No Hype – The Straight Goods on Investing Your Money: Book Review and Giveaway
I’ve asked QCash, the young and retired millionaire, to write a book review on No Hype – The Straight Goods on Investing Your Money. Here is a great summary that he came back with. Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of the review!
Thanks to Million Dollar Journey for giving me the opportunity to publish my first book review. Let me begin by saying that I enjoy reading books about finances at all different levels, from the beginner to the technical investor. I hope that every time I read a new book, I at least find something new or improve my knowledge even slightly.
Now on to the book: No Hype – The Straight Goods on Investing Your Money by Gail Bebee.
The book is described as a primer for those who are wish to invest beyond the standard bank offered mutual funds and GICs we all seem to start with and need some guidance on the range of investing. The author calls this book “the book I couldn’t find when I began to seriously focus on investing.”
It is different from a beginners guide and it has to be taken in the context of someone is invested but knows they want to invest differently but is not sure why or how.
About the Author
According to the book:
Gail Bebee, B.Sc., M.Eng., is an independent investor. She has mastered the finer points of investing through completion of the Canadian Securities Course with honours, hands-on investing experience, membership in the Tycoons Investment Club and extensive reading.
About the Book
I think that the fact that the book defines itself as a primer for those who “want to get serious” about investing differentiates it from “a beginners guide.” However, Gail is certainly willing to start from the very beginning, talking about the power of compounding and the rule of 72 all the way up to technical analysis of stocks.
I personally found the way she presented the information in 26 bite-sized, yet comprehensive chapters organized in 7 sections useful and an intuitive progression.
While she touched on real estate as an investment vehicle, it was lumped in with real estate, commodities and collectibles. I liked her comment not to confuse your home with an investment in real estate, but her total real estate advice was to stick with REITs. Personally, I feel real estate could have been a chapter in and of itself.
Pros/Cons
I liked her title of chapter 17 – “Alternative Investments – Investments or Gambling” where she warns readers away from flavours of the month and to stick with fundamentals. I have been an advocate of that for many of my less savvy investor friends for years.
The only fault I would have with this book is that for someone offering “no hype”, she is not afraid to provide her own personal opinion on the suitability or appeal of certain investments, but given her experience I would be prepared to take most of her advice. With that said, she is not an advocate of income trusts for reasons she spells out in her book and I would personally disagree with her about certain types of trusts, but that is probably a personal risk tolerance thing.
The Bottom Line
No Hype lives up to its billing as a the Straight Goods on Investing Your Money. While I don’t believe it is for the absolute beginner (there are better books out there to get people started in investing The Wealthy Barber, Smart Couples Finish Rich, etc.), I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about taking control of your own portfolio or someone who needs a primer on an investment asset class they are not currently utilizing.
And one last thing: I did learn a few new things, especially regarding split share corporations I didn’t know before.
Want a Free Copy?
- Simply leave a comment and you’ll automatically be entered in the draw for a free copy.
- Please only 1 comment entry / person (please enter a valid email address).
- Only those with a North American mailing address may enter (publisher rules, sorry).
- Contest will end Friday 5pm EST Jan 30, 2009 and the winner announced shortly afterward!







173 Comments, Comment or Ping
1. Patrick Cooke
Sounds like a great read!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:20 am
2. Kirk S.
Has anyone actually read this and can give a first hand review?
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:43 am
3. Money Minder
Pick Me!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:58 am
4. ZeFrog
I would like to read it.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:04 am
5. cbez
Looks interesting…
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:05 am
6. csplice
One book please!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:11 am
7. dukeland
Nice summary. Looking forward to reading this.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:56 am
8. Dividend Growth Investor
FT and Qcash,
Great Review. Sign me up for the book giveaway pls!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:59 am
9. Alice
Wish me good luck!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:02 am
10. Frank
Would love a free copy!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:08 am
11. KnowledgeSeeker
Count me in!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:10 am
12. Brandon
Sounds like a good read
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:17 am
13. Frog of Finance
Looks like many bloggers got a copy for review and a giveaway! Count me in. :o)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:35 am
14. Darcie
If you can read a book like that and learn even one useful thing, it is well worth the time invested. Thanks, Qcash.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:35 am
15. canucktuary
Count me in
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:43 am
16. mike h
I’d love to win this book!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:45 am
17. Mark
Guest Star reviews, Nice!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:50 am
18. Chuck
Giggity-Goo, sign me up!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:54 am
19. Dane
I’d definitely be interested in reading this one as I’m feeling more than a little confused about what to do with my RRSPs this year ie. buy some index funds while they’re “on sale” or try something a little different.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:07 am
20. Rod
sign me up
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:14 am
21. Lyne
Sounds very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity :-)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:27 am
22. Brian
Count me in please.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:33 am
23. Luc Richard
Sounds like a good read. Count me in please
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:34 am
24. Cara
Sounds like a good read.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:38 am
