOLUTIONARY SELF-EMPOWERMENT SERIES FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ACTS OF FAITH, ONE DAY MY SOUL JUST OPENED UP and YESTERDAY I CRIED.

I this live recording Iyanla Vanzant shares how we can put the principles into practise to better relate to money and abundance. We need an expectation of prosperity and an attitude that manifests in wealth.

With these three principles, consciousness, expectation, and attitude, Iyanla puts our responsibility squarely in our laps. Divine prosperity is our own natural energy yield. What is going on in our bank accounts is a function of our energy. With divine propserity, we shall not want. We shall not be limited. ... Read more

Book Description

You've worked very hard to get where you are today. You've paid your dues. You've made sacrifices. But are you making enough money? Is your income growing as fast as you deserve?

Everyone creates his own destiny. If you haven't gotten the results in life you know you deserve, it's because you haven't found the right tools. Once you learn the secrets found in Brian Tracy's Million Dollar Habits, you'll join an elite group of professionals who call their own shots, write their own paychecks and enjoy complete financial freedom.

Take complete control of your career and future financial life. This new and powerful system reveals the secrets and techniques of how you can:

Book Description

The group of ladies who make up the Beardstown Ladies' Investment Club has been making money together since 1983. In their national bestseller The Beardstown Ladies' Common-Sense Investment Guide, they explained in simple terms how they beat the stock market by doing their homework, using common sense, and investing for the long term.

Now they bring their homespun wisdom to retirement planning in The Beardstown Ladies' Stitch-in-time Guide to Growing Your Nest Egg. In this handbook you'll learn everything there is to know about preparing for your financial future and guaranteeing yourself a comfortable retirement.

With their common sense, down-to-earth approach, The Beardstown Ladies will teach you every trick and tip for living out your golden years in comfort -- just the way they do! From learning the ins and outs of IRA's and determining your Social Security benefits to creating a budget in 10 easy steps and finding the best places to retire, it's all in here. The Beardstown Ladies' Stitch-in-time Guide to Growing Your Nest Egg is the perfect guide for everyone who cares about their financial future. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not as great as it sounds
The book offers basic information on how to invest and save money, but, that's all it does. The book is more appropriate for someone at a later stage of their life, and for someone who has no idea how one should save or invest money. If you already know the basic information about investing, then this book is not for you.

A Primer on Common Sense Investments and Financial Info
If ever there were a standard primer for financial information, my vote would be this book. What a wonderful gift this book would make for a newly married couple, or even a daughter who has just graduated high school or college. A son, too for that matter! As someone who has never had much extra money, I just recently graduated from college and am now pursuing full time employment, I know that when I begin bringing in that second income, that I will want to have some education on what to do with it. I bought this book for that purpose. It is a basic information book that provides vital facts and figures to anyone needing advice in regards to insurance, 401K, stocks, bonds, retirement and ect. For someone who has just a limited knowledge of these topics, this book will be a Godsend. A child could read and understand the concepts presented in this book. It gives resources for more information as well. Pick up this book and you will expand your financial horizons! The book is written in a very casual, witty and motherly type fashion. It will make you warm and fuzzy! And perhaps even fatten your wallet ... Read more

Book Description

THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING BOOK THAT EVERY INVESTOR SHOULD OWN

Peter Lynch is America's number-one money manager. His mantra: Average investors can become experts in their own field and can pick winning stocks as effectively as Wall Street professionals by doing just a little research.

Now, in a new introduction written specifically for this edition of One Up on Wall Street, Lynch gives his take on the incredible rise of Internet stocks, as well as a list of twenty winning companies of high-tech '90s. That many of these winners are low-tech supports his thesis that amateur investors can continue to reap exceptional rewards from mundane, easy-to-understand companies they encounter in their daily lives.

