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Redefining Financial Literacy: Knowledge for Empowering the Modern Investor
Redefining and Reclaiming Financial Literacy
As a certified financial planner with thirty-five years of industry experience, Cindy Couyoumjian is committed to filling the financial literacy void for many Americans. In her timely and thought-provoking book, Cindy gives a unique macro perspective of what she calls “the hidden forces behind your money,” which are the unseen political and economic forces that may influence your investment decisions.
Through meticulous research, Cindy shows how these hidden forces have contributed to a complex retirement system, which includes pensions, social security, and what she believes is the outdated 60/40 investment model. To address this issue, Cindy spent endless hours developing a new multi-asset class investment methodology, known as the REALM model, that may offer broader investment strategies aimed to mitigate risk from the hidden forces that may negatively impact your goals.
Redefining Financial Literacy can help you
• Understand the complex macro forces that you cannot control, yet could determine your financial future,
• Take actionable steps to regain command of your retirement strategy,
• Build a retirement with potential durable income strategies, lesser volatility, and risk-adjusted returns.
Redefining Financial Literacy and Cindy’s innovative REALM model can open your eyes to investment possibilities while helping you regain confidence in the American dream.
Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets. There is no assurance that any strategy/model will achieve its objectives.
Registered Principal offers securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. IFG, Cinergy Financial, and Greenleaf Book Group are not affiliated companies.
As a certified financial planner with thirty-five years of industry experience, Cindy Couyoumjian is committed to filling the financial literacy void for many Americans. In her timely and thought-provoking book, Cindy gives a unique macro perspective of what she calls “the hidden forces behind your money,” which are the unseen political and economic forces that may influence your investment decisions.
Through meticulous research, Cindy shows how these hidden forces have contributed to a complex retirement system, which includes pensions, social security, and what she believes is the outdated 60/40 investment model. To address this issue, Cindy spent endless hours developing a new multi-asset class investment methodology, known as the REALM model, that may offer broader investment strategies aimed to mitigate risk from the hidden forces that may negatively impact your goals.
Redefining Financial Literacy can help you
• Understand the complex macro forces that you cannot control, yet could determine your financial future,
• Take actionable steps to regain command of your retirement strategy,
• Build a retirement with potential durable income strategies, lesser volatility, and risk-adjusted returns.
Redefining Financial Literacy and Cindy’s innovative REALM model can open your eyes to investment possibilities while helping you regain confidence in the American dream.
Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets. There is no assurance that any strategy/model will achieve its objectives.
Registered Principal offers securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. IFG, Cinergy Financial, and Greenleaf Book Group are not affiliated companies.
- GenresNonfictionFinance
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2021
22 people are currently reading
1395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 21, 2021
I received this as a goodreads giveaway. This was a solid overview of different types of investment products and the history of the market. Not much new here for someone who already knows the basics, and most of the specific advice boils down to “work with a professional.” That’s good advice for someone with a huge fortune but not practical for someone who doesn’t have the kind of money a professional would take on.
August 4, 2022
There is some really great information in here if you know nothing about investing for your future.
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway.
April 4, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was excited to read it as I'm getting closer to my retirement years and am looking for sound financial strategies.
So much of what I've heard in the past about the 60/40 portfolio is quickly being outdated and the author spends a lot of time explaining why it's no longer sound advice to hold 60% of a portfolio in stocks and the other 40% in bonds.
Advanced strategies, like REIT's and BDCS's, are explained in this book. This is helpful for the beginning investor who may not have heard of these terms. I was already familiar with REIT's before reading about them here so it didn't offer much more insight. This definitely targets the new investor and does a good job explaining what different investments are all about.
As for giving the investor the confidence to explore opportunities, this is where the book falls failed to reach me. The author defers to the safe advice of encouraging the reader over and over to seek out a qualified financial adviser. While I agree that this is the safest plan for most investors, I'm one of the rare ones who likes to do my own research and use solid companies that deal with mutual funds and REIT's for online investing.
This book is well researched with copious notes for reference. For those willing to comb through the footnotes, there is a ton of additional reading that might give even more clarity to investment strategies.While I appreciate the amount of research and references, I feel that the author lost some of her own voice in putting the research into words.
So much of what I've heard in the past about the 60/40 portfolio is quickly being outdated and the author spends a lot of time explaining why it's no longer sound advice to hold 60% of a portfolio in stocks and the other 40% in bonds.
Advanced strategies, like REIT's and BDCS's, are explained in this book. This is helpful for the beginning investor who may not have heard of these terms. I was already familiar with REIT's before reading about them here so it didn't offer much more insight. This definitely targets the new investor and does a good job explaining what different investments are all about.
