1 comments about The ABC's of Real Estate Investing (Paperback) & How to Find and Keep Good Tenants (Audio CD - 2006) (Rich Dad).

1. No doubt Ken has made a killing marketing his expertise through book sales and seminars. But don't get it twisted. Ken's expertise is real, hard-won, and proven. Be careful who you get your investing advice from. A property manager may be the most important person on your team - and that's Ken!
   
   He does not suggest that real estate investing is an easy way to make millions by only working 1 hour a week, with one hand tied behind your back - as so many real estate "gurus" suggest. It aint a gripping, emotional appeal to lead millions to become real estate investors like an alter call at church.
   
   It's a textbook, of sorts. I have successfully incorporated his conservative, methodical approach to my due diligence process for acquiring investments.
   
   Think about it: The marketers who made millions selling 'no money down' and 'weekend millionaire' how-to books are now selling how-to make millions buying foreclosures (From the poor, would-be investors who bought their first books, over-leveraged themselves, and now contribute to the flood of foreclosures on the market! Hmmmmm.).

5 comments about The Lies About Money: Achieving Financial Security and True Wealth by Avoiding the Lies Others Tell Us-- And the Lies We Tell Ourselves.

1. As with Mr. Edelman's other books, there is information contained that is worth knowing and reviewing often. He writes with the experience of years of helping with financial matters.



2. OK, after getting to about page 40 I realized that this was an advertisement of his company. Basically, he says to buy every possible stock and go long-term. About 4x10^2 times, he was saying that "his" company was doing just that. Didn't find anything useful, except that you spend more when you retire (never knew that one!). The book's name is really great - it captures attention.



3. This book led me to a major change in my retirement investment strategy.
   
   I had already rolled my various 401(k) plans into IRAs. I had a mix of index mutual funds and individual stocks. But reading this book crystallized for me what the problems were with that.
   
   Although it is true he makes a big pitch for institutional mutual funds, which you can only get from a company like his, he does say you can "do it yourself" with ETFs.
   
   For me it was not a big deal to go to his website for a more tailored asset allocation -- which was free by the way. Then I did some research to map those asset classes to specific ETFs.
   
   The biggest benefit is that I no longer have to agonize about if I am in the right stock or if I should get out of a stock and what should I replace it with. With the market down so much lately, I am able to keep on track and not sell based on fear. All I have to do is apply a constant ratio approach to re-balancing and that's it.
   
   I have done this for the last 3 1/2 months and I am barely down (< 1%) compared to the S&P 500 down 10%. So far so good. Using his approach, you can see the rotation in and out of different asset classes and not worry -- you are in all of them!
   
   As for the sales pitch, I could imagine someone not having the time and inclination to do their own investments and they would benefit from his company's services.



4. This book is largely self-serving. The author shows how hard it is for ordinary people to invest wisely, so that they need investment advisors like him.
   
   His advice to have a wide diversity of investments is contrary to Warren Buffet's technique: own a small amount of investments and study them carefully.



5. Though maybe a tad longer than it could have been, Ric Edelman does a good job of discussing the perils of mutual funds and what to look out for when investing. He makes occasional arguments for hiring financial advisers, but always states that he is not trying to make a case for hiring him. His sections are short, simple, easy to ride and provide a relatively straightforward explanation of the topics. There's a whole theory section on assessing risk that was probably unnecessary, but he warns readers that they are free to skip it. There's an enormous section that is simply a day-by-day timeline of mutual fund scandals that is incredibly tedious and makes its point three pages in (so the other 20 or so are just a waste of paper). Pick it up and read it on a plane, you'll finish quickly and have learned a thing or two.

5 comments about Rich Dad's Advisors®: The ABC's of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss (Rich Dad's Advisors).

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad was great...this is not.
   
   The title of this book is totally misrepresentative of the contents. This book is about buying huge apartment buildings all over the US. Not what I would call ABC's of real estate investing. Furthermore, if you are buying apartment buildings then you are probably too advanced for this book anyway.
   
   The book is very basic and is easy to read. If you just want to get excited about the idea of real estate investing jump in.
   
   If you want something to actually teach you about real estate investing grab a book like "Investing in Real Estate" by McLean and Eldred. Also check out the podcast "Get Real, Real Estate Investing for the Rest of Us".



