Douglas Fabian | Doug Fabian
1 An investing book that inspires while giving sound advice
I accidentally found the author's radio program a few months ago. After calling in for some beginning investing advice, I got a copy of this book and just finished reading it. Believe it or not, this book is a page turner. It is written in a style that motivates you to get your financial life in order. The author gives sound advice that even a beginner can understand and implement. About 1/3 of the way through the book, I began to feel that some concepts were being repeated, but I pressed on and the rest of the book was great and filled with valuable techniques and examples. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
2 An outstanding advisor with an outstanding book
Doug Fabian has had a profound influence on my life. I have been a subscriber to his newsletter since 1991 and have read virtully everything he has written. It is with much credit to his advise and wisdom that I have achieved my financial goals. Unlike the overwhelming majority of investors, I actually have a gain in my investment portfolio since the current Bear market, the worst since the Bear markets of the Great Depression of the 1930's, began in March 2000. (At the time I am writing this review, we now are at the end of February 2003.) Before anyone reads any other book, especially books on the topic of personal finance, people should read this book. I highly recommend this very readable and practical book.
3 Very worthwhile investment advice!
I've been a Fabian follower for the past 25 years, following Dick Fabian's newsletter until Doug Fabian took over his father's newsletter business in 1991. They both share the same investment philosophy, and I'm thrilled to be out of the market right now, as a result of Fabian's plan. Having read both books, Maverick Investing is very different from his father's "Mutual Fund Wealth Builder," particularly in the areas of Exchange Traded funds, which is definitely worth the price of the book. Also, the in-depth information on 401(k) investing is probably the most useful advice you'll receive in the marketplace today, answering virtually all the questions you have about 401(k)'s, and explaining how the use of tax-deferred vehicles can make you wealthy at retirement. This is a must-read, particularly for those who are looking for the next bull market, and early retirement.
4 Give credit where credit is due!!!
I was furious after reading the 1st half of this book. This book is BLANTLY a repacked version of his father's book "The Mutual Fund Wealth Builder". He doesn't really give credit where it's due. In the Acknowledgments he states he couldn't have done it on his own and stated his father made contributions...this is utter crap...HE made minor/almost trivial modifications to his father's system and calls it his own. First of all, his father's book explains the system better. The first half of this book will make you wish he never heard the word Maverick because it is used in every other sentence. Actually, he got the word "Maverick" from his father's newsletter- The Maverick Advisor Newsletter. Ever read a book that is 300 pages long and think it could've been reduced to 2 pages of actual info? I know that is most of them but this one is a perfect example. Another thing, I don't think he does a good job of explaining the system because if he did if would be TOO obvious he got it from his father. I'm glad I read his father's book because that helped me understand his poor explanations. So if I hated it so much why did I give it 3 stars? Because, he did 2 things better than his father. He gave better resources to find information on the internet. Secondly, his father recommends a 2 month guideline before determining whether or not to sell a fund but Doug does a good point of bringing up a situation where that might not be a good idea. My recommendation: Buy his father's book, borrow his...skip the 1st 140 pages and then skim the rest...you will literally be able to breeze through many pages since you will already be familiar with the material after reading his father's book and then read the 2 sections I listed above which won't take long. You can buy it if you like but understand his father's book is better written and the original. Good Luck.
5 Investment Book for All Investors
This book is one of the best investment books I have read and I have read many. It is written so the novice investor can develop the knowledge and techniques necessary to be successful, and for more experienced investors to hone their skills. Discussion of Exchange Traded Funds, ETF, is particularly useful, because these relatively new trading vehicles are not widely known nor understood. Doug Fabian's enthusiasm is contagious and helps one to develop a stock trading method that one can be comfortable with and to develop the discipline that is required to be a successful investor.
6 Disappointed
This book is not comparable in depth and quality to his dad's "Mutual Fund Wealth Builder".
1)I was not happy that bear funds were not covered. In light of the recent bear market, I was looking for technics on how to time these funds to profit from the next downturn. This entire subject was not even touched upon.
2)I was not happy with the minimal coverage of how to best handle the inevitable whipsaws that will occur with his moving average buy-sell system. This is very important. How these whipsaws are handled by the investor will determine whether he/she sticks with the system or not. If he/she chooses not to stick with the system, it will most likely be a sell out of all positions at the wrong time and may prove very costly to his/her account.
3)Although I subjectively felt it should be lower, I did not rate this less than 3-stars because I very much liked his goal-setting technic.
7 A book I can understand!
I have read many self-help books, especially on finance and this one is the best. It's very simple to understand. Doug gets to the point. He holds your hand. He explains everything in simple terms. Unlike many professors that teach a class and you leave the classroom clueless. I finish the book in 3 weeks. I always return to it and cross reference. A must have.
8 Best Investment Wisdom Available
I thoroughly enjoyed Doug Fabian's book. He exposes the myths of Wall Street and provides the tools for every individual investor to take control of his/her own financial future. You won't find any day trading, hocus-pocus, holy grail stuff in this book. Just proven, common sense methods that work. Investing is not as difficult as the Wall Street pundits would have you believe. Don't waste money on investing publicatons, newletters and advisory services. Believe me, the only people getting rich off this stuff are the publishers. Turn off CNBC and "Wall Street Week". Let the market tell you when to invest or stand aside. Bear markets are not scary if you have a plan to deal with them. And the plan is very simple. For example, following the same principles outlined in this book I moved my financial assets to money market funds in September 2000. As a result I was able to actually make money while the "buy and hold" crowd suffered 20-50% losses. When the trend finally turns up and hits my predetermined buy signal I will move back into a select group of mutual funds. Two other books that had a profound effect on my investment life are "The Mutual Fund Wealth Builder" by Dick Fabian (Doug Fabian's dad), and "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It" by Al Thomas. These books will provide the tools, but you have to provide the guts and dedication to implement the plan. And no, I'm not related to Doug Fabian, nor have I ever spoken to him. All I know is that the principles set forth by Doug Fabian, Dick Fabian and Al Thomas really do work. I'm just trying to save you a lot of money and grief. Oh yeah, after you read these books, send them to your broker or financial advisor. It will be the best gift they could ever receive.
9 I Loved This Book!
I've always been fascinated by people who challenge the rules and speak their peace... even when their ideas are not popular. That's why I've been a fan of Doug Fabian's radio show for years. And maybe I'm biased when I say, this is the best book on money I've ever read. Doug Fabian challenges everyone from Suze Orman to Smart Money to Harry Dent. He shows why buy-n-hold is a myth, asset allocation is a crock, and dollar-cost averaging is a marketing scheme. Best of all, he tells you what you should be doing instead! It's irreverent, fun and yes, smart advice too. He's the only one I know who told people to sell stock assets in the fall of 2000 before the bear. You gotta read this if you're motivated to invest and save differently.
