Amazon.com

The rich are different from the rest of us, if for no other reason than U.S. tax and securities laws allow them to invest in ways that keep us from catching up to them. That's why 90 percent of all corporate shares of stock are owned by 10 percent of the people. Kiyosaki believes it's possible for anyone to move up into that 10 percent, but it takes a different view of investing than most people have: it takes a plan to be a successful investor. And a plan is more than simply buying and selling, or collecting "assets" that bring in no cash and are thus more akin to liabilities. The way most people invest, "they might as well be pushing a wheelbarrow in a circle," he writes. A plan is "mechanical, automatic, and boring," a formula for success that has worked historically for most of those who've used it. Kiyosaki's "rich dad" (actually, the father of his best friend) tells him the simplest analogy is the game Monopoly: buy four green houses, trade them for one red hotel, and repeat until you become rich.

The overall message of Rich Dad's Guide to Investing is that this is an abundant world, full of opportunity for the sophisticated investor. However, it sometimes takes a while to find this point. Much of the book is told in dialogues between young Kiyosaki and his rich dad, and these conversations can ramble. There are rewards for the careful reader--for example, in the middle of a section on the basic rules of investing, Kiyosaki's rich dad compares investor education to toilet training: difficult at first but eventually automatic. But getting to these inspired metaphors means wading through a lot of repetitive dialogue. It's a bit ironic that someone who advocates investor discipline should show so little as a writer. But by the end of the book, even the rambling starts to make sense. By the hundredth time you read that the rich don't work for money, and that you don't need money to make money, both concepts start to make sense. It still looks difficult to apply these ideas, but Rich Dad's Guide to Investing certainly makes the case that they'll work for anyone bold and smart enough to practice them. --Lou Schuler ... Read more

Reviews (143)

A must for those who want to be Financially Independent
This book continues from where Kiyosaki left off in Cashflow Quadrant, his 2nd book in the trilogy (now complete with Rich Dad's Guide to Investing).

In his 1st book Rich Dad Poor Dad, Kiyosaki addressed the differences in mindsets between the Rich and the Poor. Then, in his 2nd book Cashflow Quadrant, he spoke on the 4 quadrants from which one can generate income. To be wealthy, Kiyosaki recommended that we learn to generate our incomes from the "B" (Business-owner) and "I" (Investor) quadrant as opposed to the "E" (Employee) and "S" (Self-employed) quadrant.

In his 3rd book Rich Dad's Guide to Investing, Kiyosaki tells how he got started in his investment journey, starting with nothing, and in fact at one stage, with a negative net worth. Most of us, having read his first 2 books, would have wondered if we could have embarked on our journey to become financially independent without much resource at hand. In this book, Kiyosaki shows how anyone can get started and how it does not take money to make money. He teaches how time is more important than money; how investing in one's self and getting an education and experience precedes excessive cash; how having a plan is more important than being in a hurry to make money.

This is not a book for those who want hot tips and quick fixes. This is a book on mindsets. Kiyosaki plants ideas and provides a road-map. The reader must take the first step and learn to navigate his/her own journey.

What I like about this book, is Kiyosaki's concept of being an Ultimate Investor, a "selling-investor". The Ultimate Investor creates deals and businesses that the public hunger for and are willing to pay a premium to acquire a share of. With the internet, it has never been easier to create businesses and deals which one can take public.

As in all his other books, Kiyosaki's book is worth reading again and again. I would also recommend that one reads Robert Allen's Multiple Streams of Income in conjunction with Kiyosaki's Rich Dad's Guide to Investing.

RDGTI is the Ultimate Investors Guide
This book is about the 90/10 investor difference. As Kiwosaki explains [quoting Rich Dad] "If you want to be rich, just find out what everyone else is doing and do the exact opposite"RDGTI explains the differences between the 10% of investors who make 90% of the money and the 90% who make only 10% of the money.It's not what they invest in, but how they think.The RDGTI goes against standard, accepted dogma. To me, the greatest revelation was when I realized that by changing my thoughts, as espoused by Rich Dad AND told to Kiwosaki, I could [and did] change my investment results.The average investors philosphy is to not take risks and buy and hold [actually buy and pray--average down]I like the fact that this book is written in an easy to read format. The story telling and metaphors help drive the ideas home. The mental attitude quizzes clears the cobwebs from your head and gets you thinking like an entrepeneur, champion investor. While some of the information is repeated from the RDPD and CFQ--so what? Ever taken a class? Don't teachers review previous material before moving on to newer studies? This book builds on the prior books Kiwosaki and Lechter will tell you some things that you don't want to hear and blow holes wide open on typical misconceptions.So where do you want to be, in the 90% who go nowhere or the 10% who succeed. I have chosen to be inthe 10%. Care to join me? Start by reading this book.

