Book Description

Sell It By Owner and Save is an absolute gold mine filled with practical tips, tools, and techniques that will help the owner prepare for and sell their property, without a real estate agent, saving thousands of dollars in commission fees (this book has proven itself). This book clearly explains how to price and market a home anywhere, deal with aggressive agents, work with prospects, handle the paperwork and good faith deposit plus much more. You’ll find true-to-life examples that make the entire selling process easy to understand. SELL IT BY OWNER and SAVE will give homeowners the confidence they deserve, the know-how to succeed and the courage to see the sale through to completion. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Outstanding resource for anyone considering selling by owner
This book was an extremely valuable resource and answered all of our FSBO questions. This was our first home sale, so we were a bit apprehensive about how the entire process would work. As it turned out, it was much easier than we could have imagined.

We live in a relatively active area, so we decided not to spend any money on advertising and instead feed off of the other listed properties within our neighborhood. We did put a nicer-than-usual FSBO sign in the yard with an attractive flyer box crafted from a small apartment-style mailbox. We received two strong offers the second week and had a signed contract for 98% of our sale price 19 days after we put the sign out. Since we negotiated a 2.5% commission with the buyer's agent, we saved almost exactly $10,000 over the 7% requested by each full-service agent we interviewed.

Speaking of agents, one of the best parts of this book is the section detailing the tactics that agents will use to try to encourage you to list your home with them. The first four calls/visits we received after putting our home on the market were from agents, and Michael's book did a great job of preparing me in advance to handle those conversations.

Michael's point that 'presentation is everything' will be key to your success. We had our house recarpeted and repainted prior to showing the home. We even rented a storage unit to move some of the 'clutter' out of the house prior to showing. It paid off for us, and if you follow the author's guidance, it will pay off for you too!

PS - Two other homes in our neighborhood are the exact same floor plan as ours, and both were listed by agents with 7 days of our own home going on the market. Our home has been under contract for 30 days, both of those homes are still on the market. Don't let agents discourage you - FSBO really works!

A bargain at any price!
As I began reading SELL IT BY OWNER and SAVE, I realized this was no ordinary How-To text. It is obvious that the author "knows his stuff," and that he is able to explain real estate buying/selling in a conversational style that is both understandable and entertaining. Clearly, his goal was to provide an abundance of useful information to help homeowners achieve success. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent reference book!
I was clueless about how to proceed in selling my home myself, but this book has provided me with all of the information I need. It is an honest assessment of how to sell your own home and is easy to read in and organized format, which will make it easy for future reference.

For anyone who is considering selling their home
Sell It By Owner & Save is a practical, straightforward guide to selling a home without a broker. Accessibly written by a professional broker in down-to-earth, layman's language, Sell It By Owner & Save covers each step of the sale in clear detail. Sell It By Owner & Save is a superbly presented "how to" primer for anyone who is considering selling their home, whether they want to enlist the aid of a broker or not!

Top Marks for an Excellent, well Researched book.
Seldom does one find in self-help books the kind of frank, insightful advice that one does in Michael Kloian's book.

Not only did I find the information accurate and reliable but also totally consistent with my experiences in real estate for over 20 years. But it is also an entertaining book, one written with a sense of humor and compassion by someone who has a genuine concern for the average homeowner with little experience.

It is written without pretense and in a style that is eminently readable. I found particularly insightful and revealing many of the inside tips that only someone with the author's long experience in working with both buyers and sellers could possibly know, and yet be willing to share.

A cursory glance at the table of contents alone will illustrate to anyone the depth and breath of the author's sweep of all the salient issues attendant to the task of selling or in fact even buying a home.

I found nothing overlooked and must even say that the frank discussion of unforeseen problems was both important and necessary for the unwary homeowner to read.

His advice on when and how to engage professionals in the process will save homeowners a great deal of money while at the same time provide them with the requisite tools to act responsibly and professionally in all their transactions.

It is a pungent and strikingly honest book and one that deserves high praise.

I heartily recommend the book to anyone interested in either buying or selling their own home. It was a pleasure to read and confirmed all that I myself have learned in my many years in the business.

- A reader in San Francisco. ... Read more

Book Description

"Managing a Consumer Lending Business" summarizes the lore and the knowledge of the business as the new century begins. It covers many subjects a good manager should know: the importance of how to attract enough good accounts to offset the inevitable bad accounts that every lender will get, controlling line sizes, encouraging use by good customers/discouraging or controlling the bad customers, managing profitability with predictability, if he or she is to effectively run a high-volume consumer business. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best in its Class
Managing a Consumer Lending Business is an excellent primer covering both fundamental practices and principles for safe and sound lending. This book covers the basics well and should be required reading for management trainees and those new to consumer lending. This 2002-published book is superior to older, now-obsolete books on consumer lending, and is spiced with anecdotes, quotes and references to mistakes that made headlines. The chapter on recessions is germaine and usually neglected by other books. The only criticisms are minor: a few too many references to the authors' consulting practice, and it would be improved by a chapter or two on securitization and the gain-on-sale practices.

A Comprehensive Guide
This book is very well written. It is about managing a healthy consumer lending business by using systematic ways to plan, acquire, and maintain a portfolio and by emphasizing quantitative tools to measure its performance and manage risks. I like this book also because it provides careful accounts about the history of this industry.
This book is an excellent reference for serious practitioners. Portfolio managers and financial analysts can acquire important concepts for managing their businesses. You might even be able to start your own consumer lending business by following the steps introduced in the book. Meanwhile, this is an attractive book for consumers to equip with extensive knowledge to deal with credit card issuers, collection companies and to take care of their mortgages and automobile loans, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS, 11th Edition, is the most widely used introductory business text and it is even better than before! Containing all the most important introductory business topics, this text also includes the most current information available in any business text, and the best supplementary package in the business. ... Read more

