Ric Edelman

THE SQUIRREL MANIFESTO is a five-star book for its illustrations, which are the reason most kids pick up a book in the first place. And its theme of financial responsibility is a good one, although I don't agree that preschool-age children need to be concerned about paying taxes. That seems ridiculous and, so, downgrades the book's rating to four stars. It could have been three stars if those illustrations weren't so darned cute.

The Lies About Money: Why You Need to Own the Portfolio of the Future by Ric Edelman is a finance book offering insights to investors. These investors are not “sharks” but shmos like me, just trying to make it to the end of the day with enough money for a slice of pizza and a bottle of beer.

I started reading many books about finance, they’re usually a quick read (but packed with information) and an easy one because they mostly repeat each other. But I always pick up a few nuggets I show more didn’t know, or most likely forgot.

I’m not trying to be a financial professional by any means, but I’m just hoping to educate myself on the subject enough to either make informed decisions, or enough to ask the right questions when opportunities present themselves.

The Lies About Money: Why You Need to Own the Portfolio of the Future by Ric Edelman covers many topics, many of which I read about, but all of them I was happy to revisit. Some of the more valuable information I got from the book was regarding myths about retiring, and investment strategies (Mr. Edelman believes in long-term investments and after reading several books on the subject, I tend to agree when it comes to my goals).

I’m a “lazy” investor and do not have much to invest with, so I like to make good choices when I can, especially in light of the many, many, many bad choices I had previously made (which will most likely never allow me to retire – ever). I’m always weary about people trying to separate me from my hard earned money, whether they’d be sleazy con-artists costumed as professionals, or simply incompetent professionals.
It doesn’t matter though, the outcome would still be the same.

I read these books not only for my own knowledge, but to pass it down to my young children. I want to get them in the mindset of working hard, saving, and understanding how money grows before it’s too late.
Sadly, from personal experience.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com show less

Diving into the beauty of the forest, this book takes a look at a lively, playful and yet, productive bunch.

My favorite part of this book are the illustrations. Done in aquarelle, there's a beautiful, artistic flair which brings the colors of the forest across wonderfully. It's a joy to flip through these, watch the animals bouncing around and enjoy the activity.

There is a theme to this book, obviously, but it doesn't come across as forcefully as I feared it might. The first third or so of show more the pages allows the reader to sink into the forest life. First, about halfway through, does the idea of collecting, spending and giving come into play. The author does a nice job or letting it flow into the lively day and fun of squirrels being squirrels. There is some saving and the manifesto, but by no means is the joy of living and having fun forgotten.

The entire thing is written in rhyme and holds only a few lines per page. The vocabulary isn't necessarily the best for the youngest readers, and there are a few hints and mentions which might go over even slightly older readers' heads. Adults will find a chuckle or two, though. But as a story, it didn't flow as well as it could have and receives its marks because the message does flow well and makes a point young readers understand. This isn't a book to pick up as a bedtime read for entertainment...although a gentle and lovely peek into the forest definitely is there. Rather, it's a nice way to teach kids a little about saving and a way to divide their earnings in their lives which makes sense.

I received a complimentary copy and found it interesting enough to want to leave my honest thoughts. show less

15