In a world where ridiculously hyped tomes promising instant financial euphoria for ordinary citizens now vie with counsel on health and sex in every bookstore, old-fashioned common sense still takes the prize. Most of the would-be gurus, not to mention their customers, would hare been better off to read this one first." -From the foreword by Louis Rukeyser Timeless, common sense investment advice from an uncommonly sensible market observer "The small investor frequently inquires whether a particular stock represents a safe speculation. His is a fantastic quest, something like a search for dry water, or still motion." "The success magazines are seemingly developed on the theory that, if everyone works diligently enough, 110 million bank presidencies will open up." ".unless their judgment is extraordinarily discriminating, those who 'get in on the ground floor' are more than likely to end up in the basement." "To succeed fully, an individual must gain control of himself and regulate potential wayward tendencies which exist more or less in all individuals and which, if uncontrolled, lead him astray financially. Before he can obtain economic independence through his own efforts, he must first be master of his own soul.

A simple guide to a smarter strategy for the individual investor A Wealth of Common Sense sheds a refreshing light on investing, and shows you how a simplicity-based framework can lead to better investment decisions. The financial market is a complex system, but that doesn't mean it requires a complex strategy; in fact, this false premise is the driving force behind many investors' market "mistakes." Information is important, but understanding and perspective are the keys to better decision-making. This book describes the proper way to view the markets and your portfolio, and show you the simple strategies that make investing more profitable, less confusing, and less time-consuming. Without the burden of short-term performance benchmarks, individual investors have the advantage of focusing on the long view, and the freedom to construct the kind of portfolio that will serve their investment goals best. This book proves how complex strategies essentially waste these advantages, and provides an alternative game plan for those ready to simplify. Complexity is often used as a mechanism for talking investors into unnecessary purchases, when all most need is a deeper understanding of conventional options. This book explains which issues you actually should pay attention to, and which ones are simply used for an illusion of intelligence and control. Keep up with—or beat—professional money managers Exploit stock market volatility to your utmost advantage Learn where advisors and consultants fit into smart strategy Build a portfolio that makes sense for your particular situation You don't have to outsmart the market if you can simply outperform it. Cut through the confusion and noise and focus on what actually matters. A Wealth of Common Sense clears the air, and gives you the insight you need to become a smarter, more successful investor.

The world of investing normally sees experts telling us the 'right' way to manage our money. How often do these experts pull back the curtain and tell us how they invest their own money? Never. How I Invest My Money changes that. In this unprecedented collection, 25 financial experts share how they navigate markets with their own capital. In this honest rendering of how they invest, save, spend, give, and borrow, this group of portfolio managers, financial advisors, venture capitalists and other experts detail the 'how' and the 'why' of their investments. They share stories about their childhood, their families, the struggles they face and the aspirations they hold. Sometimes raw, always revealing, these stories detail the indelible relationship between our money and our values. Taken as a whole, these essays powerfully demonstrate that there is no single 'right' way to save, spend, and invest. We see a kaleidoscope of perspectives on stocks, bonds, real assets, funds, charity, and other means of achieving the life one desires. With engaging illustrations throughout by Carl Richards, How I Invest My Money inspires readers to think creatively about their financial decisions and how money figures in the broader quest for a contented life. With contributions from: Morgan Housel, Christine Benz, Brian Portnoy, Joshua Brown, Bob Seawright, Carolyn McClanahan, Tyrone Ross, Dasarte Yarnway, Nina O'Neal, Debbie Freeman, Shirl Penney, Ted Seides, Ashby Daniels, Blair duQuesnay, Leighann Miko, Perth Tolle, Josh Rogers, Jenny Harrington, Mike Underhill, Dan Egan, Howard Lindzon, Ryan Krueger, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Rita Cheng, Alex Chalekian

