The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
by John C. Bogle
Bogle's short argument for owning the whole market at the lowest cost: arithmetic guarantees that, in aggregate, investors earn the market return minus costs, so costs are the only thing you control. It is repetitive and persuasive, with data on how few active funds beat the index over time.
Read it if…
you want the case for index investing made by its inventor, in one sitting.
Skip it if…
you have already bought the argument; the book will not add tactics.
Three things you will actually use
- Buy the haystack, not the needle.
- Costs compound against you; minimize them.
- Stay the course through every crisis.
Do this first
Look up the expense ratio of every fund you own and total what you pay per year.
Our verdict
The clearest case for indexing; short and convincing.
Compare with other Money books
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Erin Lowry · Money
Approachable and practical; a good gift for a new graduate.
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