Book Description

For baby boomers reaching retirement age and the millions of other Americans who keepmost of their assets invested in IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar retirement plans, financialexpert Ed Slott’s eye-opening guide is a must-have resource to help protect those savingsfrom the IRS. Through his simple 5-Step Action Plan, Ed Slott’s down-to-earth, clear-cut,and often humorous approach shows everyday investors how to distribute, roll over,withdraw, and secure their retirement savings (and their inherited nest eggs) againstUncle Sam. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Not bad, even with the overly chatty style
I'm an historian and archivist with a "humanities mind," whereas my wife is a mathematician with a knack for anything financial. Our arrangement has long been that she keeps track of our investments (also those of her parents and most of her siblings), works out what to do about them, and then explains it all to me (and them). But she still insists that I make an attempt to understand what's going on, and to that end she hands me books like this one. I have to say that, except for a sense of humor that tries too hard, Slott is better at providing a clear explanation of tax law and financial decision-making than many similar books I've waded through. His specialty is IRAs and similar retirement arrangements, and since I've just turned sixty, I'm paying attention to this stuff. After an introductory section explaining the jargon and describing the theory behind traditional and Roth IRAs, he launches into the details of his "Five Easy Steps": Timing (when and how much to take out of your IRA, including both the legal requirements and your own strategic needs), life insurance (to cover the taxes your beneficiaries will have to pay when they inherit your IRA), stretching the payout period (selecting a child as a beneficiary can keep the distributions going for decades after you're gone, allowing your bequest to keep growing), converting to a Roth IRA if possible (a great tax deal, especially for the beneficiaries), and avoiding estate taxes. Although he calls it "death taxes," a partisan pejorative term I despise; there's far too much concentration of wealth in this country already. He also waxes on about the unfairness of the IRS and the tax code, forgetting the basic principal: Taxes aren't intended to be "fair," they're intended to raise money for the government. Anyway, he does a good job of explaining the options the retiree faces at each step and in each new or variant situation, and he does it with resorting (much) to unexplained bizspeak, which certainly increases its accessibility for most of us. I'm told the regulars on Morningstar's Vanguard discussion board -- a group which has included John Bogle, Larry Swedroe, Rick Ferri, and other Big Names -- think highly of Slott's take on things, and you probably can't do badly if you follow their advice.

EXCELLENT BOOK - ABSOLUTE MUST READ
This book is an absolute must for anyone who has an IRA.Not only is it very understandable but it actually saved me thousands upon thousands of dollars.Ed Slott mentioned a deduction that many accountants miss re: IRA beneficiaries ( page 246).In a nutshell, it explained that if a beneficiary IRA was taxed as part of the estate you are entitled to a deduction on your tax return every year for the beneficiary IRA since you cant be taxed twice.Sure enough my acccountant (who is excellent) had missed this deduction which turned out the be worth thousands of dollars over a lifetime for each of four children.This book is worth its weight in gold.I cant recommend it too highly.

A "Must Read" for anyone who has an IRA!
If you are an investor and have money in an IRA or your company retirement plan, Ed Slott's book should be required reading.Ed gives practical, easy to understand, and priceless advice on how to maximize the value of your retirement savings and minimize the bite Uncle Sam will eventually take from it.Once you read this book, you'll know more than 90% of financial advisors.

Fire you advisor
I am in the financial services industry.If your current advisor does not understand the IRA, 401K, etc. rules, you need to find one that does.

Recently I did an informal survey of my coworkers.I tested their knowledge of retirement plan.Almost all of them failed!If it scares me, and it should frighten all of their clients.

If you want to give away a lot of your hard earned money to the government, do not read this book.Otherwise, read the book and find a competent advisor to help you implement the strategies.

No one knows IRAs like Ed Slott
No one on the planet knows IRAs better than Ed Slott.Congress has made the rules so complicated, that IRA owner ARE sitting on a Time Bomb -- a tax bomb.

Without the proper tax planning, your heirs could stand to lose 70% due to the combined income and estate taxes.If you are fortunate enough that the annual minimum required IRA distributions are not your only source of income, hence you are leaving a bulk of the account intact each year for future growth, you could be doing a disservice to your children or grandchildren.Read Ed Slot's book.

Even your favorite charity could receive less than you expected. Read Ed Slott's book.

And by the way, whether your hard earned retirement savings is in an IRA, 401K or other similar deferred account, you should be reading Ed Slott's book.

I am a practicing CPA and I have read Ed Slott's book. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

the real estate boom is alive and well
Mr. Lerah has written a terrific how to book on the real estate
boom. He describes the facts behind the boom in very compelling
way. A MUST READ 5 STARS

John Smaby
Edina, Mn.

Insightful
This book makes perfect sense It does not allow thinking individuals to become complacent in how they view real estate investments for the future.

"He whose bread I eat is the song I sing"
Go back in time to the year 2000 when the NASDAQ was trading at 5,000. Some people said it was a bubble and couldn't go on forever. Yet the temptation to go with the flow and make was seemed to be easy money was irresistible. Driven by the marketing efforts of those who make their living in the stock market, it was argued that prices would still go higher. If you bought into their line of reasoning, surely NASDAQ 10,000 was not too far away.

I was reminded of those times when I read David Lereah's book "Are You Missing the Real Estate Boom." Even after the biggest 5-year run-up in housing prices in U.S. history - where 40% of all homebuyers must now resort to interest-only adjustable rate mortgages in order to qualify for home financing - Lereah tries to convince us that the U.S. real estate market should continue to stay healthy for the next 10 years.

His arguement goes something like this: Even though housing prices are high, the combination of low interest rates, 80 million wealthy baby boomers and their offspring ("echo boomers") will continue to fuel demand. This is not objective, unbiased advice. As head cheerleader for the Realtor hallelujah choir, Lereah is using the same tactics that have been well-honed on Wall Street: "When the ducks are quackin', feed 'em."

I don't remember what Lereah was saying about U.S. housing prices in 1998 or 1999 when prices were 30% lower than they are today (and 75% lower in many of the highly populated coastal regions), but I think its safe to say he wasn't forecasting a coming real estate boom that would last for the next 15 years.

