Maverick Investing: Building Extraordinary Wealth Through Unconventional Principles

I accidentally found the author's radio program a few months ago. After calling in for some beginning investing advice, I got a copy of this book and just finished reading it. Believe it or not, this book is a page turner. It is written in a style that motivates you to get your financial life in order. The author gives sound advice that even a beginner can understand and implement. About 1/3 of the way through the book, I began to feel that some concepts were being repeated, but I pressed on and the rest of the book was great and filled with valuable techniques and examples. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

Doug Fabian has had a profound influence on my life. I have been a subscriber to his newsletter since 1991 and have read virtully everything he has written. It is with much credit to his advise and wisdom that I have achieved my financial goals. Unlike the overwhelming majority of investors, I actually have a gain in my investment portfolio since the current Bear market, the worst since the Bear markets of the Great Depression of the 1930's, began in March 2000. (At the time I am writing this review, we now are at the end of February 2003.) Before anyone reads any other book, especially books on the topic of personal finance, people should read this book. I highly recommend this very readable and practical book.

I've been a Fabian follower for the past 25 years, following Dick Fabian's newsletter until Doug Fabian took over his father's newsletter business in 1991. They both share the same investment philosophy, and I'm thrilled to be out of the market right now, as a result of Fabian's plan. Having read both books, Maverick Investing is very different from his father's "Mutual Fund Wealth Builder," particularly in the areas of Exchange Traded funds, which is definitely worth the price of the book. Also, the in-depth information on 401(k) investing is probably the most useful advice you'll receive in the marketplace today, answering virtually all the questions you have about 401(k)'s, and explaining how the use of tax-deferred vehicles can make you wealthy at retirement. This is a must-read, particularly for those who are looking for the next bull market, and early retirement.

This book is one of the best investment books I have read and I have read many. It is written so the novice investor can develop the knowledge and techniques necessary to be successful, and for more experienced investors to hone their skills. Discussion of Exchange Traded Funds, ETF, is particularly useful, because these relatively new trading vehicles are not widely known nor understood. Doug Fabian's enthusiasm is contagious and helps one to develop a stock trading method that one can be comfortable with and to develop the discipline that is required to be a successful investor.

I thoroughly enjoyed Doug Fabian's book. He exposes the myths of Wall Street and provides the tools for every individual investor to take control of his/her own financial future. You won't find any day trading, hocus-pocus, holy grail stuff in this book. Just proven, common sense methods that work. Investing is not as difficult as the Wall Street pundits would have you believe. Don't waste money on investing publicatons, newletters and advisory services. Believe me, the only people getting rich off this stuff are the publishers. Turn off CNBC and "Wall Street Week". Let the market tell you when to invest or stand aside. Bear markets are not scary if you have a plan to deal with them. And the plan is very simple. For example, following the same principles outlined in this book I moved my financial assets to money market funds in September 2000. As a result I was able to actually make money while the "buy and hold" crowd suffered 20-50% losses. When the trend finally turns up and hits my predetermined buy signal I will move back into a select group of mutual funds. Two other books that had a profound effect on my investment life are "The Mutual Fund Wealth Builder" by Dick Fabian (Doug Fabian's dad), and "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It" by Al Thomas. These books will provide the tools, but you have to provide the guts and dedication to implement the plan. And no, I'm not related to Doug Fabian, nor have I ever spoken to him. All I know is that the principles set forth by Doug Fabian, Dick Fabian and Al Thomas really do work. I'm just trying to save you a lot of money and grief. Oh yeah, after you read these books, send them to your broker or financial advisor. It will be the best gift they could ever receive.