Business Money Books

I saw Dave Ramsey on TV and instantly thought this man can really help a person I Know who is facing bankruptcy. I bought it and gave it to them and they have made life changing moves. Can't give Dave Ramsey enough praise. He is logical, funny and to the point. The Dr. Laura of finance.

This has really been an asset to me. I've enjoyed listening to it over and over again. I learn something new each time or am reminded of something I need to be doing.

Excellent, helpful, informative, and humorous. Loved it. Played it for many of my friends and children. Everyone that has heard it said they wished they had listened to this earlier. An inexpensive, excellent buy. A must for everyone.

A very entertaining and educational recording about conquering debt. Dave Ramsey offers an often funny approach to steps one can take to manage debt. I thought it did go a little long into some of his illustrations (a little too much about cars for my interest) but the actual guidance and steps given were helpful and practical. As a result of hearing this recording I am curious to research more of Dave Ramsey's material.

You know I can see from the existing reviews there are a lot of differences about thought on this book. I understand everybody's point of view. I am going to comment on what I thought was THE most interesting part of the book which is not about anything to do with the title per se. Howard Ruff has a chapter called SIN TAX and he summarizes the founding of the country back to John Adams and the use of the laws and the Constitution and what America really stood for 200+ years ago and why the Constitution was written as it was. Then he talks about the fabric of today's society literally falling apart. I happen to agree with his assessment - that crime is rampant (and getting worse) the schools are babysitting factories (no time to really teach in classrooms with 35-40 or more kids in them) not to mention the fear factor of the kids going to school these days, and the younger the kids, the more babies they like to have. There is no shame anymore in being a 15 yr old parent and I believe this is a terrible social cost to our country. The social underpinnings of our society (and other countries too around the world) are costing us TRILLIONS AND TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS. Welfare costs, medical costs for all these out of wedlock babies, food costs to avert starvation but most of all, the damage that passes down from generation to generation in these one-parent (for the most part) families who for the most part never will recover from the lower and then-lower-still decline in any decent standard of living.

Eventually, the author asserts, this will sink the United States of America both morally and financially.

I think he has a point. I just look around the country in my travels and where I live (a 'nice' area) and I see it with my own eyes. Plus I am also an older parent who wrings my hands over all of this. It sure ain't what it was like when I was growing up.

Funny chapter in a book on 'How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years in the 21st Century'? Perhaps.

But deadly right on, so to speak.

I would like to see this chapter published in major American newspapers as a guest editorial. This really did hit right on the nose.

That is what I liked the best about the book. I love to read books that are fascinating in whatever it is they are talking about. I certainly wasn't expecting this chapter in a book of this title. But I sure am glad he did include it.

Now I know Howard Ruff is of Mormon descent and therefore a believer in large families and at his website there is a picture of him with his wife, all the kids and the gaggle of grandkids. And it shocked me like it has shocked a few of you too. But then I took out a trial subscription to his Ruff Times and I read about the intact nuclear families of each of his children. And while I am no proponent of large families especially in today's economically challenging times, at least I can propose that a financially stable intact family with both a mother and father even though with more kids than I would like to see, as versus a single parent teenager with a few kids - well who do the odds favor in terms of having a successful life? At least this author lives as he says he lives and I have to respect him for that. And I think he has financially set his family on a path where they will never be burdens on society. In fact I'm sure from all I've read by him that he did the greatest favor of all and taught his children fiscal responsibility along with family morals & values (which I sure hope they practice).

Lastly, Howard Ruff does talk about gold and silver and how you need to be on the G & S train while it is still in the early parts of its voyage and I, who reads everything, totally agrees on that. His chapters on silver being a far more profitable opportunity than gold probably are very correct.

Howard Ruff originally published this book in 1979. Anyone who followed his advice lost money for years and years. Sort of reminds me of Ravi Batra and his 1987 best-seller, "The Great Depression of 1990." What Great Depression of 1990, you ask? My point, precisely. Now that things are looking badly economically, Ruff can call himself a prophet, and republish his book with "21st century updates" responding to the credit crisis. Yeah, okay Howard.

Excellent read, Mr Ruff, makes his case here compelling letting us know of the urgency of our situation in this country, but he also gives solid solutions in how to overcome them I give this book 4 stars for strong clear, readable content and excellent problem solving ideas.

either you get it or you don't. this book was first published in 1979. therefore, it is way ahead of any other financial book that was written during this same time period. the title would sound a little frisky, if it were written just today. however, it wasn't. there are many things that he talks about that people are only now starting to realize and discuss. things like gold, silver and food for survival. he talks about the impending banking crisis that would be about to unfold. these are all things that are coming into fruition now, and yet people still do not get it. the premanatory nature of this book shows just how brainwashed we still are with gas about to hit five and gold set to hit $1000 one more time and beyond. if people do not get it now. they will after this christmas. it will be one of the worst christmases ever.