The key to making money in real estate - and keeping it - is to get aboard a rising real estate trend early, not late. While it is true that real estate is a good long-term investment, what Lereah ignores is the cycle nature of real estate. In other words, if you buy an overvalued house late in the market cycle - and you are over leveraged and illiquid like most Americans are today - you may not be around for the long-term.

Robert Campbell
Author of "Timing the Real Estate Market"

Better title - "Join the Greater Fools of America Club"
For me, this was more comic relief than any scholarly analysis.The author has a vesting interest in the bubble not bursting, and he's selling his soul with this book to prove it.

He spins webs of demographics and interest rates, but he never ever addresses the core issues that determine housing values.What is lost here is that housing in itself creates no value, its value is completely predicated upon peoples ability to pay for it.Ergo, housing prices for the last 100 years have tracked income remarkably closely, that is, except for the last five years.Historically, the ratio of housing price to annual income has been 2.1, with very little variation.In many parts of the country, this ratio is now approaching 10.5!Can you say "major correction?"Further, the amount of leverage used to buy homes during this boom has been increased to absolutely unprecidented levels.Even during the last boom of the late 80s/early 90s, the standard was still 30 yr fixed and 20% down.Not anymore.Last year, less than 15% of borrowers put down 20% or more!Further, the 30 yr fixed has been replaced by the IO, or interest only loan.See now, we have the same borrower capable of bidding 30-40% more for a propery without any better credit or ability to repay.Neat trick, but sadly, Lereah at no point addresses any of these fundamentals.

Our stock/housing pattern appears remarkably similar to the one Japan had 20 years ago.First the stock market busted.Right after, the real estate market rallied, and it busted too.The current Japanese real estate market is in a 14 year slide to date, and houses are going for roughly their 1980 value.

Keep talking Dave - we'll need the comic relief soon!

More Cheerleading From the NAR "Economist"
It is a little worrisome to think that so many investors learned nothing form the speculative bubble that was built up in the stock markets, particularly the Nasdaq.When it comes to residential housing, this is simply Act II being engineered by Alan Greenspan, the person most responsible for Act I (the stock market speculative bubble).People fell in love with residential housing ("very safe, good") immediately after they fell out of love with stocks ("too risky, bad").Coincidence? I think not.Books like this one serve only to fan the flames of a fire that is roaring out of control- especially along the coasts.Shame on you Mr. Blodget, er, I mean Mr. Lereah! ----Instead of this self serving new era garbage, read the recently released Irrational Exuberance, Second Edition by Robert Shiller if you want an easy to read balanced account of what is REALLY going on in residential real estate right now.It might save you thousands upon thousands of your hard-earned dollars if it cautions you against joining the home-speculating heard. ... Read more

Book Description

Covered Calls and Naked Puts Create Your Own Stock Options Money TreeReaders Are Amazed! They can earn good income on their stock portfolio. Even in a stagnant market. Put Financial Nightmares to Rest! Quit Leaving Piles of Money on the Table!Most common response: "Why the heck didn’t I know

about this sooner!"• Provides a clear, easy to understand process for the average investor to make money in the stock market. • Illustrates points that are not currently known or understood by the general investing public. Once grasped the financial value is obvious and the reader is most appreciative. • Provides the tools for independent investing beginning with wise stock selection, building a prospect list, sorting stocks based on clear criteria. • Covered call strategy is appropriate (and allowed) for IRA accounts. • Gain peace of mind from your own financial competence.Brief Summary

Jake Kimball sold his CPA Firm and retired to south Florida in his mid fifties. Funds are running low when he encounters his former Finance professor at a local Rotary Club meeting. The professor is doing unusually well financially. Step by step, with examples, the prof explains to Jake his stock market strategy of careful stock selection and earning a high rate of return by selling options. "You make money by selling, not by buying!" ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Covered Calls and Naked Puts is a Masterpiece
Covered Calls And Naked Puts is truly a masterpiece. Ron Groenke has managed to present the fascinating subject of covered calls and naked puts in the most understandable and refreshing manner imaginable. Buy it now!!

Covered Calls And Naked Puts Is A Masterpiece
Covered Calls And Naked Puts is truly a masterpiece. Ron Groenke has managed to present the fascinating subject of covered calls and naked puts in the most understandable and refreshing manner imaginable. Buy it now!!

A Great Book for the Beginning Options Investor
If you are looking to increase the earnings on your portfolio with a minimum of risk this book is for you. You will learn in a very interesting writing style how to use Covered Calls and Naked Puts to generate a cash flow that could average 25% a year regardless if the market is going up or down. The author even takes into account taxes and losses to arrive at this figure. He introduces a number of basic conservative concepts using covered calls and naked puts but really places the emphasis on how to pick the right stocks in the first place. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in increasing their portfolio income by learning how to use convered calls and naked puts to achieve their investment goals. Once you have read the book you will be very comfortable using these investment tools.

the options primer every trader should read
Ron's new book does not offer the reader the Holy Grail for options trading, but rather provides a very logical and disciplined approach to this type of investing. His writing style is easy to read and understand. He greatly simplifies a complex subject. A good portion of the book is devoted to proper stock selection, with very definable criteria to greatly improve the odds of placing a winning trade. He continually reminds the reader of the importance of managing risk. For any aspiring options trader, this book is A MUST!

Do Yourself a Favor...
Do yourself a favor and buy this book. I've been doing cc writing and option investments for some time. This primer picks up where most other books on covered calls leave off. In addition to covering naked puts, the author holds your hand through critical factors such as when to buy, what to buy, how to buy... simply "put", this is a great book at a very reasonable price. ... Read more

Book Description

DID YOU KNOW THAT . . .

. . . Real estate is a better long-term investment than the stock market?