The best-selling investing "bible" offers new information, new insights, and new perspectives The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is the classic guide to getting smart about the market. Legendary mutual fund pioneer John C. Bogle reveals his key to getting more out of investing: low-cost index funds. Bogle describes the simplest and most effective investment strategy for building wealth over the long term: buy and hold, at very low cost, a mutual fund that tracks a broad stock market Index such as the S&P 500. While the stock market has tumbled and then soared since the first edition of Little Book of Common Sense was published in April 2007, Bogle’s investment principles have endured and served investors well. This tenth anniversary edition includes updated data and new information but maintains the same long-term perspective as in its predecessor. Bogle has also added two new chapters designed to provide further guidance to investors: one on asset allocation, the other on retirement investing. A portfolio focused on index funds is the only investment that effectively guarantees your fair share of stock market returns. This strategy is favored by Warren Buffett, who said this about Bogle: “If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands-down choice should be Jack Bogle. For decades, Jack has urged investors to invest in ultra-low-cost index funds. . . . Today, however, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned. He is a hero to them and to me.” Bogle shows you how to make index investing work for you and help you achieve your financial goals, and finds support from some of the world's best financial minds: not only Warren Buffett, but Benjamin Graham, Paul Samuelson, Burton Malkiel, Yale’s David Swensen, Cliff Asness of AQR, and many others. This new edition of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing offers you the same solid strategy as its predecessor for building your financial future. Build a broadly diversified, low-cost portfolio without the risks of individual stocks, manager selection, or sector rotation. Forget the fads and marketing hype, and focus on what works in the real world. Understand that stock returns are generated by three sources (dividend yield, earnings growth, and change in market valuation) in order to establish rational expectations for stock returns over the coming decade. Recognize that in the long run, business reality trumps market expectations. Learn how to harness the magic of compounding returns while avoiding the tyranny of compounding costs. While index investing allows you to sit back and let the market do the work for you, too many investors trade frantically, turning a winner’s game into a loser’s game. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a solid guidebook to your financial future.

Learn basic financial concepts to make it more likely that you'll achieve common life goals such as owning a home, providing for yourself or your family, taking fun vacations, and retiring in comfort--all free from financial stress. Topics include: The ten rules to successful investing How to write a personal investment plan How to diversify your investments How to know a good mutual fund How to be a tax-savvy investor The 108-page book (17,000 words and 52 pictures) teaches beginners learn how to invest money for both short- and long-term goals. Learn the basics that everyone needs to know about investment products like stock, bonds, and mutual funds, and the containers that hold those products, like IRAs, 401(k), Roth IRA, and taxable accounts. Learn why Warren Buffett, John C. Bogle, and most professional investors recommend that 99% of investors should use low-cost mutual funds called index funds. Learn what they are, what this means, and why they win. John C. Bogle, founder and former chairman of The Vanguard Group, is hailed by many as the champion of common sense investing. His huge following endearingly call themselves "Bogleheads" in perhaps the most popular personal investment forum and wiki site at bogleheads.org. ""Common Sense Investing" captures the core elements of the Bogleheads investment philosophy in terms any investor can easily understand and implement. Read it and reap!" writes Forbes columnist, Mel Lindauer--also one of the original Boglehead founders. Many of the tips include examples of how people put the important concepts into practice. Instructional appendixes include: numerous links to free online videos, recommended books, help forums, and other resources. Author Rick Van Ness is a successful private investor who provides investor education through online videos, short books, and workshops. He has both an engineering degree from Cornell University and a MBA in Finance from New York University. Praise from professional money managers, academics, and respected authors: "Here are 10 simple, easy to follow, and proven investing rules. Investing an hour reading this short book will make you a better investor." --Burton G. Malkiel, Princeton University, Professor of Economics Author: "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" "Crisp, simple, and irrefutably great investment advice." --Allan S. Roth, CBS MoneyWatch columnist Author: "Dare To Be Dull" "Hide this book in a safe place because grossly overpaid investment advisors are burning every copy they can find." --Rick Ferri, CFA, President, Portfolio Solutions LLC Author: "All About Asset Allocation, All About Index Funds, "and others. "Rick has produced a masterful financial guide for beginning investors and old hands alike. If you want to get started investing the right way, this book provides the clarity and backbone to achieve your financial destiny." --Bill Schultheis, Financial Adviser, Soundmark Wealth Management, LLC Author: "The New Coffeehouse Investor" "Rick has provided a great service. In terms that the novice investor can understand, he provides ten simple rules that provide the prescription for investment success. In fact, if you follow his rules you are virtually guaranteed to outperform the majority of investors, both individual and professionals alike." --Larry Swedroe, Principal and Director of Research, Buckingham Family of Financial Services Author of eleven books on investing

