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A Beginner's Guide to Investing: How to Grow Your Money the Smart and Easy Way by Alex H Frey Alex Frey Ivy BytesJuly
Whether you're a complete investing novice or just confused about all the contradictory advice out there, A Beginner's Guide to Investing is an accessible guide to growing your money the smart and easy way. Throw away the get-rich quick schemes that never work and turn off the financial news and it's constant noise. Whether your dream is protecting your assets in a turbulent market or growing your wealth so that you can retire in style, this book is the blueprint. You can be a successful investor - really. Join Alex Frey, a lifelong investor and Harvard MBA, as he shows you: - How you can realistically expect to double your money every 7-10 years- Why most investors achieve stunningly poor returns on their money - and how to avoid turning into one of them- How to choose an investment account that you can keep for the rest of your life- How to out-perform the vast majority of professional investors while taking less risk- How to quickly create a portfolio of diversified ETFs (exchange traded funds)- How to put in as few as three to five hours every year on your investing - and still beat 80% of investors- Why you may not be properly diversified in holding the most popular index mutual funds- How endowments like Yale university have consistently beaten the overall stock market - and what you can learn from them- Why the vast majority of mutual funds fail to live up to their promise- Why your financial adviser and mutual fund manager might be getting more rich than you off of your investments- What the terms "beta" and "alpha" mean - and why understanding them is critical to retiring feeling comfortable and secure- How to maximize your tax savings by using a 401(k) and IRA- When and how to re-balance your portfolio- How to have the confidence to manage your money for life- And more. About the AuthorsAlex Frey has been engrossed in the investing world since the age of 16. He has served previously as a research analyst for a major mutual fund company. Alex has successfully passed all three Chartered Financial Analyst examinations, and has an MBA from the Harvard Business School. He lives in San Francisco, CA. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, investing, and doing just about anything outdoors.
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First published July 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 20, 2024
My boyfriend wanted me to read this. On my way to becoming a financially literate gal 🤓
August 1, 2014
Great introduction for beginners stepping into the world of investing. You can judge how well a book is written by how many times you have to reread a sentence or paragraph for it to make sense. Well, I didn't have to go back once! Alex Frey did a fantastic job explaining seemingly-esoteric investment concepts in a easy-to-follow manner without "dumbing it down". Glad I read this book and I recommend it to all who want to get a better grasp on their financial future.
July 29, 2019
Best book I've ever read on investing and highly recommend it. So, why am I giving it for 4 stars instead of 5? Typos abound, especially in the middle of the book. Other than that, great read!
March 3, 2017
A simplified version of The Intelligent Investor. I would recommend.
July 27, 2015
Finally, retirement planning and investing makes sense to me, and it is even somewhat interesting.
I really liked all the analogies the author uses like training for a marathon, the umbrella salesman, and cooking vs dining out for dinner.
I really liked all the analogies the author uses like training for a marathon, the umbrella salesman, and cooking vs dining out for dinner.
October 26, 2015
Excellent for beginners, easy to read in layman terms.
January 31, 2021
Why did I read this? When getting into a new field, I like reading broad in the sense that not only classics (like Malkiel, Bogles, Swensen etc) should be looked at but also some (I'm sorry Mr. Frey) shabby, quasi-self-published yet self-made no-names (I think the publisher doesn't exist (anymore? the book was published only in 2013). I mean, I don't know. So at first I was like yes, yes, but then I think the book did actually feel quite reasonable and not scammy (practically at all). I guess the jokes on me because I judges the book by its cover too much. I just suppose that there is a lot of alpha return focussed 'literature' out there. Albeit Frey wasn't super careful with sources and primary literature, I think he did a decent job in pushing small scale investors into beta return dominated, super diversified (not only over stocks but other asset classes as ETFs) portfolios. I think it gave me some ideas on where to look next, so that's nice. On top, it's 100 pages, of which like 15 or so were about American retirement funds, which I read very speedily/without notes, because it applies only remotely to me.
August 11, 2017
Informative guide and encyclopedia for beginner investors
If you don't know what an index fund is, the strengths of different IRAs, or the benefits of a "lockbox" investing strategy, this book is for you. Just by itself this book contains a wealth of information for a beginner investor, but it goes the extra mile by providing a multitude of outside sources.
I've taken a star off because I did not understand why the author would suggest using 5-15% of one's savings to play the stock market, when the rest of the book warned about the follies of compounding fees and the rarity of actually succeeding. However, that does not diminish how helpful of a guide this will otherwise be.
If you don't know what an index fund is, the strengths of different IRAs, or the benefits of a "lockbox" investing strategy, this book is for you. Just by itself this book contains a wealth of information for a beginner investor, but it goes the extra mile by providing a multitude of outside sources.
