5 comments about America's Financial Apocalypse: How to Profit from the Next Great Depression.

1. This book is a remarkable presentation of material that could easily consume several books. The best part is that he gets EVERYTHING right. The author presents a fairly objective view of US economic policy and the financial markets. He realizes that the nation's free markets have become highly corrupt and are need of major repair. And the #1 problem is lack of universal health care.
   
   Unlike any other book related to this topic, this one not only discusses the current problems and have predicted them with astonding accuracy, but it also makes predictions for several years thereafter. He concludes that the US stock market has been in a bear correction mode since 2001 and will remain there until around 2012, registering average annual returns of around 2-3%. So far he has been absolutely correct. He also discusses what will happen after that period -- a depression.
   
   This book goes over so many topics and supports everything with a hue reference list at the back that I found it more helpful for understanding how the economy and stock market work than any book I have ever read. The author's analysis is unparalleled. I strongly recommend this book.



2. The author shows how America has changed economically. It also discusses critical changes to the nation's social and educational fabric. Although first written in 2006, it predicted both the extent and severity of the real estate shakeout including devastation to the banks.
   
   But as the author points out, this is only the beginning. As the baby boomers retire and peak oil is reached, many other problems will surface. Specifically, Medicare and Medicaid threaten to bankrupt the nation. While Social Security can be fix with little pain if the apprpriate changes are made now, the real problem is not so much with solvency as it is with diminished buying power and the reliance on this program as the primary income during retirement.
   
   The author emphasizes the top 2 problems with America - health care and free trade. He discusses why America continues to mortgage off its most critical assets to foreign interests in exchange for non-essential imports. The results of these trends have already registered, with most foreign currencies posting huge gains compared to the dollar. And without a uniform playing field, America can not expect to compete in a global free market system since all other developed nations provide health care and pensions by the government. As a result, jobs have been sent overseas. While some companies have shutdown permanantly, most have benefited from corporate migration to Asia. As a result, corporate profits reached a 60-year high over the past 4 years, accounting for the surge in the stock market in 2007. But as the author points out, the stock market has been in a bearish correction mode since 2001. He predicts that during this 2001-2012 time frame, the market will yield average annual returns of around 3%. Thereafter, things will get worse, as the effects of the baby boomers and peak oil will cause a global slowdown in the economy.
   
   Soaring inflation and interest rates are expected, as well as soaring gold and oil prices. The analysis and predictions contained within this book are supported by an enormous volume of data, unlike anything I have ever seen. This is a very unique book and was well-thought out, unlike most out there. For readers who want to get through the material in a couple of days, I recommend the Condensed Edition, released in early 2007 and updated in certain spots. It is also considerably less expensive I highly recommend either editions. I own both editions, and I expect to refer to them for years to come.



3. SYNOPSIS: The illusion of over two decades of economic greatness in America was created in large part by Greenspan's bubble economy. But the author paints a different picture of America and makes chilling predictions for its future. Only those who can see through the smoke signals created by Washington will be able to avert and/or profit from America's next depression. And this book definitely allows one to see through the smoke screen.
   
   CONTENTS
   The author begins by briefly summarizing America's history, noting key events. Only later are some of these events revisited (monetary policy, wealth disparity, oil, pre-depression conditions) when appropriate to emphasize their significance within modern day America. Next, he discusses the economic effects of free trade. Finally, he reviews America's declining edge in education and innovation, ending Part 1 of the book with an overview of America's future.
   
   Part 2 discusses the major problems today--with chapters on U.S. debt, healthcare, Social Security, pension plans, and the real estate bubble. Part 3 opens with a tutorial of how the government manipulates economic data such as the GDP and inflation. He then extends earlier discussions on the credit bubble, the economic consequences of the baby boomers, fraud and control by corporate America, and the effects of peak oil. He concludes with 3 chapters devoted to short and long-term forecasts in the stock market and provides a very sound investment strategy to profit both before and during America's Next Great Depression.
   