Learn financial and business lessons from some of the biggest frauds in history Why does financial fraud persist? History is full of sensational financial frauds and scams. Enron was forced to declare bankruptcy after allegations of massive accounting fraud, wiping out $78 billion in stock market value. Bernie Madoff, the largest individual fraudster in history, built a $65 billion Ponzi scheme that ultimately resulted in his being sentenced to 150 years in prison. People from all walks of life have been scammed out of their money: French and British nobility looking to get rich quickly, farmers looking for a miracle cure for their health ailments, several professional athletes, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. No one is immune from getting deceived when money is involved. Don’t Fall For It is a fascinating look into some of the biggest financial frauds and scams ever. This compelling book explores specific instances of financial fraud as well as some of the most successful charlatans and hucksters of all-time. Sharing lessons that apply to business, money management, and investing, author Ben Carlson answers questions such as: Why do even the most intelligent among us get taken advantage of in financial scams? What make fraudsters successful? Why is it often harder to stay rich than to get rich? Each chapter in examines different frauds, perpetrators, or victims of scams. These real-life stories include anecdotes about how these frauds were carried out and discussions of what can be learned from these events. This engaging book: Explores the business and financial lessons drawn from some of history’s biggest frauds Describes the conditions under which fraud tends to work best Explains how people can avoid being scammed out of their money Suggests practical steps to reduce financial fraud in the future Don’t Fall For It: A Short History of Financial Scams is filled with engrossing real-life stories and valuable insights, written for finance professionals, investors, and general interest readers alike.

Deep insight and candid discussion from one of Wall Street's best investors Common Stocks and Common Sense provides detailed insight into common stock investing, using a case-study approach based on real-world investments. Author Edgar Wachenheim is the 28-year CEO of Greenhaven Associates, boasting an average annual portfolio comparable to Warren Buffet's. In this book, he shares his knowledge and experiences by providing detailed analyses of actual investments made by himself and other investors. The discussion covers the entire investment process, including the softer, human side, with candid insight into the joys and frustrations, intensities and pressures, and risks and uncertainties. The unique emphasis on behavioral economics and real-world cases set this book apart from the herd—but it's Wachenheim himself and his deeply-examined perspective that elevates the book beyond a mere investing guide. Between 1990 and 2014, a typical portfolio managed by Wachenheim enjoyed an average annual return in excess of 18%, achieved using relatively conservative stocks and no financial leverage. As a proponent of evidence and example, his analysis of real cases serve as a valuable education for anyone looking to improve their own investment practices. Understand investment through the lens of a Wall Street leader Dig into the details of real-world common stock investing Learn how to invest creatively and minimize risk Go beyond theory to study strategy on a case-by-case basis Investment principles and strategies are easy to find—entire libraries have been written about theories and methods and what 'should' happen. But this book goes beyond the typical guide to show you how these ideas are applied in the real world—and what actually happened. Investors seeking real insight, real expertise, and a proven track record will find Common Stocks and Common Sense a uniquely useful resource.

"A critical look at the mutual fund industry and how we invest, and ... a compelling course for change."--Jacket.

No more excuses. Relying on a salesman to make your investing decisions is one of the biggest mistakes you will ever make. Many times it is nothing short of financial suicide. No one told you how to make your hard-earned money, and no one will have your best interests in mind when investing it. In Common Sense Investing Fred McAllen shares 25 years experience that gives the individual investor the necessary tools to understand investing, when to invest, and what to invest in to be successful. It is your money - learn how to invest it properly, or keep it in the bank. It is simple as that. The next step is yours.

The first investment book to approach the art of accumulating wealth from a mature and realistic perspectiveIn refreshing contrast to the usual get-rich-quick schemes, Get Rich Slowly outlines an intelligent, careful, five-step financial strategy that anyone can use to create his or her own personal fortune. Using simple graphics and easy-to-follow advice, respected investments financial expert William Spitz shows how to quickly plot out the best financial strategy for each person's needs, including risk, goals, variety of investments, and needs for future expenses. For young or old, novice or experienced, wealthy or of modest means, Get Rich Slowly is a sensible, foolproof program for financial freedom and stability.