Best Personal Finance
A strategy for changing attitudes about personal finances covers such topics as getting out of debt, the dangers of cash advances, and keeping spending within income limits. His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The baby steps are pretty straightforward: Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund - you'll find this way easier than you expect to. Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings. Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement. Baby Step 5 – College funding for children. Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early. Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give. The rules are simple: 1) Live and breathe by your budget."
"In 4 months, I paid off my car loan, all credit cards and doctor bills!!!"
"* He lays out his seven Baby Steps and makes them simple to understand. * I really liked the quote, "If you worked for a company called YOU Inc. and you managed money at YOU Inc. the way you manage your own money now, would you fire you?" Dave Ramsey is rich because he is a business owner who can make money from his radio show, books, seminars, programs, etc. It would have been great to get his advice on that, but he probably didn't want to overwhelm the reader with too many topics. College loans can be very appropriate for some people, business loans can be great in the right situation, and his statement that you should put money toward paying down debt rather than getting the company 401(k) match seemed too extreme to me. goals or having an accountability partner, which have been shown to greatly help people achieve all kinds of dreams."
"Dave hits the nail on the head."
"Great book practical money advice ."
"If you're in debt, ANYTHING Dave Ramsey will help."
"Good book I bought for grandson."
"Great book."
With expert advice on our most important financial decisions, Robbins is an advocate for the listener, dispelling the myths that often rob people of their financial dreams. Tony Robbins is a philanthropist and #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"-To give you some background I've been reading personal finance books since the late 90's starting with titles like 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki, 'Automatic Millionaire' by David Bach, every Dave Ramsey and Ben Stein title ever written, most of Larry Burkett's scripture based Business and Finance books and Crown Financial information, Random Walk down wall street, etc. To make a long story short let's just say I've read dozens of personal finance or retirement books starting from age 16 up until my present age of 31 so I can tell when something is new or old fluff, or just plain made up. -Some people are reading these reviews and they just want to know if this book will help them manage their money or make money, and to cut to to the chase yes this book can both make you alot of money and save you even more money. After reading Tony's book I've placed it among the top 10 personal finance titles I've ever read and that list reads like the who's who of books that can actually make a huge impact on the financial future of the average American. If you don't like to read it doesn't matter, just buy the book and read Chapter 2 and 5 and then give it to a friend or delete it, but just read those two chapters. Most of these interviews were not rehash's of what you could find in other books, and a couple of them could be downright life altering if people were to employ some of the advice given by a few of the men or start to follow a few of these men with regard to what they are doing with their investments. I can tell in this interview Mr. Buffet was just doing Tony a favor by giving a short interview to a friend but he didn't really give any advice you couldn't find anywhere else nor did he dive into any strategies or ideas for the common person. -These people from this book in my opinion who you shouldn't listen to include: Marc Faber(Commodities speculator who is a very shrewd and astute insider, I don't think he can be trusted personally, but when it came to giving advice he came across as a guy just throwing information out there just to give an interview almost as if he wasn't really sure what to say, like he was picking random numbers out of his head and giving them to Tony.). -I group these next three together because their interviews mainly went through their personal histories and discussed why the success occurred and the importance of integrity and a customer first approach in the finance world: Mary Callahan Erdoes, Charles Schwab, Sir John Templeton (Mostly discusses the type of work ethic, integrity, and fortitude needed to be successful and also to leave a legacy for your family or people who's money you are investing. -Chapter 2 covers some of the things you've read in other finance books before, usually John Bogle's or Ben Stein's, but it discusses the Myths of the market and advisor fees. On top of that, there is a larger annuity and retirement information section which goes in depth on the importance of the 3 year window into retirement and how just the stock market return of the first 3 years of a person's retirement can make or break them, and WILL... unless they read the information on annuities. Most finance books give you the what to do(or at least attempt to), but Tony's goes beyond and actually gives you both tools and the where to go to get more information and possibly help. On top of this unlike many finance books, Tony goes into the importance of giving and how it can change a person's life and bring more fulfillment far beyond any dream or desire to be rich. So take my review for what you will, as someone who's read dozens of finance books and will only give applause to something that is both different and worth reading and knowing. Below I will list my top Finance guru's and what I believe are some of the must read books in this field that all have information that can change your financial future as this book can do. Best personal finance guru's, the very best of the best who's work you must read and I will include one book from each. Must reads for personal finance with investment advice also. John Bogle (The Little book of common sense investing, watch his interviews on youtube or yahoo). Larry Burkett (The complete guide to managing your money, planning for Retirement, Business by the Book). Ben Stein (How to retire comfortably, The little black book of investing, how to ruin your financial future, most of his books). Great books on investing that don't cover personal finance. Burton Malkiel (A Random Walk down Wall Street). William Bernstein (The Four Pillars of Investing). Honorable Mentions for personal finance, financial lifestyle etc. Dave Ramsey(We all know about his books, very good for basic advice regarding personal budgeting, not better than the previously mentioned writers or their titles though). David Bach (Automatic millionaire, Fight for your Money). Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad). Ramit Sethi (I will teach you to be rich). Thomas Stanley (Millionaire next door). Are there any people you should be watching when it comes to how they are investing their money?"
