Best Investment Book I've Ever Read
599005
The Intelligent Investor has helped me focus on the long term, to really internalize what sort of returns I should expect from my stock and bond investments and to temper my enthusiasm when the market gets exciting.  Graham writes clearly, uses examples that are easily understood, and makes his points in an understated style.  Though a bit dated -- Ben Graham met his greater reward more than thirty years ago and Jason Zweig focuses his commentary on the internet bubble and its aftermath -- the lessons set forth remain critical to value investing today.  Just buy and read (and re-read) this book!
4559174
Of all the books I have read on stock and chart analysis, this one is by far the best!
Not only does it give solid investing and speculation advice, but the information on reading, deciphering and analyzing the various chart trends and stock behaviors is invaluable. Immediately after I finished reading this, I went back through the high points to make sure I have the candlestick patterns and major icons down to memory.
The great part about this book is that- not only is the information supported within the pages, but also I find the teachings in this book are bolstered when I go to analyze real stocks in everyday life. This book teaches you when it is a good time to look into buying, and more importantly- when to stay away from a stock. You will learn bearing and bullish patterns, along with trends that lend evidence as to where a stock might be headed.
Do yourself a favor- buy this book, study this book, and use it to invest wisely!
3166050
Daniel sent me a copy of his book after reading a review I left on another book about value investing; however, this in no way influences the review below.

This book is an extraordinary compendium of knowledge. I am young and early in my investing practice, and have no other way to learn from these shareholder meetings. I am grateful that Daniel and his co-author, Corey Wrenn, took detailed notes and shared them with the public.

Each years summary begins with a snapshot of attendance numbers and some financial figures about Berkshire Hathaway before diving in to Warrens and Charlies show. Notes on the presentations are broken down by topic and instruct the reader both directly and indirectly.

First, the content of the presentations are invaluable. Warren and Charlie are happy to teach tens of thousands of people each year how to look at the world in order to be a successful value investor. Their messages are consistent in philosophy and varied in application. I sometimes need to read/hear things from different sources a number of times before I deeply understand concepts, and about halfway through this book I had a breakthrough with a concept that had eluded me since I started learning about investing.

Second, the candid way they speak about successes and failures, and how they attribute success to the hard work of others, demonstrate the gold standard for how executives should conduct themselves. This is the standard against which I will compare executives in my research and analysis. Charlie and Warren do not shy away from errors in judgment or missed opportunities; I hope to emulate their dispassionate self-examination in my own investing practice.

This book, though a collection of meeting notes, is not dry. Daniel and Corey kept moments of humor from the meetings that help drive points home. I will keep this book in my (digital) bookshelf and likely reference in well into the future.
1318009
I have read a number of books over the decades on investing. Scott's is one of the best. First, it is easy to understand. Second, it focuses on the key concepts that you need for success: straight forward concepts that will build wealth over the long-term Third, it emphasizes that building personal wealth through the stock market is something that anyone can, therefore...

...I will get a copy for my 16 year old daughter as her primer on investing. I will have her use the concepts for her own account. Getting her to take responsibility for her money, using this book as the guide, is the best thing I can do for her for her long term financial success. I will also recommend this book to my colleagues at the Dallas Comedy House. Most of the performers there are in their 20s and 30s. They will benefit greatly from reading the book.

I have known Scott for many years through our mutual love of rock music. His interest in helping everyone learn how to leverage the market to build wealth is sincere. Take advantage of his experience.
3902991
One of the best books I have ever read about investing. Very clear and easy to understand, yet hits on all the most important elements of prudent investing. Well done, gentlemen!
4096886
Excellent book.  Not only practical, but explained in a way far more interesting than most books about preserving and managing wealth.  This book works for all levels of investors, not just the super rich.  I highly recommend it. Worth every penny
860131
A few years ago I read Solin's The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read. It was an easy read with extraordinarily good charts and graphs. I already had some experience investing along very similar lines using Vanguard, and this book really encouraged me to keep going in this direction. Soon after reading the book I took on the responsibility of managing my elderly parents' finances. The Solin book was the core of the strategy, and provided a convenient tool for me to communicate with the family.