Investment opportunities abound for the layperson, Lynch says. By simply observing business developments and taking notice of your immediate world -- from the mall to the workplace -- you can discover potentially successful companies before professional analysts do. This jump on the experts is what produces "tenbaggers," the stocks that appreciate tenfold or more and turn an average stock portfolio into a star performer.

The former star manager of Fidelity's multibillion-dollar Magellan Fund, Lynch reveals how he achieved his spectacular record. Writing with John Rothchild, Lynch offers easy-to-follow directions for sorting out the long shots from the no shots by reviewing a company's financial statements and by identifying which numbers really count. He explains how to stalk tenbaggers and lays out the guidelines for investing in cyclical, turnaround, and fast-growing companies.

Lynch promises that if you ignore the ups and downs of the market and the endless speculation about interest rates, in the long term (anywhere from five to fifteen years) your portfolio will reward you. This advice has proved to be timeless and has made One Up on Wall Street a number-one bestseller. And now this classic is as valuable in the new millennium as ever. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Be smart and BUY this book!
This is the first book I ever read on investing. My cousin, Paul, who was a broker at Merrill Lynch, recommended it to me. I followed Paul into the financial services industry, toiling 12 long years peddling stocks, bonds, mutual funds and insurance products. During my tenure as a Wall Street professional (I use that term very loosely), I must have read 200 different books on investing. Oddly enough, I have discarded many of those poorly written investor guides and still refer back to this classic book penned by Peter Lynch, mutual fund demigod, investment guru, stock-picking legend!

At the heart of Lynch's case is that each individual has enough inherent knowledge and experience to be a successful investor. He uses numerous analogies to show investors:

1. The power of common knowledge (take advantage of what you already know) 2. You don't need to be a Wall Street analyst to uncover great investment opportunities 3. You are not disadvantaged vs. large, institutional investors You don't have to accurately predict the stock market to make money in stocks 4. To keep an open mind to new ideas

From my years on Wall Street, I found many of his theories and ideas to be completely accurate. Many other books I have read focus on the inherent evils of the possessed financial consultant community. Yes, the industry has its problems. However, $8 stock trades are not the only ingredients in profitable investing. In fact, I don't recall him emphasizing the need for discount trades, a fact over-emphasized in almost every other book I have read (remember, I am no longer in the industry...I don't need to strike a case for broker commissions). Instead, he shows you what information to focus on and how to apply it.

Do yourself a favor: Buy this book. Read it twice. It is not outdated...it is timeless. Yea, I know, you already know it all. My advice is to lose the ego and take a refresher course on common sense investing. When you finish, put it on your bookshelf. Do not give it to your kids or neighbors; buy them their own copies. This is a great book!

A Capital Read!
I borrowed my copy of "One Up On Wall Street" from a friend who is a longtime professional equities investor. He received this gift as recommended reading from a veteran investment analyst he knows. While Peter Lynch has written an easily comprehendible advice book on common stock investing - very much written in layman's terms and without emphasis on industry jargon - the principles he puts forth are fundamental and worth reviewing by anyone, amateur or pro.

Within the 300 pages of this book, Lynch outlines a useful rubric against which all stock selections might be measured. His stocks fall into six categories: Slow Growers, Stalwarts, Cyclicals, Fast Growers, Turnarounds and Asset Plays. Screening, buying and selling advice are outlined for each of these six flavors, although nothing revolutionary (eg., Sell a slow grower when the dividend is unattractive.) He delivers a wealth of the basic analytical tools (well, more like rules of thumb) for stock research, explaining price earnings ratios, the import of tax loss carry-forwards, goodwill accounting, inventories, and other basics of P&L statements and Balance Sheets. It's a pocket guide financial course for those who may have slept through Accounting 101.

Lynch urges stock pickers to do their homework, and suggests the regimen of a "Two Minute" drill, whereby an investor can recite a brief monologue of reasons for selecting a security: Reasons for selection, what the company needs to do to succeed, and pitfalls that stand in the way. Obviously, this is not a book for the technicians or chartists. Nor even speculators, as Lynch reminds the reader that his "ten-baggers" or "forty-baggers" all come as a result of having held at least three to four years.