   OPINION & REVIEW
   This is by far the most informative investment book I have read this year and the very best on this topic. The author is clearly an expert on investments and economics. The book is as well-organized as a college text book but reads much better, is easier to understand, and you will learn more. If you like to see actual data to back up statements you will love this book, as it has been extremely well researched. The author's command of the subject matter is impressive in both depth and coverage...exactly what I needed to be convinced of a coming depression.
   
   I especially enjoyed the chapters on the real estate bubble, health care, retirement, and the one showing how the government manipulates economic numbers. The investment advice is very valuable and rational and is fully supported by the previous 16 chapters.
   
   When you read this book, it will be nearly impossible to disagree with the author's conclusions and investment advice because of the enormous amount of supporting evidence. It will cause you to rethink dozens of issues and introduce many others you probably weren't aware of.
   
   And if you are like me, the book will motivate (or scare) you to demand politicians address these issues instead of ignoring them. The main reason they don't deal with difficult issues is because (as the author points out) they don't want to risk losing a reelection. Corruption serves as a motivation for other politicians. As long as voters are not fully aware of the problems challenging America's empire, they will continue to avoid engineering effective solutions. If all voters read America's Financial Apocalypse, they would force politicians to confront these difficult issues. That would be the only way to avoid a depression.
   
   To the author: Thank You for this essential, eye-opening book!



4. This Book Really Delivers
   
   Unlike other books that discuss America's problems, this one does not focus on one or two problems but presents all of the major issues America is facing from economic, social and global political issues, to all of the financial issues. Rather than focusing on America's national debt as a primary issue, the author realizes that no one problem is strong enough to take down the greatest nation on earth. Instead, the book discusses the two biggest problems in America--the healthcare crisis and free trade, which have accelerated America's declining competitiveness. The author also explains the misconceptions of the state of Social Security, the global oil shortage, continued presence in Iraq and growing tensions in the middle east, the real estate bubble, the pension problems and many more topics; all of this in addition to the growing record national debt and trade deficits. And he relates all of this together to the Baby Boomers.
   
   He also makes an excellent case for Alan Greenspan, or the "Great Bubble Maestro" as the author labels him as a primary cause of much of America's stock market and real estate bubbles. Perhaps the greatest achievement of this work is that the author presents exhaustive data to back his points, something I have yet to be seen elsewhere. It is easy for someone to say that healthcare needs to be fixed or that America's living standards are in decline, but the author shows all of the date to support almost everything he mentions.
   
   He also makes very reasonable but adverse predictions for the dollar, long-term interest rates, and explains why America has a major economic correction that is inevitable. He points out well that we never recovered from the recession thought to have ended in 2001-2002, and Americans have been using credit to fuel the economy. The author goes at lengths to prove this and he even illustrates how the most critical economic numbers such as GDP and inflation have been manipulated by the government.
   
   Even if this book did nothing more than to point out these issues, it would be a great achievement. But the author goes further to predict a major depression and he pays out very rational low-risk recommendations for investments.
   
   I could see this book being useful for everyone--working Americans, activists, politicians, economists, and citizens concerned about America's future, as well as investors at all levels. It is truly a critical read.



5. Although over 500 pages, I was glued to this book because of its full coverage and detail of the topics. The real estate bubble chapter alone is better than other books I have read devoted solely to this topic. The same can be said of the debt, Social Security, Pension, and Debt chapters. And although the author does not devote a chapter on the global oil situation, he talks about it extensively in many chapters and covers it in more detail with better insight than any other book I have read exclusively devoted to this topic.
   
   The 3 chapters on investments are brilliant and stem from the analysis and data presented in the previous 15 chapters. I am a very experienced and successful investor and the information within this book has opened my eyes and I plan to send a copy to my local Congressmen as well as my financial advisor. In fact, getting this book is like getting 6 books rolled up into one. The author obviously spent a very long time doing his research and analysis and it shows. This book puts all others related to America's economy and future to shame. And unfortunately, I am afraid the conclusions he has made will come to fruition, but now I will be ready.
   
