Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett (Pb)

Book excerpt: Bedrock Investing Principles for Profiting in Today''s Shaky Markets If you wanted to create the next earth-shattering consumer product, Steve Jobs would be an ideal role model to follow. If you planned to become a great golfer, you might look to Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus. So, if your goals are to outperform other investors and achieve your life''s financial goals, what should you do? Think, act, and invest like the best investor out there: Warren Buffett. While you can''t invest exactly like he does, Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett provides a solid, sensible investing approach based on Buffett''s advice regarding investment strategies. When it comes to investing, Director of Research for the BAM Alliance and CBS News blogger Larry Swedroe has pretty much seen it all--and he''s come to the conclusion that simple is better, that adopting basic investing principles always increases an investor''s chance of success, and that Buffett is an excellent model for such investing. In Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett, Swedroe provides the foundational knowledge you need to: Develop a financial plan to help you make rational decisions on a consistent basis Determine the level of risk that''s right for you, and allocate your assets accordingly Build a low-cost, tax-efficient, globally diversified portfolio Manage your portfolio by rebalancing periodically to maintain proper risk levels The beauty of the Buffett approach is its profound simplicity: follow the basics, keep your cool, and have a sense of humor and humility. The market volatility of recent years has ushered in armies of economists, forecasters, and other so-called experts whose job it is to explain how everything works. Somehow, they have managed to muddy the waters even more. The truth is, investing is easier than you think--even in today''s economy. "Complex problems can have simple solutions," Swedroe writes. Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett helps you go back to the basics--so you can leap in front of the investing pack. Praise for Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett "A valuable addition to the growing library of books for investors wanting to successfully launch their own portfolio. Sticking to the core principles of this book will go a long way in preparing investors for their eventual retirement years." -- SeekingAlpha.com "A book that offers excellent pointers on planning for retirement, creating a disciplined investment strategy, and constructing a portfolio." -- Barron''s "If you''ve been wondering why you''ve had such a hard time investing well, Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett will diagnose your ills and treat them in this delightful short book." -- William Bernstein, Author, A Splendid Exchange and The Investor''s Manifesto "Follow the investment strategy advocated by Larry Swedroe, and free yourself to spend your time on life''s treasures--like your family and friends!" -- William Reichenstein, Professor, Baylor University "Larry Swedroe is the undisputed expert in helping investors manage portfolios the smart way. His new book, Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett, combines all facets of wealth management in an inspiring and powerful manner." -- Bill Schultheis, Author, The New Coffeehouse Investor "This book, which covers the whys and hows of successful investing, was written for those investors who just can''t (or won''t) read a 300-page investing book. Swedroe''s set of 30 rules is an education in itself. It''s a small book with a big message." -- Mel Lindauer, Forbes.com columnist and co-author, The Bogleheads'' Guide to Investing and The Bogleheads'' Guide to Retirement Planning "You could not spend a more profitable hour than r