The Bond Bible

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Summary: The Title Gets it Right.
Review: "The Bond Bible" is a solid primer on bonds and bond trading for those who are not financial services professionals. Interest in fixed income investing has risen dramatically with the recent vicissitudes in the equity markets, but wise investors already had a portion of their portfolio assets in debt securities. Marilyn Cohen cites the rule of thumb that an investor should have a fixed income component equal in percentage to their age -- and while not an advocate of "rules of thumb" in general -- I agree. To steal a phrase from Warren Buffett -- it's often more important what you don't lose than what you make! The last two years in the equity markets have demonstrated the value of proper asset allocation, but before charging off to reallocate your investments into fixed income, read "The Bond Bible." A well managed bond element in your portfolio can reward you with income, capital appreciation, AND a return of principal. You won't see that in equities.

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Summary: You Can Survive the Bear Market With This Book!
Review: After getting slaughtered in the stock market this book helped me create a sensible bond portfolio. This is a must read book for everyone investing in bonds.

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Summary: Finally a clear and accessible book on bonds
Review: As a novice to the world of bonds, I really enjoyed reading the Bond Bible. Unlike many other investment books, the Bond Bible is actually fun and easy to read. In plain English, the book details the structure of many different types of bonds from simple Treasuries to more complex instruments like Ginnie Maes. More importantly, the author gives the beginning investor practical advice in locating bond bargains and devolving a portfolio strategy. Best of all, the book is packed with personal anecdotes of the author's own experiences in the bond world.

As both a seasoned bond veteran and Forbes/CNBC columnist, Marilyn Cohen is able to effectively communicate her intricate knowledge of the bond market to the everyday public.

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Summary: Just what I was looking for!
Review: Bonds are popularly viewed as boring and conservative, offering little in the way of returns and appealing to institutions more than individuals: not so say the authors, who explain bonds and why they deserve a place in every investor's portfolio. From different types of bonds to their values, The Bond Bible provides an excellent coverage.

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Summary: In the dark no more!
Review: I've had enough stock-talk! I've listened to the experts and alot of good its done me! Bond advice? Get real, when "experts" talk about bonds its as if they are only talking to each other! Marilyn Cohen educates her readers like real people. The Bond Bible sheds light on a very necessary part of our portfolio (whether to protect against the not-so-reliable stock market) or to plan for retirement. Thank you, Ms. Cohen, there IS another way!

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Summary: Paving the Way to Smart Investing
Review: My knowledge about the bond market has increased dramatically since reading "The Bond Bible." As an investor and CPA, I can manuver around some of the pitfalls and sink holes waiting for uneducated investors.

I highly recommend the book to anyone that already owns bonds or is thinking about investing in bonds.

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Summary: Stocks are not enough...
Review: My name is Bond. Bond Bible. All jokes aside, bonds have been sorely underestimated. So many people forget that bond holders are creditors. So that when a company folds, shareholders lose out, but most often times bond holders get paid out. Ms. Cohen pulls no punches and is solid in her review of the bond world. I even like her inclusion of "Bowie" Bonds, the rock and roll bonds that were founded several years ago.

In all her talk I found her discussion light on leveraged bonds. Bond futures are also a viable means to enter this fixed income investment. I should know I've been doing it for 11 years.

That aside this is a one of kind book that no modern investor can do without.

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Summary: One of the Best Books on Bonds Out There
Review: You've heard the old mantra: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify -- but have you actually heeded that advice? Until I read this book, I had no real concept of what bonds could do for my portfolio. To me, bonds were boring, stale, stagnant, and, well, really couldn't hold a candle to the potential double digit returns stocks and mutual funds could produce. Why would I even bother?

Marilyn Cohen takes you by the hand and walks you through the often convoluted terms (i.e. rate to maturity, convertible bonds, laddering, callability, etc.) and explains them in easy to understand terms with practical examples. Don't let that deter those of you that are experienced bond traders -- there are things in here for you too.

After reading this, I feel a lot more comfortable adding bonds to my portfolio, as well as talking about them with investment professionals. There's a lot of potential out there in the fixed income field if you know what you're looking for. At this point, I know enough to adequately diversify my portfolio.