. . . You don’t need a lot of money to begin? Since time immemorial, real estate has been an excellent investment. The long-term returns have actually exceeded the stock market and other investments. If you’re looking for financial security, real estate can provide you with welcome supplemental income, year after year. And if you thought investing in real estate was out of your reach, this book will change your mind . . . and your future! Experienced real estate broker and investor Nicholas Masters demystifies the entire process of buying real estate for you and shows you how to get started. Illustrating his explanations with examples from his own experiences in thirty years of real estate investing, Masters takes you step-by-step through the process of understanding the benefits of owning real estate, finding and evaluating properties, getting financing, closing the deal, and managing your property.

You’ll find out . . .

• Why your first real estate investment should be your own home
• Why there’s safety in numbers—the advantages of real estate investment "clubs"
• The pros and cons of individual ownership, partnerships, and corporations
• How to find properties—brokers, foreclosures, government surplus, sales leasebacks, and other methods of matching up with the right purchase
• The ins-and-outs of financing and mortgages—balloon mortgages versus fixed rate; liens and bankruptcies; and other financing options
• How to deal with repairs, tenant relations, insurance, and other aspects of managing property . . . and why hiring a professional management firm could be a good idea for you You don’t need a million dollars to start making money in real estate. All you need is the clear information and sensible, reality-based guidance you’ll find in How to Make Money in Commercial Real Estate for the Small Investor.

Reviews (5)

Buy this book first
When I decided I wanted to learn more about commercial real estate investment, I bought a pile of books that claimed to be relevant and started working my way through them. This one was the ONLY one that I feel was really worth the read. It starts out by ascertaining whether the reader is truly ready to buy commercial real estate, taking a very prudent view of personal finances. It lays out everything worthwhile that any of the books on this subject lay out, and does so in a very readable manner. At the same time, it does not talk down to the reader or try to "dumb down" any of the material. I would suggest starting with only this book, and then buying other books (or talking to experts) in a more focussed manner, based upon what you find here. Incidentally, I haven't bought any commercial real estate yet, but I still intend to and I am trying to follow the advice of this book in preparing to do so.

Sound information. Good for experienced or beginners.
This is a good book with lots of good information. The book is great for persons without any knowledge of commercial real estate and is a good reference book for persons with experience in commercial real estate.

It is worth noting, however, that the much of the author's experience with investment real estate seemed to be during the 1970's decade. During that period of time there was hyper inflation in the real estate market. Often values and prices paid for real estate did not make much sense.

Some of the examples in the book refer to properties indicated to be worth several million dollars - and not exactly what you would call a small investment property.

However, the financial scenarios in this book are based on reasonably sound financial and economic theory. And the reasoning for the mathematical financial calculations seem to be fairly sound.

The book is a good buy for the price.<...

Great way to get started
This book was very simple to read, but jam packed with information. I not only enhanced my knowledge of real estate investing, but also got a refresher in economics. Masters discusses many tools and tips on the best way to get started and shares his experiences both good and bad. While he answered many questions that I had, he opened the doors to other questions I never thought of. I thought I was ready, but now I realize I still have some work to do.

If you are serious about Real Estate, you must read this one
This book and "The Complete Idiots Guide to Real Estate" are my two all time favorite real estate books. This is about true real estate investing. If you are sick of the no-money down,flipping, foreclosure, single family bottom end type books then this is for you.

Very Inspiring
From the front cover to the last page, I found this to be one of the most informative books on investing in commercial real estate for the small investor that I have ever read. I would recomend that anyone considering investing in commercial real estate read this book. It contains information not readily known to the general public. Mr. Masters obviously knows the in's and out's of investing in commercial real estate, and he has graciously shared that information in this well written and delightful book. ... Read more

Book Description

A proven way to financially prepare for retirement

Are you wondering if you can make your retirement savings last?
Concerned about inflation reducing your purchasing power?
Worried about the stock market’s violent swings?

In Buckets of Money: How to Retire in Comfort and Safety, nationally recognized Certified Financial PlannerTM and radio personality Ray Lucia offers you a smart and conservative way to protect and grow your nest egg–so you can enjoy a comfortable retirement without worrying about your money running out.

Developed by Lucia over his thirty-year career as a financial planner, the "Buckets of Money" technique is a proven way to achieve both income and growth, while guarding against the ravages of inflation. Buckets of Money is filled with in-depth insights and practical advice that will help you assess your retirement situation, save the money you need to last your entire lifetime, and adjust your plan to good times and bad.

Regardless of your age, income, net worth, or investment experience, you need to have a solid plan for your retirement years. Buckets of Money provides you with such a plan, and shows you the best way to implement it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Must Read
I first became aware of Mr. Lucia and his "BrainTrust" (Rick Plum, Rob Butterfield, Jr., and John Dean) when his long-running (14 year) San Diego-based radio show went national and became syndicated with Business Talk Radio at the end of 2000; I thank the day I stumbled upon this sage. The show has become increasingly popular and now airs in around 60 markets. Once limited to the greater San Diego area, this show is now educating people all across the country. This book continues the process of finally bringing Ray Lucia to an even broader audience.

Lucia's show and this book avoid the ridiculous "buy, sell, hold" approach that permeates the work of so many other financial gurus. This is not a "get rich quick" or "doom and gloom" book. Lucia does not pretend to know what direction markets or any individual security is going in the short-term. He sticks to what he knows (and what you need to know). This book is about much more than asset allocation and diversification. It is solid advice based on the prestigious 30-year career of Lucia and his highly competent associates.

If you want books that teach you how to learn how to do a solid fundamental analysis of securities, I recommend the classics by Benjamin Graham, by Peter Lynch, by Philip Fisher, by Louis Engel and about Warren Buffett. If you want a book that takes a refreshing approach and truly carves out a niche by focusing on financial planning, Lucia's book is the book for you. In many ways, Lucia's book is a more relevant read than any of the above mentioned authors.