Recently I bought his new book, The Smartest Portfolio You'll Ever Own. It adds some fresh dimensions to the content in the other book and I am currently adjusting my portfolios accordingly. I have a website where I will soon add a section on Personal Finance. I will definitely encourage visitors to my site to purchase this latest book.

Great book. Well worth the read!
4880436
I knew next to nothing about finances and investing several years back. I was a decent saver, but had no clue what the next steps were, or even where to find information that I would be able to understand. Fortunately, I stumbled across Jim Collins' website, and when I say it changed my life - I am being dead serious. I finally understood how it all worked; investing and managing my money is no longer scary thanks to Mr. Collins. He explains the stock market, how to invest and invest wisely, and gave me the tools I needed to plan out the rest of my financial future and life. It was one of the most easy to understand and enjoyable reads I have ever experienced, and I now know exactly what to do and why. I can't even express how grateful I am for this resource... I am now financially independent and free to do whatever I want for the rest of my life in a large part thanks to him.

And this book is a compilation of all of that information, in book format. It has a great advantage over pretty much any other financial site/book out there because it is actually enjoyable to read and easy to understand. Collins' writing style is entertaining, and while he is discussing serious subjects like debt or investing, he interjects both humor and real world experience that makes you feel as if you're getting true wisdom and knowledge from a very wise and respected family member.

You don't have to be an engineer or mathlete to get this stuff. I am a creative arts person, and had no previous background with analytical applications and had always been sort of scared and timid about investing. I don't feel that way any more - I am confident I know what to do and how to do it. Read the book and you'll have the tools you need to take control of your life too.
312700
Even though I was a stockbroker and financial adviser years ago, I still get incredibly bored reading finance books.  Thankfully, this book was everything but boring.  "Personal Finance for Dummies" has a fantastic layout that is meant to be read by all--page to page, offers fantastic advise in simple terms and basic language that anyone can digest.

I may have a degree in economics, but that doesn't mean that I haven't made some terrible mistakes in my own personal finances (such as, paying down college loans...).  I really love this book because it begins with the basics--reducing debt and using credit to your advantage.

As you progress through the book, you'll find really sound ideas (as well as, tips and tricks) for strategies on investments and home equity.  Also, the insurance section is tremendously important (at first, I was just going to speed read that chapter) and I found some crucial points that I am now implementing with my CPA.  There are many bullets in this book that was never really covered in my college but, best of all, it's all laid out in fun format with many links that will lead you to further resources.

All the best!
4818840
I loved this book!!!  Finally a book on investing that did not put me to sleep.  I learned so much and was entertained in the process.  I have read quite a few books on investment stratedgies. Alan Haft's book is by far the best!
2453721
I'd heard about this book from a friend of a friend who described it as "probably the most important book of a generation". I was skeptical, but its a topic that I like reading about so I bought a copy. So far I've skimmed the book, but I can see that this book delivers the goods.

I've never seen a book that describes in such a concrete way how to create portfolios for different types of people. This has everything from background economics to market segmentation. The case studies in the book are worth the price of the book. The segmentation chapter is worth the price of the book. There are several other individual chapters that are themselves worth the price of the book.

I haven't looked at the workbook yet, but I'm already in love with this book.
4920129
This book is the best for an a full understanding of investing for all skill levels. I feel like this is a must read for EVERYONE.
2436530
I you are interested in quantitative investing this is the best book that I have found. Dr Piard walks through simple and thought-provoking examples of investing concepts, then thoroughly back-tests each one.  He shows all the data, and I have duplicated many of his models and backtests.  He demonstrates that momentum does not work well for individual stocks, but that it does work well on ETFs and sectors.  He demonstrates that market timing using simple moving averages on the S&P 500 can significantly reduce drawdowns in many strategies and he integrates timing models with stock and ETF picking screens to prove his point.  There are many eye-opening ideas here. He seamlessly crosses the boundaries between value, growth, and technical investing and shows how they can be combined. If you create your own investment models, read this. It should read by anyone who uses any screener, and should be required reading for anyone who uses Portfolio123.
3158189
Ok, this is a bid claim, but I think this book is one of the greatest investment books ever written. Why?