If I had spent three minutes doing a little R and D I would have never bought this book but I was lazy and I got what I deserved.

If you want a book with a lot of right wing Republican drivel and Mormon survival philosophy pushed at you and exposure to an author who spends most of the book's time letting you know how prescient he is then go ahead and buy it. But if you are serious about getting personal financial information then look further and pass on this one.

I agree he might need the six months of food supply hidden away as if everyone populates the earth with scores of kids and grandkids as he has then the food supply will surely become strained.

An intriguing look at the culture and economy of smuggling and other illegal commerce, Global Outlaws opens many windows to provide a wide range of perspectives on the illegal economy, from the selling of a single smuggled cigarette in an African town to the movement of shipping containers (and their contents, legal and illegal) through a number of major American and European ports. Carolyn Nordstrom provides a rich view of the interdependencies of legal and illegal commerce, both the mundane (cigarettes, washing machines) and the exotic (endangered species of fish for high-end restaurants world-wide). She gives a sense of the range of people and networks involved in these activities, along with the benefits (how else could people get drugs to remote battlefields?) and the threats (could there be a bomb in that container of Barbie dolls?) of smuggling.
Much of the book represents deep field work at its best. Her presentation of trans-national shipping and port security contains good information that is not integrated so well as other parts of the book.

If you want to change your thinking about how the world works and adjust it to how the world really works, then read this. If you want to believe that everything is on the up and up, then don't read this. The work covers everything from cigarettes to port security to portable wealth to banking. While most of us recognize that we live in a global world, we often forget that this global world has trade happening in the back room of the cafe with the help of the banks. This is a very honest look at many forms of illegal trade and finance from a very human perspective.

There's little doubt in my mind that transnational crime networks are vastly understudied relative to their impact on global health, security, and economics. Anthropologist Nordstrom clearly agrees, and lays out the fruits of three years of field work in this loosely arranged triptych of illegal (or as she would put it, "il/legal") trade. Broken into twenty brief (6-10 page) chapters, the book starts with the micro of a lone war orphan hawking cigarettes in Angola and slowly zooms out to the macro of international trade and finance. Each chapter opens with a photo, which helps to ground the discussion in the lives of people, rather than policy. The framework is an ambitious one, attempting to tie together a very broad range of material, and it doesn't always work. For example ports are the focus of three unconnected chapters rather than one sustained narrative.

Others have written about much of the same material before, especially the drug trade, the arms trade, and overhyped blood diamond trade. However, these accounts are generally written from a journalism or policy perspective -- none that I'm aware of have grounded their material in such deep fieldwork, nor written about it with such a good ear for the pithy quote or telling anecdote. One of the central themes of the book is that while drugs, arms, and diamonds get all the press, her fieldwork reveals that trafficking in more mundane goods, such as food, is ultimately a much larger part of the informal economy in much of the world. Particularly chilling is her expose of the international shipping industry and just how laughable the customs and security controls on it are. (The same problems are also well documented in William Langswiesche's Atlantic Monthly essays collected in the book The Outlaw Sea).

Unfortunately, the positive aspects Nordstrom's writing are sometimes weakened by the kinds of arcane theoretical digressions and awkward terminology that often pop up in works by academics. The writing is alo marred by a certain shrill tone when it comes to the workings of large multinational corporations and a somewhat snide approach to the operations of international aid and relief agencies. While I don't generally disagree with her analysis, I find the strident and bitter tone somewhat diverting from the truths she lays out. Criticisms of structure and writing aside, this is a valuable, and quick-reading work that anyone with an interest in world affairs should check out. Nordstrom has done a stellar job in illustrating the pervasiveness and flexibility of informal trade networks, and how they can be manipulated around the world to move just about anything, anywhere.

I got this book to help me with my business - direct sales or not this book will help anyone starting a business. It's organizational, life planing and very straight forward. It's a quick read which is GREAT
Go for it.

This book if full of valuable information on how to run your own business. It gives you solid guildlines on how to succeed. It shows you how to stay focused on the goal of achieving financial independence through Network Marketing. Mary Christensen gives the encouragement needed to stick with your business even when quitting would be easy. She writes about overcoming negatives and how to win.

GREAT book and as a Founder and CEO of ChicBoutique At Home I include many of Mary's books with the Starter Kit. This is one of the best ones as it has detailed step by step for a Networker to work the business. It's great for novice and experienced Networkers. Highly recommended.

