The World's Best Book Summaries
How do billionaires affect society? Is it possible to reduce their influence? US billionaires’ wealth has been soaring, and they’re exerting unprecedented influence in politics and government. However, with their expanding wealth and visibility, billionaires are coming under more scrutiny. Below we’ll explore the power of billionaires and their mixed impact on the US economy and society.
Is it possible to save too much money? Why is over-saving a bad thing? Why has excessive saving become common among Americans? Financial anxiety is driving Americans of all incomes to save too much money, often at the expense of their long-term wealth and current quality of life. Financial experts say extreme savers miss opportunities for higher investment returns and delay important life decisions. Here’s why, counter to popular belief, over-saving isn’t actually a good thing.
What is the economic cycle? What happens during this type of business cycle? According to Howard Marks, the economy experiences cyclical swings as it expands and contracts. These swings lead to long-term economic fluctuations due to shifts in productivity and net hours worked, as well as short-term fluctuations due to changes in spending patterns. Keep reading to learn more about how the economic cycle works and how it can affect your business.
What does it take to retire decades earlier than most people? Is it possible to build enough passive income to cover your lifestyle without working a regular job? In Set for Life, Scott Trench presents a three-step blueprint for achieving early financial freedom. His approach focuses on aggressive savings, strategic income growth, and smart investing—designed primarily for young professionals ready to take an unconventional path. Continue reading for our comprehensive Set for Life book overview.
How do successful real estate investors find the money to fund their deals? What separates thriving property investors from those who struggle to get started? In Raising Private Capital, Matt Faircloth shares strategies for building a real estate investment business with other people’s money. He reveals the essential steps for attracting private funding, structuring profitable deals, and creating sustainable growth. Keep reading to discover how to raise private money for real estate and turn your investment goals into reality.
What drives your progress toward financial freedom? Which numbers should you monitor to accelerate your journey to financial independence? Understanding and tracking personal finance metrics is crucial for building wealth. In his book Set for Life, Scott Trench contends that three key measurements—net worth, spending, and income—serve as your financial compass, helping you navigate the path to lasting prosperity. Keep reading to discover how monitoring these essential numbers can transform your financial future and speed up your journey to independence.
What is the credit cycle? What do lenders look at if you want to extend credit? Much like the profit cycle depends on the economic cycle, the credit cycle is highly contingent on the economy. According to Howard Marks, the credit cycle swings wildly in response to economic changes, causing credit to fluctuate from easily available to heavily restricted. Discover more about the credit cycle’s patterns.
How do successful business owners build lasting relationships with their capital providers? What strategies help maintain those connections while attracting new investors? In his book Raising Private Capital, Matt Faircloth outlines several ways to develop a thriving real estate investment business. His approach, which is transferrable to other types of businesses, combines systematic networking, effective communication, and strategic brand management to create sustainable partnerships with investors. Keep reading to discover how to manage investors while building a successful business.
What’s the fastest way to achieve financial freedom? Which expenses should you focus on cutting first? In Set for Life, Scott Trench reveals how smart spending habits can accelerate your path to financial independence. By targeting your biggest expenses—housing, transportation, food, and insurance—you can dramatically reduce your monthly spending without sacrificing quality of life. Keep reading to discover practical strategies for cutting your biggest expenses while building wealth for the future.
How do investors choose between being risk-tolerant and risk-averse? What role do greed and fear play in an investor’s decision? In Mastering the Market Cycle, Howard Marks discusses how oscillations in these cycles impact investors’ psychology. In particular, he explains how shifts in foundational cycles lead to a psychological cycle between fear and greed that, in turn, causes a cycle between risk tolerance and risk aversion. Below we’ll explain the psychology of investors.