Quite a bit of the book carries a populist bent. There is plenty of advice to pay more heed to what's happening in the local shopping mall than to investment brokers ("oxymorons"), and to avoid stocks with exotic names or that may have been whispered to be hot. Of course, we've all been aware of this, and we're all wealthy and drinking daiquiris on the beach now, right?

In sum, it is worth the investment of the few hours it takes to swallow this information. At worst, it is an entertaining look at some high-fliers the former Magellan manager scored with, but at the very least it serves as reminder that basics need to be followed, and nothing works as well as solid research, good discipline and old fashioned hard work.

For financial analysts to be!
I first read this book as an "assignment" when I started working as a financial analyst in 2000. The book is well written, and offers a lot of insights and tips that are applicable to analyzing companies and stocks. Most of the stuff here are very applicable to my work, and even offers examples that can be emulated by any investor/analyst. To date, I still practice most of the philosophies and tips suggested here when it comes to analyzing companies. Amazingly, the book is not written in financial jargon but rather in a simple way that even novices would easily understand. i rate this book a "buy!"

Probably the best stock investment book ever
This is a terrific book for stock investors of all levels, beginner through advanced. Lynch has tremendous credibility, as an extremely successful long-term mutual fund manager. And he shares a good deal of his investment knowledge with readers in this book. The author shows why stocks have been better than cash or bonds in the long run, and covers the basics of valuation: PE ratios, earnings growth, brand value, financial/cash position, etc. Then he points out that each individual investor brings their own "edge" to the investment table, such as that a truck driver might notice that he's delivering more for a growing business before "The Street" realizes that the business is growing, or a retail sales clerk might have a better handle on what's selling than a Wall Streeter in New York City, etc (this "edge" is the "One Up" part, referenced in the book's title).

I read this book before I got serious about investing myself, it's helped me to be successful (I've "beaten the street" fairly consistently, much of this thanks to Lynch's book) and I've re-read it several times over the years. My biggest problem with this book is the printing; while the quality isn't terrible, it could be a lot better, a lot more readable. This is a book just CRYING to be published again in hardback, with new, larger typesetting. And I don't mean that little miniature abridged hardback version. Considering the popularity of this book, and the great number of well-to-do investors, why not sell us a leather bound, acid free paper, nicely typeset version for $50-$75 retail? Until that ever happens (unlikely, but I can hope) this excellent investment book will have to do in the current paperback form. Remember, if you are considering investing in stocks - start here, read this book! And even if you think you know it all, you still should read Lynch's book, it's that good.

Read it
If your read one book on investing, make it this book. If you visit one site on investing, make it Fool.com

The kind of patience required in seeking the kind of gains you can only reap by holding through volatility and buying & selling on fundamentals & valuation is the key piece of knowledge that you will gain from this book. We're too bombarded on a daily basis about the daily swings of the market - the result? More and more people with less patience failing to make the kind of gains that can only come with good stock picking and more importantly, the patience demonstrated by investors like Lynch, Buffet, Graham and Shelby Davis. ... Read more

Book Description

2 cassettes / 3 hours
Read by the Author

When it comes to investing, most of us know where we'd like to be but not how to get there. We'd like nothing better than to sit down with an experienced professional who could help us evaluate our assets and guide us through the bewildering array of choices. Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence offers you precisely that. Listening to this easy-to-understand AudiBook is like having the founder and CEO of a $300 billion brokerage firm sit at your kitchen table and distill his 40-plus years of accumulated wisdom in a one-on-one session with you.
        
