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:
- Getting off to a good start – how to get started as an investor, some common mistakes.
- Mutual Funds – how fund fees work, and lists of good and bad mutual funds.
- Navigating the Stock Market – how to build a simple portfolio without mutual funds, dividend investing, discount brokers, ETFs.
- Bonds, GICs and other conservative stuff – fixed income rip offs, ETF alternatives, principal protected notes, high yield bonds.
- 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.
- Investment advisors – traits of good and bad adivsors, interview questions, and steps to take if an advisor has wronged you.
- 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:
- Follow our new Facebook page by clicking “Like” on the top of this page. (+1 entry)
- 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. 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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:14 am
2. Mark
Sounds like a good book for most beginners.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:18 am
3. jen
Sounds like a useful book.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:29 am
4. RI
I believe it would be a pleasure to read this book.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:41 am
5. cbez
It looks like a good read.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:44 am
6. Pierre
Sounds like a great book
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:10 am
7. Sim
I don’t use mutual funds anymore, but this could still be interesting.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:15 am
8. Melanie Samson
This sounds like the perfect book for my situation.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:31 am
9. Jared
Sounds like an interesting book
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:37 am
10. Brian C
Count me in please!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:51 am
11. Traciatim
I like books :)
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:52 am
12. BillT
Send me the Book!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:12 am
13. Matthew
Receiving a copy of this book would sure help me in my financial journey!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:25 am
14. Brian Poncelet, CFP
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!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:30 am
15. H. Nieuwenhuis
Sounds like an interesting book!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:33 am
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!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:40 am
17. Mike
I would love a copy too.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:47 am
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:58 am
19. Mike
Interesting book for people starting to invest
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
21. tom
I like reading what Carrick has to say.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
22. karen
Please out me in the draw.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
24. Patricia
Would love a copy of this book.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
25. Daniel Morel
Sounds like a good book, but most people will still buy and read trashy novels.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
26. guinness416
I read it already (TPL has a bunch of copies folks!) but would be happy to have a copy for my shelf. Thanks, FT!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
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
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
28. Judy
Sign me up for the book.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
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
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
32. Pat
It looks like a perfect read for me.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:40 pm
33. Larry
I’m certain I would benefit from reading such a book. Thanks
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
34. Ruth
This sounds like a useful, informative book that I would like to read
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
35. Financial Cents
Hey FT – send me the book please! :)
Cheers,
Mark
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
36. Kate
Sounds like an interesting book
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
37. AL
Would love to read it!!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
38. Bernie
I would definitely enjoy reading this book!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
39. Kevin Epp
Following your “Journey” with great interest … practical, informative and inspiring.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
40. Matt
Would be interested in reading this. Thanks for another giveaway!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
41. Steve Zussino
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
42. Alberto
Would like to get hold of a copy.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
43. Allawi
pick me please!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
44. Michael
Count me in! It sounds like an interesting read.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
45. Sam
Love to read Rob Carrick’s book to help to find a safer path through the Financial Minefield!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
46. Jason R
Hum, I think I could be convinced to read it.
Thanks for the give aways as always!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
47. sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
loved the book. would like my own copy.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
48. Horace Moning
Hi i want to know what kind of level of money can i invest.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
49. Echo
Nice review, count me in on the giveaway!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
50. Catherine
I’ve been eyeing this book for a while. Thanks for giving your readers the opportunity to win a free copy!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
51. Jagdish
It will be very interesting to read this book. I think it covers many practical aspects of investments.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
54. ldk
thanks for the giveaway, FT!!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
55. sean
I need this book
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
56. Jason
I enjoy Rob’s articles/features in the G&M. Looks like a very handy book!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
57. Adam
I would love to win a copy as I am also ready to look at investing seriously.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:48 pm
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!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:54 pm
59. Brian
Always interested in a good read.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 6:09 pm
60. Kevin
sounds good, sign me up!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
61. Jesse James
Good Startup tips for an investor. Sounds interesting.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
62. Peter Mulloy
Big fan of Rob’s in the Globe, throw my hat in please.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
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.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
64. Brandon
Sign me up. Cheers.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
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….
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
66. BadCaleb
I’m in. Thanks for doing this.
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
67. Queen of Warriors
I’m interested in reading up on it. Thanks
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
68. Terry Jewell
Thanks for the review and the contest
Terry
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
69. Randy T
Would love the book!
Sep 6th, 2010 @ 11:50 pm
70. Mai
I am always looking for good books to read. I am in.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 12:03 am
71. Jason
Sign me up, it sounds like a great read.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 12:47 am
72. Neenie
I have enjoyed Rob Carrick’s column for years, always enjoy his passion to educate investors.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 1:59 am
73. miscellanem
Sounds educational. How investments work is wayy beyond me…
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:03 am
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!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 4:10 am
75. S Huffman
Count me in for a chance at a freebie :)