25. Marianne O.
I’m in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:40 am
26. jimmy
i like to read this book!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:40 am
27. karash
please count me in…!!!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:41 am
28. Susan Pipes
Love to win, thank you.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:41 am
29. excell
Sounds very interesting. Count me in please!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:41 am
30. bill
count me in
Thank you
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:44 am
31. Niket
Looks like a great read! Good review as well!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:46 am
32. Marion
would love a chance to read investing info written from a woman’s perspective!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:50 am
33. Dan
Count me in!!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:51 am
34. Vincent
Very ineresting book, and thanks for the write up!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:51 am
35. Terence
Sounds like a good book. Sign me up!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:51 am
36. Xenko
I’m in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:53 am
37. Digger
Sounds like a great book.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
38. Millionaireby45
Hopefully this is my chance to win.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
39. Tony
gotta be in it to win it
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
40. Peter
Thanks this sounds like a great book.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
41. Jineshwar singh
very much would like to read this book
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
42. Ringo
Count me in, please.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
43. Rob B
Sounds like an interesting read, I’ll see if the library has it yet.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
44. Benoit Anctil
i will like to read it.
like R.kyosaky or more.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
45. Lakedweller
Its time to shed the 3% management fees and take control of our investment’s destiny.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
46. Blitzkrieg
Yes please.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
47. Kevin
Count Me in!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
48. Sauce
I’m in…
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
49. Terry
work in the ALT industry. Look forward to reading chapter 17
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
50. steve
Looks interesting
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
51. Sean Hyde
I’m in…
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
52. Senk
Looks like a good book.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
53. Bryce
Can’t wait to read it.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
54. Ian
Well if Qcash has learnt something that is good enough for me!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
55. Ryan
Sounds like and interesting read.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
56. Derek
I’ve read Smart Couples Finish Rich; I’m ready for the next step.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
57. Steve in Montreal
Great to see QCash back. Sign me up.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
58. Broke
yummy
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
59. Brian
No Hype _ i would love to read it. this book might have something that help me out.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
60. george
great blog, good review … free book (?)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
61. Adam
Looks good!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
62. Gregory Quebec
I am happy I came across your review, it made the book sound very promising
Gregory,
Quebec
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
63. Sarah
Sounds interesting! And sounds like it was written at about my level… wanting to move beyond.
Thanks for the blog -
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
64. Kurt
Would love to read that!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
65. Carole
I need help!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
66. Jesus
Count me in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
67. Swati
A rather interesting book, and something I will probably purchase/borrow from library if I don’t win it.
The book perfectly defines my situation at this point…I am invested here and there, I read about it when and where I get a chance…but still don’t know where to begin or what the “next steps” should be. I am also confused on how people define asset allocation in a dozen ways. Some people differentiate between mutual funds/stocks/bonds in their “asset allocation” and some canadian/us/foreign and some small/med/large (I have NO idea how to determine that one).
Looks like a good read. Thanks for the opportunity
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
68. AndrewM
I’ll take it!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
69. Caroline
Boo-yah! I’d love a copy of this book.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
70. Alex
Sounds like a great book. Sign me up!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
71. Walk
Sign me up :)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
72. Amon Anus
Sounds like a good read!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
73. telefantastik
count me in! :)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
74. rachel
i’m in
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
75. Elman
I need this book !
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
76. Kristy
Hi, Thanks for posting this review. I am starting the journey of learning how to control my own investments and any tips on good resources are always appreciated!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
77. Brian M
Interesting article on this new book. I enjoy reading other perspectives on investing and financial planning and look forward to this one as well. I have checked my local library and have not found it as of yet. I am very curious about Gail’s beliefs on REIT investing as I favour them (in limited amounts) within my portfolio.
