Investing from Scratch: A Handbook for the Young Investor

by James Lowell

Fully updated—the popular guide for young investors who want to take control of their financial future A lot has changed since Investing from Scratch first appeared, and this revised edition takes it all into account for those in their 20s and 30s who are hoping to invest their way to wealth. In a straightforward style backed by useful charts and graphs, finance expert James Lowell makes it clear that you don’t need to be rich to become that way in the market. Readers will learn how to:
• create a budget they can live and invest with
• select the most appropriate investments
• design a mutual fund portfolio, and much more

With easy-to-understand definitions of essential terms, up-to-date post–“Internet bubble” strategies, and fully revised charts and graphs, Investing from Scratch is an invaluable resource for future investors.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Reference

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

James Lowell is the editor of Fidelity Investor, a mutual fund advisory newsletter published by Phillips, and has spent the last decade covering mutual funds for all media. A feature columnist for the Dow Jones Investment Advisor Magazine, he is the author of Investing from Scratch and How to Survive in the Real World. He lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[enrico]

If you’re BRAND NEW to investing, and by that I mean you have absolutely no idea what investing really is (and you’re an American) this book is a great fit.

Since I’ve been investing in different kinds of markets including the US Market (I’m Brazilian) for a while, I’ve found that a lot of the concepts were easy to understand, however I think that the writer did not go deep enough when he talks about investing strategies. I mean, you could’ve at least mentioned Graham and Fischer so that whoever reads this book can identify different investing philosophies.

Nonetheless, great book!

[Nolan Brown]

A touch outdated but a few good chapters.

[Alan]

2.15 stars

Picked this up hoping to learn a few things. Honestly, I did not learn much. Most of the book is stuff I already knew or common sense. Also seems outdated with how in awe the author is of the internet. Was a good enough read though.

[Amanda]

An ok read. A better reference book.

[Tom]

Must have for any age. Doesn't matter if you are just starting with $10 bucks. This is a "Grow your money wisely book.". Seriously, try and find this.

[Hazem Elshabini]

The book has a lot of valuable information. I did however find it too 'American'. A must read if you live in the US. A good read if you live elsewhere.

[Katharine]

While parts are a little dated, this is a must-read for 20-somethings who haven't figured out the best way to handle their finances.