Wealth Redefined - A Review

Wealth Redefined: Charting the Way to Personal and Financial Freedom

Authors: Bob Reby and Greg Ruais

Publisher: River Grove Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2017

Pages: 183



About the Author
After graduating from James Madison University with a BA in Finance in 1985, Robert J. Reby decided to pursue his passion for personal finance by founding Reby Advisors. After more than three decades in business, his vision and the firm’s mission remain the same: to inspire people to achieve financial peace of mind.

Wealth is More Than Money

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Have you made goals for your investment strategies?

What are your hopes and dreams for retirement?

Drawing on over twenty years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner, author Bob Reby explores the idea that wealth means different things to different people. Your health, relationships, and family are all components of wealth, and your financial plan should be in line with those values.

My Thoughts

I think this is the first book on the subject of financial planning that I have ever reviewed on this blog. I wish I had read this book AND TAKEN ACTION on managing my finances many years ago. However, it is never too late to educate myself on financial matters that will provide freedom and peace of mind in future days.

A financial plan is unique to each individual. It is based on that person's goals for the future. A large portion of this book is dedicated to retirement planning. How can you live the lifestyle that you want without running out of money?

Mr. Reby is a financial planner and highly recommends the use of a professional adviser to keep you on track with your financial goals.  He believes that "wealth redefined means that we should strive to achieve the right balance in our lives that also takes into consideration whether we're spending our time and our money on the right things."

Mr. Reby explains exactly how to go about choosing the best financial planner for your situation. He offers information about the right kind of insurance and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

The author believes the most critical financial risk facing investors today is behavioral risk. That means people who make unwise investment decisions based on FEAR and GREED.  There is an entire chapter dedicated on how to avoid investment mistakes that will shipwreck your future.

As a novice investor, I found this book very helpful. The information is presented in an understandable manner and many examples and case studies are provided. This book has encouraged me to read and study and learn more on this important topic. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all questions and remarks.

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Book Review: Robbing You With a Keyboard Instead of a Gun by Lynn Edgington

Robbing You With A Keyboard Instead Of A Gun - Cyber Crime How They Do It

Author: Lynn Edgington

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Date: August 20, 2013

Length: 279 Pages



About The Author
Mr Edgington is the founder/president of Eagle Research Associates, Inc. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to educate the public about Internet investment scams.

How Do The Scammers Scam?
This is a very comprehensive look at the many kinds of scams that are running on the Internet today.  Internet investment scams cost the public billions of dollars a year. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 Americans have either been a victim of an Internet scam or knows someone who has been.

This book is an excellent resource for details about E-mail fraud, prime bank notes, bank phishing, fake jobs, work-from-home scams, Ponzi's, HYIP/Non-HYIP scams and cash gifting. The author provides sample emails, fraudulent financial reports and bogus legal records that scammers use to deceive their victims.

Mr. Edgington explains how the crooks work and the techniques they use. He provides many "red flag warnings" and explains how investors must do basic due diligence before handing over their money.

My Thoughts 
This is the fourth book that I have read and reviewed on the subject of Internet scams. I must admit that I am getting quite depressed as I read about how these criminals work and how good people fall for these schemes.

People MUST take responsibility for their investment choices. It does not matter if your Mom, Dad, sister, brother, friend, teacher, pastor and boss ALL vouch for an investment opportunity. It is up to YOU to do your research and due diligence until you are absolutely SURE that this is a good fit for you. You do not want to give-in to peer pressure when it comes to your hard-earned money.

These scammers only stay in business because people do not do their investigative work BEFORE investing. Many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to report the scammer, so they go on to scam again.

I was shocked to find that many of these financial scammers thrive within religious and professional communities. People do not want to believe that they could be scammed by their church deacon, a coworker or a close relative.

"People who put together these schemes are very, very good at what they do. Until you listen to some of these pitches, you have no idea how good they are. Anybody who thinks they're too smart to be conned is a likely target."

This book is an excellent resource on the subjects of Internet scams and cyber-crime. I highly recommend this book and the author's web site.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I borrowed this ebook with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Have you been a victim of an Internet scam? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Everyone Can Be A Millionaire by Steve Swanson

Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How To Create Wealth Over Time...Free Copyrighted Retirement Planning Calculator included with every book purchased!

Author: Steve Swanson

Publisher: eBook Publishers Company

Date: December 26, 2012

Guest Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas


About the Author
Swanson was born in 1958. For 30 years he has been working in the banking business and currently is employed as a Bank President. He has been studying personal finance for all of his adult life and was a finalist in Money Magazine's one and only Personal Finance Manager of the year contest in 1994.
In 2012, Mr. Swanson formed eBook Publishers Company.

Financial Planning For Beginners
In this easy-to-understand book, Steve Swanson gives you the steps you need to become a millionaire over a long period of time. These techniques are designed to help you retire comfortably.

Mr. Swanson has personally used these techniques with his wife for the last 30 years. He gives personal examples and unbiased thoughts and also encourages the reader to do his own research.

This book is written with easy-to-read vocabulary for those new to financial planning. The author touches on: budgeting, debt reduction, emergency funds, reserves, 401(k), stocks, the withdrawal stage, and more. There is also the added bonus of a Retirement Calculator and a Budget Worksheet included for your use.

My Thoughts
I thought this 50-page book was a great introduction to financial planning. I have little knowledge in this area and had no problems following it. I definitely would like to try these techniques. I also like that Mr. Swanson relates on a personal level.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an easy-to-understand overview of financial planning. This book is a good place to start.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5
 

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

 

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