Excellent website to have created, keep promoting financial awareness and education to the masses :)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
78. Joel
Sounds like a useful book
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
79. Tish
I think that this book will be very helpful and assist me in getting on the right path…..
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
80. Astin
Can’t speak to the quality of the book, but that blurb about the author turned me right off it.
She’s got degrees in Science and Engineering, took the CSC (a multiple-choice exam for a self-study course required for any Canadian trader, that is NOT that difficult), joined an investor’s club, and read a lot… and she’s “mastered” the finer points of investing? Talk about hype.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
81. Chris
would love to read it
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
82. Dwight Thompson
I would love to have a read
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
83. Neeraj
count me in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
84. Qubikal
i want the book!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
85. Eric KunzE
Looking for investment advise
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
86. Wade
Thanks for your great site – even though I’ve been investing for many years, I still find your articles of interest. I’d love to win the book.
Wade
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
87. Andrea
I would like to read this book… pick me.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
88. fillalph
I would like to read this as according to the reviewer it covers basic investing as well as going into some detailed stock analysis.
Cheers
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
89. Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas
Please count me in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
90. Brian
Look like a useful book.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
91. AndrewP
Good job on your first review, QCash!!
I’d love a copy!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
92. Les
i’d like to read it. Thanx
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
93. Vincent
sounds useful
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
94. Laura
Looks to be a great read!!!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
95. codemonkey
cool. thanks for the review. awesome blog, btw.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
96. Kenny
Count me in, please!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
97. Greg
Sounds interesting. Count me in too.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
98. newbie
pick me please!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
99. Catharine
this is right up my alley!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
100. Gates VP
Ummm… The Wealthy Barber?
I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t recommend that book to anybody.
Isn’t that the book where he advocates that being saving 30% of your pre-tax income and then making 12% / year over 30 years like he did?
It has nuggets of wisdom heaped with piles of frugal “limited-good” mindset. He casually ignores inflation despite a chunk of his mythical “12% returns” coming during the 20% inflation era (the book was printed in 1989, anyone remember October ‘89?)
He starts by telling you that you can be rich by saving only 10% of your income. But then follows that with later wisdom that you should also be maxing out your RRSPs and that you should really be saving 15% or 20% on top of that (not just the 10%).
Here’s an Indigo review with some supporting comments.
@FT and QCash why are you even mentioning this book? What are the book’s strong points? (other than including Canadian-specific content?)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
101. So
Great review.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
102. Chootiya
Count me in.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
103. Jatinder
Would love to read it!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
104. Zack
Hello, 4th year business student here chiming in. I love the Blog, and I’d love to read the book. Thanks!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
105. KAF
Count me in!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
106. Sarah
This is timely. My husband and I have some money that we’re looking at investing, and we’ve been debating where to start. (Actually, I think we’re going to split it and each try different things).
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
107. Jeff Wilson
I could use a book like this given my recent performance in managing my portfolio.
cheers,
Jeff
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
108. Mai
I’am in :)
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
109. Deb
Sounds like a good reference book. Count me in!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
110. Pat
How does this book compare to the following:
Title: The Smartest Investment Book You’ll Ever Read
Author: Daniel Solin
I just checked this out of the library the other day and plan on reading it in the coming days. If this book really is the “straight goods” is it worth reading on top of the above book. Keeping in mind that I don’t have infinite time to read every investment book that comes out.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
111. Al
Sounds like a great book to read and learn!!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
112. Mark Telewiak
Sounds like another great addition to my library
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
113. VICTOR RAJKOTWALA
In these days of unregulated freelancers masquerading as ‘investment advisers’, and even qualified advisers being more interested in their commissions rather than safeguarding your portfolio, it is absolutely essential for every person to be reasonably acquainted with the basics of personal finance, insurance, taxation and avenues of investment. Therefore any well-written book on these topics, such as ‘No Hype’ is always welcome.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
114. Sameer
I hate to say it, but nowadays it’s fairly easy to get the CSC. I’d like to read something by someone who’s earned the CFA.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
115. Linda
Good timing! I’m currently reading everything I can get my hands on too, having already read the aforementioned Wealthy Barber and Smart Couples. As the author states, these are good get-to-know-you books, but I could use something a bit more sophisticated now. Thanks.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
116. Jared
Always interested in new books.