Este libro supera cualquier expectativa que su nombre pudiera implicar. De forma muy sencilla, practica y efectiva, la autora nos da lecciones basicas para truinfar en el mundo de la venta directa y multi nivel. Si estas involucrado en la venta directa, este libro es VITAL para ti y todo tu EQUIPO.

I am new to network marketing and was looking to learn strategies from an experienced and successful direct seller. I found that and much more in this book. Like most network marketers I had the motivation and excitement but after enrolling began asking myself "ok, now what?" I found the answers in this book as Christensen takes the guesswork and mystery out of direct selling. It is easy to relate to Christensen as she tells her story of how she began in this industry. If the steps are followed, the reader will not have to reinvent the wheel but rather will have a clear set of principles to follow allowing them to stay on course to financial freedom.
Christensen's honesty is presented throughout the book as she explains that direct selling is not a "get rich quick" scheme and work and rejection go along with the territory. This can all be overcome by following the steps outlined in the book as well as the interactive activities to help you grow your business and think like a winner.
With Christensen's impressive experience in direct selling as well as her amazing success anyone interested in direct selling should own this book.

If a picture is worth, as is said, a thousand words, The Wall Street Journal Guide to Money and Investing is worth many times its purchase price.

The book takes a very basic approach at explaining the components of the investment world. Taken together, the components explained represent a comprehensive view of what is a very complex and broad topic.

One reading doesn't do this book justice, though. Read over and over, however, this book will earn a place on any serious investment student's bookshelf as a resource to return to for a periodic refresher or for clarification.

Bumped to the side by The Wall Street Journal in favor of Dave Kansas' The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investment Guidebook, Kenneth & Virginia Morris' book lives on as The Standard and Poors Guide to Money and Investing. Where Dave Kansas' book is complete and chock full of words, the Morris' still succeed at conveying the basics in a way that will forever add value.

Just finished reading it. Wow, what a mind trip. Fast shipment too!

As many have said in their reviews, this is a great starting point for those new to investing and financial markets. In fact, it's the best I've ever found and I've looked a lot. The simple, plain English explanations are what makes this book stand out. For the nuances and more detailed information regarding the topics in the book, look to a textbook from a college finance class. But for the person who knows very little, start with this.

I cant believe that I went through college without taking business or econ classes (except for political economy). This is a way for me to catch up.
I like this book because it is easy to read and understand. So easy even an elementary school kid could understand....ok maybe junior high.
Eventually I would hope to read the Intelligent Investor.

This book is excellent for learning the basic concepts in investing and finance. If you would like to iniciate in this area, i recommend this book as an entry door with the basics.

The book is the best in the business and the bible of fix income instruments. I bought it to review some concepts and I am very happy I did.

Great purchase. The authors do a superb job of describing topics in basic terms then escalate to the nitty gritty number crunching behind the concepts. I recommend for anyone needing a complete guide to FI securities.

very good as a reference and general overview; if you want more detail and in-depth analysis you should look for something else but there's lots of specific lieterature out there so this still makes a good starting point

i give 4.5 stars.

many reviewers comment that this book lacks depth, but hey, it just tries to give a general overview on a variety of fixed income securities, that's what it is, and this book does reasonably well on this purpose. it never means to contain everything on every fixed income securities.

the only thing i am concerned is that the page numbers listed on the index sometimes do not match.

Good reference for bond math and a great thing to have on any debt capital markets desk.. I use it very frequently.. its a classic ..

This is one of the most inspiring books I've read on the subject of money in a long time. What I like about it is that it is written in an easy to read manner that makes the concepts very accessible. Whether you are attracted or put off by the link to yoga and eastern thought, don't let that get in the way - this is a book about money, and the author draws upon all traditions to illustrate his points.

Read this book with an open mind - if necessary, read it downstairs, in the basement, in a closet with the door closed and the light on, at night after everyone else is asleep, if that'll make you feel secure and certain that no-one can see your reactions. Then be brutally honest with yourself as you work through the archetypes, recognize your behavior patterns, and identify your core story. The experience will be transformative. Then try to follow the suggestions - that'll be harder, but the results will be worth it. Even if it takes you just a few steps in the right direction, it'll be time well spent.

You may want to revisit the concepts after an initial reading, but that will be efficient because the book is easy to follow. The book is well organized with chapters & sections for various archetypes, so that in the future the reader can just refer to the pertinent sections.

The primary complaint some readers may have about the book is that actual investment advice is presented in summary form. However I would suggest otherwise - there is plenty of reading material out there with details of the practical steps. This book has many references that can guide you in the right direction. What is key in this book (and its important to recognize this) is that it links it to you, specifically, by working through how you are likely to react under various circumstances. From my personal experience, I can say that once you get there, the rest is downhill.

