Book Review: The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss - 4.5 STARS
Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Small Business

This book is a masterpiece I do believe. Really it just opens your eyes to a completely different way of life. Whether you choose to employ the strategies described within this book or not, you will truly enjoy the journey that Tim takes you on throughout this book.

To be honest a great deal of what is included within this book is not of direct use to me. I am going to school get my Bachelor of Commerce (Bcom), then I am getting my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and finally my Master's of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in Finance or Private Equity. All of this in order to allow me to work within and later own my own hedge fund, private equity fund or venture capital firm. Needless to say, all of these directions do not make a 4-hour workweek very possible. Nonetheless, this is an amazing work. AND a real eye opener!

Please trust me on this one and pick up a copy of this and give it a read! It is a great book!

Quick topic spoiler...

Nevermind, I can't do it! This book is way to much fun to read and a poiler truly would spoil it!

Get it at Amazon.com!
Click here: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

Cheers,
R

Book Review: Instant Income by Janet Switzer

Instant Income by Janet Switzer - 3.5 STARS
Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Small Business

Now, I had a very hard time deciding what to rate this book. It was a very interesting read, covered some great topics and gave some wonderful insights into creative ways to market products and services. I enjoyed the read, at the time I read this though I don't really have a use for the information... I think it may be worth another read. But, we'll see when that happens.

This book covers such topics as: increasing sales of a product from existing customers, making money with affiliates and joint ventures, making money online, writing ads (copywriting), starting and running occasional small businesses and going into business with your employer. I know that looks like a ridiculously ambitious list to cover in just one book, but she does a surprisingly good job. I'd say though, that each topic requires much more information than is included within this book. It is a great starting point for each of these subjects though.

Switzer's real wins within this book are the portions dealing with copywriting, internet marketing, selling to existing customers and how to launch a product (in particular a book or other intellectual property).

Janet Switzer has some very solid experience working with clients marketing and launching their products (most well known client that I'm aware of is Jack Canfield of the Chicken Soup for the Soul empire). She really is an expert within the above mentioned field and it is a pleasure to hear her prospective on these topics.

All in all, this is well worth a read if you are looking for some base info on any of the topics I mentioned within this review.

Take a look at Instant Income here (Amazon):
Instant Income: Strategies That Bring in the Cash

Please let me know what you think of this... Also, I truly believe the information contained within this book is only as valuable as the degree you put it to work in your life!

Cheers,
R

Book Review: The Millionaire Maker by Loral Lengemeier

The Millionaire Maker by Loral Lengemeier - 2.0 STARS
Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Investing


Basically, what Ms.Lengemeier is doing with this book is providing some basics (very elementary basics) on how to become financially independent.

I would place this book in the "business self help" or "business motivational" categories. I know they don't exist in traditional book stores, but hey that's where this book belongs. Right there beside Robert Kiyosaki, Anthony Robbins and Donald Trump.

Now for a brief review of this product. It isn't bad, I read it from cover to cover and even tried to do some of the activities outlined throughout the book. This book focuses on the merits of building a "cash-machine" (which Loral writes about in a later book in greater detail), and the importance of employing experts to assist along the way. She truly believes that no-one becomes a millionaire "alone", in otherwords she does not believe in the so called "self made millionaire". Loral's focus with this book is to show an overview of her successful coaching program: Live Out Loud. Her strategies include: starting a cash-machine (even if that requires qutting your job), investing in rental real estate, investing profits in more cash producing assets and creating a maze of tax-reducing business entities.

I think her system is sound and the formula would work. My main issue that I had with her throughout this book was her constant pitching of her own coaching programs and other pricey services offered by Live Out Loud.

All this being said, if you follow her advice religiously, and hopefully have a small retirement account to jumpstart your efforts... her system can make you financially independent. I did give this 2.0 stars because I felt that the pitching and the overly motivational and less technical nature of it was less than useful and a little insulting to the reader.

I could be completey crazy, because 93 people have given this an average score of 4.0 stars at Amazon.com (at the time of this writing). Check it out:
The Millionaire Maker: Act, Think, and Make Money the Way the Wealthy Do

If you are looking for a good beginner text on investing, business and entrepreneurship I'd still stick with Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki over this one. You can get Rich Dad, Poor Dad here:
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

Thanks for reading and please if you don't agree with my review... post a comment! Gotta love free speech!

Cheers,
R

Book Review: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - 4.5 STARS
Personal Finance, Self Help


Hands down on of the best books ever written on the subject of wealth and success. It's a classic!

This book is pretty basic, pretty simple, definitely not technical, but, it is very good. This is one of the first books that comes to mind when I think of what got me started on my journey of personal discovery and what started my interest in finance, investing and business in general.

I can't even remember when I first read this book. It was so long ago now that I can hardly remember.

If you have read any books in the Self Help or Success genres you have almost certainly heard of this book and have probably read about some of the principles. But, let me tell you... you must read this book, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned vet... this is a must.

I can't say anything else about it, except READ IT! This is a goddamn great piece and something that I hope you have already read and if not that you will beg, borrow or steal it in the near future.

And, if you decide that buying it is a better bet... track it down here:
Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century

Go NOW and read this book... I'm sure your local library has it and if not... it is only $7.77 at Amazon.com (at least it was when this review was posted).

R

Book Review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Book Review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - 3.0 STARS
Personal Finance, Investing, Entrepreneurship


Well, where do I start?

This book is on so many people's "must read", "top 25", etc., etc. lists that I'm sure all of you have heard at least one friend, family member, personal finance guru, TV personality or some other expert tell you that you "MUST" read this book. Well, what am I going to say? Well... I can't say that I haven't recommended that people read this, and I definitely can't say that is is without merit. What I can say is... if you have read many Personal Finance, Investing, Success, Self Help, Entrepreneurship and Business books then I'd steer clear of this one. This isn't in anyway implying that it is bad... I'm just saying that it is more motivational than it is practical or technical.

On the other hand, just to make myself as hypocritical as possible. This book is a MUST READ! Why do I move on to say this? Well, if you are just getting into reading Personal Finance books then this is a great place to start. It will broaden your thinking, provide motivation and get you excited about further expanding your knowledge on the subject. As you can see, I gave this book 3.5 stars... not spectacular, but by no means poor either. This book is still to this day one of the books I would suggest as a 1st or 2nd read for anyone just beginning to read Personal Finance books.

Get your copy at your local library or here at Amazon.com
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

Happy Reading!
R

Book Review: The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton

The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton - 4.0 STARS
Personal Finance


I finally read this book a few years back. For me I can't say that I learned too much new information, but in no way does that discount the validity of it.

I personally believe that this book is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the Personal Finance or Success genres. I think that this should be one of the first 3-5 books one reads on personal finance and investing.

I am so tempted to outline a bit of David's advice here, but it really wouldn't be fair to you if you decide to read it. But, since I really do enjoy ruining your fun and being a bit of a spoiler... it has to do with saving and investing! I know... you already knew that. But, believe me, whether you have read 100 Personal Finance books (though, you would probably have already read this one) or this is your very first one... I can guarantee that you will feel it was worth your time.

This book isn't long, and it isn't technical, but it really is worth a few hours of your time! If you haven't read this... I truly recommend it!

Let me know what you think!

Get your copy here at Amazon.com
The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition: Everyone's Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent

Enjoy!
R