Million Dollar Journey

Building Wealth through Saving and Investing

Book Review and Giveaway: Rob Carrick’s Guide to What’s Good Bad and Downright Awful in Canadian Investments Today

It’s been quite a while since our last book review and giveaway, but lets get it going again with a great personal finance book written by the popular Globe and Mail columnist, Rob Carrick.  The title is a bit long, but descriptive to the overall theme of the book.  The book is titled “Rob Carrick’s Guide to What’s Good Bad and Downright Awful in Canadian Investments Today.”

About the Author:

According to the book:

Rob Carrick is one of Canada’s most widely read and best-respected financial experts, with two decades of experience as a business and economics reporter and commentator.  Carrick worked on both Bay Street and Parliament Hill before becoming the personal finance columnist for The Globe and Mail ten years ago.

About the Book

As you can probably conclude from the book title, this book focuses on the Canadian investment industry and does a great job explaining how the industry works in a brutally honest fashion.  Although this book is meant for the beginner to intermediate investor, there is something for everyone in this book.

Did you know that when you buy mutual funds from a discount broker that they keep the trailer fee even though they didn’t offer any advice (except Questrade)?  Or the traits of an advisor that you should look out for?  Or even mutual funds that actually provide value?  Those are just a few tid bits of information that I gathered from the book.

The topic areas covered in the book include:

  1. Getting off to a good start – how to get started as an investor, some common mistakes.
  2. Mutual Funds – how fund fees work, and lists of good and bad mutual funds.
  3. Navigating the Stock Market – how to build a simple portfolio without mutual funds, dividend investing, discount brokers, ETFs.
  4. Bonds, GICs and other conservative stuff – fixed income rip offs, ETF alternatives, principal protected notes, high yield bonds.
  5. Do-it-yourself investing – reasons to use a discount broker along with a listing of the top 3, investments that go great with a discount broker account and online resources for investors.
  6. Investment advisors – traits of good and bad adivsors, interview questions, and steps to take if an advisor has wronged you.
  7. Information, please – recommended websites/newsletters/calculators for investing.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would consider it a must read for personal finance enthusiasts, especially those just starting out on their journey.

Want a Free Copy?

The book publisher was generous in offering Million Dollar Journey readers the chance to win a free copy of the book.  The details are below:

  1. Follow our new Facebook page by clicking “Like” on the top of this page. (+1 entry)
  2. Leave a comment in this post. (+1 entry)
  • Only one comment entry per person (valid email addresses only please – privacy policy).
  • Only those with a North American mailing address may enter (publisher rules, sorry).
  • Contest will end Fri 5pm EST Sept 10, 2010 and the winner, drawn randomly from all entries, contacted shortly after!



160 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. 1. John King

    Thanks for the review. I find that Rob Carrick usually does a very good job of researching and reporting for the benefit of individual investors.

  2. 2. Mark

    Sounds like a good book for most beginners.

  3. 3. jen

    Sounds like a useful book.

  4. 4. RI

    I believe it would be a pleasure to read this book.

  5. 5. cbez

    It looks like a good read.

  6. 6. Pierre

    Sounds like a great book

  7. 7. Sim

    I don’t use mutual funds anymore, but this could still be interesting.

  8. 8. Melanie Samson

    This sounds like the perfect book for my situation.

  9. 9. Jared

    Sounds like an interesting book

  10. 10. Brian C

    Count me in please!

  11. 11. Traciatim

    I like books :)

  12. 12. BillT

    Send me the Book!

  13. 13. Matthew

    Receiving a copy of this book would sure help me in my financial journey!

  14. Hey Ft,

    Does the book talk about risk management at all?

    Disability, critical illness, life insurance, or annuities (later in life). I know this puts people to sleep, but my thoughts it is worth a few chapters.

    Most DTYers have never given this any time. Risk management should be the foundation. Which is the most important!

    It hit home with me this summer when I was visiting B.C. (Kelowna by the lake) and seeing multimillion dollar condos which had a poor foundation and were leaning to one side.

    I was told the cost of repair was going to be more than the buildings!

  15. 15. H. Nieuwenhuis

    Sounds like an interesting book!

