10.11.07
Posted in Books at 8:18 AM by Jeff
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is the first book I have read by listening to a CD. Although listening to a book on CD while driving is not the best way to soak in the material covered, it did expedite the reading process. Just listening to the CD in my truck allowed me to finish it in less than a week’s worth of driving.
Unfortunately, the book was not for me. I felt that most of what the book was geared toward active stock traders. What I did learn from the book was how to evaluate which stocks have good value. I also learned about the workings of other investment options that were relatively unknown to me previously.
So, unless you are hoping to be a full-time investor, I would not suggest this book. Note that what I did take from the book could help me choose better equities for my retirement plan.
Permalink
09.06.07
Posted in Books at 8:20 AM by Jeff
After two months, I am finally done reading The Millionaire Next Door. The thickness of the book (258 pages) was not the reason it took me so long to finish. I just could not find time to sit down and read. This might be one of the last books I actually read due to my new solution.
In short, the book was great. It explains an extensive study the authors did on millionaires (and non-millionaires) in the US. The findings were very interesting. Topics discussed include spending, saving, income, occupation, family relations, inheritance, lifestyle, status symbols, etc. A lot of the statistics they gathered about the wealthy (and not wealthy) were contrary to popular belief. If you want to know what they found in their research you will have to read it for yourself.
I enjoyed reading this book because of what I learned from it. One of the main reasons I continue to read is to learn more about different topics. Whether this book interests you or not, I recommend reading it. It can make you look at status symbols differently and become more aware about certain things.
Permalink
08.09.07
Posted in Books at 4:18 PM by Jeff
I do enjoy reading a good book. However, I hardly ever find time to sit down and read. There are always more import tasks demanding attention. I have been reading my current book for over a month and I am only halfway through it. While I don’t want to feel obligated to read, I also don’t want to feel like I will never finish reading the book. So, I came up with a plausible solution.
Think about how much time you spend in the car each day. My commute to work ranges from 35 to 60 minutes round trip. Plus if I visit a friend, go to the store, or go out to eat that is even more driving time. The average person in 1990 spent 59.69 minutes driving everyday.
If you haven’t guessed where I am going by now, here is my solution. Books on CD. Why not listen to a book on CD (or tape) while driving instead of the same old songs on the radio? My first book on CD arrived this week. I will let you know how it goes.
Permalink
07.13.07
Posted in Books at 6:35 AM by Jeff
For my birthday last month, I received the book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. The abstract on the inside cover describes how people “devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than developing our strengths”. This book comes with an access code to an online strengths text. After taking the test the book is used to tell you what your results mean and how to improve your particular strengths.
According to this book, the following are my top five strengths in no particular order.
Discipline - People who are especially talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.
Learner - People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
Achiever - People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
Futuristic - People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
Harmony - People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Do you see those qualities in me? Has anyone else read this book and taken the test? What were your results?
Permalink