Powerfully impacted my investment results
Prior to reading (...and applyiny) the advice in Rich Dad's Guide to Investing I was like a gerbel in a cage going nowhere with my investing. I was loosing money, not making money and my broker wasn't making me feel any better by reminding me that all of his clients were loosing money, everybody is loosing money, the market is down and so on.

I recalled a saying by Will Rogers:

"I am not so worried about the return on my investment as I am on the return of my investment."

Listening to brokers was causing me to loose money.

Rich Dad's Guide to Investing gives you all the keys you need to get to where you want to go. It's not theory, it's how the rich invest. It is how the rich become rich.

I also recommend Rich Dad's Prophecy which since it has been written has been 100% accurate. That is a pretty good batting average. I'd count on the rest to be accurate as well.

If you are serious about making money investing, read and apply Rich Dad's Guide to Investing and Rich Dad's Prophecy my two favorite Rich Dad books after of course Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Great advice that really works
If you were one of those 80 million Americans who lost over a trillion dollars following your stock brokers or convential advice, then you will love this book.

While no one has a time machine, we can't correct the past, we can certaintly plan for the future and this great book by Robert Kiyosaki will show you how to do just that---plan for your future and actually make some money investing...and in more than just the stock market too.

CAUTION: Brokers won't like this book and in fact will hope you never read this book, but then, you know why they are called brokers don't you? It's because they are usually broker than you are! The massive downsizing of brokers by so many brokerage firms shows just how valuable these guys really are.

By the way, I also recommend Rich Dad's Prophecy.

ANOTHER WINNER BASED ON AUTHOR'S WISDOM
I am a fan of Robert Kiyosaki. On the book shelf next to me is his CD and workbook course titled "Choose To Be Rich" (produced by Time Life) bought at a live lecture in 2002 in Fresno, California where he took the time to autograph the course for me after he spoke even though he was trying to get away to get to the airport. So I have made it a point to read all the books he has written as he has walked his talk. In addition to this book, I would recommend that readers have on their bookself to read and constantly refer to "Making Dollars With Pennies: How The Small Investor Can Beat the Wizards On Wall Street," by R. Max Bowser. This book is also by an author who after many years created a system that enables investors to become wealthly over time. It is available used and new on Amazon.com. ... Read more

Book Description

Winning financial wisdom aimed at teaching kids real-world money skills.

From the bestselling author of Get Clark Smart comes this valuable new resource enabling parents to pass "Clark Smart" skills for saving and spending wisely on to kids of every age.

Clark Howard -- bestselling author, money-saving expert, and host of the popular syndicated radio program The Clark Howard Show -- is back with more of his winning financial wisdom, this time aimed at helping parents teach kids real-world financial skills for today and every day. Parents of children of all ages -- from elementary school through high school, college, and beyond -- will benefit from Clark's sound, uncomplicated advice across a comprehensive range of topics. In Clark Smart Parents, Clark Smart Kids, he addresses everything from allowances -- when and how much to give -- to teaching teens about credit cards and navigating the purchase of a first car -- how to get it, pay for it, and insure it -- to saving for college, paying off loans, staying out of debt, and much more!

A hands-on workbook section that parents and kids can use together will help assess personal spending and saving styles as well as show ways to improve them. It's all here in this must-have resource for parents. ... Read more

Book Description

An easy-to-read, comprehensive guide to the best investment money can buy

Safe from the arbitrary ups and downs of the stock market, real estate has rapidly become one of America’s favorite investments. Offering stability, reliability, and excellent long-term returns, it’s no wonder that so many Americans are now looking at real estate as their primary investment vehicle.

Real Estate Investing For Dummies covers all the basics of real estate investing for beginners–as well as more complicated investment strategies for anyone serious about building long-term wealth. It features commonsense coverage of every sort of investment, including commercial real estate, rental properties, vacation homes, distressed properties, land, and real estate mutual funds and investment trusts (REITs). It helps readers maximize their real estate investments by explaining the keys to successful investment and describing both common and uncommon investment strategies, including fixing and flipping, foreclosures, no-money-down deals, auctions, tax sales, triple-net, and more.