  16. 16. Mark

    I would like a copy of this book since I am in the beginning stages of investing. Crossing my fingers and hoping I win!

  17. 17. Mike

    I would love a copy too.

  18. 18. Peter

    The subjects covered, according to the table of contents looks very interesting. I would love to read this book. I hope a copy will be available at our public library in the not to distant future. Thank for the article.

  19. 19. Mike

    Interesting book for people starting to invest

  20. 20. John

    It’s good to see books written on personal finance with a Canadian bent. Too often we have to glean and adapt from American ones.

  21. 21. tom

    I like reading what Carrick has to say.

  22. 22. karen

    Please out me in the draw.

  23. 23. Alain

    I like your web site.

    Much of the information does not apply to me, but occasionally I find some gems that make my life easier. Thank you.

  24. 24. Patricia

    Would love a copy of this book.

  25. Sounds like a good book, but most people will still buy and read trashy novels.

  26. I read it already (TPL has a bunch of copies folks!) but would be happy to have a copy for my shelf. Thanks, FT!

  27. 27. chad

    It would be nice to read for anyone nowdays because alot of individuals are doing more investing on there own.
    and lots of mistakes are still being made
    nice timing with the book you should do we’ll

  28. 28. Judy

    Sign me up for the book.

  29. 29. John

    I always enjoy reading what Rob Carrick has to say – have learned plenty from him over the years . I’m sure a copy of his book would be useful addition to my library. Thanks for the review and opportunity to win.

  30. 30. Judi Jeffers

    I have heard of this book before and have not been able to find a copy in the library. I hope that I can win one, as I am very interested to read it.
    Thank you

  31. 31. No Fees For Me

    Unfortunately the copy of this book in our local library branch is missing. Probably taken by a disgruntled mutual fund sales person. The good news is that it is available at other branches. I look forward to reading it.

  32. 32. Pat

    It looks like a perfect read for me.

  33. 33. Larry

    I’m certain I would benefit from reading such a book. Thanks

  34. 34. Ruth

    This sounds like a useful, informative book that I would like to read

  35. Hey FT – send me the book please! :)

    Cheers,
    Mark

  36. 36. Kate

    Sounds like an interesting book

  37. 37. AL

    Would love to read it!!

  38. 38. Bernie

    I would definitely enjoy reading this book!

  39. 39. Kevin Epp

    Following your “Journey” with great interest … practical, informative and inspiring.

  40. 40. Matt

    Would be interested in reading this. Thanks for another giveaway!

  41. Have done a review on this book on our site.

    Good read and I liked how current and impartial he is.

    I would like to know what Rob invests in though.

  42. 42. Alberto

    Would like to get hold of a copy.

  43. 43. Allawi

    pick me please!

  44. 44. Michael

    Count me in! It sounds like an interesting read.

  45. 45. Sam

    Love to read Rob Carrick’s book to help to find a safer path through the Financial Minefield!

  46. 46. Jason R

    Hum, I think I could be convinced to read it.
    Thanks for the give aways as always!

  47. 47. sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

    loved the book. would like my own copy.

  48. 48. Horace Moning

    Hi i want to know what kind of level of money can i invest.

  49. 49. Echo

    Nice review, count me in on the giveaway!

  50. 50. Catherine

    I’ve been eyeing this book for a while. Thanks for giving your readers the opportunity to win a free copy!

  51. 51. Jagdish

    It will be very interesting to read this book. I think it covers many practical aspects of investments.

  52. 52. Joe

    Very interesting – Hadn’t heard of this book. Seems like it encompasses most of the beginner topics. It’s on my “must read” list now. Thanks.

  53. 53. Dane

    Very interested to see what he says in the Bonds, GICs and other conservative stuff section as I’m leaning more towards that end of the spectrum these day.

  54. 54. ldk

    thanks for the giveaway, FT!!

  55. 55. sean

    I need this book

  56. 56. Jason

    I enjoy Rob’s articles/features in the G&M. Looks like a very handy book!

  57. 57. Adam

    I would love to win a copy as I am also ready to look at investing seriously.