   Thank you for opening my eyes to the realities of America.

5 comments about Lessons From the Trader Wizard.

1. I found this book to be a good read and reference for a busy professional like myself. It gave me a better understanding of when to buy a stock and more importantly for me, when to sell. If you are familiar with Bill's blog on the web you will find the book is more formal but written in a similar personal easy-to-read style. If you find yourself buying and selling at the wrong time, you might want to read this book.



2. I am a mining professional that has always been intersted in self directing my investments, but thoroughly bewildered by the unanticipated movements of the markets. I was refered to Bill's web site by another mining professional that experienced the same seemingly illogical variations in market movements. Bill's web site brought him closer to 'figuring things out'. It has started to do the same for me.
   
   Bill's book compiles all the bits of guidance from over the years in a structured path to allow the reader to see the market for what it really is (it's us!) and what forces are working with you and against you.
   
   Bill's previous worldly investing and market experience shows through in each and every chapter. Some stories actually made me laugh out loud (being underground during a blast, HA!), all the while teaching the concepts a trader and investor need to know.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone that is a bit bewildered about the market and is looking for a guide on what really makes things tick and how inter-related the market forces really are. Great work Bill, looking forward to your next one.



3. If you have traded for some time don't use money and time on this book. This book is for the beginner who wants to have some understanding of the markets. It is very superficial in its description.



4. Bill Cara (aka William Ciccarelli) has produced an important book on modern financial markets. He has achieved this in spite of:
   1. the difficulty of going from blog to book
   2. the difficulty of writing a first book and attempting to pack a lifetime of knowledge into 404 pages
   3. the difficulty in deciding on the knowledge and experience of the targeted reader
   4. the difficulty of going against conventional wisdom
   
   But if you give him a chance, Bill succeeds on all counts. Let me be more specific.
   
   I read Bill's blog (www.billcara.com) daily. I like reading him in a conversational mode. I read his reactions to market and political events as well as his responses to questions from readers. One useful feature of both his blog and his book is the frequent use of URL's directing the reader to relevant content of other internet sites.
   
   After a lifetime of participation in financial markets, Bill has definite opinions about how markets work. He personally knows many of the good and bad guys. Even 404 pages is little space to review these lifetime experiences.
   
   Most readers come to his book without these relevant life experiences. The reader could be a novice or very experienced investor or anywhere in between, but not someone like Bill who slugged it out daily with the market makers. Bill does not have the benefit of being a graduate professor of finance who knows that his students have completed the prerequisite courses. Therefore, he devotes about half of the book to finance 101 for the beginners.
   
   I think the book's strongest points are made in attitude rather than technique. Bill risks being labeled an eccentric because his advice (observations) goes against conventional investor wisdom. He argues that buying and holding quality stocks for the long run will not make much money. Instead, buy quality stocks when the market dislikes them and sell them when they are back in favor. The only thing that counts is the price. Good stocks go through price cycles of being over and under priced. Do not trust the financial press, particularly the talking heads on the financial networks. Assume that the investment houses, particularly the sell siders have their own agenda to make themselves rich and you poor.
   
   
   Most appreciation of capital occurs slowly over long periods of time through increases in productivity. Other changes in price are a zero sum game. The markets produce an inherent conflict of interest between those who can control the value of assets by either large sums of capital or control of information. The individual investor is confronting an enemy which can be the large investment banks, corporate insiders or even the government.
   
   Government uses its own considerable resources to maintain low interest rates, maintain low inflation, promote prosperity, relieve poverty and fight wars. It also attempts to be an honest broker among special interests. But from time to time it stumbles.
   
   When the balance between social justice and self interest fails, the responsible parties have the chance to apologize, obfuscate or tell what they know is untrue. When the expansion of credit produces unintended consequences, who is to blame? The American voters have the opportunity each 4 years to decide who they believe and who they hold accountable for prior failures. Markets make this decision daily. The individual investor makes this decision daily, weekly or less often depending on his/her limitations of time, experience and determination.
   
