Comments from Readers
"This is the
best book on investing I have ever read! And it's so easy to
read. Candor, experience and street-smart wisdom ooze from
every page. This is a great read for any investor, and an
absolute MUST READ for new investors or investors looking to improve
their results.
Mr. Davis takes
an incredible amount of material and boils it all down to an easy to
digest, quote-rich narrative that hits all the critically important
lessons for a successful investor. Some of the chapter titles
are "Six Absolutes," "Seven Core Convictions" and "Thirty-Five
Nuggets," which is his way of focusing on the critical lessons for
the reader.
Mr. Davis takes
the long term investment approach, which puts the odds in the
investors favor. He is also a proponent of portfolios of
low-cost index funds designed with proper asset allocation. He
includes 28 Model Portfolios from the "who's who" of indexed
investing, so the reader can compare and make up their own minds.
He also talks about active investing, and points to some who have
been able to add value in the past.
I think Mr.
Davis wrote this with the sincere goal of taking his 40 years in the
investment business and truly helping investors understand the
fundamental principles of a successful investment plan. No
spin, no hot tip newsletters to sign up for, no hidden infomercials
here. He also goes to great lengths to point out that the
average investor CAN succeed, and that there are no gurus or TV
pundits that know any more (and often times less) than we do.
He includes some great quotes from the greatest investors to help
build his case.
Investors
everywhere have been given a great gift by Mr. Davis. I
believe this will become an investment classic. Do yourself a
favor and buy the book. It will be one of the best investments
you've ever made.
Finally, a great
big "Thanks, Mr. Davis" for this investment gem."
– Rick Luebs,
Colorado
"Probably the best investment book I've ever read is this new
book from Dick Davis titled appropriately, "The Dick Davis Dividend:
Straight Talk on Making Money from 40 Years on Wall Street."
Davis writes with great conviction about aIl that he's learned over
the years and his book is truly a tour de force for investors. His
detailed treatment of the ins and outs of both active and passive
investment strategies is a real delight to read. It helps that I'm
personally a big fan of his most fundamental recommendation - an
80/20 split between index funds and actively managed investments.
If you're looking for one book to guide your investment efforts,
this is the one - Dick Davis is the new "Ben Graham" for individual
investors!"
–
Scott Loftesnes, Menlo Park, California
"This is simply
the best book on finance that I have read in several years. In
a market full of hype and qualifiers, the breadth, depth and candor
are refreshing. The collection of 28 model portfolios is worth
the price of the book. The rest of the book is a dessert to be
savored and enjoyed.
To Mr. Davis
– this is quite a legacy for your grandchildren,
your students and those of us who rely on the market to fund our
dreams. Thanks for sharing your experience and your learning."
–
Robert Shaver
"Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced investor this book
will help you understand the limitations of the so-called market
experts, the news media and most importantly, your limitations.
The sooner you learn these lessons; the better off you'll be for it.
Don't rush through this 450 page book. Dick's lessons are best
if left to sink in. Read the chapter on his personal
background - it will give you a good understanding of who Dick is
and how he came to obtain such useful information about investing.
This book is not for those who want to actively trade stocks or who
are looking for the next great method for picking stocks. This
book is for the person looking to become a better long-term investor
and for the person who wants to learn how to use her mind and the
media to her advantage.
Dick's discussions about the irrelevance of news, the role of the
financial media, the under acknowledged role of luck and the utter
unpredictability of the markets are spot on. His advice is so
common sense, yet only obvious in hindsight. The wisdom in his
book will likely prove to be timeless."
–
Cern Basher, Cincinnati, Ohio
The
Legacy Dividend of Dick Davis...
Dick Davis has done a great service to both novice and experienced
investors by providing beautiful words of great wisdom about markets
in his book "Dick Davis Dividend." The book is a veritable treasure.
It cuts out false promises and hype endemic in most books on the
type and deals with the subject in a comprehensive and intelligible
manner.
The subject of investing is of utmost importance yet deplorably
neglected in our educational system. Dick has taught the subject
with ardent sincerity and great expertise over several decades. Do
not buy the book if you are looking for making a fast buck or
looking for individual stock tips. Dick goes beyond the patronizing
lures set by the financial establishment and focuses on furnishing
his readers with solid and useful advice that will stand in good
stead to them for a lifetime.
I have read more than two hundred books on investing and have taught
the subject at the college level. I have also been a long time
investor. I find Dick's book to be one of the best on the subject of
investments and would recommend it without hesitation. I am not
easily impressed and I have my differences with Dick in some areas,
like market timing, for example. But that pales before the
unimpeachable wisdom contained in Dick's book. I am sure readers
will find the book very beneficial for their financial prospects.
–
Ramesh N. Patel, Fairborn, Ohio
"I
am in the middle of your book and wanted to let you know how great I
think it is. It is a must for every amateur investor. I
have been playing the market, and have been glued to CNBC for years.
Your candor, your honesty and your insight has made me feel so much
better about investing and about myself.