I've taken a star off because I did not understand why the author would suggest using 5-15% of one's savings to play the stock market, when the rest of the book warned about the follies of compounding fees and the rarity of actually succeeding. However, that does not diminish how helpful of a guide this will otherwise be.
September 18, 2020
Very quick and practical guide. I've been investing for 3.5 years but I'd like to rearrange my investing habits with more knowledge and this book definitely helped, especially with considering interest, dividends, and how spending changes over a lifetime. I know, super simple aspects, but now I'm figuring out changing my asset allocation. I'd like to eventually be able to sit in a room of bullion and Benjamins and swim through them like Scrooge McDuck, that I would.
ALSO: In the context of these days, obviously public spending will be crucial to get everyone out of the global recession. To do my part to humanity and capitalism or whatever, I buy video games, Italian food, and fried chicken sandwiches.
ALSO: In the context of these days, obviously public spending will be crucial to get everyone out of the global recession. To do my part to humanity and capitalism or whatever, I buy video games, Italian food, and fried chicken sandwiches.
May 29, 2022
This is an extremely useful primer – but I must admit, it was more useful coming off the back of other works I’ve read in the realm of finance. I already had an idea what most of the concepts outlined in this book were, and also had the confidence that what they’re saying is backed up by the likes of Thomas Piketty (although obviously Piketty’s objective is far from helping people get richer via savvy investment).
Despite how much reading I’ve done in the area, it was only this book that bothered to clarify what bonds and stocks actually are for the complete idiot (me). If you don’t feel like reading 420 pages of A Random Walk Down Wall Street, this gets at most of the core messages there too.
One caveat is that this is directed towards US citizens. I am yet to discover how a non-US investor should weight things like US Treasury bonds, or what the Irish equivalent of a 401(k) is, although I’m presuming it’s PRSI. Therefore, the information about pension funds in this book is not widely applicable outside the US.
Despite how much reading I’ve done in the area, it was only this book that bothered to clarify what bonds and stocks actually are for the complete idiot (me). If you don’t feel like reading 420 pages of A Random Walk Down Wall Street, this gets at most of the core messages there too.
One caveat is that this is directed towards US citizens. I am yet to discover how a non-US investor should weight things like US Treasury bonds, or what the Irish equivalent of a 401(k) is, although I’m presuming it’s PRSI. Therefore, the information about pension funds in this book is not widely applicable outside the US.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
This book is a fantastic and easy-to-understand guide for anyone who is new to investing. It breaks down scary-sounding financial terms into simple language, making you feel confident instead of confused. The author explains how to grow your money slowly and safely over time, which is perfect for beginners who don't know where to start.
The most useful part for me was the explanation of mutual funds. The book clearly describes how they let you own a tiny piece of many different companies all at once. This is called diversification, and it's the smartest way to protect your money from risk without needing to be an expert.
The most useful part for me was the explanation of mutual funds. The book clearly describes how they let you own a tiny piece of many different companies all at once. This is called diversification, and it's the smartest way to protect your money from risk without needing to be an expert.
May 16, 2017
Very good introduction into various areas of investment
I recently had my first baby and I figured it's a good reason for me to learn about investments. I really liked how simple the language in this book is. It covers just enough details that allow me to not look like an idiot when listening to investment advice.
The book does seem more biased towards ETFs and makes some good points along the way.
It was also an enjoyable read with minimal redundancy. Would strongly recommend it to folks who want to plan their retirement and family's future.
I recently had my first baby and I figured it's a good reason for me to learn about investments. I really liked how simple the language in this book is. It covers just enough details that allow me to not look like an idiot when listening to investment advice.
The book does seem more biased towards ETFs and makes some good points along the way.
It was also an enjoyable read with minimal redundancy. Would strongly recommend it to folks who want to plan their retirement and family's future.
August 3, 2019
Great introduction for beginning investors.
This book does a great job explaining terms, providing example situations, and investment comparisons. It also provides several links and other print resources so that you can gain a better understanding about each chapter's focused content. Another tool is the detailed glossary at the end if you need a vocabulary refresher. Some information is n/a for US expats and the book doesn't identify this discrepancy when identifying possible investment options.
This book does a great job explaining terms, providing example situations, and investment comparisons. It also provides several links and other print resources so that you can gain a better understanding about each chapter's focused content. Another tool is the detailed glossary at the end if you need a vocabulary refresher. Some information is n/a for US expats and the book doesn't identify this discrepancy when identifying possible investment options.
May 21, 2021
I don't believe any business book ever helps anyone develop a clear idea, or understanding of how the current economic system is. What I do believe. Is that. There are book. In of the reality, that secure a person with the understanding of the moral, ethical, and righteous philosophical business mindset. TO why? To secure... their ability to be of the ideal business person.