   A lot of the advice (observation) might seem erroneous if it were not for Bill's daily account on his blog of the financial market gyrations of the past decade and particularly the failure of the mortgage and banking regulation in September 2008.
   
   I am recommending this book to my son. He is a successful professional and beginning his life as an investor. He is a prodigious saver, using mutual funds as his major store of wealth. He buys stocks from time to time but does not have the time to engage the financial markets like his retired father. He has no formal education in finance and will benefit from the didactic part of the book. He is beginning to doubt the expertise of financial experts and the fairness of the financial markets. He is asking himself how he can maintain the value of his savings and someday be able to retire and write book reviews like his father.



5. Like a Zen master who must first teach 'un-learning' of habits and behaviours to their students, Bill's writing focuses on the basics but engages with his readers with respect and an intensity of knowledge that I have rarely seen covered in any topic area, let alone something as complicated and confusing as the capital markets. I have re-assessed my investing and trading styles so fundimentally thanks to Bill's sharing of insight, advice and the thousand other tidbits that build a great trader. This book in tandem with following his blog / community will give you the tools and the safe place to make changes that are as much about personal empowerment as they are the mechnics of putting your money to work.
   
   My sincere hats off... I look forward to many more years of following Bill and his compadres....

3 comments about The Money Mystery: The Hidden Force Affecting Your Career, Business, and Investments (An Uncle Eric Book).

1. the money mystery is a quality book made by blue stocking press. this book helps to reveal the hidden indicators affecting youre investments. it also shows you the problems of the financial panic of 1980 and how you can learn from them.

   Economics is a young and exact science and this book shows you how to understand it clearly and exactly. As you read through this book several investment tips will be provided for you. such tips as how to make a profit in a period of inflation,recession, deflation and a depression. but one cold hard fact reamains, You must plan ahead and watch for the indicators! the money mystery explains cleary what to look for and how to profit from them. I recommend this book highly :^)




2. It is amazing to say this but I feel like I am actually taking another course of study that should be part of my college curriculum. Mr. Maybury's books have allowed me to examine an area of study that I have been intimidated by for years. Economics never held any fasination for me in the past but when I am done with his series of books I may actually look into seeking further education in that subject. His books have given me the confidence to tackle that foe.

   One cannot wait to finish whichever book they are currently reading to move on to the next in the series in order to avoid loosing any of the recall from the previous ones. This is book three and I am already eying number 4, "Whatever Happened to Justice," on my bookshelf.

   Mr. Maybury has opened up the world of history, economics, money management, political backroom tactics, moral issues and government, bringing them all together in an easily understandable way to help us increase our understanding and improve ourselves.

   Great Book.




3. Excellent primer in economics, that is for the layman like myself. In lucid, clear terms, Maybury describes the meanings of the demand for money, velocity and inflation and how it affects us from all over the world.
   
   In this, low velocity exists in the low volume of currency being transferred due to persons holding on to their money, while high velocity exists in higher volumes of money transfer. And while the government inflates the money supply to pay for their expenses, inflation occurs which can lead to the second stage of devalue and inflation and third stage of runaway inflation. And so the government then raises interest rates and stops printing in attempt to slow down the inflation, which usually brings on a recession. It is here where many businesses are adversely affected from expansion from the inflation, only to be severely affected during the recession.
   
   In this, Maybury brings out the history lesson from the French, prior the revolution, from over inflating the money supply and the subsequent results of runaway inflation; the end result was a new government with a dictator, Napoleon. And the history of President Carter's freeze on Iranian assets in response to the hostages held for the U.S. protection of the overthrown Shah. And so such a freeze caused panic in the other Arab countries, who could not liquidate their assets so quickly as they were bound in real estate and other non-liquid holdings. And then Carter's embargo on Russia from her invasion in Afghanistan also created a panic in the economy, the dollar way down, gold way up. Lessons to learn.
   
