The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition
Author: David Chilton
List Price: $14.00
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ISBN: 0761513116
Publisher: Prima Lifestyles (25 November, 1997)
Sales Rank: 4,650
Average Customer Rating: 4.65 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
A simple financial Parable and Primer
"The Wealthy Barber" is a financial primer written in the form of a fictional story with characters who grow in the area of financial management and independence. I would describe it as sort of a financial parable. There is a lesson to be learned here and instead of telling the lessons in either a boring, or too-technical book, this author has chosen and woven a fictional story with a lesson or a parable. Cathy, Tom and Dave get together with the local barber, Roy who shares his years of wisdom. There are chapters in the book involving wills, life insurance, retirement planning, personal residence, saving, investments and income tax. The lessons are basic and conservative. No day trading here or get rich quick schemes. Seasoned investors will probably find this book too elementary and simplistic. But some knowledgeable investors might find it to be a refreshing, thought provoking, simple overview. The primary reader target is really the novice or the uninformed. For this group I would heartily recommend the book. I would even recommend it for teenagers curious about investing and financial subjects. There are so many people that don't have a financial clue, for them this book would be excellent. The message is easy to read, simple and easy to follow. After reading this book an excellent follow on would be "The Millionaire Next Door" which expands some of the same themes of conservative saving and investing being a path to financial security, independence and a comfortable retirement. The book does not have an index, which I consider a shortcoming for the reader's future reference. I would also recommend as a companion read "The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Excellent first principles
This is the book I generally recommend to anyone interested in their future financial state or looking to get started in investing. It really is simple, and its innovative style (revolving around a few trips to the local barber-slash-investment guru) makes it a real pleasure to read. The simple steps and clear suggestions in each chapter give you an easy checklist of how to get started, rather than just putting it off. I really like the writing style and characters, but the strong investment advice is definitely an added bonus! The only qualm I have is that the book doesn't relate money and possessions to the rest of one's life - a real strength of a book like 'Neither Poverty Nor Riches ' by Blomberg. But overall, an excellent read for all would-be investors...
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Wordy Barber
There are true gems in this book and even though they are buried in a lot of irrelevant drivel, they are there! Do not let the silly modern 'reader friendly' fad of making any topic "easier", ' idiot proof' and 'for dummies' by the use of a conversation that is utterly off putting and idiotic, stop you from gathering the gems of knowledge in this book. Rise beyond that and get the BENEFITS!Unlike some recent popular drivel that masquerades as ' a road to financial freedom' etc, after you have read this book you have a detailed blue print that you can follow immediately and get yourself on tract to a secure financial future.
As I said.. wordy, so 4 stars.
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