2. The book was very clear from beginning to end on how to invest in Apartment Complex's! It was step by step and logical. I would feel very comfortable using this book as my sole reference in evaluating and purchasing apartment complexes!!



3. Very simple to read and understand. Practical sound writen plans for real estate investing. Do recomend this book for any one interested in learning the real life basic's in begining real estate investing as a business small to large. Realistic reading of expearance. Made very good since. A straigt forward book of good information.



4. This was a thorough book. The author has real-life experience doing exactly what he writes about. He gives excellent advice on how to find the diamonds in the rough, and how to do 99% of your research BEFORE you spend a dime. I recommend this book to anyone in the industry. Fabulous!



5. This is the first book in the Rich Dad series that actually tells you how to find, buy and manage apartment complexes. The author writes the entire step by step process of locating a good market and a good deal.
   
   The disadvantage is that the step by step process is written in paragraph form, not outline form, so that makes it a little harder to go back and find the step you are looking for after reading the book.

2 comments about Learn to Earn: A Beginner's Guide to the Basics of Investing (The Classic Guide).

1. Having listened to Peter Lynch's "One Up On Wall Street" and "Beating the Street," I found this tape to offer almost nothing new except improved narration from Peter Lynch. You're better off getting one of his earlier works.



2. I was impressed by the content of Learn To Earn and I would buy other CD's of a similar nature.

2 comments about Stock Investing for Dummies 2nd Ed. CD (For Dummies (Lifestyles Audio)).

1. I listened to the CD everywhere I go. It reinforces me to check for fundamentals before buying stocks. It provides specific instructions on what to look for and not speculate. I had bought stocks in the past and did not know company's financial background. Now I will check my current stocks and see if I made the right choice.
   
   The disadvantage of the CD: The author provided a lot of websites and it would be advantangeous to get the book.



2. This is a well written book and worth reading for anyone who is just starting to invest. I think the advice given in this book is very good. It will help you develope a plan for making your money grow. READ THIS BOOK!

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich.

1. Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich
   I have read his first book, Sane investing in and insane world, and learned a TON;..this is better, updated more for todays markets. The third book, goes on to holding on to what you have and it's really practical info. I think he's good if not a genius in his field. Just does what he preaches, homework...Rose Germaine



2. Jim Cramer has allowed me to have peace of mind about my small investments. I am 77 and have not known who to believein this trepid market; however, I have found him to be straight forward, honest and dedicated to help the little investor. I have read all his books and watch his program. I wouldn't consider a move without him. Right now he is advising me to sit still and believe you me, I am following Jim Cramer's advice.
   Love ya',
   Peggy Wildman
   Dallas, Texas 75205



3. This book is more of a suppliment to one of Jim Cramer's earlier writings with some updates to his previous commentary. It's a shorter read than his earlier two investment books and focuses on some of the same topics as in earlier books but with updated information.
   
   I personally take notes when I read books like this and find his strategy to be a very good one. The cream of the crop in this book however is his detailed explanation and back of the book hand out for "doing the homework". As you may or may not know, Jim Cramer doesn't believe in Buy & Hold, but Buy & Homework. In review of a stock I now do the following:
   
   1. Review companies balance sheet
   2. Compare companies current PEG to it's peers, sector and industry
   3. Review it's trading multiple
   4. Review it's dividend yeild (and compare to others)
   5. Develop a thesis on why I like the stock
   6. Listen to the quarterly conference calls (this is a BIG tip and as boring as they can be, you really should do this)
   7. Review the quarterly and annual reports
   8. Become as familiar with where I believe the stock is GOIGN rather than where it's been.
   
   Jim goes into some specifics about how to watch his show, what to take seriously, how to and what to listen for when he has guests on his show, and a key one, that the Lightning Round is really just for fun and there is no real work that has been put into this segment of the show.
   
   Overall, Jim Cramer writes about investing in a way that is enjoyable and understandable for the common investor who believes that we can manage our own portfolios well enough on our own. I would recommend that you take these writings seriously and come to terms with what you believe to be true and then test them.
   
   While I prefer his previous two books in regards to this subject more, I found this book to be worth the buy and I'm proud to have it in my library.



