The Elements of Investing by Malkiel and Ellis is an excellent place to start. Malkiel and Ellis are to the investing world what Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton are to the world of rock guitar. In this book, they condense their investment approach into the very basics so that the newbie DIY investor knows exactly what to do and why to do it.
I would then consider The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read by Dan Solin. Again, a book you can read in a single weekend. In fact, here's a really good YouTube Google authors talk by Solin that is a bit over an hour long: Solin talk.
Finally, Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam goes beyond pure investing and talks also about how he, and others, have built sizeable nest eggs. A really important section shows how little time is required to actually set up and manage an investment approach that, over the long run, has outperformed high priced investment managers! Not only has the approach outperformed over the long term but it also does not require sacrificing a lot of time as you engage in the work world or even in retirement.
The approach touted in these books is the index approach. In other words, it is the opposite of trying to pick stocks or funds that will outperform or even trying to time the market. I understand that this approach isn't for everyone and that many want to try to "beat the market." If you have the resources, the time, and the expertise and believe you can do it, then I say go for it - just understand that the odds are against you. There are many books at your book store or library that will lead you down this path.
Index investing is what I call investing without all the drama!
ReplyDeleteTed Aronson manages $25 billion in client assets. Yet when it comes to his own portfolio, he goes with indexing!
I agree, especially because it typically begins with an overall plan. Ted Aronson is a wealthy man who understands he has already made a fortune, he doesn't have to spend his free time trying to time the market and pick stocks. A lot of wealthy athletes could learn from him.
ReplyDeleteI think most people can become DIY Investors, and I love how you suggest that it is not that complicated. So often we complicate even the fundamentals. Regardless, of whether you desire to become a DIY Investor or not, you need to a) know what is going on with your investments and b) realize that no one will watch your portfolio like you will.
ReplyDeletere Shawn: Many people think investing is about picking stocks, analyzing financial statements etc. It is really about participating in the ever increasing standard of living in a free market system. To do that isn't difficult although there are a few basic principles that must be learned.
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