Believers in an efficient market understand the other authors can only take you so far. Lucia takes you several steps further by sharing financial planning strategies that will work for everybody. This is what is lacking in the vast majority of financial literature. Authors spend too much time trying to tell you how to find the next Microsoft. In the process, they neglect powerful basic and advanced personal finance strategies and investment tools. This is what truly reduces risk and adds value to one's portfolio over time. The vast majority of investors will get more from Lucia's book than any other book they read in their lifetime.

I enthusiastically recommend Lucia as must reading for any investor in any stage of his/her life. This is a great book for a grandfather to buy to read and pass on to his daughter, who can then pass it on to her son. People just starting out will greatly benefit from this book in that it will tell them as much about what not to do, as what to do. More sophisticated and astute investors will benefit from Lucia's empirical study based recommendations on how to allocate and balance one's portfolio. I have acquired more practical knowledge from Mr. Lucia than I have through my undergraduate studies, graduate studies, and other studies combined.

It is a rare and refreshing treat to find someone in this field who not only has such a vast body of knowledge that he is willing to share, but is able to communicate it in such an articulate manner. Lucia not only recommends the right things, but he does things the right way. Lucia is altruistic and passionate. In terms of financial planning savvy, Lucia is by far the best of the financial gurus. In terms of the intangibles, in his words you will find a motivator who cares deeply about his family, his work, and sharing his vast body of knowledge with people from all walks of life so as one of his mottos goes, "You will be successful in your money, your business, and your life."

Lucia may not (yet) get the press and hype of some of the other financial gurus that have television shows, radio shows, and books. However, if you read his book, you will see he is the premier guru in the country. If you don't agree with this comment after reading his book, I recommend you read his book twice and then listen to his radio show.

Great tool for retirement
I really enjoyed reading Ray's book, and it helped me to understand the "Buckets" philosophy he talks about on the radio. It's a great retirement strategy, although you do have to be somewhat disciplined at saving to make it all work properly. It also requires you to take money from only about 5% of your portfolio each year, which some people may or may not be able to do, so if you're used to taking huge chunks of cash from your savings each year you might not be able to follow it. It seems rather foolproof (which I like), and while it doesn't promise huge returns on your money (it's very conservative), it does make sure that you never run out of money even if we run into another "bad run" in the stock market. I wish I read it two years ago, but that's the breaks.

I also enjoy his radio show, he's much better than that boring Ramsey guy that follows him. Maybe I'll get the nerve to call in one day and ask a question to the Braintrust!

Easy to understand
This is not really a book about how to amass your retirement savings, but rather what to do with it when you are retired. The system is simple. You have 3 buckets. In bucket number 1 you put your money for the next 5-7 years. Bucket number 2 is for the next 5-7 year period after that. And finally, bucket number 3 is for the money you will not need for 10-14 years. The book then discusses the proper investment choices for each bucket, how to rebalance them when necessary.

The plan makes sense and seems simple. The only part I was not entirely clear on is when to move items from bucket 3 to bucket 2. Maybe I missed it. In any case, the book was a good read and I plan on reading it again when I get closer to retirement.

I'm looking forward to Ray's next book (the radio show is good too).

Really good book!
I listen to Ray's radio show all the time and now that I've read the book I can understand the whole "Buckets" retirement strategy even better. It was easy to read and enjoyable! Thanks, Ray!

Simple, easy to understand retirement advice!
Great book! Easy read! Helped me sort through my retirement options and I actually understood what he was talking about. Good radio show too! ... Read more

Book Description

This imporant book provides the model for ethics-based, client-first servicein the real estate industry.It shows you how to stay in step with technology and incorporate the Internet with the personal touch clients expect.You'll also learn a variety of strategies in deal-making, home staging, reverse farming, referral streams, and future income streams that will make you a more productive and more successful agent. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

great book
This is a great book especially for the new agent. It tells all about every single step you are going to take during a real estate transaction and gives great tips on prospecting and other helpful information a new agent might want to know. I have read several others books and this one is by far the best. Most of the other books have been about "scripts" and salesmen approaches to closing the deal. I totally disagree with the old approach. There is nothing wrong with being honest in a real estate transaction, after all it's your own business.

Positive and Informative
This book has loads of useful information and advice both for people considering a career as a real estate agent and for those already in the business. The author is extremely positive in her style throughout the book, and makes the reader believe he/she can't help but succeed with the right approach, hard work, and perserverence. I recommend this book to anyone thinking of becoming or already a real estate agent.

Buy this book if you're considering a career in real estate!
This book is fun, helpful and informative to anyone interested in starting a real estate career. It contains a ton of helpful information and is written in an intelligent manner, with tips and hints along the way. I'm studying for my real estate license and although I'm learning a lot from an accredited company, it's nice to have a book that discusses the aspects of real estate in a lighter, easy-to-read tone.

Not Realistic
The author has a utopian view of the world of real estate that is far from reality. She acts as if one does everything in her book clients will come flocking to one's door. If it were this easy, everyone would be a real estate agent. As proof, I visited the author's website, and she has only one house listed for sale.

This book gives the new agent tools to move with confidence
I bought this book immediately after passing the real estate exam. While I was reading it I became engrossed in it. Marilyn Sullivan inspires the spirit of professionalism, integrity and Ethics for the Real Estate Agent. This book is loaded with excellent principals, suggestions, advice and must do's. This book really should be a must read for every Real Estate Agent Candidate in every state. Speaking as the new kid on the block, this book has given me the tools to move ahead in my new career with confidence and a sense of pride of being a Real Estate Agent. I feel that armed with this new knowledge from Marilyn Sullivan, I will be a success in my new career. ... Read more

Book Description

The Rich Dad's Classics Box Set contains 3 titles from the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series:

- Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the bestselling personal finance guide for the millions hoping to become masters of their money
- Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant, the follow-up to Rich Dad, Poor Dad, reveals why some people work less and earn more, pay less taxes, and feel more financially secure than others
- Rich Dad's Guide to Investing covers the basic rules of investing, including how to reduce investment risk and how to convert earned income into passive and portfolio income. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Only for those who want to reach the top 5% .........
Social Security Administration tells us year after year that at age 65, only 5% of the population will be financially independant. The remaining 95%? They will still be working, dead or dead broke!