  58. 58. Jungle

    Wow, I have never seen so many comments for a post. You must be giving away a book for free..please add me to the draw :) Thanks for the review!

  59. 59. Brian

    Always interested in a good read.

  60. 60. Kevin

    sounds good, sign me up!

  61. Good Startup tips for an investor. Sounds interesting.

  62. 62. Peter Mulloy

    Big fan of Rob’s in the Globe, throw my hat in please.

  63. 63. Bob Ferguson

    Carrick is a good writer who seems to relate well to readers. He seems to be able to answer the questions of concern to the average investor. His style is not complicated.

  64. 64. Brandon

    Sign me up. Cheers.

  65. 65. Brian

    If there is one thing that I have learned about the Canadian investment industry is that it often feels like I haven’t learned very much at all… perhaps Rob’s book can help to change that….

  66. 66. BadCaleb

    I’m in. Thanks for doing this.

  67. 67. Queen of Warriors

    I’m interested in reading up on it. Thanks

  68. 68. Terry Jewell

    Thanks for the review and the contest
    Terry

  69. 69. Randy T

    Would love the book!

  70. 70. Mai

    I am always looking for good books to read. I am in.

  71. 71. Jason

    Sign me up, it sounds like a great read.

  72. 72. Neenie

    I have enjoyed Rob Carrick’s column for years, always enjoy his passion to educate investors.

  73. 73. miscellanem

    Sounds educational. How investments work is wayy beyond me…

  74. 74. D.Mason

    As a relatively new investor ( since TFSA’a) I’m sure I could learn a lot from the chapter “Navigating the Stock Market”. Hope I get a book!

  75. 75. S Huffman

    Count me in for a chance at a freebie :)

  76. 76. Arcaneind

    5 Stars out of 5 on Amazon.ca and not a huge sticker price either.

    BUT winning it would be sweeter!

  77. 77. Ken

    Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the contest.

  78. 78. Emily

    Book sounds great!

  79. 79. Trevor

    Would love a copy!

  80. 80. sneeker

    I would love to give that book a read! Thanks!

  81. 81. Chris

    Book please! Anything that’ll help my journey.

  82. 82. Chris

    I’d love a print! Thanks!

  83. 83. Steve L.

    Looks like an excellent read.

  84. 84. Bobby Aves

    Book sounds great!

  85. 85. Michael

    Sounds like a good read. Sign me up!

  86. 86. Gerry

    Sounds like a great book. Count me in.

  87. 87. Mike

    Looks like a good book

  88. 88. Rod

    Sounds good. Sign me up

  89. 89. Dutchie

    I’ve read bits of this book online. It seems quite interesting!

  90. 90. digger88

    Always good to find resources aimed at the Canadian market.

  91. 91. Erin D

    This sounds really interesting for beginners such as ourselves. Please count me in!

  92. 92. Elbyron

    My library has 8 copies of this book, but it would be nice to have my own copy to read at my leisure.

  93. 93. Millionaireby45

    Sounds like a great book.

  94. 94. TTTSNB

    I can’t wait to read it!

  95. 95. Calvin

    Sounds like that book would be really helpful.

  96. 96. Aik

    I’d love to win.

  97. 97. Brian

    I wanted to pick up this books since I saw the author on BNN. He was very insightful with his ideas and thoughts on the market. This was around the end of the year last year. I this will be a “must have” on my list.

  98. 98. Graham

    Sounds very interesting! Can’t wait to read it.

  99. 99. SophieW

    Sounds like just the book for me…

  100. 100. Nick

    Thanks FT, count me in!

  101. 101. Peter

    Looks like a great book!

  102. 102. Marianne O

    Anything by Rob Carrick should be a good read. Thanks for the contest.

  103. 103. Jeff

    Another great book give away

  104. 104. Adam B

    I want desperately to read this book.

  105. 105. Gurjit

    I would love to read this book by Rob Carrick

  106. 106. Jo

    Would love to read the book!

  107. 107. NS

    I would love to read this book!

  108. 108. Kerry

    This would be an interesting read. I have several friends in the industry of mutual fund sucking….I mean selling.

    It would be interesting to see how it all works, not in theory from their mouths.

    Cheers!

