Motley Fool Money Guide

by Selena Maranjian, David Gardner (Foreword by)

Shows readers how to navigate the world of finance, investment, and online investing, answering questions about how to mange a portfolio, evaluate a company, and select a stock.

Genres: Finance, Business

432 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2001

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Motley Fool Money Guide” by Selena Maranjian explains most of what you ever wanted to know about finances, investing, and spending as if it were your best friend. Published in 2001, much of the rates listed are grossly out-dated, but the general advice is very much still applicable. The book is formatted in a 500 question-answer layout that asks the fundamental questions such as, “What are some ways to reduce my debt?” and “What is a dividend?” Speckled throughout the guide are easy-to-understand what-if scenarios and informal commentary for kicks.

A good beginner’s tool, “The Motley Fool Money Guide” is best fit for young adults and adults who are looking to understand the basics of managing personal finances and saving for future goals. It features recommended literary and online resources to expand upon topics covered—and by golly, if you are serious about finance, this book should not be the last one you read on what to do with your moolah.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A catechism for neophytes in the world of personal finance, the Fools' Money Guide presents fairly simple answers to 500 commonly asked questions about how to save and invest your moolah. For example, What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average? (An index of 30 major American companies chosen to represent US industry) Should I think favorably of a company buying back shares of its own stock? (In many cases, yes.) What is a "zero coupon bond"? (You get all the interest as one big glob when the bond matures.) Isn't investing in the stock market risky? (Yes, the sanguine Fool confesses, it does have some risk. Considering the book was published in the midst of the dot.com bust, the Fool earns full points for understatement.) Will this book put me to sleep? (Maybe, but it's thick and soft-covered, so it will make a nice pillow.)

[Speakerwire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dad made me read this book and I'm too young and inmature to appreciate it. it's for old people! Mom's my saving grace and she said I didn't have to read the chapters on taxes, retirement and death.

[Mike Kessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information on many financial topics. Good to use as a reference book.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative.

[Mark Muckerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this when it was published in 2003. It was good then, and it's good now.

Only one caveat: This book is two decades old (and I wish they produced an updated version), so the reader must make allowances for dated references (America Online and the Dow "hitting 10,000").

That being said, the foundational principles covered in this book are solid and remain true. Money, investing, basic business terminology, savings, debt, personal finance. . . this provides an excellent introductory primer and tutorial for "Joe Public".

The format and layout is easy to read, easy to digest, and written in plain language so any reader can understand it. Too many finance, business or investing books get deep into "industry speak" and lose their audience. This does not. I gave it a re-read this month, and now I'm passing a copy on to my young adult children.

A solid recommended read for those seeking to expand their basic understanding of "handling their money".

[Lolo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good principles, but most advice is outdated (obviously).