This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that, once and for all, will take the mystery and the fear out of investing. With Charles Schwab's expert guidance you will learn how to define and set investment goals, whether you're saving for your children's college education or planning for retirement; prepare an investment plan; put the plan into action; and regularly update the plan to incorporate life's changes. Helpful worksheets and charts are included so you have what you need to get started immediately.
... Read more

Reviews (19)

A GOOD PRIMER
Charles Schwab has put tgether a very good book on investing. This book is an excellent primer for anyone who is serious about making the most out their investments. I'm glad that someone has finally set up some tolerance levels for investers! Easy reading, I read this book in one night.I also highly recommend "Wealth without Risk' AND 'Financial Self-Defense" by Charles Givens both boks will show you ways to find more money to invest with and great MUTUAL FUND STRATEGIES. The books will show you how to make super rates of return (20% plus) without paying commissions and keep more of what you make!

A good book for beginners
Written for those just beginning to consider an investment plan, Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence provides good sound advice that individuals can't go wrong with. The book includes sections that guide readers through the task of determining their own "investor profile" and asset allocation plan. Schwab recommends diversification through no-load mutual funds and cost-effective index funds and provides additional insight into the tax and record-keeping aspects of mutual fund investing. Some of the more interesting parts of the book: Mrs. Schwab's firsthand experience with an investment club and the book's epilogue, probably the only part actually written by Schwab. I found almost no negatives to this book except the part about dollar-cost-averaging which is a commonly misunderstood concept. Although there were many references to his own company, the book didn't seem to be self-promoting in general. I would recommend this book to anyone with little or no knowledge of investing.

maybe more stars, maybe less but I can't really say....
Being one of the "super novice beginners" targeted by the book (read other reviews) I found it very interesting and enlightening.

What got me started was kiyosaki's rich dad (worth reading with reservations) but this was a very good second book to read. Since then I've been reading/researching (7 books, 4 magazines, 3 weeks) before I pull the trigger to actually dropping cash.

I'm not sure what an experienced investor would say but what the hell, from one beginner to the next, read it.

"Fire and forget" method for investing
If you want to secure your financial future with minimum hassle, don't want to become a stock-market expert, or spend any more time and money on the Wall Street stuff than is absolutely necessary, then this is the book for you. It tells you a very simple, but extremely efficient method for investing your money. It also tells you why and how to do it.

It does not cover everything there is to investing, hey it doesn't even cover 10% about it. But it covers enough to have a "fire and forget" way with investments. You can trust that the money you invest with this advice will keep up with the better half of the smart investors. And you can go on living and enjoying your life without too many financial worries.

An excellent book for the target audience.

Worth every penny and much, much more
Buy this book. I can't say enough good things about it. First, the book is extremely well written, and targets a specific audience, that many of us are in.

If you are not professional investor, and want to learn more about the basics of investing and about the different products out there, then read this book.

Charles Schwab takes your through a good squence of explaining different investment philosophies, tools, tricks, etc. He proves that you don't have to beat the market to make money, you just have to match it. Now, I have heard this before in other books, but the overall presentation and support for this, is much well represented in this book.

If you are starting out, or attempting to re-organize your finances, before you get a money manager or financial advisor, get this book. It will definitely save and make you money. You will learn how to invest within your comfort level, and by the end of the book, the stock market and investing will be demystified.

You will regret not reading this book. I think this would also make a good gift. ... Read more

Book Description

Strike a blow for financial independence. The Fool shows you how to:

• Question authority when it comes to managing your money
  
• Save cash (for investing, for college...and, yes, even for having fun!)
  
• Dodge the spending and saving pitfalls that trap so many adults
  
• get started investing -- online and off -- with just a few dollars
  
• Discover up-and-coming businesses that could become future "blue chips"
  

Warning: this is not your parents' money guide. From identifying companies that are both cool and profitable to building a portfolio that makes tracking investments exciting, The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens shows young investors the way to financial freedom. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A book they will read
Although it contains some information that my daughter thought was unrealistic, like the amount she should be able to save each week, she thought the book had some great ideas. I especially liked that they didn't talk down to the teenagers yet told them about the true financial cost of smoking, the good use of credit cards, ATMS and the fiancial mistakes many people make. A good book that tells it to them straight in a format that they will read.