May you find the harmony you are searching for.

It's Not About the Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance

I first read of archetypes in the book "Money Magic: Unleashing Your True Potential for Prosperity and Fulfillment" by Deborah L. Price (originally published in 2000 as "Money Therapy: Using the Eight Money Types to Create Wealth and Prosperity"). The archetypes in Kessel's book are a bit less distinct in their habits and attitudes about money and how it impacts one's life than those described in Price's book. And the "how to" exercises don't seem to be as well defined in helping one to understand how their Core Story (which Price calls the "Money Biography") has developed through subconscious patterning. But the application of using the knowledge of one's "Money Type" (a term first used by Price in her books) in developing a financial planning and investing strategy is unique and quite helpful. Concerning the exercise determining one's "money type", I find it not as well structured as that of Price's, which is on her website at [...] As J. Butterworth said, "This is a very creative adaptation of Price's book with great practical information." I too would have given a higher score had the archetype concept not already been published and applied through Price's work.

This was an interesting book, if you just wanted to see how you fit into the categories he mentions, but there were some glaring inconsistencies. For example, he lists Your Money or Your Life in his recommended reading list, but no books such as The Tightwad Gazette or any others that have any kinds of money-saving hints that you can do right now to help you get to financial abundance.

From reading his book I also got the distinct impression that it never occurs to him that there are people who think it is a game to be frugal and get enjoyment out of frugality for its own sake. Others prefer to donate their time to charity rather than money, and he seems much more oriented towards donating money.

Finally, this is not really a book about do-it-yourself investing, because the reader is constantly told to go to a fee-only financial planner.

Borrow from the library.

Are you ready to discover your money personality? You know, the one that acts like a four year old one day and a mature adult the next. Brent Kessel in his book, It's Not About The Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance explores the emotional and intellectual aspects of how we deal (or don't deal) with our finances.

Brent Kessel did a great job of marrying the emotional, spiritual and practical aspects of money, financial planning and wealth management. It's Not About The Money is the type of book you'll want to make time to read, study, work the activities and absorb the material on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Part One: First we have to understand what is happening inside on an emotional level before we can work on outside circumstances. Here are some of the emotional/spiritual highlights I gathered within the first few chapters:
~ We all get what we think we deserve.

~ Financial freedom requires more of a focus on our inner life than on our outer financial circumstances.

~ Inner wealth often leads to outer wealth.

~ To truly understand our relationship with money, it's important to embark on an inner journey in which money is the primary focus.


Part Two: This part focuses on recognizing and understanding your core money personality.

Brent Kessel believes that to understand where we are as adults, we have to understand are financial archetypes. Archetypes are the powerful financial energies within us that make up our day-to-day financial life and often have roots in childhood. The author analyzes eight money personalities/archetypes.

In this section he has us work on how to recognize our money personality, probable causes for why we view money the way we do, why this personality may or may not be working for us and possible solutions for solving what isn't working. Brent does this by taking us through different activities for each of the eight money personalities. This section is an eye-opener!


Part Three: This is the intellectual side of money management. Here is when It's Not About The Money gets into investing, financial planning and using your core story to help you make money.

Once you know your core money story and understand how it affects your life, you can gain power and control over money. Brent shows you how to use your money personality to help make money.

Brent believes when investing stay true to yourself, your money personality and core values. Become a "conscious" investor who invests in a board range of stocks that will universally help the climate and humanity. Your best financial decisions are the ones that support "what is most important to your essence."


Part Four: This is the nuts and bolts resource section. Here you will find pages of valuable information which standing alone is worth the price of the book.

My overall impression of It's Not About The Money: Unlock Your Money Type To Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance is that I'm very glad I read the book. Brent Kessel wrote a book that is spiritual, thoughtful and practical all rolled into one. This book could very well help you make peace with your inner four year old who just may be controlling your adult financial future. I highly recommend!

At a time when I have been trying to convince my wife and two teenage children that we should spend less, summer 2008, I became captivated by the title, "it's not about the money." Ironically, I spent money impulsively, and bought the book. I confess. I only read half of it, and skimmed the rest. Perhaps, in skimming, I somehow overlooked exciting and new information. But I doubt it.

Essentially, "it's not about the money" tries to help you understand your relationship to money by identifying "The Eight Financial Archetypes." However, the simplicity of that assertion and the repetitious description of these "archetypes" suggest this book could have been condensed to a magazine article. Here are the magical eight: The Guardian, The Pleasure Seeker, The Idealist, The Saver, The Star, The Innocent, The Caretaker, and The Empire Builder. And here is an example of the "in depth" descriptive prose. "Idealists are, as the name implies, highly idealistic." The author does attempt to dig a little deeper, but the numerous, equally pointless sentences made me stop.