4. A great follow-up by Jim Cramer to his book "Real Money." In "Real Money" (read that one first), Jim explains some of the basic ideas you can use to stay slightly ahead of the market. Jim often says (in his books and on TV) that he doesn't believe in a pure "buy and hold" strategy, but rather "buy and homework." In Real Money he explains some ways you can know the time to BUY... in this book he adds more detail, and further explains all of the required HOMEWORK you have to do before buying, and what you have to do to know when to SELL SELL SELL. His style is entertaining, and his language is straightforward. A great book for those small investors looking for plain talk and a way to understand the market.



5. I've heard all Jim's books and I remain a huge fan of his teachings. I have utilized his advice for my investment strategy.

5 comments about Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money (Rich Dad's).

1. This is the first kiyosaki's book I read and it revolutionized my idea about money. I wish I could have read it 7 years ago before I finished my ph.D in Biochemistry. I wanted to be an entrepreneur for many years but it's the thought that wanting to be safe and getting a secure job keeping me from it... Now I am thinking about getting a MBA. I highly recommend this book to anyone wants to know some truth about money and even life!! If you have not read any other kiyosaki's books, I think this is the one you should start with but not "rich dad poor dad". This book contains most of the ideas from "rich dad poor dad". It updated "rich dad poor dad" and has a lot more practical suggestions.



2. It was very fun to read though. It definetly follows in the line of his other books



3. This is a great read for anyone looking to learn how money really works. We need to put this into the cmoneyuricullum at every school so kids learn something about the real world before getting shoved out into the cold.



4. This was an excellent book. The book has taught me a lot about the true state of the Union. Robert tells you what the main stream media and the government will not admit. Both the Democrates and the Republican party have really messed things up for you and I, in this beloved country of ours. From reading Robert's book you would get the idea that the "Central Banks" both foreign and domestic are running our puppet government. The average citizen has been sold out by the rich and the greedy. God bless and protect us from the storms both now and yet to come!



5. Another solid book. I read all his books and they are all motivational. You learn 50% new stuff, and 50% is just relaying the foundation. But it helps to stay submerged in his stuff to motivate yourself into taking action!

5 comments about Mastering the Rockefeller Habits: What You Must Do to Increase the Value of Your Fast-Growth Firm.

1. This is by far the best business book I have ever read, and I have read many. This book is full of "roll up your sleeves" "get er done" practical tools and techniques. All referenced forms are available on Harnishe's website as well. The book is so readable, succinct and full of "Well Duh!" techniques and procedures that I found myself amazed that these basic techniques are not being used in more businesses.
   
   This could be the only "how to" manual any consultant would ever need to initiate transformational changes within client organizations.



2. I must say that the simpler management frameworks are the ones that stick with me. This book puts forth a few key management principles that are helpful for most companies.



3. Bring organization to your organization. Hold people accountable for their work. These are some of the biggest problems I hear over and over from entrepreneurs who have emerged from the start-up phase and are trying to grow their business into a profitable machine. This book is an easy read and gives you all the tools you need. A must have for anyone looking to take their business beyond their garages.



4. As a university instructor and entrepreneur, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The one page strategic plan is brilliant and very doable by anyone in just a few hours time. Simple and straightforward - that's what this book teaches and that's what you should do to succeed....so Read this one for sure.



5. I would love to review this book for you. However, I have still not received it even though I have been charged for it! Can you please help me either get my book or get a credit to my credit card? Thank you!

5 comments about Rich Dad's Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Everything You Need to Know to Profit from Precious Metals Now (Rich Dad's Advisors).

1. For why you should read this book, please read other positive reviews.
   
   I ordered a few American Eagle Silver monster boxes (case of 500) at his website GoldSilver.com, and it turned out to be the most extreme under-promising and over-delivering shopping experience I've ever had. Prior to buying, I was fully aware of the "We can't guarantee the delivery date (it will probably be a while) but we can absolutely guarantee it will be delivered" disclaimer on the site, and had also gotten spoken words of "expect to wait up to (many) months" on the phone from GoldSilver.com reps. Long story short: I received my shipment 16 days after I placed the order.
   
   So please read the book, and if (and only if) it make sense to you, try to look for physical silver (or gold), anywhere, to buy.
   
   Thanks!