Getting Closer to Financial Independence
I thought this was an excellent book for teenagers. It not only shows them how to intelligently invest, but it also provides funny examples of what not to do in the stock market. I think it would be an excellent asset for people in their early twenties as well because it gives a great deal of advice on money management. In college, most students are not "rolling in the dough", so why not invest what little "dough" you do have and make some money for the future. It can also persuade kids to become healthier because the book outlined what cigarette smoking can do to a person's wallet. As if cigarette smoking isn't already bad enough. I also found the worksheets within the book extremely helpful, and I will continue to use them as guides as I take my first steps towards financial independence.

Good Book for Teens Who Really Wanna Know It All
After reading the other reviews here about this book, I decided to go out and get it myself. I wanted to know everything there was about money after I've seen my parents struggle with things like credit card debt. I was very happy with the book! It teaches everything from the ever complicated stock investing, to checks and credit cards. The only thing bad about it was some of it was harder to understand at times. And that some of the topics got boring at times. But other than that, I was very pleased with the book. It taught me all I needed to know about money.

Excellent advice covering all teen money matters
This book offers intelligent and very well supported advice for teens and their money. I liked the book so much I finished it in a few days (234 pages), and I'm going to buy it for my brother for Christmas. This book offers a wealth of financial advice for teens, not just what to look for when investing stocks. It really emphasizes knowing why you are making certain moves, not just what moves to make, which is great. All in all, the book manages to teach a fairly large amount of information without bogging the reader down with financial jargon (and it has a glossary in the back anyways).

great book
The Motley Fool investment guide for teens is a great book to buy not only if your a teen but also if you're in college. It teaches you how to save for your retirement. most people don't think about that until there thirtys.
I rented this book from the library and now my mom's getting it for me for Christmas so i can read it again ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Easily understood guide to investing success.
The Beardstown Ladies Investment Club has become a legend in investment club lore. This book has inspired thousands of individuals to get into the stock market. It's not for nothing that NAIC's "Official Guide" is emblazoned on the cover "From The People Who Taught the Beardstown Ladies," since the Ladies' success required in large part NAIC's move into a larger headquarters building a year or so ago! The book is an easy read, even before you get to the recipes at the end, and why not? Who said investing was rocket science, anyway? Personally, I would quibble with a few of their guidelines for stock investing -- the Ladies require a stock to have a Value Line Timeliness rating of 1 or 2 before they will consider buying it, but since Timeliness is a short-term measure, I think it's pretty irrelevant for the Ladies' long-term, growth stock investing methods; the Ladies say they won't buy a stock over $25, but odd-lot differential surcharges disappeared a long time ago, making this an old-fashioned notion about the need for buying in round lots (and to their credit, Betty Sinnock, one of the Ladies, now reports that this rule is no longer in force). Still, by following the strategies outlined in this book, an investor would surely find investing success. Like other successful individuals in any field, the Beardstown Ladies have withstood their share of vitriolic attacks from financial professionals and the media, but the well-deserved accolades have most certainly overshadowed the self-serving criticism. The Ladies have obviously enjoyed being a part of their investment club. Returns from fellowship and friendship are much harder to measure than the returns of a stock portfolio, but just as important in the scheme of thing and more easily forgotten -- a lesson not lost on the Ladies of Beardstown.

It inspired 45 women in my small town to form 3 clubs!
Reading the Beardstown Ladies Common Sense Guide to Investing two years ago excited women in my little town (pop.6500) causing us to use the Beardstown guidelines to form 3 clubs. We have experienced returns from 25.6% to 27% on our respective portfolios - certainly better than money market funds or other methods of saving. The guide is easy to read; easy to understand; although the stock selection guides are not a piece of cake but well worth learning. I reccomend this book to anyone wanting to find a better way to save for their future retirement.As a final note we also have one men's club (they are not as adventurous, maybe!) and we are in the process of forming 2 more 15 memb