required reading if you plan to retire one day

Didn't think you could distill just about everything you need to know, along with what you must ignore about investing, in one thin book, but they did it.
Folks should read it, and then read it again. Just to ensure that the key points stick.

9 people found this helpful

An okay book

I think this book was good. but it really should be marketed for teenagers. These I think are things that most adults already know. I can give you a brief summary and save you 13$ or an audible credit:

-Invest early in life
-When you're younger invest mostly in stocks, then as you get older, progressively invest in bonds.
-Diversify your portfolio,
-Invest in index funds
-The more you pay for a stock broker, the less return you will get
-Financial directors are usually bad at predicting the market
-Don't try to predict the market or trust anyone who says they can, because it's virtually impossible to do.
-Invest conservatively (don't act on impulse)
-Don't let your emotions make your decisions for you.

I think that's about it. If you are a teenager you definitely wanna check this out. But anyone over 25 will be OK by just reading my short summary, assuming they don't already know all this stuff.

8 people found this helpful

Another self-help book

Would you try another book from Burton G Malkiel and Charles D Ellis and/or Erik Synnestvedt?

no

Would you recommend The Elements of Investing to your friends? Why or why not?

I don't recommend this book. It was a disappointing, redundant, cookie-cutter-advice investment advice book that at times seemed more geared toward manipulating the reader than informing me. I expected much better from Malkiel.

What aspect of Erik Synnestvedt’s performance would you have changed?

The 2-3 hour book can be reduced to a 2-3 minute list.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

LOL

Any additional comments?

If you do listen to the book, listen critically. Don't believe everything you hear.

3 people found this helpful

Must Listen!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elements of Investing to be better than the print version?

We should listen to this audio when we're 20s years old.
I'm afraid I'm 49 years old. It's a little bit late.

1 person found this helpful

very basic material

This audio book is only suitable for beginner investors. In summary, this audio book is good for 2 advice. Start saving & invest in a low expense index ETF fund. Enough said.

Great Quick Audio Book

This book really condenses the fundamental elements in investing in such a short period of time. If you are ever in doubt about your investments this book will give you a quick overview of great strategies to adhere to.

Good for learning investors

Lots of good specific information. The further reading list in the appendix is an excellent source. Takes you from the beginning and doesn't assume you have any previous knowledge.