2. Wait a second. Don't read this book now. First buy all the gold coins or bullion that you can because there isn't any time to waste. Then, read the book and you'll understand why your purchase was so urgent and so wise. As I write this, the spot price for gold is pushing $900 per ounce. I got into gold about $20 ago. Although I already understood a lot of the things this book explains, I had always put the purchase of gold on the back burner because I never really connected all the dots. However, when the current credit crisis happened and the government began talking about a Trillion dollar bailout (of course, it will cost at least 3 times that - it always does), I knew that the unavoidable result would be a devaluation of the dollar. Therefore, in order to preserve the value of my dollars, I transferred them into gold. I THEN read Michael Maloney's book. If I had been able to see the big picture as I now understand it after reading his book, I would have bought gold years ago and been way ahead of the game at this point. However, I don't regret my delayed entry into gold because I now UNDERSTAND that when it comes to the devaluation of our currency and the resulting increase in the price of gold, "we ain't seen nothing yet". So, even if the price of gold is $1,500 or $2,000 per ounce by the time that you read this, buy it anyway because that price is still only the beginning. I am not saying that you are going to profit by owning gold (although you probably will), I am saying this because your dollars MUST continue to decrease in value. If this sounds confusing, don't worry. After you read the book you will completely understand what I am saying. One last thing. This is NOT one of those doomsday books. It is an intelligent, logical presentation of facts which gives YOU the knowledge and tools to come to your own conclusions EVEN when the financial forces that drive the economy change and require a different investment strategy. Once you understand this, you will not need someone else to tell you what to do, you will be able to decide for yourself the best course of action because you will understand what CAUSES things to happen in the economy. It has never been so true that "knowledge is power".



3. Michael Maloney gives a very insightful and interesting recount of the history of gold and silver money. He explains how these metals have always won over fiat or paper currencies.
   
   Today, not a currency in the world is backed by gold or silver.
   Understanding this before the rest of the world catches on - this will be one of the greatest financial discoveries you may make in your lifetime.
   
   I have read numerous books on the coming collapse of our Dollar and on the best ways to invest in the precious metals market. This Guide is best in show. It is both fun to read (not doomey and gloomey) and educational (not difficult to understand).
   
   Get it, Read it, and Act on it soon as the early birds get the best spot prices ;-)



4. This was a great book. I first listened to the audio book version then read the book with a highlighter. Have been investing in real money now for about a year. What this book did for me is to "steel" my resolve and am currently creating a plan based on information in this book as well as resources sited. Thanks to Mike, Kiyosaki & Ron Paul!



5. This book systematically spells out the history of fiat currency and precious metals/bullion and what governments throughout history have done to devalue money. It also spells out what the public has done as a result and paints a clear picture of what we should do now to protect and build our own wealth.

5 comments about Sales Success - The Techniques of Effective Sales, from Connecting to Closing! (Audio Success Suite).

1. This is by far one of the best and informative books ever. It is a must have for your collection and success. I strongly recommend this book.



2. Since opening up my 2 man company - I was looking for something more than a book to help and motivate us. Books were not the way for us.
   The DVDs are totally worth their value ten fold.
   The speakers are truly inspirational and hit the target in their speeches. I listen to them in the car, in my player.
   It doesn't only apply to sales people, anyone who is striding towards any goal in their life could deeply benefit from these DVDs.



3. Do you want a few quick tips to be a successful sales person? Do you want to get inspired and motivated to pursue your self-development goals? You should listen to this audio deck. Though the compilation is called "Sales Success", it is useful for anyone who aspires to be successful. You don't have to be a sales person.
   
   The CDs cover all topics including selling techniques, leadership, communication, networking, negotiation, and memorizing people's names. You would also get to know the different styles of persuasion. I like the ones from Zig Ziglar & Patricia Fripp. Imagine going to a convention where all these great speakers are present in the stage talking just to YOU. That is the experience you would get from listening to this collection.
   
   These CDs are good ones to listen to while driving your car or when going for a morning walk/jogging.



4. If you are in sales this is a great course for a weekend. The tips you will pick up will help you close more deals.



5. It's not a bad four disk set, I sometimes still throw in the Hopkins disc to work on different closes, but the set leaves a little to be desired. Instead of breaking the discs down into different tracks, each disc is just one track. This makes it extremely difficult when you're enrolled in "automobile university" and want to review just certain portions of the material.