Asset Allocation For Dummies

First, let me explain that I am an inveterate stock picker and market timer. And, as a hobbyist, I've been pretty good at it. But as a responsible husband and father of two, I'm not reckless enough to think that my family's future should hinge on my continued ability to pick the right stocks and guess when the market is going to turn the next corner. Besides, the meltdown of the fall of 2008 shook me. I want to invest the bulk of the family assets in a way that might not be as exciting, but is a lot more reliable as far as securing our future lifestyle is concerned. That's what led me to the asset allocation approach. I searched a few titles for a primer on the subject and finally found this one. It's crystal clear in explaining asset allocation and how it works. It goes beyond that, too, in explaining rebalancing, how to locate assets in different accounts to save on taxes, how to find the right investments (stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, etc.) at the lowest cost, how to tie our investments into our long-term financial plan, etc., etc. And the case studies really hit home. What really struck me, though, is that this is no simpleton's guide to investing -- the stuff that's covered is actually pretty sophisticated, but I can't imagine it being explained any more understandably than it is here. I would heartily recommend this book to all the do-it-yourselfers out there. You know, I would even recommend it to those who have financial advisors, since this book will make you a much more informed buyer of advice during these days when it's hard to trust anyone with your money. The chapter on how to grill an advisor before you hire one is worth the price all by itself.[5 stars]

In order to allocate anything, you must first have something to allocate. Asset Allocation for Dummies is apparently directed at investors with portfolios of $250,000 to $500,000 or more. The book refers to portfolios of less than $250,000 as "small portfolios," and wonders aloud if those with small portfolios should even bother with individual stocks at all. Just buy index funds, the book suggest.For those with enough assets to play with the big boys, the book may be helpful for all the reasons already mentioned in other posts. But you must do the exercises, which can be extensive.The book offers little guidance in picking individual stocks to allocate to your equity classes (Healthcare, Consumer staples, Financials, Energy, Technology, Telecommunications, etc.). "So how do you pick a good stock?" the book ask and recommends, "Investing for Dummies (5th Edition)", by Eric Tyson. I agree. Investing for Dummies is easier to understand and should be read before tackling Asset Allocation for Dummies.Happy investing.

A complete and thorough review of all information pertaining to Asset Allocation. More information than one could want. A good book.

Good book but does not have any specific information. Lot of general comments. I understand it is difficult to write a book to cover all financial circumstances. All the info can be got from some websites. Probably one of the less informative books in the series

Good

Asset allocation is an important topic, but this book is poor on it and suggests some things better asset allocation books wouldn't think of: for example, allocations to specific sectors, and "tilting your asset allocation in recognition of the current phase of the business cycle because different assets perform well at different points in the cycle (p. 270)"!Moreover, a lot of the book is not about asset allocation at ALL but is about stuff like projecting your lifetime cash flow.Mostly Dummies books are pretty good. In this case, save your money and save your time. Buy The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio by William J. Bernstein, The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing, or some other, better book instead.

One of the best Dummies books I ever read.

Would recommend to anyone who is ready to choose their own mutual fund investments rather than rely on others and pay more

Was expecting a simple approach to demystifying this topic .... but this is a confused and at times over complex narrative.

Very good and interesting, explains asset management in a very simple and efficient way

Not bad!

Product never received. Did reach out (However out of the 15days window). Seller not willing to discuss or find a solution. Bad experience.