As for giving the investor the confidence to explore opportunities, this is where the book falls failed to reach me. The author defers to the safe advice of encouraging the reader over and over to seek out a qualified financial adviser. While I agree that this is the safest plan for most investors, I'm one of the rare ones who likes to do my own research and use solid companies that deal with mutual funds and REIT's for online investing.
This book is well researched with copious notes for reference. For those willing to comb through the footnotes, there is a ton of additional reading that might give even more clarity to investment strategies.While I appreciate the amount of research and references, I feel that the author lost some of her own voice in putting the research into words.
August 18, 2021
I received this Kindle book from Goodreads for free. The first hundred pages took the reader through the history of the financial landscape in this country. The last hundred pages were comprised of the footnotes and the index. So that left 70-some pages of financial literacy meat. It included one tiresome but obligatory dig at Donald Trump. The era of the set-it-and-forget-it portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds is over. At one time stocks and bonds moved opposite to one another, but in today's climate they tend to move together, losing the stabilizing effect they once had. The author goes on to detail a number of other less-known investments that travel independent of the stock market that could potentially provide the modern investor with the stability needed. As is appropriate for the subject matter, it ran a bit technical at times, but I was able to follow it and understand it. It certainly provides food for thought and the basis for a new conversation with one's financial advisor.
September 19, 2021
I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway.
I felt that there was confusion in the target audience for this group. The author switched between explaining basic investment concepts to discussing more advanced investment concepts in each chapter. Additionally, when trying to explain advanced investment concepts, the author would use a high level quote rather than explaining the concept in their own words.
I enjoyed the explanation of external factors and history of finance and how these influence the market and investments today, and appreciated the discussion of specific investment strategies, as those are not discussed in many introductory books regarding investing.
However, the author's desire for more investing and better investing seemed to conflict with her disdain for automated investing and using internet sources to learn about finance and investing. Her primary piece of advice was to work with a financial advisor which is not feasible or available for many people, particularly those who are first learning about investing and starting invest.
I felt that there was confusion in the target audience for this group. The author switched between explaining basic investment concepts to discussing more advanced investment concepts in each chapter. Additionally, when trying to explain advanced investment concepts, the author would use a high level quote rather than explaining the concept in their own words.
I enjoyed the explanation of external factors and history of finance and how these influence the market and investments today, and appreciated the discussion of specific investment strategies, as those are not discussed in many introductory books regarding investing.
However, the author's desire for more investing and better investing seemed to conflict with her disdain for automated investing and using internet sources to learn about finance and investing. Her primary piece of advice was to work with a financial advisor which is not feasible or available for many people, particularly those who are first learning about investing and starting invest.
December 27, 2021
a soIid 3…if you like history of the financial world, then you get to give it 4
Good info 2/3 the way through was what I thought ….The first half was about the financial history and I am not really interested in that. But it is a thorough read if you want to know the history. And, the last 20% of the book…basically a lengthy appendix and reference materials, again, not what I am usually interested in. The “meat” of the book explains the thought that the 60/40 investment days are of the past, and gives more versatile ways to invest for retirement. The underlying theme is that a good financial advisor/CFP is what everyone needs to navigate this philosophy. I totally agree with this and I believe this author has a lot of good advice though I would stick with a personal financial advisor for my investments. I won this book via Goodreads kindle Giveaway and I truly appreciate this book being offered as a giveaway.
Good info 2/3 the way through was what I thought ….The first half was about the financial history and I am not really interested in that. But it is a thorough read if you want to know the history. And, the last 20% of the book…basically a lengthy appendix and reference materials, again, not what I am usually interested in. The “meat” of the book explains the thought that the 60/40 investment days are of the past, and gives more versatile ways to invest for retirement. The underlying theme is that a good financial advisor/CFP is what everyone needs to navigate this philosophy. I totally agree with this and I believe this author has a lot of good advice though I would stick with a personal financial advisor for my investments. I won this book via Goodreads kindle Giveaway and I truly appreciate this book being offered as a giveaway.
September 24, 2021
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaway Program.
In general I was disappointed with this book. There is a little education on financial options outside of stocks and bonds but not enough to help decide what makes sense for you to own. There was too much, you're not smart enough to do do this on your own so a financial advisor is required. I also found the financial history, income equality gap and women should have women financial advisers discussions tending to a left wing political ideology that isn't congruent with the real world. I have a financial adviser that is female. I didn't choose her because she was a female or her race or any other factor except I felt she was more than qualified to give me good financial advise.
I would mildly recommend this book if you want some ideas about alternative investments other than stocks and bonds.
