Where Are the Customers’ Yachts?, by Fred Schwed Jr. provides “A Good Hard Look at Wall Street.”
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? was first published in 1940, and has been re-published three times since. And by the way, if you aren’t impress by the 75-year track record, you might find this interesting:
On the bottom of page 6 of the 2014 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report, Warren Buffett calls Where Are The Customers’ Yachts?, a “wonderful book.” And in this book review, I’ll tell you why.
But that’s not all…
When you’re done reading this post, you’ll also know what “Where Are The Customers’ Yachts?” is all about. And I’ll be sure to share my favourite parts, where the name of the book comes from and everything else you need to know in order to decide if Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? is the right book for you. Now let’s get into it…
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? – The Title Explained:
Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? is an unusual title. And before we get into what the book is all about, it’s important you understand these first five words. In this book more than most, the title really sets the stage for the book. So here’s what it’s all about:
Make sense? The idea behind the title is that, if everyone on Wall Street is so rich, why aren’t their customers rich too? You should always be skeptical of someone who’s making money when their customers don’t seem to be going anywhere. Now that the title is out of the way, let me tell you what this book is all about…
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? Is a Skeptics’ Guide to Wall Street:
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? is a fantastic book. And it’s even written by an ex-Wall Streeter. But this broker-turned-author isn’t exactly an ode to high finance. In fact…
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? is a skeptical look at the investment industry, and the implications for the everyday individual. It raises critical questions and identifies myriad causes for concern. The book covers everything from financial forecasting, to mutual funds, to short selling and much much more. The author highlights all-too-common missteps and expensive mistakes that are lurking just around the corner.
But that’s not even my favourite part…
The Best Part of Where Are The Customers’ Yachts?:
To be honest, even though Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? is a great finance book for traders and investors, the best part of the book wasn’t even about investing. Instead…
The best part of Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? is the humour! Seriously: this book is hilarious! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. Once I heard what the author had to say about fat cat investment bankers, I was dying to hear what he had to say about options, finance reform and retail investors.
The book reads incredibly well. It’s pretty short and the font is big. But the author’s words really make the pages wiz by. There are also some smile-worthy cartoons included in Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? that really hit home the key points. And let me just say…
The hilarity of this book really adds to it’s value as a finance book. The truth is, because the content is so engaging and entertaining, it really helps you remember it. So I’m not just saying you should buy this book if you’re looking for a laugh – just that it’s another added bonus and probably another reason this book has been so popular for so long.
At this point, I usually find something critical to say about the book I’m reviewing. But in this case, there really isn’t much to criticize. The book isn’t a financial analysis text book, that’s for sure. On the other hand, it’s a memorable and concise account of what you need to be aware of when you’re thinking about what to do with your savings.
So with that in mind, let’s wrap this up…
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? – The Final Word:
Where Are The Customers’ Yachts? is an amazing book that has been published again and again as the years go by. Although the cover might get updated, and a new introduction or preface is added, the original timeless wisdom remains the same. And you don’t want to miss it. For those reasons, I definitely recommend you buy Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? on Amazon.
But no pressure. If you’re still a little unconvinced, check out the video book review below for even more information. Sound good?