   Helpful advise is given on how to invest - short term, on what to watch for, the curve in interest. A great theory is given on what has been happening over the recent years. The ideas are that the U.S. has been issuing bonds with greater interest which people buy and subsequently hold on to. This way the government can print to their hearts desire and not increase the velocity and inflation and the deficit can go up to unlimited degrees. But this however will bottom out one day when people become aware. And when that does, look out, there will be runaway third stage inflation - a disaster. So there are things to do and watch for and Maybury is truly beneficial and helpful, significant advice, knowledge and insight to be more alert in what to watch for.
   
   What also is highly recommended are Maybury's other books in economics, "What ever Happened to Penny Candy?" and "The Clipper Ship Strategy."

5 comments about You Got Screwed! Why Wall Street Tanked and How You Can Prosper.

1. Jim Cramer rules. Anyone who can mix schadenfreude (German for vicarious pleasure in others' misery), Pangloss from CANDIDE, sports analogies, and pop culture references with a straight shooting approach to finance and investing is cool. More importantly, he does a better, more readable job of dissecting big bad Corporate America than Michael Moore ever could (Cramer and Moore both got skewed in a bad-guy list of RADAR that stated the scariest facts about both, respectively, were "Is married and has children," and "Won an Oscar"). Jim Cramer isn't a get-rich-quick franchise.



2. James J. Cramer is responsible for much of what occurred during the tech bubble. He was a cheerleader for the tech boom and now says that others got screwed? HE WAS DOING THE SCREWING! This is hypocrisy at its best.
   
   From his near firing at Goldman to the collapse of his own company (TheStreet.com is down 90% plus from its IPO price) Cramer is a genius - at cashing in on his own failures.
   
   Do not touch this book with a 50 foot pole.



3. Don't get me wrong, I kinda like Cramer. He's entertaining. He's funny. He's run a successful Hedge Fund. He's made a lot of money. He's also often wrong.
   
   Here's my personal experience with Cramer. A few weeks before the collapse of Tyco, Cramer was hyping the stock on his Real Money radio program. If I remember the quote correctly he said, "I would be remiss if I didn't buy Tyco at these levels". So Tyco fell to $32, I bought 1,000 shares. Tyco went to $35 a week later, I sold and made a sweet profit. A week after that Tyco tanked. The rest is history.
   
   I got lucky.
   
   Even though I made money, I suddenly realized how foolish it is to buy stock on the advice of any pundit. I counted my blessings, thanked God I didn't get creamed, and learned a valuable lesson. I wonder how many others weren't so fortunate.
   
   This book fires bazooka rounds at the corporate excesses of the 90's and early years of the millennium. It lobs well deserved grenades into the boardrooms of the brokerage industry. Then it spits a pea shooter's worth of advice at how to avoid getting "screwed" again. Like I said, Cramer is entertaining.
   
   Clearly, Cramer is angry at something or somebody. Maybe he's feeling guilty about his own contributions to the largess of Wall Street and wants to make amends. If that's the case then I understand why he wrote this book. It's a laudable goal. Who knows?
   
   What I do know is there's nothing really new in this book. It provides some very interesting background information about a pivotal point in the country's financial history. It readdresses some of the deck stacking practices of the financial services industry, and it rehashes, in a minimal way, sage self-help advice that can be found in numerous other places for free.
   
   It's not a bad book. And Cramer is not a bad guy. I actually believe the Real Money Cramer is a far different man than the Hedge Fund Cramer. A man for the better in my opinion. So I give him the benefit of the doubt.
   
   If you know nothing about how corporate shenanigans work or how Wall Street works this book is a good primer. You'll just have to go elsewhere for the details.



4. In late December 1999/early January 2000 at the height of the tech bubble, Jim Cramer appeared on CNBC and screamed this mantra like a maniac at viewers, "If you don't buy ICGE now you are an idiot!! ICGE -- ICGE -- I SEE GE -- I SEE THE NEXT GE -- Get it -- Get it now!" If I remember correctly those were the words he screamed in a fury. The word "idiot" may have been "imbecile" but the point is he wanted to make you feel really stupid if you missed this golden opportunity.
   