Kiyoaski teaches the principles of wealth. This tape set is the compilation of Kiyosaki's first three books; Rich Dad Poor Dad, Cashflowquadrant and Rich Dad's Guide to Investing. Although I have other books in the Rich Dad series, these three are the basis of the Rich Dad/Kiyosaki system.

And if you are like me and prefer to listen to something inspiring, educational and motional than the news or the democrat commercials, then you will enjoy playing these tapes in your car.

The first three classics on audio........
This tapeset contains 6 audio tapes and 9 hrs of powerpacked information that can change your life.

RICH DAD POOR DAD: the best selling personal finance guide for
the millions hoping to become masters of
their money.

CASHFLOW QUADRANT: this program reveals why some work less and
earn more, pay less in taxes, have more time
to live out their dreams and feel more
financially secure than others.

GUIDE TO INVESTING: the basic rules of investing, including how
to reduce investment risk and how to convert
earned income into passive and portfolio
income

This collection of the first three Rich Dad books can very well, change your life. It certaintly has mine.

Listen and grow rich!
No time to read you say? Great, then just plug these tapes in your car cassette player or walkman and lsiten and grow rich. Listen as Kiyosaki explains the principles of wealth, how to invest safely and successfully and how to create passive income.

I am in network marketing full time and am also using Kiyosaki's techniques to create additional streams of income. Highly recommended tape set. Well worth the price. And glad that Kiyosaki appreciates and understands network marketing.

great book/tape?
Now, I have follow his idea and start to invest. Yes, he won't teach you step by step. But he give you a general idea and you need to apply them by yourselves. Try to use your brain and think hard and eventually, you can figure out how to do it. I have figured out a way to do it now. This is a great book to change my point of view of how money should be used.

Alex

Only for those who want financial freedom
This tapeset covers the most important information in the first three Rich Dad Books and is critical for those who want financial freedom.

According to the social security dept, only 5 out of every 100 people at age 65 will be financially secure. The remaining 95 will either be dependend on others, still working, dead or dead broke.

Kiyosaki's material is for those who want to make the top 5% and escape from the bondage of being subservient to a unappreciative employer or turning your financial affairs over to a broker, tax preparer or fiancial planner.

Kiyosaki teaches you how to get involved int he process yourself and then set up a team of fiancial experts who work for you instead of what they make the highest commission on.

This tape set is fabulous for anyone who wants the real dope on the first three Rich Dad books and who wants to become a part of the top 5% who are independent isntead of the bottom 95% who are dependent.

Excellent program. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

pass this book if you want to pass the test
I studied using practice tests that had been supplied to me by the professional school through which I had taken the Real Estate Principles course. I ordered Minnie Lush's book as a supplemental item and found it completely useless. In fact, during my last few days of "cramming" before taking the test, I found a question that was identical in two different books, and for which different answers were given. In a state of panic, I examined my study guides more carefully and decided to toss Minnie's book aside. I took the California salesperson test on June 14th for the first time, after using mainly a prep book from Anthony Schools, and PASSED.
Looking back, I see that Minnie's questions were vague in their wording and apparently incorrect in some instances. I would not recommend this book to anyone preparing for the state exam.

A good solid secondary source to complement your prep
For those of you currently preparing for the California real estate salesperson or brokers' exam(s), you're probably enrolled in a live or video course that already has its own books and materials that were included with it.

This book is a nice secondary addition to the primary materials that you alreadly likely have in place. That being said, I found this book to be extremely helpful to examine the various real estate principles one will face on the actual California real estate exam.

Often, I think many California realty students get too bogged down with materials generated by only one education company, professor, live lecture of video series, etc... and they forget that the California realtors examination covers a multitude of topics from many different angles.

I highly recommend that you buy and use this book as a direct and positive supplement to the core materials and/or educational sources that you've already been using while prepping for your California real estate exam.

Of particular value, if nothing else, in this book, is the Hot Tips/Hot Topics section of the book in which the authors have pleasantly reduced hundreds of nitbits regarding California law into exhaustive and easy to understand one-sentence blurbs. I found that cramming and/or memorizing these hot-tips on the last few nights before my actual exams were critical to my securing a passing grade.

Like other guidebooks, it comes with reams of practice questions, many that you've likely seen before--but as we all know, the secret to passing the California exam is practice, practice, practice. Buy this book. You wont regret it. ... Read more

Book Description

A new edition of the book that took the art of coaching to new heights. Since COACHING FOR PERFORMANCE was first published over a decade ago, John Whitmore has lead the way with this best-selling classic that has sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide. Translated into a dozen languages and considered a ‘must-read' by such international leaders as Coca-Cola, this is the definitive guide to mastering the skills needed to help people unlock their potential and maximize their performance. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Difficult leap from tennis to business
I used this book for a class on coaching and developing employees. There were eleven people in the class that read the book and each was very disappointed. The overall conclusion was that the author should stick to sports, as the attempt to link the priciples to business was too far of a stretch. We will not be using this book again.

Packed with Knowledge!
We immediately liked John Whitmore's book on coaching for one simple reason: It admits right off that a coterie of charlatans have passed off their bogus "consulting" approaches as business coaching, thereby diminishing the credibility of the practice. But Whitmore does more than recognize the problem: He sets the record straight by providing a true definition, a working history and a psychological explanation of real coaching, which evolved out of sports performance enhancement. Capping off this overview is a comprehensive guide to practical coaching practices, complete with techniques that readers can adopt in their own careers. We from getAbstract highly recommend this book to all business managers, human resource professionals and, of course, coaches.

Great overview of coaching
Highly recommend this book. The author clearly explains coaching and how its correct use can impact both your organization and your success as a manager. He gives plenty of facts and outlines for use. A must buy!

