The Motley Fool's You Have More Than You Think

It's amazing that I have owned this book for such a long time and NOT reviewed it. What an oversight as it certainly is one of my most highly acclaimed books regardless of category.Much of the information still sticks with me today. Whereas the book is about investing your money wisely, it just does not talk about the stock market. Most important of all, David and Tom Gardner (The Two Motley Fools) discuss how to keep more of the money you earn. This can be done by avoiding excessive gambling and overindulgence in your State Lotteries. Also this can be done by failing to pay yourself first as illustrated in the chapter entitled The Ten Most Common Financial Mistakes. Gosh the example of the multiple uses of one's shirt is hilarious.Although the Gardner's have their biases when discussing investment vehicles, the humor shines through as well as some common sense. Truthfully, Mutual Funds do have their purposes for some people in some scenarios. However, the reasons against Mutual Funds are certainly noteworthy. The approach to constantly research and adjust one's portfolio is strongly encouraged here which a big plus is.Most important of all, the tone of the book is not filled with heavy jargon. The handy glossary in the back of the book smoothes out any questions that a reader might have. And the light hearted humorous approach makes this book FUN! Therefore, run down to your book store and pick up this gem immediately.

I found it very helpful and humorous at times. They certainly try to keep learning about your own personal finances informative and proactive.

I did this backwards, reading the other two volumes in the "trilogy" (TMF Investment Guide & TMF Rule Breakers, Rule Makers) prior to this, the beginning volume. I realized this was the "basics" but wanted to complete the set. Boy, am I glad I took the time! This is the most easy to read volume on the fundamentals of money management, and basic investment, not to mention very lighthearted. I intend to buy this, a primer in finances, for both my teenage children, and, a couple of friends at work who I know will benefit tremendously from this, if only they take the time out to read it! I will certainly urge them to do so. Great job Gardner brothers. Keep up the enlightening work. O' yes, I have put all the investment strategies to work, and am enjoying much success. I started late in life, if only I had been able to understand this when I was twenty! Don't wait!

I have bought investiment and financial planning books throughout the years, but never got past the first chapter or two. But I read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. The difference? This book presents dry, boring financial information in a witty and humorous way that makes you want to keep reading because it is so funny. But it also educates...I am going to follow their investment strategies after speaking with others who have used it and prospered. Anyway, if you want to laugh and have fun learning about the stock market, get this book. By the way, the fools say that they can make investing fun for you and they did....even more fun then spending and I love to shop!

To the Atlanta reviewer who opined that the Motleys are just exploiting the financial ignorance of the American public......HUH? Tom and David write a beginner's guide to personal financial stability, regular financial planning, and PERSONAL control of one's investments. It is designed to prevent the professional financial world from exploiting the ignorance of the public by convincing them that investing and financial planning and the stock market are too complicated for "outsiders." Though it is written in simple terms, is admittedly repetitive, and may be too basic for some, it is ideal for beginners. From consumer debt and credit card use to major family purchases to equity investing, it drives home the point that YOU CAN DO IT financially. I gave this as a gift to a couple of graduating high school senior honor students. They read it like a novel in a couple of days and said it was the best educational experience they ever had. Don't be fooled- though simply stated, the principles in this book are worth reviewing by money managers of ANY educational level. I have a business degree and a doctorate- I loved it!