   Shortly afterwards the stock started dropping like a rock and Internet Capital Group fell from something like $220 a share to half that in no time flat. Now check out a chart to see where the next General Electric is.
   
   How Jim Cramer got away with this is beyond me. I just found an article in my archives dated 12/20/1999 about "Why Jim Cramer is a Big Fan of Internet Capital Group" but because of copyright laws I don't believe I am allowed to post it here. In the article he stated that his hedge fund owned a large stake in the company and that he was looking to buy more on any pullbacks. What a load of bull. When he says BUY, you should say BYE as you switch to another TV channel.
   
   Good luck if you put your trust in this guy.



5. This short but very informative book gives you a history lesson on how companies have been screwing over the public for years to make a small group of people a lot of money, It teaches you how to watch for it and avoid becoming a victim of insider trading yourself.
   
   Worth every penny.

3 comments about Investment Strategies of Hedge Funds (The Wiley Finance Series).

1. The best attribute of this book is that it doesn't mislead the book buyer by presenting a big and juicy carrot on its title, only to fail the reader expectations throughout the book. In a nutshell, if you want to know what does mean covertible arbitrage, market neutral, distressed securities, merger arbitrage and so so, you'll get a detailed answer in there.
   
   Chances are, however, the book buyer is searching for sources of inspiration for her own investment portfolio or her hedge fund selection process. In that case, the book is not worth it because it doesn't provide any evidence of what could be the strategies that might benefit the most from the current state in financial markets or which might benefit from future states or under uncertainty, etc. The book is just a compilation of known hedge fund strategies, a technical dictionary if you will, where you get a detailed explanation of this and that but no insight on when or where.



2. A great book of explanations on investment strategies. An easy read that explains each strategy a hedge fund might employ. If you want to invest in hedge funds or you are studying to someday run a hedge fund, you need to know what they do. There are so many blogs, articles, news reports out there telling how risky these vehicles are. Make your own mind up. Read this book.



3. To get a quick overview of hedge-fund strategies, this is the book to read. Descriptions are not so precise that you can start trading afterwards, but sufficiently detailed that get an idea of what's going on without resorting to too many unexplained lingo.

5 comments about Making Hard Cash in a Soft Real Estate Market: Find the Next High-Growth Emerging Markets, Buy New Construction--at Big Discounts, Uncover Hidden Properties, ... Private Funds When Bank Lending is Tight.

1. Well done. And great timing. The only thing missing from this book is what most others lack - a detailed treatment of the evidence and extent of the real estate bubble, and guidance how to read changing market conditions. For this, I strongly recommend "Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble" as a companion book. Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble Together, both books should be all you need.



2. My profession has lead me to read many, many real estate investing books and truth be told, most are mediocre at best -- this book is not one of those! I don't know either Ms. Patton, or Mr. Ryan, but I have read Ms. Patton's previous book and I think that this one is even better. In my opinion, Ms. Patton and Mr. Ryan have managed to put together a very timely, readable and informative book. Not just a rehash of the basics, this book offers information that actually advances the base of knowledge available to the average investor.
   
   In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording.
   
   "Hard Cash In A Soft Real Estate Market," is a very good book that will jump you light years ahead of the average investor. I would suggest that you buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.



3. Even if you are not a real estate investor you can understand these clear and structured techniques. You will learn strategies to take advantage of a good or "bad" market... and then, become an investor.



4. This was not what I had hoped for. The real estate market is in a "Soft time" and I had expected some good advise for the current investment market. There is really none in this book. There are a couple of chapters on how not to be afraid to invest. One on seller financing and one on the subdivision development process. Nothing new or interesting or relevant for the individual investor.