Also suggest a well-received book that espouses coaching and leadership skills and responsibility in a unique and easily read way. My company uses it for leader development/training. It's called ""The Leader's Guide: 15 Essential Skills.""

Coaching for Managers
'Coaching for Performance' offers insight into the techniques of successful coaching, covering well the subjects of motivation, performance, and goals. At times, however, it seems as though the author is talking down to the reader; perhaps that is just the 'accent' of a British nobleman. The writing also seems a bit like 'teacher talking' instead of heartfelt sharing of life's experience. Nonetheless, the material is precise and compelling. The text covers the coach/coachee relationship quite extensively and is an excellent resource for managers and formal coaches of the 'mentor' variety. Scant coverage is given to the particular coaching needs of working groups or teams.

This was a very informative book.
The book was a pleasure to read and informative. It links how coaching for success in sports corresponds with coaching in business. It was a very intersting approach. I recommend the book highly. ... Read more

Book Description

Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way will reveal practical biblical techniques to acquiring great wealth, explode the myth that Jesus was poor, challenge the belief that the Bible teaches poverty, help you become financially literate, define once and for all the prosperity message, and teach the body of Christ that wealth is God’s will Growing up in a line shack in Loretta, Wisconsin, Dr. Anderson knows what it is to struggle financially. In Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way he shares the principles, learned through diligence, hard work and personal experience, that brought him from poverty to abundance. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Motivating
I was truly motivated to turn some business ideas into actual businesses by this book. I would recommend this book to all, even if it just for the motivational part. This book has truly inspired me.

The Book Was Life Changing
It is a fascinating book. It is amazing to see how someone who by listening to what God told them, went from very poor to wealthy and successful and the best part is this can happen with anyone.

A book everyone should read
Fantastic Book.
Read it for yourself and it will change your life.

Inspired
I absolutely loved this book.My favorite aspect was his denouncing of the poverty mentality I and many other Christians were taught growing up.I liked how he refuted many of the long held myths that God wants you to be poor simply by expanding the size of the quote used.He showed how many of the poverty principles were taken out of context.I was struggling with the fact that I wanted to be rich but didn't want to be a "bad person." This book has helped me to regain my faith in God by understanding he wants my life to be blessed so I can become a blessing to others

Not Just Hype!
Contrary to what some people may think, this book is NOT just another "name it, claim it" book from a prosperity preacher. Dr. Anderson does far more than simply hype you up; but he truly gives you practical and easy to integrate strategies. More important is the fact that he establishes a firm foundation for the biblical reasons for obtaining great wealth - hence the "...God's Way" in the title. Even if you think all that "prosperity stuff" is not for you, I encourage you to read this book. It is one of the few I've seen with the scriptural backing and common sense logic that might just change your mind. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

David Bach's Smart Women Finish Rich is a homage to the financial wisdom of his grandmother; it's also an excellent foundation for women who are starting to get their financial lives in order. Bach's approach to money management is rooted in years of investment seminars for women and his work as senior vice president of investments at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. During that time he recognized that "people rarely know what is truly driving them emotionally when it comes to money." In response, Bach has written a guide to money management for women based on his belief that "financial planning is as much an emotional issue as it is an intellectual one." Are you considering your values in your work and investing? What part of your daily work is driven by your goals in life? Is your latte habit preventing you from accumulating substantial wealth? Bach addresses tax strategies, wills, insurance, retirement plans, and investments in a highly accessible manner. Smart Women Finish Rich ably bridges the gap between simple saving strategies and preparing for widowhood and financial independence. --Brad Doll ... Read more

Reviews (88)

The BEST Personal Finance Book Out There. PERIOD.
I've read about 90 books on personal finance, frugality, etc., in the past year. This is THE BEST. PERIOD. Bach doesn't tell you how to get rich. He talks to you, coaches you, cajoles you to figure out what's really important to you. And then he tells you how to fund those important goals. I've never seen such a beautiful blend of coaching and advice. After reading the couples version of this book, I got my husband to read it, and then we held a "Finance Night" in which we did all the exercises, talked them through, went over our budgets, insurance coverage, etc., and then came up with a 10-step action plan. This book motivated us to do all that! I've since read the version for women and am getting copies for every one in both our families for Christmas. I personally can't remember the specific financial advice Bach gives. Personally, I think financial strategies need to change as events and circumstances change. I don't need a book for specific strategies. I needed a book to help me figure out very specifically what we wanted out of life, and get me motivated to move in that direction! And that's what this book did.

Well written financial planning primer for women and men.
I am a Certified Public Accountant with a background in financial planning. In February, I purchased the book for myself. The information wasn't new, but it spoke to me in volumes. For Valentine's day, I purchased the book for my assistant and secretary.

I have finished the book once, and have now been going through it a second time implementing each of the seven items.

During tax season, many of my clients ask for advice? What should we be looking to invest our money in? What does the Roth mean? How much insurance do we need? How do we plan for retirement? Should we be making gifts to our children's college fund? Many times I am not able to spend as much time, during the tax season as my client will need to absorb the information provided then begin working on the plan. This book allows my clients the time to understand the basics of financial planning. Know the time requirements on both them and myself to become effective. This is a wonderful starting point.

I often recommend books that I have read on financial planning, but this was the first time that I not only have recommended the book I went out and purchased over a dozen additional copies. I have given them out not just to Smart Women, but young couples, and those looking toward retirement. The information is sound. It's easy to understand. If the steps are followed they will make any client Finish Rich.

Awesome, highly recommend
I picked up this book because I like to read as much as I can about investing. I thought I knew it all--but learned a ton from this book. This book is for every single woman out there. Being financially literate is as important as having good health. It is vital to get finances in order and this book explains how, is easy to followm and Bach makes the topic of money and saving a lot of fun. A must have in your library.

Perfect For Those Who Don't Have A Clue About Finances
I had tried asking others regarding finances but it was the usual in one ear out the other. Learning, hearing and asking questions about finances can be a confusing and frustrating task. I decided to give this book a shot and I was pleasantly pleased.

