First Question

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Permalink Reply by Adrian on August 6, 2009 at 5:04pm

Great question! I'll weigh right in here, Steve, since I have been busy spruiking Phil like he's my drinking buddy (he isn't):

1. Phil is a 'real bloke' (Aussie for he comes across just like you and me and our readers),

2. His book is well written in easy-to-follow style,

3. He provides a Buffett-style Value Investing formula that is relatively easy to replicate (particularly, if you have my spreadsheet in hand),

4. He provides specific examples AND points to FREE online resources where you can get ALL the necessary data provided that YOU are prepared to crunch the numbers (see 3., that's where this forum can help!),

5. He goes 'beyond Warren' in that he recognizes that "Ma and Pa investors' want to get in / out of stocks, so he provides simple-to-setup-and-use technical indicators.

Now, here is what I do NOT like:

a) His methodology was apparently divulged to him by a mysterious character called "Wolf",

b) Phil alleges that he turned $1,000 into $1,000,000 using the techniques that "Wolf" shared with him, yet there's no doubt in my mind that he's since turned $1 mill. into $10 mill. from book sales and speaking engagements etc ;)

c) Trading in / out of stocks is what got us all into trouble!

Now, Phil's techniques certainly helped me weather the biggest financial meltdown by losing 'only' 15% of a fully financed US stock portfolio .... by contrast I lost 60% in Australia in one month and 80% in the UK where I did NOT apply Phil's techniques, so which is better?!

Like Steve, I'm interested in hearing what YOU think????

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Permalink Reply by steve on August 6, 2009 at 6:34pm

Very good answers (all) so I'll have to look into this guy further.

Thanks (Salamat) for the helpful critique.

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Permalink Reply by Ill liquidity on November 19, 2009 at 3:39pm

What I like is that at some point in the book, I can't remember where, he briefly touches on ethics. Not yet once have I heard this from any investing seminar or presentation I have attended. You invest your money into a business, you are now a part of it, and you are responsible for what it does, so you can either decide to make the world a better place by investing in your ideals, or choose... well, you know.

I can't wait to hear an analyst talk about why comany x is great for the community or environment so that I can start clapping. Instead you'll hear only sector comparisons, patterns, etc., but nothing of any REAL value. It isn't just numbers on a chart. This is people living and dying to produce a product and/or service. Choose the right one.

It's also paired up (the book) to a great set of resources. Where else do you find principals married to the tools you need to putthem into practice? I sat and watched the market bounce without taking any action. Now convinced, there isn't much I can do except wait for the next opportunity, which I hope this forum will help me find.

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