5. If you think books on real estate investments are dull and hard to understand, read MAKING HARD CASH IN A SOFT REAL ESTATE MARKET by Wendy Patton and Justin Ryan.
   
   Their "let's sit down together and we'll talk you through it" approach will inspire readers to get involved in real estate investing and will give them the necessary information needed to take that first step.
   
   Jewel P. Arata

5 comments about How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett: Profiting from the Bargain Hunting Strategies of the World's Greatest Value Investor.

1. 1) The first quote on the back cover is from Mary Buffett. Mary's claim to fame is that she divorced Warren's son and then got into the investment book business. If you can't do that 'math' or you buy into the '*****' reviews for this book I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you. 2) Throw out the chapter on 'Warren on Arbitrage'. I've worked in equity arb. Most of this chapter is either outright false or highly misleading. 3) Entire sections of this book read as if they were excerpted from Hagstrom's or John Train's books. 4) The only reason I didn't give this book zero stars was it had some nice quips about value investing in general.



2. This is book says it about Buffet's way of picking stocks, but it is not. I'm sure Buffet would scream if he ever read this book. It not only isn't Buffet's strategy, it is bad advise too. Don't buy this book. If you've read it, disregard everything you learned before you lose money. Read Buffet or Graham and get it straight from the horse's mouth, and learn the intelligent way to pick stocks. This book stinks!



3. I am an avid reader of Warren Buffett's writings, and I believe that Warren Buffett would disagree with many items in this book. For example, Warren Buffett previously described his method of discounting companies in other articles, and it does not match the author's description.
   
   I can see how this book would be highly rated to someone not familiar with the details of Buffett's own articles and letters. But in my opinion, the book appears to only about 80% in agreement Buffett's previous writings. This book can give the reader a good overview of Warren Buffett's methods if they do not pay strict attention to the author's details.



4. A $10,000 investment in Warren Buffett's original 1956 portfolio would today be worth a staggering $250 million ... after taxes! What are his investing secrets?
   
   How To Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett contains the answers, and shows, step by profitable step, how any investor can follow Buffett's path to consistently find bargains in all market conditions: up down, or sideways. Relatively short and easy to read, How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett is an excellent introduction to the world of value investing.The book is relatively short and should provide a satisfying read.



5. I've read about 5 "Buffett" books and they ranged from utter garbage (the daughter-in-law books) to the mildly interesting. None really helped me invest better.
   
   This book is different. I've read it probably 10 times now. Every chapter can change they way you think about investing.
   
   The writing is clear and simple.
   
   What follows is a totally groundless statement - i have zero evidence of this - but... the only other writer I know who writes so clearly on investment is Buffett himself, which leads me to suspect he may have been involved in the writing of this book ...or maybe Buffet is the real writer. (apologies to mr vick - take my comment as a compliment if you really did write this)
   
   Even if Buffett isnt the real writer, my guess is that this is the book he would write.
   
   It's my favourite book on investment. I have five or so copies at any one time and hand them out to friends who ask me for investment advise.

5 comments about Trump Strategies for Real Estate: Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor.

1. This book is great for somebody looking to find the 'big picture' in real estate, with some very helpful thoughts to guide decisions. Working in real estate, I have already used much of the advice in this book with my real estate clients with great success. Though not all thoughts apply to my area, the book as a whole was a great read.



2. This book is very informative about how to change your thinking as well as your practices when it comes to real estate. Very great book for a begginner investor.



3. its a good book for anyone to read and its been a big help to me.
   i suggest you read it if you intrested in investment.



4. This is one of those books that actually accomplishes what it sets out to do. For anyone who has ever watched Trump's show, you know Mr. Ross as the quiet man who gives spot-on advice (which Trump doesn't always heed--too bad!). Mr. Ross is great not only at story-telling but also at gleaning lessons (life lessons) from his and others' experiences. He shares those in this book without being too preachy. While it's quite clear his background is solidly in NYC, he does a good job in expanding his lessons to other parts of the country. This book is a very good read!