"A great book and a valuable gift to the reader - All of the basic techniques necessary for the average person to succeed in long term investing are included (along with a bit of fluff as well) in this extensive work."
"This book should be mandatory for all high school graduates."
"Tony hangs with people who are "Winners" and shoots their strategies ( As well as his own)directly at the reader in understandable terms !"
"I have a lot more knowledge now to rearrange the portfolio as it is without adding any money and make so much more money in the long run thanks Tony."
"We were the uninformed investor who was trusting others in handling our hard earned wealth using great salesmanship skills that were not in our best interest for growth."
"At least he disclosed that he was discussing his role with that firm at the time of writing the book but when I found in FINRA's broker check that his son works for that firm, he lost my trust as "fiduciary" and credible author on that subject completely."
"some good advises for novices, but overall too much of bravado about himself and repetition of the same ideas and promises over and over again."
Hey, if you’re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this—it’s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. •Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt—meaning cars, houses, everything. •Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you). •Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement! His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The baby steps are pretty straightforward: Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund - you'll find this way easier than you expect to. Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings. Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement. Baby Step 5 – College funding for children. Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early. Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give. The rules are simple: 1) Live and breathe by your budget."
"In 4 months, I paid off my car loan, all credit cards and doctor bills!!!"
"* He lays out his seven Baby Steps and makes them simple to understand. * I really liked the quote, "If you worked for a company called YOU Inc. and you managed money at YOU Inc. the way you manage your own money now, would you fire you?" Dave Ramsey is rich because he is a business owner who can make money from his radio show, books, seminars, programs, etc. It would have been great to get his advice on that, but he probably didn't want to overwhelm the reader with too many topics. College loans can be very appropriate for some people, business loans can be great in the right situation, and his statement that you should put money toward paying down debt rather than getting the company 401(k) match seemed too extreme to me. goals or having an accountability partner, which have been shown to greatly help people achieve all kinds of dreams."
"Dave hits the nail on the head."
"Great book practical money advice ."
"If you're in debt, ANYTHING Dave Ramsey will help."
"Good book I bought for grandson."
"Great book."
Best General
A strategy for changing attitudes about personal finances covers such topics as getting out of debt, the dangers of cash advances, and keeping spending within income limits. His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The baby steps are pretty straightforward: Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund - you'll find this way easier than you expect to. Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings. Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement. Baby Step 5 – College funding for children. Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early. Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give. The rules are simple: 1) Live and breathe by your budget."
"In 4 months, I paid off my car loan, all credit cards and doctor bills!!!"
"* He lays out his seven Baby Steps and makes them simple to understand. * I really liked the quote, "If you worked for a company called YOU Inc. and you managed money at YOU Inc. the way you manage your own money now, would you fire you?" Dave Ramsey is rich because he is a business owner who can make money from his radio show, books, seminars, programs, etc. It would have been great to get his advice on that, but he probably didn't want to overwhelm the reader with too many topics. College loans can be very appropriate for some people, business loans can be great in the right situation, and his statement that you should put money toward paying down debt rather than getting the company 401(k) match seemed too extreme to me. goals or having an accountability partner, which have been shown to greatly help people achieve all kinds of dreams."