Bestselling personal finance and real estate authors Eric Tyson and Robert Griswold combine their extensive experience to produce a handy guide that covers every aspect of both investing in and financing properties. For unbeatable advice suitable for first-timers and experienced investors alike, Real Estate For Dummies offers a holistic look at real estate investing that is both accessible and practical.

Eric Tyson is a nationally recognized personal finance counselor, as well as the author of Personal Finance For Dummies (0-7645-2590-5), Investing For Dummies (0-7645-2431-3), and Mutual Funds For Dummies (0-7645-5329-1). Robert Griswold, MBA (San Diego, CA), is the author of Property Management For Dummies (0-7645-5330-5). He has more than 25 years of practical real estate experience, having managed more than 600 properties. ... 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

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

Learn how the real estate development process works with the new edition of this best-selling book. Widely used by developers, planners, architects, investors, and other players on the development team, this book provides the most practical and thorough introduction to real estate development available.

Using an eight-stage model of the development process, the authors explain idea conception, feasibility, planning, financing, market analysis, contract negotiation, construction, and asset management. Ongoing case studies of an office and multifamily development provide realistic examples.

This edition features fresh data, the latest demographics information, all new chapters on finance, a new chapter on affordable housing, all new material on market analysis, updated information on market research, contract negotiation, and marketing, a new multifamily case study, and an appendix on the impact of economic and demographic trends. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Engaging but limited
Interestingly, I ended up reading this book like a fiction -- from cover-to-cover. And, it was a fun read. I particularly enjoyed some of the insightful stories of real estate development history, which is clearly a part of our American heritage.

However, I thought the real-life applications of the book's suggestions were victimized by this type of presentation. Certain "case studies" were presented along side a theoretical "how-to" processes to develop properties. These seemed entertaining and thoughtfully presented, rather than real life cookie cutter. In many cases, I recalled the property being described and became more informed of its origins and characters, but it did not unfortunately go the next step to discuss mistakes made, lessons learned, or successful components to highlighted -- which good case studies should endeavor. Moreover, it did not spend much time on architectural issues or financing arrangements that may have solved problems specific to the properties.

I would suggest to any potential Amazon customer to purchase this book only in conjunction with another more hardcore building book and/or architecture book

Thorough, up to date (2000) and well written
This book was recommended as a textbook for a 4th year course in real estate development and it reads like one. It is well organized and covers this broad subject with detailed, practical information in a systematic way.

Most of all I enjoyed the two real life case study storys (of the development of an office building and a high-rise apartment) that weave through the chapters. These were very candidly told by the developers themselves and give the real picture of the trials and tribulations of large project real estate development.

Numerous listings of information sources, web sites, and bibliographies at the end of each section makes this book a 'keeper' reference text.

Market, marketability and feasibility studies
This book so clearly articulates the pivotal role of the triad of market, marketability and feasibility studies in the field of real estate development. While the book does not attempt to be all encompassing, the text is dense with financial and other risk analysis distilled from the experience of the authors and contributors.

Although at times it felt like the shudder of taking an ice cold shower, I finished the book feeling refreshed and invigorated to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the risk-reward tradeoff in the development business. ... Read more

Book Description

A good market study can make or break a development project. This new book will equip you with the tools you need to evaluate trends and understand the key factors affecting real estate markets. Using a step-by-step approach, the author shows you how to get started, where to get information, and how to apply it to multifamily, hotel, office, industrial, entertainment, mixed-use, and master-planned communities. Thirteen case studies written by top market analysts demonstrate how they implemented these methods and provide you with models to follow. Ideal for anyone new to real estate development ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Thorough Reference
This book is written like a textbook - starting with the most basic concepts - but moves on to discuss the tools and techniques of market analysis in considerable detail. Separate sections deal with residential, office and industrial, retail, hotels and resorts, and mixed-use developments. Case studies are given for each type of property. Technologies and data sources to assist analysis are discussed.

The two primary authors are a real estate consultant and an author/director of the Urban Land Institute. Many other professionals are listed as having contributed to the case studies.

The book includes an appendix of data sources of use to market analysts, a glossary of real estate terms and a thorough index. ... 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

"Dolf makes real estate investing simple and accessible to anyone who has the will to succeed. He is an All Star in his field!"
—from the Foreword by Alex Rodriguez, 2003 AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP

An all-time bestseller, Dolf de Roos's classic Real Estate Riches shows readers from all walks of life how to find great deals and make great profits in the real estate market. This compelling book reveals why real estate is such a reliable moneymaker, and how novice investors, and old pros alike, can achieve the biggest return on their investment.

