Summarizing what I've learned from "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth"

After reading this book, I've decided to start summarizing what I've learned from this book to help ingrain the knowledge to my knowledge bank. Starting with the book, it was an easy read and was almost like talking to a financial investor even though I've never worked with one. Also, please know that this is filtered knowledge from my own reading, it's good to do your own research. 

 Since this is not a book review, we'll start off talking about diversification. I've heard of this term many times previously and assumed it to be as it sounds. Knowing to place your money in different places or investments with research in what or where you are putting it in is the first lesson dropped. Time is a supporting factor, and the best time to start is early or NOW. If you have the money, and are prepared to put in the time, find out what prices are low. One interesting thing the author touched upon was about playing with your mortgage. A lot of the folks that grew up with the great depression mindset made it a mission to always pay off the mortgage in the quickest way possible. This book, talks about being "house poor" and having as big of a mortgage as you can so you have money left over to do investments, or prepare for other house expenses. This makes sense to a certain extent, as I believe to never be in debt. The benefits of having a mortgage are the tax breaks and freeing up your cash flow. Prior to reading this book, I had no clue as to the difference of stocks, funds, bonds, certificate of deposits or anything on that financial level. A lot of people invest into fixed accounts which are what most of the 9 to 5ers are in. It's a company or institution plan that does not really move meaning you don't lose much, nor do you EARN much. That aspect of investing goes with my new found understanding of risk in life. No risk, no reward. 

 Culturally in capitalistic nations or countries, there is a lifestyle of competing consumption where everyone gets the "newest new" thing and wants to be like the rest. Think about putting your money into something that results in a return, so it could be something frivolous if you know how to flip it for profit. The competing consumption of things is a mindset, you just have to know how to spend your money versus wasting it. In the book besides knowledge from the author, there was different interviews with some of the author's clients which provided life and financial experience stories to great benefits. One client had stated that his way of becoming financially independent was to not let a job become your life. You do not have to fear about losing your job. Know that you work because you WANT to and not because you have to. 

Understand taking calculated risks. In a free society, being poor is a state of mind and being broke is a state of wallet. You can fix being broke, but it's not as easy to fix the mindset of being poor. Once again the mind, and the power to think for yourself is a tool to your own advantage. Continuing the aspect of time and investing, be consistent in saving and find something to invest in through a long time. You don't have to invest more than $1000 per year as practice. Try out the "buy and hold" strategy as a way to manage money. Buy a variety of quality investments(diversification) and hold onto them for a long period of time. "The most money you put in the bank account consistently in will have the most money." Filter out emotions when making investment decisions. "Market Timing" is ideally something we'd all like to possess, but to know when things move in the markets are a difficult thing to apply. It's like controlling the force of an ocean wave. Emotions are the cause of most investment failures. Obtain the historical facts to support your decisions, and take the calculated risk. 

Personal financial success is not achieved through spending time tracking your expenses. It's as simple as knowing what coming in and going out, anticipate the bills and expenses you may have. Managing what you have is as simple as having the least amount of accounts to keep you free. 

Diversify your currency in different investments such as IRA accounts, selected insurances, life insurances, wills, mutual funds and more of what you find worthwhile. Understand that money works like water, keep it moving in savings, investments and enjoy a portion. Ultimately learn to love what money can do, not money itself. This has been a fun quick non standard essay or blog post. It feels refreshing and I have a sense of fearlessness in doing this. Share the knowledge you get to receive more. Always be studying and refining yourself and your skills.