Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence: Simple Solutions for Busy People

Buy this book. I can't say enough good things about it. First, the book is extremely well written, and targets a specific audience, that many of us are in.If you are not professional investor, and want to learn more about the basics of investing and about the different products out there, then read this book.Charles Schwab takes your through a good squence of explaining different investment philosophies, tools, tricks, etc. He proves that you don't have to beat the market to make money, you just have to match it. Now, I have heard this before in other books, but the overall presentation and support for this, is much well represented in this book.If you are starting out, or attempting to re-organize your finances, before you get a money manager or financial advisor, get this book. It will definitely save and make you money. You will learn how to invest within your comfort level, and by the end of the book, the stock market and investing will be demystified.You will regret not reading this book. I think this would also make a good gift.

Schwab, of discount brokerage fame, has written an easy to read introductory guide to savings and investment. None of his material is unique or new - it is similar to that presented by Suzie Orman and the Dummies guides. Nonetheless, Schwab's book is probably better for new investors because he uses plenty of charts, graphs and personal examples, and presents it all in a very user-friendly format. The theme is basically not to jump in with both feet, but to do as much as you can. There are a few gratuitous plugs for his brokerage firm, but the book is definitely not one big advertisement. This book is well recommended for first-time investors and recent college graduates about to start their first job (good graduation gift). It is not recommended for people who are already in the stock market or who already own mutual funds and regularly invest - you already know what is in this book.

When I went to a branch office of Schwab, I asked if they had any literature for the novice--ultra novice--investor, one who was even reticent to discuss the subject for fear of revealing genuine ignorance of it.When the broker gave me a copy of Mr. Schwab's book I thought that this was going to turn out to be a booksize ad for the Schwab company.I couldn't have been more incorrect: the book explains even the most fundamental terms/aspects of personal finance and investing in a most clear and insightful way. Yes, of course, the Schwab Co. (and it's services) is mentioned, but in a non-skewed or biased manner--alongside discussions about other such companies.Mr. Schwab recommends some additional books for the beginer--I purchased them, and have been more than satisfied with the contents (i.e.--the "Dummy" series, Jane Bryant Quinn, others.)Mr. Scwab succeeds in his stated desire to demystify (paraphrase) personal finance. It's a fine book.

This is the first and BEST guide I picked up in relation to an over view of the investing world.I borrowed it from the library and am buying it now as a resource..second time read! And it wont be the last time read i'm sure!! A must have!!Brings the intimidation factor down to zero.It breaks it down so well, I'd trust a 3rd grader to invest my money after he or she read this book! lol :)

Written for those just beginning to consider an investment plan, Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence provides good sound advice that individuals can't go wrong with. The book includes sections that guide readers through the task of determining their own "investor profile" and asset allocation plan. Schwab recommends diversification through no-load mutual funds and cost-effective index funds and provides additional insight into the tax and record-keeping aspects of mutual fund investing. Some of the more interesting parts of the book: Mrs. Schwab's firsthand experience with an investment club and the book's epilogue, probably the only part actually written by Schwab. I found almost no negatives to this book except the part about dollar-cost-averaging which is a commonly misunderstood concept. Although there were many references to his own company, the book didn't seem to be self-promoting in general. I would recommend this book to anyone with little or no knowledge of investing.