The Big Short: by Michael Lewis


aBookaDay - 2016
    If you have not yet bought the original copy, make sure to purchase it before buying this unofficial summary from aBookaDay. SPECIAL OFFER $2.99 (Regularly priced: $3.99) OVERVIEW This review of The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis provides a chapter by chapter detailed summary followed by an analysis and critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the book. The main theme explored in the book is how corruption and greed in Wall Street caused the crash of the subprime mortgage market in 2008. Despite being completely preventable, the big firms in Wall Street chose to ignore the oncoming fall in favor of making money. Michael Lewis introduces characters—men outside of the Wall Street machine—who foresaw the crisis and, through several different techniques, were able to predict how and when the market would fall. Lewis portrays these men—Steve Eisman, Mike Burry, Charlie Ledley, and Jamie Mai—as the underdogs, who were able to understand and act upon the obvious weaknesses in the subprime market. Lewis’s overall point is to demonstrate how the Wall Street firms were manipulating the market. They used loans to cash in on the desperation of middle-to-lower class Americans, and then ultimately relied on the government to bail them out when the loans were defaulted. Using anecdotes and interviews from the men who were involved first-hand, the author makes the case that Wall Street, and how they conducted business in regards to the subprime mortgage market, is truly corrupt beyond repair, and the men he profiles in this novel were trying to make the best out of a bad situation. By having the words from the sources themselves, this demonstrates Lewis’s search for the truth behind what actually happened. Ultimately, we as an audience can not be sure if the intentions of these underdogs were truly good, but Lewis does an admirable job presenting as many sides to the story as possible. The central thesis of the work is that the subprime mortgage crisis was caused by Wall Street firms pushing fraudulent loans upon middle-to-lower class Americans that they would essentially not be able to afford. Several people outside of Wall Street were able to predict a crash in the market when these loans would be defaulted on, and bought insurance to bet against the market (essentially, buying short). Over a time period from roughly 2005-2008, the market crashed and huge banks and firms lost billions of dollars, filed for bankruptcy, or were bailed out by the government. These men, the characters of Lewis’s novel, were able to bet against the loans and made huge amounts of money, but it was not quite an easy journey. Michael Lewis is a non-fiction author and financial journalist. He has written several novels—notably Liar’s Poker in 1989, Moneyball in 2003, and The Blind Side in 2006. Born in New Orleans, he attended Princeton University, receiving a BA degree in Art History. After attending London School of Economics and receiving his masters there, he was hired by Salomon Brothers where he experienced much about what he wrote about in Liar’s Poker. He is currently married, with three children and lives in Berkeley, California. SUMMARY PROLOGUE: POLTERGEIST Michael Lewis begins his tale of the remarkable—and strange—men who predicted the immense fall of the housing market by immediately exposing himself as the exact opposite type of person from them. He explains to the reader that he has no background in accounting, business, or money managing.

Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life


Gail Vaz-Oxlade - 2009
    Her straightforward approach to money management is based on self-control, hard work, and prioritizing what’s really important. Debt-Free Forever is Gail’s step-by-step guide, and she’ll show you how to:figure out how much you’ve actually been spending• calculate how much you owe—and what it’s costing you• build a budget that works• maximize your debt repayments so you can be free of consumer debt in 3 years or less• prepare for a rainy day so it doesn’t mean a major setback• set goals for your new, debt-free life.Make no mistake: Getting out of debt isn’t easy. But in Debt-Free Forever, Gail gives you a clear strategy and the steps needed to implement it. So if you’re finished with excuses, overdue notices, and maxed-out credit cards, pick up this book, follow Gail’s plan, and start becoming debt-free forever.

