Crash Proof 2.0: How to Profit from the Economic Collapse

I was never that interested in economics in school, but like so many people when I saw the value of my home and investments plummet in the fall of 2008 I decided I needed to be better informed. As I searched for insight, I was frankly amazed that there was so little consensus in the field that the experts couldn't even agree on the most basic elements of what happened during the Great Depression decades later! (The old joke is "If you lined up all the economists in the world end to end, every one would be pointing in a different direction!") While most economists quickly begin introducing theories that just don't seem intuitive, I found the Austrian school, which Peter Schiff follows, resonated with my gut senses. It is not the most popular viewpoint, but I think this is because it runs counter to political desires to be able to control the economy - and to justify "printing money" to pay for programs popular with voters. In addition to an understanding of macroeconomic trends, I think it's crucial to have real-world experience both with Wall Street, and in running a business to complete the story, and this is where Peter Schiff has a great combination of experience. But even beyond this, whereas there had to be thousands of insiders who could see the 2008 crisis coming, it was Peter that made it his mission to deliver the message in every way he could, to anybody who would listen. I read the first version of Crash Proof as the crisis began to unfold, and it was chilling in its insight and accuracy - he had predicted what was to come more succinctly than others writing *after* the events had occurred. Since that time I've been a regular follower of Peter via his weekly podcasts, video blogs, and television appearances. Even though his predictions are dire I sleep better in the belief that someone understands what is going on (not to mention putting my portfolio back on track with very strong growth!) Peter has kept the excellent text of his original work intact in the 2.0 version, and added commentary on what has happened since the original publication at the end of each chapter. This is an effective format, demonstrating the accuracy of the initial predictions as well as confirming that recent monetary and fiscal policies continue to drive the economy downward. I don't know whether everything will continue to play out per Peter's predictions, but his investment advice is sound whether or not the worst comes to pass: invest in solid companies in a variety of countries that pay good dividends and don't rely on US customers. Indeed, many of my other investment advice sources have started to promote similar ideas, though of course they've already missed out on quite spectacular growth from the first part of this year. Buy this book and begin to understand how government policies impact prosperity now and for future generations, and protect your wealth in the process.

Last year when the stock market crashed and a lot of my retirement funds evaporated, I was totally caught off guard. In my research to discover what was really going on, who to trust, and who could explain it, I discovered Peter Schiff and read Cash Proof. Now, I'm not one easily convinced and don't make changes easily. But this book opened my eyes. I've spent the last year contemplating this, researching history, and listening to Peter Schiff (and those that disagree with him). But, I always come back to this book, because it seems to just make common sense. Important point--the original version was written BEFORE the stock market crash of 2008. It was warning of what was to come. Many books out now trying to explain, were written after the fact. That's why I was more interested in this update, than anything else out there now. He has been steadfast in his beliefs. He is confident, but is honest enough to admit when he is not sure or short term events surprised him. This book compelled me to change my investment strategies and I continue to do so while there is still time. Just remember that this book was written in 2006/2007 and the 2009 updates are at the end of each chapter. This country may have gone past the point of no return. I don't know and pray not. But, if there is any hope, I think it will be because people like Peter Schiff understand and speak the truth and get through to our leaders. But that will be a tough job. Most of them don't want to deal with the truth.

I just picked up my copy of Crash Proof 2.0. I read the first edition a few years ago, and all of that material is included in this one, but Peter also adds over 80 pages of new information. I recommend picking this up and passing it along to friends.

First a little disclaimer; as a college instructor and writer, I read a lot of business books. Frankly, I wasn't much a Peter Schiff fan and it would be fair to say he still tends to annoy me especially when he gets "hyper" like on an interview I just heard this morn via Financial Sense Newshour. Having said that, over the years I've done a major turn-around on my opinion about Schiff. Like many others, I initially would run across an interview here or there which seemed like he was excessively negative yet despite a bit of timing difference, the guy always made a lot of sense even while the likes of some so called financial guru's found on major media outlets were spouting stuff anyone with half a brain could see was downright detrimental to the average small time investor. The likes of Schiff, Ron Paul, Nouriel Roubini, the Agora Group and others not only continue to make a great deal of sense but time is showing a growing crisis. This book has been updated to reflect many of the changes which have taken place since the writing of the first book plus added fairly substantial amounts of new research/content of interest. The content is reader friendly, easy to understand and conversational in style. A brief history and overview is provided for those new to the discussion while those with more familiarity will still appreciate the updated statistics etc... Data is provided to support assertions including a few charts etc but are helpful not complex. Schiff provides a very solid explanation on where he stands with inflation and why including his definition of inflation. For those more versed in the ongoing debate - inflation vs deflation remains a sticking point among many investors. For the average American this is not a minor consideration when it comes to deciding what to do with your investment dollar, debt or money in general. Schiff tackles what he considered the "bogus deflation threat" head-on...an essential consdieration for every investor. Whether you agree or disagree - it is certainly worthy to review the rationale with a "what if" attitude before making a final decision as to your financial future. Peter Schiff goes on to discuss various investments and risk(s) as well as provide an update of where we are in the predicted cycle. Closely coupled with this is a frank and fairly harsh overview of the current economic policy being put into place by D.C. combined with the status of consumer debt, corporate status etc...it does not paint a pretty picture or leaves much room for optimism but goes on to tackle specific investments including.... - TIPS (the problems) - Currency Exchange - Mutual Funds -ADR's - Cash Accounts -Precious Metals -Much more Bottom Line - a worthy read for new investors, good updates for those that have read the first version. Whether you agree or not, Schiff presents important considerations every investor will want to keep in mind and does so in an easy to read method.

I absolutely love Peter Schiff. He's astute, sound financial mind, and always right on. "Crash Proof" was written before the crash and Peter had explained exactly how the bubble was blowing up and how it was inevitably was going to burst, which it did. The updated version brings us into the modern age of disgusting deficits, unacceptable government spending, and horrendous regulation into the free market. Schiff predicts that government isn't making things better with all this additional spending and intrusion into the market and that we're not out of the woods--as some people are claiming--and that it's actually making things worse. He concludes with his solid foreign currency assets and commodities-centered investment strategies that will help you avoid the next crash (and the coming collapse of the dollar). If you had taken his advice in 2006, you'd be much better off today. Just imagine how things will be in another three years! Also recommended in this time of financial tumult are Surviving the Second Great Depression: How to Take Advantage of the Government That Is Trying to Take Advantage of You for some unconventional investment techniques and The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide: Protect Your Savings, Boost Your Income, and Grow Wealthy Even in the Worst of Times.