Because it shows you how many ways there are to outperfom the market and that's the important part. The people who end up doing well have their own style and investment system because outperfoming the market requires you think differently than everyone else in the market. You have to see what others don't see.

So, this book gives you a great overview of all the ways people have made lots of money, and also the pitfalls they encountered when they became super-successful... which is just as important.

Just a note... I've read about everything about Buffett, Soros, Value Investing, and all the "classics"... this book was my favorite.
4215173
I spent a weekend reading this book cover to cover and I couldn't be more pleased. This book eloquently summarized my four years of Masters coursework, not to mention decades of academic research, in a style that is compelling and easy to grasp.

Reading this book will help you understand why a globally-diversified, risk-capacity-matched, small-value-tilted, low-cost, tax-efficient index portfolio is the only smart way to invest. You will understand exactly why stock pickers, mutual fund managers, and market timers mathematically cannot beat the market over 10 or 20 year periods... while the very few that do are the result of chance, despite their claims to the contrary.

You may also want to watch the Nova special, "The Trillion Dollar Bet".
1565327
I bought this book some years ago and I still love it. It was the first book that I bought on trading and I did not appreciate how good it was until I started buying and checking out regular investing books at the library. You know the kind of lame books like Susan Orman's book 9 steps to financial freedom. The kind of book that's all fluff and no substance other than the same advice that my grandfather had told me (use your home equity, lower your expenses, balance your portfolio, ect, ect.). Most investing books are all about personal finance and not investing. As well, most trading books that I have read or looked at are more about market mechanics than actual case studies or trades themselves. Also, Dr. Sarkovich does not waste your time or money on stories from his past to fill up his book. You will not find chapters here about how trading was at a desk somewhere back in the day. Why? Because he has spent the time telling you what you need to know to start trading, not his past life in the field.

That review on here about the book being for beginners really chaps my hide. It says right on the friggen cover "From Beginner to Advanced Trading". And that is exactly what I need. Heck, I still read it from time to time because I am still learning how to do this correctly and not lose money at it. I practically need to memorize this book since I look at it so much. I have post it notes sticking out of about 30 pages of it right now. And its so easy to find what I need when I need it. I mean the sections are , How to trade, When to trade, What to trade, and in those sections is all the info and explanations about what you are seeing on the screen (level 1 and 2 info, trade order and execution, candlestick charting, charting patterns, moving averages, Bollinger bands, market measures and volume, and much more).

What I needed at the time was a book that would explain to me everything going on the screen when I had my scottrade account opened, and that is exactly what this book did for me. I could just sit there, make theoretical trades, and watch what happens, then go back to the book, read some, and then get that ha-ha moment when I finally figured out what was going on. This was possible because unlike many other books, this one tells you what things are going to look like when moves happen. Other books just give a brief basic description of how the screens work, this one goes the next step and tells you what things will look like when something happens.

One other review complained that it is more about day trading than swing trading. Once again, man, read the darn cover. It says, "Day-trading with long term techniques". What do you think Swing Trading is anyway? That reviewer is an idiot in my opinion for that remark. If you want to learn trading then read this book. However, if you want to learn investing then go read Graham and Dodds "Security Analysis."

PS. I bought it back when it was 40 bucks + tax. It's a steal today.
565534
Every investor, not just lawyers, should read this book!  Mr. Sterba drills down through all of the confusion and presents a clear, concise and entertaining book on the practicalities and realities of investing.  His asset allocation approach to investment, utilizing no-load mutual funds, should be the holy grail for anyone seeking to manage almost any amount of capital in todays economic climate.  I suspect that far less money would have been lost by the average investor in the turbulent markets of the past three years, had they read this book and utilized the disciplines Sterba recommends.