In general I was disappointed with this book. There is a little education on financial options outside of stocks and bonds but not enough to help decide what makes sense for you to own. There was too much, you're not smart enough to do do this on your own so a financial advisor is required. I also found the financial history, income equality gap and women should have women financial advisers discussions tending to a left wing political ideology that isn't congruent with the real world. I have a financial adviser that is female. I didn't choose her because she was a female or her race or any other factor except I felt she was more than qualified to give me good financial advise.
I would mildly recommend this book if you want some ideas about alternative investments other than stocks and bonds.
June 29, 2021
This was a GoodReads giveaway of a Kindle ebook.
Just loved the historic review of the American economy. After all, you can't understand where you are going unless you also know where you have been. I found that portion of this book the most informative. The rest of the book is some variation of most of the other advice I have heard before. Couyoumjian does make a good case for her method. I will have to give it some more thought. But as with all advice, one needs to tailor that advice to your personal situation and goals.
The remainder of the book is pretty much a short course on your alternative investment options. Not much new here, just reminding you of where you could invest.
This was a GoodReads.
Just loved the historic review of the American economy. After all, you can't understand where you are going unless you also know where you have been. I found that portion of this book the most informative. The rest of the book is some variation of most of the other advice I have heard before. Couyoumjian does make a good case for her method. I will have to give it some more thought. But as with all advice, one needs to tailor that advice to your personal situation and goals.
The remainder of the book is pretty much a short course on your alternative investment options. Not much new here, just reminding you of where you could invest.
This was a GoodReads.
June 7, 2023
I tried. I really did. Especially because I won an e-copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway. I don't like to read on my phone (and don't have an e-reader) and I've since foregone entering giveaways for this format.
That being said, I just couldn't get into it. I kept trying, but it was just so... boring. And being a super novice at investing didn't help any. I guess the subtitle should tell it all. "Modern Investor" does not equate to Beginner Investor.
Following was hard. Maybe I wasn't motivated to grasp the theories or I just couldn't relate to anything where I am in my life right now.
I eventually used the book to try to put me to asleep when I awoke in the night.
DNF
That being said, I just couldn't get into it. I kept trying, but it was just so... boring. And being a super novice at investing didn't help any. I guess the subtitle should tell it all. "Modern Investor" does not equate to Beginner Investor.
Following was hard. Maybe I wasn't motivated to grasp the theories or I just couldn't relate to anything where I am in my life right now.
I eventually used the book to try to put me to asleep when I awoke in the night.
DNF
May 11, 2021
Boring
Very technical, very dry, very boring. If you don’t have any familiarity with investing and the terminology associated with it, don’t pick this book up. Also, there are no recommendations to help clear up or further explain topics discussed. For example, it was stated that women have a much lower financial literacy than men. Nowhere did it inform the reader where to go to determine their own level of financial literacy or how to improve it. Overall, it seemed like a boring sales pitch to get you to invest your money the way the author thinks you should.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Very technical, very dry, very boring. If you don’t have any familiarity with investing and the terminology associated with it, don’t pick this book up. Also, there are no recommendations to help clear up or further explain topics discussed. For example, it was stated that women have a much lower financial literacy than men. Nowhere did it inform the reader where to go to determine their own level of financial literacy or how to improve it. Overall, it seemed like a boring sales pitch to get you to invest your money the way the author thinks you should.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 11, 2021
I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway and wasn't sure what to expect. I loved the beginning of the book that covered the history of the modern day economy and the author's reasoning for needing a new way of planning for retirement. I also appreciated the overview of alternative investments. However, the author is against automated investment strategies and urges the reader to work with a financial advisor, which is often required to purchase the suggested investments. So, as a broke female millennial (the supposed target audience) I'm left unsure of how to proceed seeing as how I don't have the means to do these alternative investments or to hire someone to help me.
November 11, 2021
The emphasis on requiring a financial advisor for your investment goals does not line up well with the purported goal of financial literacy. Additionally, the author repeats thoughts almost verbatim even in the same section of the text. I found myself increasingly skimming the text to find valuable nuggets of information, but eventually felt that I was skimming so much that it would make more sense to stop reading.
The book may provide more value to someone who has less exposure to financial concepts, and perhaps my disappointment is a result of simply being the wrong audience for this book.
The book may provide more value to someone who has less exposure to financial concepts, and perhaps my disappointment is a result of simply being the wrong audience for this book.
June 20, 2021
Informative but very general
This book looks at the market from a birds eye view, with historical, political and social perspective. Very few micro recommendations, but the concept of diversification beyond the stock market is very appealing and the book makes a good argument, and a solid case, for it.
