The 100 Things I've Learned in Investing

Some excellent advice from Anand Chokkavelu, CFA

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/06/29/the-100-things-ive-learned-in-investing.aspx#.T_q242jDldw

If you only read one point, read the first one! "1. Most of this list is dedicated to insight on beating the market, but know this: It's darn hard to beat the market. Ninety-nine percent of people are best served steadily buying and holding low-cost index funds at the core of their portfolios -- and I may be understating that 99% figure."

There's been some negative press about ETFs. This article is about why ETFs (and ETPs - exchange traded products) are a good investment choice.

http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/article.aspxarticleid=102268&categoryid=5&refsource=newsletter

Book Review: Getting Started in Finding a Financial Advisor

By Chuck Jaffe
John Wiley & Sons
2010

All of the books in my Recommended Reading list (in the right hand menu) are books I recommend. Unfortunately, this one doesn't make the cut.

On the plus side, Jaffe lists several important questions everyone should ask an adviser they are considering working with. What are your qualifications? Who is your typical client? How do you charge for your services? Can I have some references? What makes me the kind of client you'd like to work with? How often will I hear from you?

However, the bulk of the book is a rehash of these same points in chapters on finding a broker, an insurance agent, a real estate agent, an accountant, a lawyer... you get the picture. 7 of the 15 chapters are almost identical.

The book does a good job of encouraging people to take time and care in selecting an adviser, but there are plenty of web sites offering the same information for free. A simple google search on "finding financial adviser" yields plenty of useful results.

My financial advice here? Save your $20.