This book. I honestly don't even know or couldn't make sense to what I was to focus or extract in of business insight. For the obvious business reasons.
This book. I honestly don't even know or couldn't make sense to what I was to focus or extract in of business insight. For the obvious business reasons.
September 23, 2017
Great little book on investing for the beginner or average investor who wants to increase their knowledge and increase their wealth. I would say this book is geared to the younger investor but people of any age will find it helpful and filled with lots of advice to make your portfolio work for you. This book is a keeper and it will stay on my shelf so I can refer to it from time to time when I need some help.
January 16, 2018
Though written a few years ago, I found this book to be very educational for someone who has no education in the stock market and long-term investing. Having been an individual who has spent many years in full-time ministry, I overlooked the idea of long-term investments and preparation for retirement and find myself having to play catch-up. This short 10-chapter book has provided me with the much-needed process of diving into this daunting task.
September 6, 2018
A very good introductory book for different kind of investment options available in the USA. It is a very easy read for a newbie who is intimidated by all the fancy terminology in the investment world. Easy to understand example and simple the language.
One downside is I find this book is a bit bias toward 'safer' investment option like ETFs and bonds which doesn't necessarily teach the more complicated investment options.
One downside is I find this book is a bit bias toward 'safer' investment option like ETFs and bonds which doesn't necessarily teach the more complicated investment options.
July 31, 2022
Biggest little book on investing I've ever read!
PACKED with very practical, easy to understand and apply information with a number of links to articles, courses and other helps. Was EXACTLY what I needed to sort out the complicated world of investing and actually confidently take some action steps into the new territory of responsible, balanced investing.
PACKED with very practical, easy to understand and apply information with a number of links to articles, courses and other helps. Was EXACTLY what I needed to sort out the complicated world of investing and actually confidently take some action steps into the new territory of responsible, balanced investing.
June 13, 2017
This book was a nice little reference for what certain terms mean and how certain systems work. I liked it for it's simplicity and how quickly they moved on to the next topic without trying to just fill up pages.
August 8, 2017
A straightforward explainer for the basics of investing and retirement savings in about 100 pages. Covers what's most important to know without getting bogged down in obfuscating detail & cites reliable sources. Recommended to anyone who wants a solid grasp of fundamental ideas.
April 30, 2018
The title says it all
The book does a very good job of explaining the basic principles of investing in a clear, concise way. The ideas are well organized and the author present his ideas on a simple, clear way.
The book does a very good job of explaining the basic principles of investing in a clear, concise way. The ideas are well organized and the author present his ideas on a simple, clear way.
September 26, 2018
This is a great book to read for those who are new to investing. It's pretty straight forward and I love how the author provides you with further reading materials and examples that you can use to build your own portfolio, whether you plan to manage it on your own or with a broker.
October 2, 2018
Great read for beginners
A great read for beginners that want knowledge with retirement, investing, developing assets, understanding verbiage of financial institutions, and controlling your financial future.
A great read for beginners that want knowledge with retirement, investing, developing assets, understanding verbiage of financial institutions, and controlling your financial future.
August 22, 2019
Very quick and simple overview to investing. It has a lot of follow up reading which I like. I am not a US citizen, so much of the information wasn't applicable. But nontheless good to solidify my understanding of the principles of investing.
December 1, 2019
Short and simple. It unashamedly an introduction, and nothing more, but a thorough and easy one that lays out all the basics and gives you both immediate action steps while directing you to where to dive in deeper.
May 18, 2020
I’ve had difficulties learning about investing because the topic is quite convoluted but Frey explains them very well. His writing is very clear. The end was a little confusing because it was my first time hearing about diversification but I’ll definitely refer back to this book when I’m older.
September 16, 2017
Short and Sweet
I liked that it was short enough to not become boring. A lot of information is common sense, but it is good to have another source reinforce what you should know.
I liked that it was short enough to not become boring. A lot of information is common sense, but it is good to have another source reinforce what you should know.
November 7, 2017
Excellent overview of a field. Great balance of technical, applicable, and theoretical. Going to reread.
January 20, 2018
A no-nonsense book for rational investor
In summary, the many bookmarks and highlights for me while reading, prove its worth. Also, surprisingly a faster read than expected.
In summary, the many bookmarks and highlights for me while reading, prove its worth. Also, surprisingly a faster read than expected.
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August 19, 2018A very good book to read !
It's a very good book o
n investing in stocks !
That's why I gave it five stars ! Ok
It's a very good book o
n investing in stocks !
That's why I gave it five stars ! Ok
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews