The Elements of Investing

Summary

In his classic book The Elements of Style, Professor William Strunk Jr. whittled down the art of powerful writing to a few basic rules. Forty years later, E.B. White initiated a revision, and thus The Elements of Style became known as Strunk & White. Following this same format, authors Charles Ellis and Burton Malkiel, two of the investment world’s greatest thinkers, have combined their talents to produce The Elements of Investing—a short, straight-talking audio book about investing and saving that will put you on a path towards a lifetime of financial success. The Elements of Investing lays to rest the popular shibboleths that undergird the hyperactive trading of the average investor. In it, Malkiel and Ellis skillfully focus their message to address the essentials and offer a set of simple, but powerful thoughts on how to avoid Mr. Market and his “loser’s game,” and instead enjoy the “winner’s game” approach to investing. All the investment rules and principles you need to know are here—with clear advice on how to follow them. In just a few hours of listening time, you will learn all you need to know to be truly successful in investing. Divided into five essential elements of investing this little audio book packs a big message that can help secure your financial future all the way through retirement. Topics touched upon include: • Diversifying broadly over different types of securities with low-cost “total market” index funds and different asset types—and why this is important • Focusing on the long term instead of following market fluctuations that are likely to lead to costly investing mistakes • Using employer-sponsored plans to supercharge your savings and minimize your taxes • And much, much more. A disciplined approach to investing, complemented by understanding is all you need to enjoy success. This practical guide explains what you really need to know and puts you on the right course for long-term success through all kinds of markets.