Still! the Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need

This book helped me (a novice) understand a lot and gave me the confidence I needed to deal with a chunk of severance money from a former employer. In that situation, obviously you need access to the cash if necessary, but maybe you also want to score some interest. Before reading this, I was confused about several instruments with about the same level of risk (CDs, money market funds, money market accounts, I-bonds, TIPs, and Treasury bills). Tobias laid it all out very clearly--and humorously--and helped me to evaluate the options intelligently. There's also a great chapter on everyday savings you can make. It's sort of like David Bach's Latte Factor, but Tobias's take is a lot (dare I say) smarter in its outlook and scope. This author started early as a whiz kid and is very accomplished, but he's self-effacing and honest about his own mistakes--so you really do trust him to be straight with advice. Most people will definitely get something out of this book.

I have found the advice in this book to be invaluable. You simply can't go wrong. Those looking for a book with stock/mutual fund investing howtos should keep looking however. This is a broad brush stroke at handling one's money. Period. If you are going to read this book, be sure to read My Vast Fortune as well. The two tell quite a story and show that Mr Tobias is not just blowing air between his gums. This book is eminently readable and there is just not much wrong with it. Everything from what to do if you inherit wealth, to what type of life insurance to buy, to how to buy a car, to how to use the internet to save money on staying at a hotel are covered, as well as everything in between. Read this and prosper.

The book contains a wealth (hah!) of simple, sensible, wealth-building strategies. Perhaps even more important, it contains a wealth of simple, sensible, loss-avoidance strategies. And all of it is presented in an easy-to-read style, with humorous, self-deprecating stories that both enlighten and enliven. This is a seriously witty book! Four points in particular that impressed me: Tobias lists several kinds of investments that are so complex and have such a poor performance record that the only thing that most people need to know about them is that they should be avoided. That is very useful advice! Instead of wasting your time trying to become an expert in areas where even the experts lose money, you can spend your time more profitably in some other area. Tobias examines the impact that taxes have on wealth-accumulation and proposes some simple strategies to avoid or minimize that impact, including IRA and 401(k) plans. That is very useful advice. Paying less taxes = accumulating more wealth. Tobias discusses the effect that interest charges have and proposes some very simple strategies to avoid those too. That is also very useful advice. Paying less interest = accumulating more wealth. Finally, regarding specific investments, Tobias provides some basic, common-sense strategies here, too. Tobias addresses some basic asset allocation issues, pointing out that some investments are very risky on a short-term basis, and it doesn't make sense to put short-term money in a risky investment. Tobias lists a few places where your short-term money will be safe. As for your long-term money, Tobias makes the common sense observation that investment returns cannot be predicted from year to year, but investment costs can be predicted. That being the case, it makes sense to choose low-cost investments, and Tobias lists some recommendations. That is also very good advice. Paying lower investment fees = accumulating more wealth. In short it is possible -- and now, more than ever, it's necessary! -- for people to improve their financial position. This book helps show the average person how to accomplish that.

Andrew Tobias weaves through the dizzy world of T-bills, municipal bonds, alternative minimum taxes, and a host of esoteric personal finance topics. But the bottom line he preaches is simple: be happy living on less than you make, and save the rest in safe no load mutual funds, diversifying between domestic and international stocks. Tobias tries to assure most of us average Joes that we are a fool if we think we can outsmart the Warren Buffetts of the world, so don't go crazy speculating on individual stocks. At best, you will make a broker happy. At worst, you will lose your shirt. There now - I just saved you $14 you can add to your no load mutual fund account (lol).

Not only does Andrew Tobias suggest that readers save and invest, but also shows real ways that people can spend less (through conservation, stocking up on essentials at warehouse prices, saving money on insurance (auto, life, etc), paying yourself first, etc). Additionally, he explains investment vehicles in simple layman terms while divulging his personal opinions. All of this is done in a humorous, witty and quick read...a pleasant surprise to those of us picking up Investment Guides. Tobias truly covers it all, from savings accounts, to options and everything in between such as treasuries and annuities. He also discusses the merits of self-directed investing. It is telling that he dedicated the book "To my broker -- even if he has, from time to time, made me just that." This is a must read for those seeking entry-level knowledge of the ins and outs of investing or simply a witty read on the topic.