The Banker's Code


George Antone - 2012
    It's a story that chronicles the most powerful wealth-building strategies known to man, lessons that are the basis of banking. You'll be introduced to a whole new way of building wealth that some of the wealthiest families in the world have used, and are still using. Be the banker! Praise: "George Antone is the one financial author that has the unique ability to sift through massive technical information and present the reader with lapidary nuggets of wealth-building wisdom." Mark Peters Stone Water Wealth Management "The Banker's Code provides unparalleled insights in regards to money and finances which creates an amazing formula for building wealth." Willie Hooks Million Dollar Coaching "Great Book! Easily read and understood. In this book you’ll discover the world’s most powerful time tested investment model neatly wrapped inside a touching story. I’ve used these proven strategies to create great returns for more than 20 years." Mike Sanderson Private Lender "Wow! What a great book! Mr. Antone has explained the very complex financial concepts in use every day in the banking world in a way that we can all put to use in our own quest for wealth." Henry Dvorken An expert and one of the giants of the real estate note business

Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan for Getting Your Financial Life Together...Finally


Nicole Lapin - 2015
    In RICH BITCH, money expert and financial journalist Nicole Lapin lays out a 12-Step Plan in which she shares her experiences—mistakes and all—of getting her own finances in order. She talks to you not like a lecturer but as your friend. And even though money is typically an "off-limits" conversation, nothing is off-limits here. Lapin rethinks every piece of financial "wisdom" you've ever heard and puts her own fresh, modern, sassy spin on it. Sure, there are some hard-and-fast rules about finance, but when it comes to your money, the only person who can tell you how to spend it is you. Should you invest in a 401(k)? Maybe not. Should you splurge on that morning latte? Likely yes. Instead of focusing on nickel-and-diming yourself, Nicole's advice focuses on investing in yourself so you don't have to stress over the little things. But, in order to do that you have to be able to speak the language of money. After all, money is a language like anything else, and the sooner you can join the conversation, the sooner you can live the life you want. RICH BITCH rehabs whatever bad money habits you might have and provides a plan you can not only sustain, but also thrive on. You won't feel deprived but rather inspired to go after the rich life you deserve, and confident enough to call yourself a RICH BITCH.

The Moonshot Game: Adventures of an Indian Venture Capitalist


Rahul Chandra - 2019
    The second wave came in 2006 when home-grown VCs raised large amounts of capital and funded products and services companies for Indian consumers.This is a gripping behind-the-scenes story of a VC's journey, right from the beginning of the second start-up revolution in India in 2006 until the end of the funding frenzy in 2016. A story about how global conditions, local consumers, founder ambition and good old greed shaped the start-up story in India.Rahul Chandra is the co-founder of Helion Ventures, and in this candid memoir he tells us about his journey building one of India's oldest VC firms. In a remarkably gripping account, he recounts his adventures in India's hyper-funded start-up ecosystem.The Moonshot Game gives readers an insight into the secret world of a VC, with unguarded stories involving large bets and big mistakes, and tales of how one juggles several investments at the same time.Rahul shows why being a VC is a constant journey of ups and downs, why building value is a long-term business, and why no amount of failure can be an excuse to lose optimism in the power of entrepreneurship.

Financial Accounting


Walter B. Meigs - 1983
    Throughout the writing process of this edition, the authors worked closely with a developmental editor to help ensure the text is student-friendly and even more responsive to the variety of learning styles. The text is enriched with real-world examples and illustrations from a variety of business environments. Futhermore, the text's new, four-color design allows instructors a high degree of flexibility and emphasis.

Saving the Family Cottage: A Guide to Succession Planning for Your Cottage, Cabin, Camp or Vacation Home


Stuart J. Hollander - 2009
    Hollander suggests how to incorporate succession planning for a vacation home into an estate plan and gives practical advice on such things as which entity is best for succession planning, how to develop a cottage schedule, what to do about an owner who fails to pay his or her assessment, whether to establish an 'endowment,' and how to allocate control between and within generations of owners. Although Hollander uses the term 'cottage,' the principles of his book apply to any property that a family wants to retain. Written for the vacation home owner but with information that also will be useful to attorneys and financial planners, the book engages the reader with stories of cottage 'wars' and planning gone awry. The book makes a complex problem understandable and offers methods to help keep a second home in the family for generations. This edition acknowledged the addition of David S. Fry, Esq. to the book and as the successor to the author's cottage law practice. The updated third edition is now published by Nolo and will be revised to include the latest regarding state and federal laws, including estate tax information.