To be fair, this book might be appealing to perhaps a college freshman with a sudden profound interest in psychology and finance and absolutely no prior experience. The three stars result from this sense of fairness, and my reluctance to give bad reviews. I much prefer positive ones.

Jeff May,
Askwritefish
As always, if you don't agree, you can feed my writing to the fish.

I haven't read past the fourth chapter and I have talked about this book to my clients, friends, and family. I initially intended to give this book to my 22 year old sister after reading it, but now, I plan on buying a copy for her and about 15 other people. While some people might think that the only thing making the book successful is the target market - obviously it's a smart route to take. If that one negative reviewer had done any research they would know that women are not only the most uneducated in making financial decisions, but they are also the sex that has been proven to live longer and need that education. Basically this is an awesome book and I plan on celebrating it as essential part of making women feel comfortable when dealing with financial situations.

Although I am still unwilling to give up my expensive haircuts, On My Own Two Feet really made me take a step back and look at my spending and saving situation. It inspired me to make some changes and think about my spending differently.
This book is perfect for all of those ladies out there with little interest and/or time to study the nuts and bolts of personal finance. It gives you straightforward advice and explains the bare essentials of what you need to know - no more and no less. Want to know exactly what portion of your salary you should be saving? What type of fund to put your retirement money into? This book tells you flat out. I highly recommend it!

I read one review that said this book didn't say anything new and I would have to say that I completely disagree with that. Perhaps it did not bring up anything new for that person because maybe they have a better handle on their finances, but for someone who doesn't and who has not received any financial advice this is a fantastic book! I have my finances pretty under control and grew up in a house where i was made pretty financially responsible from a young age, but being young and dumb in college I forgot a few things that this book reminded me of. The section on investing is great and will be new material for most people who read it. It is a very clean and easy read and everything is explained in plain english. Come on ladies, get your financial act together and stand on your OWN TWO FEET!

I absolutely LOVED this book. I saw this book in my community library a few months ago, and liked the cover, so I decided to check it out. Little did I know it would change my life! It changed the way I looked at budgeting, and taught me many different things--HOW to save your money, WHERE to save your money, and WHEN to save your money, among other things...and made it all easy to understand. I am 16 years old, and am going to college next year, so this book will be a great help to me, especially in the budgeting area. This book will be a lifetime finance companion for me! =)

I really didn't have any expectations when I read this book. I expected a boring book about finances, which I would probably only read half of-- and with stuff I could not understand.

Boy, was I wrong.

This book changed my life-- for the better! I owe this book everything... it explained to me what my PARENTS couldn't explain... and that's because no one ever told them!

I FINALLY understand money. And I'm giving it as a gift to everyone I know-- regardless of gender.

This is the most life-altering book I've ever read! There's not a better one on Amazon.

If you like Cramer even a little you will truely enjoy this book. It really helps to understand where he has come from, and how he got to where he is today.....
I have passed this book along to many and they also loved this easy read. I, too, believe it would make an interesting movie....enjoy.

James Cramer wrote a great autobiography. I love the show and wanted to learn more about the host. After hearing about this book, I bought it and read it without stopping. Cramer begins with his childhood and describes all the seasons of his life. His time in college, LA and at Goldman Sachs. I enjoyed reading about someone who never quits. There were many times in his life when he could have given up, but he never did. He also shows the importance of having someone in your life who always believes in you no matter what. To me, this novel shows the hard work and grit that are required to become great: whether you are lucky or not.

I bought this book because I saw a recommendation somewhere together with One Up on Wall Street. I had my doubts when I saw the cover (close up of the author's face) and unfortunately when I began reading my fears became true. It is one big ad of Jim Cramer. I strongly recommend against buying it however One Up on Wall Street is highly recommended.

Takes you right into the heart and guts of this crazy business.Makes you feel you are in the room with him.A wild and crazy ride. Re-read it immediately after completing the first read.

This book is the best. I laughed reading this book because not only is Cramer so funny but I can tell he is to honest and almost to reveling. There are many trading and investing books out there that sell you techniques and Strategies but this book gives you everything and teaches you the side of investing that the wanna be books don't tell you.Even though this book is a bio of Cramer's start I can promise you will get more than just that. I learned so much out of this book. I am a big fan of Cramer mostly because of his honesty. I hope he comes out with more great books. I wasn't a big fan of his last book that was based more around safe investing. I really like the the real dirt on what Street Pros really do-

Thanks Cramer!