"Dave hits the nail on the head."
"Great book practical money advice ."
"Dave Ramsey was recommended to me by many people."
"If you're in debt, ANYTHING Dave Ramsey will help."
"Good book I bought for grandson."
Best Sales
Just as the most effective weight loss strategy is to limit portions by using smaller plates, Michalowicz shows that by taking profit first and apportioning only what remains for expenses, entrepreneurs will transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows. � Following 4 simple principles can simplify accounting and make it easier to manage a profitable business by looking at bank account balances. Apply the pay-yourself-first principle to your business and watch the profits roll in.”. —CHRIS GUILLEBEAU, author of Born for This and The $100 Startup " Profit First is a game-changer. —MICHAEL PORT, author of Steal the Show " Profit First completely transformed how I handle business banking. This book has the potential to change the next 20 years of your small business life.”. —DAWN FOTOPULOS, Associate Professor of Business, The King’s College NYC; author of Accounting for the Numberphobic “ Profit First is a revelation. Profit First makes the process so radically simple that you no longer have an excuse not to be profitable AND have cash flow!”. —GREG CRABTREE, author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits. “Not only is Mike one of the most innovative small business authors of our time, his Profit First system—simple to apply and impactful in its results—can be the difference between constantly walking the financial tightrope or being predictably profitable. "Why are so few businesses actually profitable for their owners?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is a must read for anyone interested in starting a business or is already a business owner. Business Owners: For years, us accountants have been trying to teach our clients the business owners to run their business using the data in their accounting software and for years business owners have failed to thrive and simply manage sale to sale and payroll to payroll. I have personally witnessed these same business owners implement the stupidly simple strategy this book teaches and completely change the trajectory of their business and their financial position."
"That's right, in the time it takes me to write this review, thanks to the actionable guidance of this book, my business will have gone from mishy-moshy, wishy-washy, kinda-breaking-even to having an actual, hard, bottom-line PROFIT. I am so glad I found this book at the beginning of year two of my business because, otherwise, I was looking at this year as "bleed every last drop of cash into the business to grow, grow, grow, then trim next year and hope for profits" model."
"With the profit first system, you will start taking your profit out first, and if you are not making a profit, your business will start asking you to address the problem."
"This book has truly shifted my thinking in how I run my business."
"Many great examples and explanations on why we as business owners MUST starting taking care of ourselves - paying out for our hard labors - and the system behind it all."
"I am excited to get back home and put the accounts in place and begin the Profit First Journey."
Best Investing
For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life transforming for all who experience it. You will learn how to use The Secret in every single area of your life. Supporters will hail this New Age self-help book on the law of attraction as a groundbreaking and life-changing work, finding validation in its thesis that one's positive thoughts are powerful magnets that attract wealth, health, happiness... and did we mention wealth?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I first began to read this book I honestly thought it was a crock and a waste of my time and money. When I initially disagreed with one of the authors viewpoint with in the book and scrutinized another's personal life through research I was almost stop reading, but I decided to continue reading anyway. As the book unraveled and began to reveal "The Secret," and how to apply it into my life immediately, I allowed myself to be open in receiving whatever insight I could in order to help me overcome several difficulties in my life and achieve a better quality of life overall. This is a life changing book and I see why it has sold millions and millions of copies around the world."
"When I do my evening gratitude exercises, I feel like I am writing the most important chart of my life. And it helps to sleep better :). I also picked a special pen, and now the whole process becomes sacred."
"This book may be worth buying once because of the tips provided at the beginning (also available by preview as of this writing) and for the quotes on gratitude throughout."
"I like this little book a lot but i think i will be regifting it as reading pages of The Secret book on a daily basis is enough for me."
"A good read while in Mexico."
"An intriguing concept."
"The positive thinking is a great feeling, the hardest part is retraining your brain to be positive even when you don't feel positive."
"Love this book!"