Full of time-honored wisdom, proven tactics, and quick-and-easy tips, Real Estate Riches will show you how to find the best properties, analyze deals, negotiate and submit offers, effectively manage properties, and dramatically increase the value of your real estate without spending much money. Dolf de Roos shows you:

• Why real estate is the best investment in the world
  
• How you can consistently find great deals
  
• The eight golden rules of real estate investing
  
• How to use tax laws to subsidize your investments
  
• How to create income using OPM (other people's money)
  
• The pros and cons of residential versus commercial investing
  

Author Dolf de Roos is proud to say he's never had a real job in his life—because real estate pays him better. Following his powerful and proven strategies, you too can leave the nine-to-five life behind. ... Read more

Book Description

This current, accurate and detailed industry guide for financial service professionals examines life and health insurance simultaneously from the viewpoints of the buyer, the advisor, and the insurer—providing a comprehensive and unbiased treatise on individual and group life; a forthright appraisal of life and health insurance industry products with careful consideration of the environment; and a complete examination of life insurance company operations and regulation. Bases financial treatment of life insured operations on modern financial theory, and devotes entire chapters to the economics of life and health insurance; individual life and health insurance policies; life and health insurance evaluation; the uses of life and health insurance in personal and business planning; government and employee benefit plans; and the management, operation, and regulation of life insurance companies. Offers a strong global orientation, supporting fundamental concepts with an extensive integration of economic and financial theory and international comparisons, and examines how today's health insurance products fit into a broad framework from a contractual, cost, and performance viewpoints. New chapters on the tax treatment of life and health insurance address such areas as estate planning, retirement planning, and the business uses of life and health insurance. For financial planners, salesmen, actuaries, investment managers, attorneys, CPAs, and other financial service professionals.

Reviews (3)

Life and Health Insurance (13th Edition)
New edition of a venerable classic textbook first published in 1915

Comprehensive and concise
This is an excellent reference book for anybody in the life insurance business, whether you are a novice or an old hand. Comprehensive, easy to understand, and concisely written.

an excellent reference book
This book is an excellent reference book. Just by looking at its Edition Number -- 13, you will know how important this book is in the industry. ... Read more

Book Description

This is an easy-to-use and fast way for you and other members of your household to create your own will, living revocable trust, and all the other must-have documents you need to protect you and your family. It’s as easy as 1-2-3—simply personalize, print, and protect.

Suze Orman and her own estate trust attorney have created the most state-of-the-art documents found anywhere. There are more than $2,500 worth of estate documents in this kit. Why pay thousands of dollars when you can get the same documents in this kit!

This kit includes:

• More than 50 state-of-the-art documents
• Free automatic on-line updates
• Verbal and written instructions taking you step by step through the four must-have documents
• Password protection securing multiple users’ information
• A tutorial that shows you everything you need to know
• 10 electronic books

PC and Macintosh Compatible . . . and good in all 50 states! ... Read more

Book Description

Ed Slott’s book The Retirement Savings Time Bomb . . . and How to Defuse It taughtAmericans how to protect their hard-earned cash from the IRS’s coffers. Now, "America’s IRAexpert" (Mutual Funds Magazine) returns with a bulletproof plan for ensuring your IRA’scontinued longevity, tax-favored, for generations.

In Parlay Your IRA, Ed Slott shows you how to make the most out of your retirement plan.Slott's three-step strategy cuts through the tax laws and provides simple, easy-to-followinstructions for managing your IRA and other retirement income. Learn what you can do to parlayit into a fortune during your lifetime, and what you must do now to ensure that yourbeneficiaries will have all the options available to capitalize on the opportunity you've created forthem to keep your money growing.

Packed with strategies, tips, answers to frequently asked questions Parlay Your IRA into aFamily Fortune offers real solutions to making the most of your retirement money.

Learn how to:
* Achieve unlimited tax-free income when you retire.
* Pass more assets on to loved ones and other beneficiaries
* Keep retirement assets in the family for decades, even generations, and pay minimal or notaxes
*Protect your retirement account from creditors, divorce, bankruptcy, lawsuits, or other problemsthat could expose it to loss
*Use a Roth IRA to build a tax-free fortune
* And much, much more
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent strategic planning
Ed Slott has produced a gem of a book.His message is targeted to those of us who don't plan to use up our entire IRA savings account during our own lifetimes, but plan to leave some of those savings for our heirs. If you can make that money grow by investing wisely, Slott shows you the secret of making that money last (he calls it `stretching') for the lifetime of your beneficiary (and even longer).It really is possible to convert your IRA into a family fortune.