5. 2 July 2008 - This is on par with Rich Dad and the best book I have read about Real Estate. He had practical advise that while not easy to do it was easy to understand. Like Ross says if it is easy to do then there are not a lot of profits in it.

4 comments about Grow Your Money!: 101 Easy Tips to Plan, Save, and Invest.

1. I really like the tips in this book. They work for all ages from someone just getting into learning about money to retirement. It is easy to read and you can skip around as you need to. I only give it a 4 because I wish a few tips had some more detail or at least suggestions of where to get more detail.



2. Before you give it as a gift, take the time to read it yourself and mark half a dozen pages that you consider are of special value to the recipient. It may stimulate them to read more. Oh yes, and don't forget to buy yourself a book also.



3. This is a wonderful educational book on numerous areas of personal finance. It includes topics such as:
   
   Buying and Maintaining a Home
   Profiting from a Fabulous Career
   Reducing Taxes
   Investing in Stocks, Bonds and Real Estate
   Retirement Planning
   Estate Planning and Insurance
   Educating Children about Money and Personal Finance
   
   This is the most comprehensive finance book I've read and it's easy to read with some humor thrown in here and there. The author uses numerous detailed examples to illustrate his points which really help the reader understand the ideas. The book also has a companion website where the reader can go for more information or more up-to-date information as this book ages.
   
   This is not a book that has to be read cover-to-cover. I did that, but if you want to find topics relevant to you, the author includes an age-based checklist in the front. I also really like that the end of the book includes a checklist by month of the things you should be doing throughout the year. It makes keeping up with your finances look less daunting!
   
   The author made it easy for me to come away from the book with my own "To-Do" list, so I definitely got something out of reading this book! I also gained some new perspectives on certain areas - for example, it's a good idea to plan for early retirement because some people plan to retire later, but end up having to retire early. (You don't want to run out of money) I think the author has good insight and great ideas and I agree with his financial strategies.
   
   Great book for all to read!



4. At last, there is a book for the nonfinancially astute that discusses money matters in such a clear, understandable way that it motivates people to apply some of the 101 tips to their own situations and look forward to a richer future. In GROW YOUR MONEY 101 EASY TIPS TO PLAN, SAVE, and INVEST, Jonathan D. Pond covers every aspect of handling income from first allowances to honoring heirs in estate planning. The book is a fluent reading of investment topics sprinkled with humor and illustrated with basic arithmetic. Points are well formulated, inarguable, and easy to implement. They give hope to everyone, no matter what stage in life nor how many resources to squeeze for more value. Besides the book itself, the author maintains a website for readers to get most up-to-date information for individual needs.
   
   Everyone has to think about how they will manage money, but it is difficult to find uncomplicated material for advice. And, as the author points out, financial experts give confusing explanations that can be biased in a way that will "grow more money" for themselves from fees, sales, and/or commissions. Best objective advice is in this book. I was particularly impressed with advantageous tax savings I can take and would not have known about. I also was relieved to learn how to make affordable sound investments with a limited budget and without the risk or difficulty I previously imagined.
   
   This is a book that will benefit everyone. It is a "must have" for every household, basic for a secure financial future.

5 comments about The ABCs of Making Money.

1. Solid fundamentals on which to build a business on. Also has many great pieces of personal financial advice.



2. This is a great book that can help get your financial life off to a running start. The information presented took the authors years and years to compile and is incredibly valuable if you put it to use.



3. Every teenager deserves a chance at understanding personal finance. If they do not receive a financial education from their parents or school.....then who? This book is easy to read and incorporates the principles to financial freedom. This book will inspire some entrepreneurs and motivate some disciplined teens to declare their own financial freedom.



4. This book will give you the basics of a good start for personal financial planning. It goes in the basic requirements needed to start your business. I highly recommend this book for somebody starting in the financial planner field with no previous experience.



5. I've had the privilege of meeting Dr. Cauvier and hearing him speak, the book and speaker are excellent - a very useful resource.