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
117. Bobby
sounds interesting!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 10:52 pm
118. Maria V
sounds like an interesting read
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
119. Chris
Count me in!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
120. Vincento
sounds good~!
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
121. Rajesh
Looks interesting
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
122. john
Sounds like there are some gems in this book – would love to take a closer look. Count me in! Have always wondered if home ownership should be considered a real estate investment, at least in terms of calculating % diversification. Now I know.
John
Jan 27th, 2009 @ 11:57 pm
123. Les MILA
A very interesting review for a book that is probably good.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 12:24 am
124. H
Thanks!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 12:50 am
125. skippy
Sounds like that book is right up my alley.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:48 am
126. R.
I’m very interested.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:50 am
127. amit
sounds interesting. Count me in. BTW, what happened to the other book giveaway – rich brother, rich sister. Was a winner announced?
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 7:46 am
128. Debt_Free_in_5
I’d love a copy
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 9:56 am
129. Cheryl
I would love a copy of this book!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 10:19 am
130. cannon_fodder
Yes, please!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 10:23 am
131. Rob
Wish me luck!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
132. Mike
why not
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
133. Marc
Looks like a good read, would love a copy.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
134. Lynne
sounds like the perfect book for me!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
135. bmfinc
This is the kind of book that I could really use. Thanks for the review.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
136. sean
Sounds like I should read this book considering the direction my money has headed in recent months.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
137. mcmatterson
Looks like a solid read…thanks!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
138. Izzoshady
Thanks for the review. Appreciate it
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
139. Walrus
Good review made me interested.
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
140. Jamie
Thanks for the book review, would love to read it myself!
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
141. Patricia
Sounds like a good addition to the home reference library I am slowly building. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy
Jan 28th, 2009 @ 11:13 pm
142. Shaun
I think i’m in that boat, not a beginner but much to learn especially at a very intriguing time to start investing.
Pick me Please!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 1:13 am
143. Ken Selinger
Thanks for the informative review.
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 1:15 am
144. jfernandez1977
pick me.
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 2:07 am
145. Sean
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 11:56 am
146. guychan
Thanks for the opportunity to get a freebie. After a business trip to China in late 2004, I knew that I had to switch to a DIY mode for my investments – my advisors were either asleep at the switch or working on their own agenda. No regrets since then…
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
147. Pauline
Thanks for the review.
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
148. jared
Would love to give the book a good reading. Thanks!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
149. Eric
I’d like to read it…..
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
150. JCR
Looks like a book I’d like to read.
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
151. JCR
I’m currently reviewing my investments and this would be a useful book to look at. Thanks for the review!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
152. Elbyron
Looking at implementing the Smith Manoeuvre soon (thank to the info on this site). I’m familiar with the basics of investing, but this book sounds like a good way to learn more. Hope I win the giveaway!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
153. Pooroo
I want to win this book!
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
154. mindy
looks like a good read thanks for the giveaway
Jan 29th, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
155. Elina
Sounds like a decent book. I look forward to reading it ;)
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 8:59 am
156. Derek
It sounds like a wonderful read. Who couldn’t use this advise.
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 9:29 am
157. Finance Matters
I’m in.
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 10:23 am
158. ron87
I would like to learn more about investing. Sign me up for the draw.
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
159. Niket
Looks like a great read!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
160. Paul
In it to win it
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
161. harry
Just what I need now
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
162. thriftyguy
raffle me in please
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
163. Peter B
Sign me up
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
164. Matt
Count me in!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
165. LJ
I definetely need the advice in this book!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
166. LJ
I do need this advice!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
167. Steve
nice review!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
168. Barry
I’ve been reading tons of investment books recently. I even tried “forward testing” the philosophies that some of the “gurus” suggested will make consistent money. Unfortunately, they all fell flat on their faces, even before the big crash in October of last year. I hope that this book helps us grow our tiny nestegg as I’ve only managed to make it contract….
Thanks for the freebie opportunity.
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
169. Angela C
Thank you for the giveaway:)
angelacisco at rocketmail.com
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
170. Sanjeev
I’m in
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
171. newbie
Count me in!
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
172. Walrus
sounds good to me
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
173. Scott
this book sounds good….
Jan 30th, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
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