The
point you make abut the dishonesty of TV personalities, the
nearsightedness of CNBC, and the overall hype is worth a million
dollars. The fact that 'no one knows' has been forgotten by me
and many others who are buffeted from day to day by news and talking
heads. Your book has enabled me to let go and relax.
I've told everyone at work about it. It's a wonderful,
inspiring book but, like a vaccine, it probably has to be boosted by
repeat readings every so often."
–
Peter L. Coplin, M.D.
"The Dick Davis Dividend is absolutely terrific. Chapter 7
with its 28 model index portfolios is an amazing collection.
It's a wonderful book."
–
Bill Nagler, M.D.
"I've just finished reading Part One and you got me, an absolute
know-nothing, don't-ask-me-about-anything-financial hooked. I
have to tell you that it's such easy reading about complicated
stuff, that it's amazing! Would you believe that so far I've
bought 16 copies as gifts, including my doctors, lawyer, broker,
nieces and nephews. Congratulations on writing a book that
will help so many."
–
Laura Jerabek
"I
am engrossed in your book. It is fabulous! It's clear
that you are very hard working, kind and wise...I'd love to publish
a series of excerpts on Seeking Alpha over five weekends...
Congratulations on a wonderful book."
–
David Jackson, Founder of SeekingAlpha.com (12/10/07)
"Before reading this book I knew absolutely nothing about the stock
market. Now I feel I could almost be an analyst.
Investors should buy this book for their kids. I wish I had
known this valuable information when I was younger. If I had,
my retirement would be a lot different. I strongly recommend
this book for everyone. The concepts are written in a way
anyone can understand."
–
Virginia Ramirez, Boca Raton, FL
Dick Davis
guides you through the ins and outs of Wall Street in this highly
informative yet easily readable book. You will be amazed at the
wealth of investment information that is covered in a friendly and
highly experienced voice.
This is a veritable gold mine of investment pearls for both the
novice and the pro. You'll be glad you read it and will find
yourself coming back to use it as a reference and gateway to many
other valuable investment sources.
– Steve
Edelstein, Lexington, Kentucky
I
have been investing for about 3 years now. I am 27 years old. I wish
this had been my first book on investing. It probably would have
been my only one. Dick Davis is VERY realistic. There are no get
rich quick schemes. No mathematical equations, no B.S.. he is very
honest and very informative. I would suggest this book to anyone
who owns a stock, is thinking of buying a stock, or is curious about
investing. Wonderful!!!
–
R Wolhar, Rehoboth, Delaware
"I
liked your book so much I sent a copy to a friend who is always
sharing his investment troubles with me. I have quoted your
book to such notables as my barber, my doorman and my
brother-in-law. And I am keeping a copy for my 3 daughters for
when they're old enough to learn about investing."
–
Mathew Wein, Monteal
"I
read this book on Charles Kirk's recommendation and he was spot on.
This book is a homerun."
–
Franklin Iryami, Smith Barney
"Thank you for many years of advice. I always enjoy your words
of wisdom."
–
Mike Kloechner
"If
you invest in stocks or ever plan to invest in stocks, buy this
book. Trust my recommendation and buy it now!"
–
Cintai Kita, Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
"Just
finished reading your book and used up 1½ highlighters marking what
I thought was new and/or useful information. Thanks for all
your hard work and for passing this wealth of knowledge to
frustrated investors like myself. Now, if I can only implement
the 80/20 strategy."
– John Bendonis, Hobe Sound, Florida
"A truly
wonderful book."
– Peter Blatman, California
"Not only
did I buy your book for myself, but after reading it I bought a
second copy for my son. He has more time on his side.
Your advice for my retirement is very enlightening. Thank you
for all your expertise."
– Charles
Citron
Great stuff!
Having read most everything by Bogle, Swensen, Bernstein, Swedroe,
et. al., I found "Dividend" refreshing for it's objective take on
the financial industry and the media's daily coverage of same. Yes,
you've likely heard much of this elsewhere, yet not likely so well
organized and presented. And yes, the book is long, but well worth a
read - or two. I particularly enjoyed the broad coverage of passive
portfolios. Dick Davis encourages exploration and critical
questioning, to find what works for you.
Highly recommended.
–
David Fawcett, California
Today is Tuesday, March 25, 2008. Last Wednesday, my portfolio
dropped $154,229 or 8%. I am a successful investor who started with
about $700,000 in February of 2002. Do the math! I'm almost all the
way back today.
Several of the "pearls of wisdom" in Dick Davis' book were
comforting after that, my largest drawdown ever, and that is despite
the fact I like to think I have "nerves of steel." His book should
be required reading in any investment class. The same is true for
you if you invest for yourself or your family. No matter how
sophisticated you think you are, this 80+ year old man, with a
lifetime's worth of experience will teach you something important
and vital. If you are new, he will teach you lots. One gem could
make or save you thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
At 58 when I attend Continuing Legal or Real Estate Education
Classes, I know a lot of what is being taught beforehand. I seek
gems. Nowhere can that one gem affect your fortune more than in
investing, and Dick Davis' book has hundreds. Read the book.
Memorize all that you can!
–
Charles Zeitz, Denver, Colorado
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