Everything was spelled out in the simplest terms and explained thoroughly. I can now discuss financial matters with the best of them. This book also pushed me to take those first steps to financial freedom without my old fears.
I also enjoyed the fact that the book discusses how our values are also important and made me think about more than just dollars and cents, but also about what I want out of my life.

I highly recommend this book and also the "Smart Couples Finish Rich". You'll be surprised how much you didn't know!!!

Very Insightful
This is a great book. I had gone to the bookstore to pick up a different book which they did not have. I came across this one and decided to buy it since the other one was not available. This book is very insightful and definitely helps you with your money. It gives steps and worksheets and advise. There are success stories and practical solutions. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Millions of consumers have become trapped in a spiral of debt, but there is hope. If you wants to free yourself from the shackles of debt, this book is for you--it can help you "get out of debt, stay out of debt, and live prosperously." Jerrold Mundis writes in a friendly, engaging style, urging readers to stop the cycle of spending. Mundis knows what he's talking about--he, too, was once thousands of dollars in debt and didn't know where to turn. Anecdotes from Debtors Anonymous folks, plus multiple examples from the writer's own life and ledgers, make How to Get Out of Debt an encouraging read, not a condescending one. Once you start your program, you may want to periodically reread some chapters for inspiration--and fun. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Worth at least 100 times the price
I first read this book almost by accident in September of 1997. I was browsing through a bookstore out of town, and there it was. I thought $7 couldn't hurt. I've tried everything else. Why not this book?

Well, 2 1/2 years later, I've been able to pay off more debt than I care to mention. ($20,000+ comes to mind as a fairly accurate figure). I have often wondered what makes a self-help book really helpful. There are several things about this book that I really liked.

The first is that it is not a book about investments and how to get rich quick. It's not about depriving yourself either. It really doesn't give any specific financial advice which is why I liked it so much. There are other books for stuff like that.

Probably the single most important lesson in this book, and one which has changed my life immensely, is stop borrowing money. Just stop. Do it one day at a time. When I started on my debt repayment plan, I didn't worry so much about paying off my debt as much as not taking on any new debt. If that sounds simplistic, well it is. That's the whole point of this book. It's simple. It's not easy. If you want to heal, stop the bleeding. People who are in the rat race of juggling credit cards are bleeding cash every month. Stop the bleeding first, and then you start to heal.

Another lesson I learned is the monthly spending record. My friends howl when I suggest this. Keep track of every penny, yes every penny, that comes into your life and out of your life. I can say with conviction that that suggestion alone, coupled with not taking on new debt, will make your life so much different, you'll wonder in amazement. The author suggests keeping a weekly spending record and transferring it to a monthly record. I keep just a monthly record. It takes up very little time. It's also very eye opening how much money flows right out the expense column every month. The benefit of this is it allows you to make adjustments and find out where you are bleeding. It's not enough to guess. Until you write down everything, you will never fully understand where your money problems are. You can use a computer spreadsheet or you can do what I do which is write it down on old fashioned paper.

Another lesson this book taught me is that you don't need a credit card. Now there's a revolutionary concept. If you really think about it, how many people in your life including yourself say, "I need a credit card for emergencies." Hogwash! I've had two genuine emergencies in my life where I needed money and needed it fast. Well guess what? I had two choices, I could pay with a credit card or I could pay with cash. I paid with cash. Funny how many people accept cash as a payment these days. If you want to get out of debt, get out of the credit card habit. Use a debit card. I use my Visa debit card for all my amazon.com purchases, and it works beautifully. Same as cash.

One more thing, if you use credit cards and you pay interest every month, do you realize you're making the bank rich? Do you realize you're working for the bank? Whether you like it or not, that's true. Here's another lesson. Look over your credit card balances right now and ask yourself out of all the money you owe, how much stuff do you have to show for it?

Why do I give this book 5 stars? Well, I can divide my life into two time periods. The first time period was everything that happened up until september 14, 1997 which is the day I bought the book, and everything that has happened since then. I have no credit card debt at all since reading that book. I do have a credit card (okay, I cheat) with a $350 limit only to rebuild my credit. I pay it off every month. One word of caution, reading this book can be frustrating at times because you will come to the full realization that your attitude about money is completely wrong and that you are overwhelmed with debt that will take a long time to pay off. Relax. Once you start paying off your debt, it's all downhill. It picks up speed as you go along. I know, I've done it. Thanks Jerrold Mundis for writing this book. I've saved thousands of dollars in interest because of it.

Hope and Help for anyone struggling with debt.
Mundis has been where you are. He's struggled with massive debt, considered bankruptcy, felt despair over low income and climbing credit card balances.

After years of struggle, he found the way out. His method is based on the principles of Debtor's Anonymous, and the keys to the method are these three steps:

1) One day at a time, you don't incur any new debt.
2) You keep an accurate daily spending record.
3) You stick to your spending plan.

Notice I didn't say "three EASY steps." People struggling with debt often find the steps difficult, maybe even impossible, to implement. Why? Lots of reasons, it turns out. The good news is, Mundis helps you understand what those reasons are, and then he shows you ways to find the resolve to stick with the steps.

He offers hope and then some practical help. Truly, I think this is one of the best books I've read on beating debt. I think it will feel like a Godsend to anyone who knows the hopelessness that accompanies crushing debt.

Mundis also has a website. Get the book first, though. If you're a debtor/spender this book is a WORTHWHILE place to spend a bit of cash.

Reviewer: Linda Painchaud

this book is a must have to stop the madness!
this book is a must have if you are tired of passing out all of your money to everyone else but you. If you have bill collectors calling your home and job you need this book. If the student loan people are calling your relatives cause you refuse to answer your phone.... you need this book. If you toss all of your bills and "pink" bills into a corner and never open them you need this book. If you are tired of living paycheck to paycheck get this book. If you keep asking yourself where did my money go? get this book. if y