Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth: The 8 Secrets of How 5,000 Ordinary Americans Became Successful Investors--and How You Can Too

For several years, I have often listened to Ric Edelman's radio show that comes on around here on Sunday mornings. I have always enjoyed the way he helps callers and his insights, so when I learned about his books I had them on my list to pick up. This is the first one of his, and I found it a great read for someone who is new to investing, especially with regard to saving for retirement.I am not a beginner, having read financial journals and other online articles for years, so some of what he talked about was a refresher. But I think someone new to this - especially someone in their 20s - would benefit greatly from it. Ric does a great job of explaining a number of things, including how and why some of them are counter-intuitive. He mentions having a home mortgage and why you shouldn't rush to pay it off, and does a great job of explaining why - besides the obvious of a tax benefit on the interest - it's worth doing. I understood dollar cost averaging, but like the way he introduced it and more about why it works so well. He even gets across the idea of a herd mentality - which we all know exists - without actually using the term (although I remember one of his clients using it, a bit differently than it is commonly understood but making sense all the same).His client stories are generally good, but I admittedly sped through them, for the most part. I did notice a common theme among the biggest regrets, and it's a big reason why I think this book is a must for anyone just out of college or about to graduate, or even younger.In all, a good, not great book. I would probably give it 3.5 if I could, but I'll round up to 4 and continue to listen to Ric's show and look forward to more of his books.

There is so much wrong with this book I don't know where to start. Ric seems to want to convince people to never pay there house down and keep a big mortgage so you can invest as much as possible. While I love the idea of investing, I don't love the idea of leverage and in a sense that is what you are doing. I guess he never watched any movies about the Great Depression (people bought their stocks on margin and when things went down as they always do many people were crushed). While putting money into mutual funds with home equity is not the same as buying stocks on margins, it is still a form of levetrage).In 2008 people lost their homes because they had big mortgages. Guess what, without a big mortgage you never have the fear of losing your house in a downturn. You can't live in a mutual fund, but a roof over your head will sure keep you warm in the winter (espcially if you lose your job).Ric rambles so much, you forget the lessons he is trying to teach and he really gives no direction for you to take after reading his book.If you want a real plan to retire wealthy without any debt and a six figure 401K account read the Automatic Millionaire by David Bach. In my opinion it is the best book on personal finance on the market. If you want to learn more about investing, The Little Book on Common Sense Investing by the Great John Bogle.P.S. Ric is not a very good teacher. I sometimes listen to his radio show and he is all over the place. He kind of talks like a car salesman trying to sell you his most expensive model. I always scratch my head and say, does he ever get to the point he is trying to make. As far as financial radio shows go Dave Ramsey is so much better. I don't agree with Dave's budget and investing advice, but at least he gives you direction and gives you steps on how to get there.

I just love Ric Edelman's books! I have them all, and yes! I do listen to his radio show! I have purchased each of my son's Ric's book "The Truth About Money" as a gift. All of his books are basic, easy to read, common sense information. I would love to tell you I have a million in the assests due to following his information, however, I sometimes just can't get out of my own way! Let me just say that I had adjusted my investments according to info I gathered from my Edelman "Reads" just prior to the horrible market "adjustment" a few years ago and it saved me thousands in my 401K and other investments. While I did lose a little $, it was not nearly as bad as it would have been if I had stayed positioned like I was! I have suggested Ric Edlemans books to all my friends and coworkers. Even if you have a financial manager, education is a powerful thing! Be informed, or be a victim!

What I like about Ric Edleman is that he challenges you to think. To think about what you are doing every day. One could lean back, accuse Mr. Edleman of sugar-coating or stretching the truth. Therein lies the problem. Numbers don't lie. If you want to build wealth, you have to invest in the greatest capital engine for building wealth -- the stock market. Mr. Edleman amply highlights that using words of everyday real people. This is a book that can change your way of thinking, change your way of life. It did mine.

The book came pretty quick in perfect condition. Very imformative to those who are new to this kind of money advise. Excellent service from the company it came from. They have great business practices. I just joined a financial service and what they taught me really caught my attention and I wanted to know more so they recommended this book to me. It is an excellent book for anyone who is just starting in the financial business.

The first time i read this book was about 8years ago.It was so good ,i read it again.I learned so much about how money works and that it should always grow.

If you love Ric you will love this book.

It is all about money, and how to save,invest and keep it,I like it very much, I have the book the new rules of money and I like it too,but I want something more up to date.thank you.