The Bond Bible

You've heard the old mantra: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify -- but have you actually heeded that advice? Until I read this book, I had no real concept of what bonds could do for my portfolio. To me, bonds were boring, stale, stagnant, and, well, really couldn't hold a candle to the potential double digit returns stocks and mutual funds could produce. Why would I even bother? Marilyn Cohen takes you by the hand and walks you through the often convoluted terms (i.e. rate to maturity, convertible bonds, laddering, callability, etc.) and explains them in easy to understand terms with practical examples. Don't let that deter those of you that are experienced bond traders -- there are things in here for you too. After reading this, I feel a lot more comfortable adding bonds to my portfolio, as well as talking about them with investment professionals. There's a lot of potential out there in the fixed income field if you know what you're looking for. At this point, I know enough to adequately diversify my portfolio.

I've had enough stock-talk! I've listened to the experts and alot of good its done me! Bond advice? Get real, when "experts" talk about bonds its as if they are only talking to each other! Marilyn Cohen educates her readers like real people. The Bond Bible sheds light on a very necessary part of our portfolio (whether to protect against the not-so-reliable stock market) or to plan for retirement. Thank you, Ms. Cohen, there IS another way!

As a novice to the world of bonds, I really enjoyed reading the Bond Bible. Unlike many other investment books, the Bond Bible is actually fun and easy to read. In plain English, the book details the structure of many different types of bonds from simple Treasuries to more complex instruments like Ginnie Maes. More importantly, the author gives the beginning investor practical advice in locating bond bargains and devolving a portfolio strategy. Best of all, the book is packed with personal anecdotes of the author's own experiences in the bond world. As both a seasoned bond veteran and Forbes/CNBC columnist, Marilyn Cohen is able to effectively communicate her intricate knowledge of the bond market to the everyday public.

Ms. Cohen does a wonderful job of describing the complexities surrounding bonds and the fixed income markets in general. Her down to earth approach, including her real life examples, is refreshing compared to other books on this subject. If you are a do-it-yourselfer that has yet to delve into the world of bonds due to fear of the unknown you need to buy this book.

My knowledge about the bond market has increased dramatically since reading "The Bond Bible." As an investor and CPA, I can manuver around some of the pitfalls and sink holes waiting for uneducated investors.I highly recommend the book to anyone that already owns bonds or is thinking about investing in bonds.