Money & Investing

Here are the best of the best from my library of money and investing books.

Comfort Zone Investing: Build Wealth and Sleep Well at Night by Ted Allrich I really appreciate the global approach Ted took in this book, while still including PLENTY of particulars to get you going in building your Core Portfolio. Also, it probably helps that Ted’s thought processes and strategy are relatively congruent with my views… though I’m more comfortable with a bit more risk. Ted doesn’t pull any punches about certain topics either. Bad investment strategies, just plain stupid ideas, and ideas that don’t apply to non-millionaires are given quick but fair treatment… just to get your familiar. He mentions them, plainly says this is NOT for anyone who wants to be comfortable, and says a little about them. I appreciate that… a lot. It affords me the opportunity to get a conservative’s opinion and formulate my own. Good stuff.
The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk by William J. Bernstein The math, concepts, and graphs will probably be a bit overwhelming for some (go hit up the Bogle and O’Neil), but this is the key ingredient that pushed me over the belief edge. The statistic that ~90% of all portfolio gains can be attributed to asset allocation hit me… but didn’t stick… until I read this book. I might still “play around” with 2-5% of ‘extra cash’ on value investing, but I can assure you my Core Portfolio will be intelligently allocated from now on. I wish your financial investment journey well and highly recommend making this a permanent addition to your library.
First Comes Love, Then Comes Money: How to Overcome the Number One Problem Couples Face by Bethany Palmer While I’m not entirely sold on the “financial types” and “your type can never be changed” ideas… I took a 20,000 ft approach and took all guides, rules, and ideas at that level. I now have a good guidebook on how to work our new financial partnership and am thankful! This is a topic more couples should DEFINITELY get some insight into. Recommended.
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker This is another soft-skills/mind (duh) finances, wealth, and success book. But it’s done right! Quick, punchy, great bites to take away, and the author’s reading of his own book was fabulous. He started out a little slow but when he got into it… I had a good time! Oh and I especially appreciate the anchoring and continual reframing techniques used… good stuff!
The Art of Profitability by Adrian Slywotzky Just as I suspected… since I didn’t take the author’s advice and take it easy with this one… to really absorb the info and work with the story… I didn’t get a whole lot out of this one – at least not consciously. I enjoyed the story, the presentation of the lessons, and appreciated the overall package. The audiobook was nice as the two main characters were voices by separate people – it worked well. Definitely one to read over a couple of times.
The Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio: The Complete Investment Strategy that Beats the Market by David Gardner This book is a great take on a general feel for investing in the Stock Market. From asset allocation, mutual fund tips, general philosophies, and getting your mind right – the bases are covered here. I was looking for more sound asset planning criteria and methods… and I got them. I’m sure some of the more experienced and fancy investing folks will have some problems with sections of this book – and I can’t wait to read their book! :) Recommended for newbie to intermediate folks interested in long-term investments. Day-traders and really-really old people might not be as interested.
The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder Let it be known that it is a rare thing for me to be simultaneously in-awe, saddened, and inspired by someone especially good at amassing great mountains of wealth and financial success. His journey from (1) laser-beam focused, insanely curious child to (2) a middle-aged multi-millionaire with a neglected family to (3) a mega-billionaire, globally conscious, concerned philanthropist is quite a trip. I feel the book is probably a little long for most people’s liking, but I don’t think the sense of immersion could be achieved at any other lower level of content. This is a good lesson-filled journey on what to do, and not to do, in the life of those who want to make a difference in the world.
The Warren Buffett Way: Investment Strategies of the World’s Greatest Investor by Robert G. Hagstrom It’s Warren Buffett – come on now. If you plan on investing at any level, then you’ve just got to know something about this man and his way of investing. If you’re looking for a quick and to the point version, then I would probably recommend this book. If you’re looking for the long and more biographical version, then I would recommend “The Snowball”. Some of his decisions will make more sense (especially those that ‘seemed’ a little out of place for the Buffett-man).