Best Management
The seventy-fifth edition of the self-help classic with vintage Dale Carnegie recordings and a bonus digital copy of the complete audiobook! Plus, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this landmark book, this audio collector’s edition also includes an iPod-ready mp3 copy of the complete audiobook, plus vintage recordings of Dale Carnegie sharing his timeless wisdom in his own voice! Dale Carnegie (1888-1955) described himself as a "simple country boy" from Missouri but was also a pioneer of the self-improvement genre.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The realization that my marriage was being effected by my nearly empty toolbox of social skills promoted me to take personal responsibility and shoulder the blame myself for once instead of blaming everyone around me for everything. I grew up with a hypercritical Mother so I think I had promised myself that I would never be criticized again, even if that meant writing people off the instant I felt like I had made myself vulnerable enough to be hurt by them. The strategies are applicable to and helpful in all aspects of my life so far, from my marriage to my job, and even to the way I interact with clerks in gas stations."
"I did think several of the principles explained in the book are common sense, but I found that it could be easy for a person to react quickly to conflicts. The first principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism and he describes working with people as: working with people of logic. With this principle, he describes the importance of self-expression and connects it to the importance of thinking in terms of the other person, so that they come up with your ideas on their own, which they will like more. Dale then describes the importance to recall a person's name in the third principle. He further explains this point in principle five: Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Dale describes in the third part of the book the steps to have a person think in terms of your own thoughts. He then explains the importance of agreement and having the person say "yes," at least twice. If all else fails, he explains the importance of competition and how it drives people to feel important and empowered to work efficiently and effectively. He then explains the importance of asking questions that direct the person you’re speaking to, to obtain your idea on their own. He emphasizes the importance of having the person be saved from embarrassment, and then explains the importance of praise again, even if it is small."
"Yes, there is nothing new here but I would say that much like the basket ball star who practices relentlessly the same foul shot over & over again so that when its crunch time, the ball hits the hoop to win the game no matter how much pressure is on."
"I'm happy to have read this--it flows well and many truths to it albeit they're of scientifically argued for."
"Enjoyed the stories."
"This got to be the book that provided me with the most principles on how to win friends and influence people."
Best Career
The seventy-fifth edition of the self-help classic with vintage Dale Carnegie recordings and a bonus digital copy of the complete audiobook! Plus, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this landmark book, this audio collector’s edition also includes an iPod-ready mp3 copy of the complete audiobook, plus vintage recordings of Dale Carnegie sharing his timeless wisdom in his own voice! Dale Carnegie (1888-1955) described himself as a "simple country boy" from Missouri but was also a pioneer of the self-improvement genre.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The realization that my marriage was being effected by my nearly empty toolbox of social skills promoted me to take personal responsibility and shoulder the blame myself for once instead of blaming everyone around me for everything. I grew up with a hypercritical Mother so I think I had promised myself that I would never be criticized again, even if that meant writing people off the instant I felt like I had made myself vulnerable enough to be hurt by them. The strategies are applicable to and helpful in all aspects of my life so far, from my marriage to my job, and even to the way I interact with clerks in gas stations."
"I did think several of the principles explained in the book are common sense, but I found that it could be easy for a person to react quickly to conflicts. The first principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism and he describes working with people as: working with people of logic. With this principle, he describes the importance of self-expression and connects it to the importance of thinking in terms of the other person, so that they come up with your ideas on their own, which they will like more. Dale then describes the importance to recall a person's name in the third principle. He further explains this point in principle five: Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Dale describes in the third part of the book the steps to have a person think in terms of your own thoughts. He then explains the importance of agreement and having the person say "yes," at least twice. If all else fails, he explains the importance of competition and how it drives people to feel important and empowered to work efficiently and effectively. He then explains the importance of asking questions that direct the person you’re speaking to, to obtain your idea on their own. He emphasizes the importance of having the person be saved from embarrassment, and then explains the importance of praise again, even if it is small."
"Yes, there is nothing new here but I would say that much like the basket ball star who practices relentlessly the same foul shot over & over again so that when its crunch time, the ball hits the hoop to win the game no matter how much pressure is on."
"I'm happy to have read this--it flows well and many truths to it albeit they're of scientifically argued for."
"Enjoyed the stories."
"This got to be the book that provided me with the most principles on how to win friends and influence people."