There are three important steps to take.The first is converting to a Roth IRA.The next is to carefully choose the correct beneficiary.It must be one person.More than one beneficiary is OK, but it's crucial to set up a new IRA account for each.Be certain that your beneficiaries understand the steps necessary to stretch their IRAs to last the lifetime of their heirs.

The third step involves hiring an IRA advisor.The laws are tricky and things must be done just right.Fortunately, Slott provides directions on just how to get started.Although I was reluctant to take this step, he points out the importance of hiring an IRA advisor and how to go about finding one who is competent.It's too important to trust just anyone.

By carefully reading this book and following the instructions, you can arrange for your savings to continue to compound - tax deferred - for years.

If I found one fault with the book, it's that it lacks advice on just how to get the money in your IRA account to grow at a satisfactory rate.These are not the 1990's and one cannot simply park money in the stock market and watch it increase in value daily.Fortunately, I recently came across another new book that fills the gap.CREATE YOUR OWN HEDGE FUND describes a method of investing that taught me how to hedge (reduce the risk of owning) a portfolio of index funds (ETFs).The book is a tutorial on how and why this method is suitable for most investors.

I recommend both books as a way to build your IRA account and make it last for generations.
... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

The New Retirement: A Holistic Approach!!!
Finally........the retirement book that I have been looking for....and I have been doing a lot of looking this summer.

I hope to retire in about 7 years and I have yet to find a retirement book (until this one!) that is truly A-Z in its scope. This book hit the spot specifically because it delved into the psychological and readiness aspects of retirement as well as doing a great job on explaining the typical financial and locational aspects of retirement. The psychological opportunities and pitfalls of retirement are discussed and supported with recent and credible psychological studies. This book really makes you think clearly and test yourself before jumping into that standard question: "Do I have enough enough in my 401-K to retire?"

Yes, this book puts retirement planning all together in an easy-to-read "one stop shop" approach. Its delivered in a fun manner with straightforward and understandable language. I strongly advise anyone planning retirement to get this book!

The New Retirement: it works for me
Does it seem like you've spent a life time searching for the perfect retirement planning guide? If so, now you can "retire" from your search. Nestled among the mountains of how-to books, I found something new ... and best of all ... something truly different. Authors Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald offer readers a yellow brick road to the perfect retirement destination. Perfect because the destination you choose is based on your unique needs.

You will not find a lock-step, "one size fits all" plan here. More than just informative, this book is inspirational. Turning these pages awakens your motivation to plan. Remember, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. So motivation to plan is the real key to retirement success. "New Retirement" opens the reader's mind to all the possibilities, and all the resources necessary to arrive in style when you get to retirement's door. Readers aren't just invited to drink the water, the authors get you to jump in and swim among a sea of options.

Some say, "You can't judge a book by it's cover." Wrong. The book's cover design, created by Joanna Williams, is the best I've seen in my 25-plus years in the field of gerontology. Let's not forget, the first obstacle publishers must overcome is to "get people to pick up the book ... then read ... then plan ... then retire successfully. The cover design is bold, compelling, and a wonderful metaphor to those who believe our retirement outlook is sunny and bright ... with nothing but blue skies ahead. I predict a Best Seller.

One other thing. When I began reading the book, I was pleased to notice the attention to detail. For example, right there in the book's acknowledgments, the authors note their financial experts are Certified Financial Planners, not just financial consultants. If you don't know the difference between these two professional groups, you really need this book. In fact, I'd advise, "Don't retire without it."

Topics address issues related to time management, personal goal-setting, meaningful use of time (travel, education, voluntary service), extra income (second careers, consulting), retirement locations, legal and financial concerns, health and wellness, and checklists to facilitate comprehensive and sound retirement planning.