  109. 109. stacey

    I wondered if this book was any good. Thanks for the review, now I’d love to read it!

  110. 110. jaybee

    Thanks for the review. I tend to like most of what Carrick writes…

  111. 111. chris

    thanks for another giveaway!

  112. 112. Jon

    Sounds like a good book! Would love to check it out for free! :)

  113. 113. Greg

    I’d like to read it!!

  114. 114. Karl

    Looks great, count me in too!

  115. 115. ig

    I’d like the book, please. 8-)

  116. 116. mike

    Please let me win

  117. 117. Miguel

    Don’t read the Globe, but I am interested in any finance book…

  118. 118. Dspayre

    I want the book

  119. 119. bert

    sounds like a good read and just in time for the indoor weather.

  120. 120. Kenny O

    Would love to win the free copy, sounds like a good read!!

  121. 121. Marina

    Please enter me in the contest, it sounds like a great book!

  122. 122. Germaine

    Please enter my name in the contest. The book sounds interesting and I would like to read it.

  123. 123. Future Money-Bags

    I am just starting out as an investor this year and woud love and cant wait to learn tonnes more about investing for the average person!!
    I love when people I actually know write good books, not to say the first-timers don’t have good advice.

  124. 124. Ben

    I would thoroughly enjoy this book. I have very few personal finance tomes on my bookshelf, and it would be nice to have a good reference on hand instead of going to the library.

  125. 125. JME

    The book sounds good.

  126. 126. Neeraj

    Seems like an interesting read. Please count me in.

  127. 127. BigJ

    Sounds great! I’d like to take a closer look.

  128. 128. Marypat

    As a newbie investor, I think this book would be extremely informative.

  129. 129. Justino

    Would be interested to see how he constructs “a simple portfolio without mutual funds, dividend investing, discount brokers, ETFs.”

  130. I’m certainly interested in reading this book!

  131. 131. tin

    would love to read this book

  132. 132. Raf

    would like to have a closer inspection of said book…

  133. 133. Jim

    I enjoyed his last book. Count me in!

  134. 134. Bryce

    Sounds like a great read for a novice like me!

  135. 135. Rob

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  136. 136. Ken Kirkby

    I enjoy my weekly readings of Rob’s columns in the Saturday Globe. I especially enjoy the interviews and information available through Rob’s online vids.

  137. 137. Mike Austin

    I’d really like to read this book. Sounds cool!

  138. 138. Chris Watts

    great selection

  139. 139. telefantastik

    Count me in, thanks!

  140. 140. KB

    would love to get this book! thanks for the promotion.

  141. 141. carwel

    I’d like a copy.

  142. 142. Brandon

    sounds like a good book, i’d like to check it out

  143. 143. js_cooldude

    Yay! Free!

    Seriously though, this is like the third positive review for this book (opposed to nonce negative) so I’m really starting to want to read this.

  144. 144. A.T.

    Always up for learning more about investing

  145. 145. Aaron

    Should be an interesting book.

  146. 146. Steve

    I would love to read the book. A free copy would be much appreciated.

  147. 147. Tracey H

    Sounds interesting!

  148. 148. Jean-Gabriel

    I’m in. Thanks for doing this.

  149. 149. John Lee

    FT, finally on facebook! awesome.

  150. 150. Sean

    Sounds like a great book

  151. 151. Lavneet

    Sounds like a good book for most beginners

  152. 152. Heather

    Glad you are now on FB!

  153. 153. Ruth

    Enjoy Rob Carrick in the Globe and Mail. Would love to win this book

  154. 154. Will

    Looks like a good book, thanks for the review.

  155. 155. Luc

    Interesting book, would like to read it.

  156. 156. Ryan

    mmm, free books

  157. 157. helen dakin

    rob carrick. one of my my favourite writers!

  158. 158. Michael

    Pick me, pick me!

  159. 159. Mark

    sounds like a valuable book

  160. 160. FrugalTrader

    NOTICE:

    I put the wrong link in the RSS post. If you want to enter the RESP book giveaway, please leave your comment by clicking the following link:

    http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/the-resp-book-review-and-giveaway.htm

    Thanks!

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