I’ve been avoiding the Stock Market like a bad Calculus class, but as most things go my curiosity often gets the best of me. A couple shares here, a few hundred there, and well what do you know; I have the beginnings of a portfolio that Warren Buffet would be proud of.But being as nobody is perfect at trading stocks, I am never at a loss for a new book to read. Amidst the sea of endless investing books I’ve recently finished reading one of the more cliché titles, –you know one of those books that all the stock jockeys say is a must read.

Andrew Tobias’ The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need is exactly one of those books; now in it’s third revision since 1978 – it is a good starting point to begin looking for comprehensive information and advice on a wide variety of Personal Finance and wealth-building topics. It’s both smartly short and easy to read. And although it’s aimed at the intelligent investor, beginning investors looking for practical information will not be disappointed.

Knowing what not to do in regards to your money is a concept that Tobias focuses on heavily; he points out that investment missteps can be devastatingly expensive, and you’ll be that much ahead of the game if you can learn from someone else’s mistakes.

With so many people in this world who want your money and spend their waking hours devising ways to get it, knowing how to have real control over your finances is key. Andrew Tobias does an excellent job in bringing these ideas to the forefront of your mind. If you haven’t already amassed a million dollars in assets, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book as an addition to your library.