The only book you'll need!
I've read through many retirement books and this one really has the most comprehensive approach. My husband and I are boomers looking to retire within the next 5 years. This book not only provides a great review of recommended locations (along with key website information!), it addresses a host of other considerations. I especially loved the checklists in the back. It is well written, informative and funny! ... 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

This text is the market leader for the Real Estate Finance course.This is primarily due to its comprehensive and current coverage.Instructors find the text to be authoritative, rigorous and trustworthy, making it a classic in the field.This edition continues to evolve to provide students with the tools they need to understand and analyze real estate markets and the investment alternatives available to both debt and equity investors. ... 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

Real Estate Finance & Investments is today’s most indispensable, hands-on look at the increasingly vital arena of real estate partnerships, secondary mortgage markets, and fixed- and adjustable- rate mortgages. Updates to this edition include completely revised coverage of REITs, expanded coverage of CMBS, more detail on how underlying economic factors affect property value, and short readings based on current events.

Reviews (9)

A Must
This is one of the best books I have ever read about real estate. I read plenty of books on real estate but this one does a great job on explaining how the real estate industry works. It talks about residential real estate market and its financing. Then it goes on to commercial real estate. It talks about real estate development and then the secondary market.

It really is a great book that I would recommend to anybody interested in real estate. As a real estate appraiser I gained a lot from this book.

Great text, check out the new edition
I've taken a look at a previous edition of the Brueggeman and Fisher text and it is definitely the only nuts and bolts handbook for practitioners. If you're new to the field and just out of school, try the Geltner and Miller text, which flows from real estate economics through portfolio analysis, reads like an MBA manual - it isn't as bad as most reviewers say, they're just stating where they think they are. These two are fundamentally different books, but just as worthy in their own area of approach.

Be advised that a new edition of Real Estate Finance and Investments has just been published in June 2004 by McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0071238212 - check it out on amazon.co.uk if you can't find it on amazon.com. Should come in at about seventy bucks. Well worth the cash, if only as an aide-memoire.

I manage a private equity RE fund and this book is excellent
Great book for someone who's in real estate investment management and needs a groud up, starting with the basics, platform to understand and work in real estate finance.

Also a good review for more experienced pros, with lots of examples, financial tables, and financial concepts that you probably know enough to talk about but maybe don't remember exactly how you figure it out.

Great value!

Real Estate Finance and Investments (Real Estate Finance and
This text is the market leader for the Real Estate Finance course. This is primarily due to its comprehensive and current coverage. Instructors find the text to be authoritative, rigorous and trustworthy, making it a classic in the field. This edition continues to evolve to provide students with the tools they need to understand and analyze real estate markets and the investment alternatives available to both debt and equity investors.
Part I. Introduction1. Overview of Real Estate Finance And Investments2. Legal Considerations in Real Estate3. The Interest Factor in FinancingPart II. Financing Residential Properties4. Fixed Rate Mortgage Loans5. Adjustable Rate and Variable Payment Mortgages6. Underwriting and Financing Residential Properties7. Residential Financial AnalysisPart III. Financing Income Properties (Debt and Equity)8. Introduction to Income Producing Properties and Valuation Fundamentals9. Introduction to Leases, Projecting Cash Flows and Investment Value10. Investment and Risk Analysis11. Financial Leverage and Financing Alternatives12. Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Syndications13. Disposition and Renovation of Income Properties14. Financing Corporate Real EstatePart IV. Financing Proposed Projects15. Financing Project Development16. Financing Land Development ProjectsPart V. Real Estate Capital Markets and Securities17. The Secondary Mortgage Market: Pass-Through Securities18. The Secondary Mortgage Market: CMOs and Derivative Securities (Collateralized Mortgage Obligations)19. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)20. Real Estate Investment Performance and Portfolio ConsiderationsAppendix A. Annual Compound Interest TablesAppendix B. Monthly Compound Interest TablesAppendix C. Managing Interest Rate Risk

Step by step analysis with good tables in the appendix
This book has clearly stood the test of time. It is now in its 11th edition. My professor uses the 9th edition, and most of our class has a later copy. The author provides step by step help for novice financiers who want to learn mortgages, internal rates of return, and net present value calculations.
I would offer a word of warning to people who consider buying older versions in order to save money. I have the 8th edition. The concepts have not changed (although the assumed interest rates certainly have!). However, the chapters have since been rearranged and the questions in the back of the book are different. If you are using this book for a class you may need to at least have access to a newer version. ... Read more

Book Description

In clear, simple language, The Real Estate Investor's Guide helps real estate professionals and property owners understand the complicated area of real estateinvestment tax law.Containing practical tax planning strategies, sample forms, and warnings about costly planning errors, this is a must-have reference formaking sound investment statagies.This guide also discusses taxation at the time of sale, like-kind exchange rules