The Real Estate Retirement Plan: An Investment and Lifestyle Solution for Canadians


Calum Ross - 2017
    Many Canadians who own their home have never considered buying a second property. And nearly one-third of retirees are worried about running out of money. The Real Estate Retirement Plan shows how homeowners can use the tools already available to them — their mortgages — to access the initial capital to invest and prepare for their retirement. This is a proven, validated antidote to today’s historically low savings rates, poor current rates of return, and pressure on CPP and health care.With examples and a detailed discussion of the principles and mechanics, Calum Ross and Simon Giannini demystify real-estate investing and make an irrefutable case for borrowing to invest.

Toss the Gloss: Beauty Tips, Tricks & Truths for Women 50+


Andrea Q. Robinson - 2014
    Robinson. “Good makeup reclaims you.” Robinson, whose illustrious career has included positions such as the chief marketing officer of Estée Lauder, president of Tom Ford Beauty, beauty editor of Vogue, and president of Ralph Lauren Fragrances, is the ultimate industry insider. Now, she shares her decades of experience in this honest and straightforward guide for women fifty and over.In Toss the Gloss, you will learn . . .Why the right cosmetics, not anti-aging skincare, will help you look your youthful best.How to recognize the seduction of beauty-industry tactics designed to get you to spend more money than you need to.Gimmick-free tips and easy-to-follow shortcuts to make the most of your features.Stylishly illustrated by Chesley McLaren, this inspiring book is a reader’s guide to feeling fresher, healthier, prettier, and more confident—at any age.

Make Money As A Freelance Writer: 7 Simple Steps to Start Your Freelance Writing Business and Earn Your First $1,000


Sally Miller - 2016
    Don't worry, you're not alone. Heck, you might have already read a book or two on this exact topic - there are a few out there. So why would we write another one? Because rarely will you find a book that shows you the exact steps to accomplish a specific goal. And one that's enjoyable to read to boot! No fluff, no information you don't need just to fill up space. In Make Money as a Freelance Writer, Gina Horkey and Sally Miller give you the exact steps you need to start a freelance writing business from scratch. Nothing more, nothing less. Best of all, you'll discover how to land your first paying client - even if you're starting from zero. And by following the seven steps listed in this book, you can be earning $1,000 as a freelance writer in as little as 30 days. Not bad considering the price of the book, right? Completing the action steps listed in Make Money as a Freelance Writer will help you to: * Choose your top niche(s). * Acquire your first few samples. * Create your freelance writing portfolio. * Start sourcing writing work. * Send your first several pitches. * Land your first client. * And earn your first $1,000! Reading this book (and doing the work) will save you time, money and your sanity. Don't keep trying to figure this whole freelance writing thing out on your own. Or read everything on the internet covering the subject without taking action, because you're so confused and overwhelmed by the vast amount of information that exists. These seven steps haven't just worked for us. These steps have worked for thousands of other freelance writers in our community. So read the book, join the ranks and start earning as a freelance writer today. Are you ready to turn your writing hobby into some cold, hard cash? These steps can work if you're a stay-at-home mom looking to add a little extra income to your household budget. Or if you're a college student in need of a part-time job to pay the rent. Or maybe you dream of escaping your nine-to-five. You want financial freedom and a more meaningful life. These steps help you accomplish that too! Whatever your reasons, Make Money as a Freelance Writer shows you how to start a freelance writing business from nothing and earn your first $1,000 as quickly as possible. So what are you waiting for? Click the BUY NOW button at the top of this page and start taking specific actions to make your dream of getting paid to write a reality!