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 7:10 am
76. Arcaneind
5 Stars out of 5 on Amazon.ca and not a huge sticker price either.
BUT winning it would be sweeter!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 7:50 am
77. Ken
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the contest.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 8:05 am
78. Emily
Book sounds great!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 9:14 am
79. Trevor
Would love a copy!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:19 am
80. sneeker
I would love to give that book a read! Thanks!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:22 am
81. Chris
Book please! Anything that’ll help my journey.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:27 am
82. Chris
I’d love a print! Thanks!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:28 am
83. Steve L.
Looks like an excellent read.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:39 am
84. Bobby Aves
Book sounds great!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:46 am
85. Michael
Sounds like a good read. Sign me up!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:46 am
86. Gerry
Sounds like a great book. Count me in.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:55 am
87. Mike
Looks like a good book
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:59 am
88. Rod
Sounds good. Sign me up
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 11:17 am
89. Dutchie
I’ve read bits of this book online. It seems quite interesting!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 11:35 am
90. digger88
Always good to find resources aimed at the Canadian market.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 11:51 am
91. Erin D
This sounds really interesting for beginners such as ourselves. Please count me in!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 12:43 pm
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.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
93. Millionaireby45
Sounds like a great book.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
94. TTTSNB
I can’t wait to read it!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
95. Calvin
Sounds like that book would be really helpful.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 1:46 pm
96. Aik
I’d love to win.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
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.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
98. Graham
Sounds very interesting! Can’t wait to read it.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
99. SophieW
Sounds like just the book for me…
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
100. Nick
Thanks FT, count me in!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
101. Peter
Looks like a great book!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
102. Marianne O
Anything by Rob Carrick should be a good read. Thanks for the contest.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
103. Jeff
Another great book give away
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
104. Adam B
I want desperately to read this book.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
105. Gurjit
I would love to read this book by Rob Carrick
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
106. Jo
Would love to read the book!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
107. NS
I would love to read this book!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
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!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
109. stacey
I wondered if this book was any good. Thanks for the review, now I’d love to read it!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
110. jaybee
Thanks for the review. I tend to like most of what Carrick writes…
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
111. chris
thanks for another giveaway!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
112. Jon
Sounds like a good book! Would love to check it out for free! :)
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
113. Greg
I’d like to read it!!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
114. Karl
Looks great, count me in too!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
115. ig
I’d like the book, please. 8-)
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
116. mike
Please let me win
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
117. Miguel
Don’t read the Globe, but I am interested in any finance book…
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
118. Dspayre
I want the book
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
119. bert
sounds like a good read and just in time for the indoor weather.
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
120. Kenny O
Would love to win the free copy, sounds like a good read!!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 11:40 pm
121. Marina
Please enter me in the contest, it sounds like a great book!
Sep 7th, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
122. Germaine
Please enter my name in the contest. The book sounds interesting and I would like to read it.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 12:28 am
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.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 7:58 am
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.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 10:45 am
125. JME
The book sounds good.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 11:14 am
126. Neeraj
Seems like an interesting read. Please count me in.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 11:15 am
127. BigJ
Sounds great! I’d like to take a closer look.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 11:45 am
128. Marypat
As a newbie investor, I think this book would be extremely informative.
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 11:53 am
129. Justino
Would be interested to see how he constructs “a simple portfolio without mutual funds, dividend investing, discount brokers, ETFs.”
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 11:58 am
130. Frog of Finance
I’m certainly interested in reading this book!
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
131. tin
would love to read this book
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
132. Raf
would like to have a closer inspection of said book…
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 2:52 pm
133. Jim
I enjoyed his last book. Count me in!
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
134. Bryce
Sounds like a great read for a novice like me!
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
135. Rob
Thanks for the opportunity!
Sep 8th, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
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.
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 12:41 am
137. Mike Austin
I’d really like to read this book. Sounds cool!
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 12:55 am
138. Chris Watts
great selection
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 1:02 am
139. telefantastik
Count me in, thanks!
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 2:48 am
140. KB
would love to get this book! thanks for the promotion.
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
141. carwel
I’d like a copy.
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
142. Brandon
sounds like a good book, i’d like to check it out
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
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.
Sep 9th, 2010 @ 11:33 pm
144. A.T.
Always up for learning more about investing
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 10:06 am
145. Aaron
Should be an interesting book.
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 10:25 am
146. Steve
I would love to read the book. A free copy would be much appreciated.
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 10:53 am
147. Tracey H
Sounds interesting!
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 11:31 am
148. Jean-Gabriel
I’m in. Thanks for doing this.
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
149. John Lee
FT, finally on facebook! awesome.
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
150. Sean
Sounds like a great book
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
151. Lavneet
Sounds like a good book for most beginners
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
152. Heather
Glad you are now on FB!
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
153. Ruth
Enjoy Rob Carrick in the Globe and Mail. Would love to win this book
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
154. Will
Looks like a good book, thanks for the review.
Sep 10th, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
155. Luc
Interesting book, would like to read it.
Sep 12th, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
156. Ryan
mmm, free books
Sep 12th, 2010 @ 10:18 pm
157. helen dakin
rob carrick. one of my my favourite writers!
Oct 9th, 2010 @ 10:10 am
158. Michael
Pick me, pick me!
Oct 18th, 2010 @ 9:42 am
159. Mark
sounds like a valuable book
Oct 18th, 2010 @ 10:25 am
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!
Oct 18th, 2010 @ 11:20 am
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