The Brainwashing of the American Investor - More Book Reviews Volume 5

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Mr. Selengut presents a realistic approach to investing.He identifies how to achieve continued returns from high quality stocks and bonds.He outlines basic criteria needed to make sound investments and sets realistic targets for profit.A must read for all investors who want to take the profit." (S. B., Charleston, SC, 07/13/03)

Phil Gomez, Moon Township, PA (08/14/02) Profit like a trader. Sleep like an investor.

This book is an expanded version of the author's first book,originally titled "A Millionaire's Secret Investment Strategy"; 30%exposé and 70% technique!

It explains how the author made his million (in real dollars, not in marketvalue) actually investing (not writing about investing, not by commissions, andnot by salary from a mutual fund company). That background separates the authorfrom about 99% of all other authors who write about the stock market.

It's an eye-opener,a "why didn't I think of that?" kind of strategy. Basically, the idea isto run your portfolio the same way you would run a business. It's not aget-rich-quick plan. This strategy requires minimal analysis compared to many others. You focus on theessential measures of quality (and they are essential). The key is to maintain yourplan during the slow times and reign in your greed during the boom times.

Reviewed by: Paul "the soaring" Siegel, Long Beach, CA
RANK = "8"

"This quotation sets the tone and the approach to this work. The first section presents the author's overall philosophy of investing. The second presents the steps to be followed. The third helps you evaluate progress. The fourth is a recapitulation, plus discussion of subjects previously missed."

"This is an excellent book for investors who want to increase their wealth in an intelligent, clear thinking, orderly manner. The author invites you to deal forthrightly with your emotions, shows how not to be brainwashed by Wall Street, and presents a simple but hard-working approach to becoming a successful investor."

"We need to educate the investing public about how they should interact with those who are conspiring to separate them from their money."

Two big lessons are:

1. BEWARE OF WALL STREET - Over and over he discusses the traps, the schemes, the fraudulent activities of financial companies and individuals.
2. BE DISCIPLINED - This is perhaps the most important message of all. If you develop a plan and rigorously follow the author's rules, it will help you avoid temptation and stick to your plan. As he puts it, don't be a "sheep" or a "shark". Don't let your emotions take over and you will succeed."

A review by: Carol Kohn, "E-Book Reviews Weekly", (07/06/02)

"The Brainwashing of the American Investor: The book that Wall Street Does Not Want you to Read!" by Steven R. Selengut is a fascinating, eye-opening book that comes at an interesting time in our financial history.

This no-nonsense, no holds barred, journey down Wall Street is a good companion during these uneasy times. It may not make you feel more comfortable about your relationship with the stock market, but you will certainly feel better prepared. When you buy, sell, hold; the tax vs. profit puzzlement; managing ignorance; and a chapter on everything else from No Load Mutual Funds to Zero Coupon Bonds. Most importantly, you don’t have to be a financial whiz kid to understand the lingo.

In a confident, direct voice, that gives the reader the feeling of sitting in a noisy lecture hall, Steve  Selengut guides his audience on walking tour of the money underworld while imparting direct, common sense skills for the investor, or are you a speculator? Whatever your relationship with your finances, "Brainwashing of the American Investor" will, if not change your perspective, certainly keep you thinking.

New Life Magazine, C. A. Jung (Sept-Oct 2002)

With growing uncertainties and the volatility of the stock market, the more knowledge one has the better.  The author says that every year Wall Street firms spend billions of dollars to brainwash American investors. “The purpose of this book is to teach you how to use the process to your advantage:  how to keep one step ahead of this manipulative beast; to use ‘them’ as surely as they try to use you.”  Basically, he says that Wall Street is trying to sell the investor something in order to make more money.  The smart investor can’t go by the averages like Dow Jones or Standard & Poors, as they are no longer valid guides to the nation’s economic direction. 

He sees Wall Street as the investment minefield and his book is to help you avoid being a victim.  Mr. Selengut, MBA, RIA, has spent twenty-two years in the Investment Management Business.  Covered are topics such as developing a stock worksheet; time management; buying/selling; performance evaluation; miscellaneous subjects such as interest rates, the use of margin, annuities, bonds and a myriad of other related topics that any investor should be aware of.  Anyone who has any dealing with the stock market should consider making an investment in this informative book.