Buried Treasure: Hidden Wisdom from the Hebrew Language


Daniel Lapin - 2001
    Popular author Rabbi Daniel Lapin digs into the "holy" Hebrew language -- which not only conveys data but, as linguists know, also contains it. On a fascinating treasure hunt, his book decodes eternal wisdom embedded in the ancient tongue on relationships, human pleasure, life's meaning, and more. With real-life anecdotes, drawn from his lifetime in the rabbinate, the author uncovers a wealth of insights intended for our enrichment and enjoyment. A practical, easy read which will fascinate, entertain, and instruct us in the awesomeness of the Lord's language.

Microeconomics Made Simple: Basic Microeconomic Principles Explained in 100 Pages or Less


Austin Frakt - 2014
    Macroeconomics1. Maximizing UtilityDecreasing Marginal Utility | Opportunity Costs2. Evaluating Production PossibilitiesProduction Possibilities Frontiers | Absolute and Comparative Advantage3. DemandDeterminants of Demand | Elasticity of Demand | Change in Demand vs. Change in Quantity Demanded4. SupplyDeterminants of Supply | Elasticity of Supply | Change in Supply vs. Change in Quantity Supplied5. Market EquilibriumHow Market Equilibrium is Reached | The Effect of Changes in Supply and Demand6. Government InterventionPrice Ceilings and Price Floors | Taxes and Subsidies7. Costs of ProductionMarginal Cost of Production | Fixed vs. Variable Costs | Short Run vs. Long Run | Sunk Costs | Economic Costs vs. Accounting Costs8. Perfect CompetitionFirms Are Price Takers | Making Decisions at the Margin | Consumer and Producer Surplus9. MonopolyMarket Power | Deadweight Loss with a Monopoly | Monopolies and Government10. OligopolyCollusion | Cheating the Cartel | Government Intervention in Oligopolies11. Monopolistic CompetitionCompeting via Product Differentiation | Loss of Surplus with Monopolistic CompetitionConclusion: The Insights and Limitations of Economics

Spirit-Driven Success


Dani Johnson - 2009
    Over the years, Dani has become one of the most sought after success coaches in the world. Her easy to follow, proven success strategies have propelled thousands from all walks of life to achieve extraordinary results in their business and personal lives. In Spirit Driven Success, Dani reveals time tested biblical secrets to achieving financial freedom. Inside you'll discover the spiritual keys that unlock the door to true wealth. You'll also uncover the habits that lead to poverty and financial struggle, the lies about money, how God rewards the spirit of excellence, and much more!

Missed Fortune 101: A Starter Kit to Becoming a Millionaire


Douglas R. Andrew - 2005
    A starter kit to becoming a millionaire - isn't it time you became wealthy? This explosive and controversial openly challenges the most basic and fundamental tenets of personal investing.

The Dividend Mantra Way: Achieving Financial Independence By Living Below Your Means And Investing In Dividend Growth Stocks


Jason Fieber - 2015
     From the founder of Dividend Mantra, this is a definitive guide on why you should aim to achieve financial independence early in life and how to actually get there. It includes information on my background, the strategies I've used to grow my wealth from below zero to well into the six figures, and practical, nuts-and-bolts advice. I've written over 650 articles, and this book includes some of my most useful, inspirational, and evergreen content I've ever put out there. If you're looking for information on how to execute a a real-life journey to financial independence in real-time, this is the book for you. I describe why you should aim for financial independence and I explore the idea of true sacrifice. I also discuss the 4% safe withdrawal rate, index funds, the power of dividends and dividend growth, living below your means, and how to analyze and value stocks. I've been featured in major media, including USA Today, CNBC, Today, Yahoo, and Mr. Money Mustache. I'm hoping this book inspires you. Living below your means and investing your excess capital into high-quality companies that pay and grow dividends is not only an incredibly easy and fun way to achieve financial independence early in life, but also incredibly robust.