The book is repetitive in some areas, and while I understand the author's motive behind this (emphasis on these ideas that the author wants to stress upon the reader), it felt either patronizing at worst, or at least in-need of editing and trimming, at best.
This book looks at the market from a birds eye view, with historical, political and social perspective. Very few micro recommendations, but the concept of diversification beyond the stock market is very appealing and the book makes a good argument, and a solid case, for it.
The book is repetitive in some areas, and while I understand the author's motive behind this (emphasis on these ideas that the author wants to stress upon the reader), it felt either patronizing at worst, or at least in-need of editing and trimming, at best.
June 26, 2021
I came to this book with more financial knowledge than the target audience. I'm also not part of the target generations which appear to be baby boomers and millennials the only generations that matter in any discussion.
I found the information interesting if, for me, a bit repetitive. Some good information to think about though finding a financial adviser you trust and will work on educating you will be more beneficial. This book will help you learn some of the language used in those discussions.
I found the information interesting if, for me, a bit repetitive. Some good information to think about though finding a financial adviser you trust and will work on educating you will be more beneficial. This book will help you learn some of the language used in those discussions.
June 26, 2021
I got this book from Goodreads. The author covers an amazing amount of information in a couple of hundred pages as this is an introduction to financial literacy. The explanations are clear and reasonably easy to follow for such a complex subject. I have read a number of financial books and this was one of the best. That said, I probably will not be following Cindy Couyoumjian's REALM strategy as I am satisfied with the program my financial advisor has set up. I will be looking for her next book, though.
July 19, 2021
Great basic overview of finance and history of investing. As far as helping the modern investor, this one is helpful but not for someone without a basic knowledge of investing already. It reads more like a textbook but on a superficial level. I agree that the 60/40 split is not helpful anymore, however some of the investments talked about are very high risk and have fees with buying into them. I enjoyed the history portion of the book the most regarding why we have the regulations we do.
Thank you goodreads for a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you goodreads for a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 25, 2021
An introduction to nontraditional/alternative investments that were new to me, thank you for the ARC through Goodreads. I have mainly focused on the kind of investing I can do myself; these types of alternative investments would require the help of a financial advisor, which the author does emphasize.
September 11, 2021
I appreciate the financial baby talk for all the financially illiterate (me) out there. But then it would jump right in an and I would be lost again. I loved the history lessons about economics, it was the most interesting part for me. This is not easy to follow if you have no prior knowledge on investing or financial terminology.
November 23, 2021
There is quite a bit of good information in this book, including details about REALM, a financial planning strategy that the author developed. It is a slower read and could have been tighter in places, but the quality of information was high. Definitely one to go back and review as you progress throughout your financial life.
December 30, 2024
Cindy is ahead of her time in her field. This book is a testament of her bravery to distance from the status quo and pursue what’s best for her clients. Developing a novel strategy is not easy, but her approach will likely be adopted more broadly when smart money eventually comes to terms with our rapidly changing financial landscape.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Redefining Financial Literacy is a game-changer, offering clear and practical advice to help anyone take control of their money. It breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand tips that empower readers to build a stronger financial future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Redefining Financial Literacy is a game-changer, offering clear and practical advice to help anyone take control of their money. It breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand tips that empower readers to build a stronger financial future.
August 3, 2021
It was ok. Decent overview of the history. It seemed like they were really trying to push their respective product more than they were explaining to the reader why the idiosyncratic risks exist for each asset class.
August 17, 2021
Excellent Resource
This book covers how investing used to be, how it has changed, and how to adapt for greater portfolio growth. The terms and graphs are well explained. The list of references is great. I will be sharing and recommending this book.
This book covers how investing used to be, how it has changed, and how to adapt for greater portfolio growth. The terms and graphs are well explained. The list of references is great. I will be sharing and recommending this book.
April 3, 2022
I think the advice can be sound, but the "how to implement" is somewhat lacking beyond the gratuitous "consult a financial advisor". Beyond that, it was truly hard for me to read because it was so repetitive.
Read
April 19, 2021This book contains a lot of detailed information presented in an academic manner.
May 10, 2021
Good book.
This is a very good book and I think that I've learned a lot from this book. I think that other people will to
This is a very good book and I think that I've learned a lot from this book. I think that other people will to
June 24, 2021
Not a bad book
August 21, 2021
Just finished reading this book in time to see my planner with some questions Book explains in depth how to make more money, (risk) and keep more money. Good read for a novice investor
October 12, 2021
Excellent book I learned a lot reading it. I would recommend
to you all. I received free from Goodreads.
to you all. I received free from Goodreads.
October 31, 2021
Thank you to Goodreads, author and publisher for the free copy of this book. I found this to be a very approachable and easy to understand educational book on a complex topic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews