Agora Series

An insightful look at how to succeed by going against the crowd Collectively, people think and act in ways that are different from how they think and act as individuals. Understanding these differences, says William (Bill) Bonner-a longtime maverick observer of the financial world and the vagaries of the investing public-is vital to preserving your wealth and personal dignity. From the witch-hunts of the early modern world to the war on terror, from dot-com mania to the real estate bubble, people have always been caught up in frauds, conceits, and wild guesses-often with devastating results. In Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets, Bonner and coauthor Lila Rajiva show groupthink at work in an improbable array of instances throughout history and reveal why swimming against the current pays. Shares the deeper secrets of investing and pushes you to question what this means for your financial well-being Explains why people so often abandon good sense and good behavior to "follow the crowd" Offers concrete advice on how you can avoid the "public spectacle" of modern finance The authors' cautionary tale of bubble economies reveals how the gush of credit let loose by Alan Greenspan has wreaked havoc on our lives-but their thoughtful and always entertaining approach also offers some sound investing principles for avoiding the pitfalls of the public spectacle, thinking for yourself, and protecting your money, your sanity, and your soul.

Invest Like a Dealmaker outlines an approach to investing that is far removed from what most investors have been conditioned to believe, but which has produced consistent profits for its practitioners decade after decade. While the concepts covered are not well known by the average investor, they are well appreciated by Wall Street insiders and dealmakers—particularly those who think about stocks as whole companies, as things with real assets, and cash flows that exist in the real world.

An all-encompassing guide to making the most from multi-channel marketing Written in a straightforward and accessible style, Changing the Channel offers you a detailed look at twelve of today's most important marketing channels-explaining how each one works individually as well as in conjunction with each other, leveraging the power of your message for explosive profits. Page by page, you'll become familiar with a variety of approaches, including direct online marketing, social media, public relations, radio and television advertising, direct space ads, event marketing, telesales, telemarketing, joint ventures, affiliate marketing, and direct mail. Discusses how to create successful marketing campaigns by using a mix of different marketing channels Offers some smart ways to track customer buying habits with a database that covers all marketing channels Helps you learn how to develop profitable relationships with your customers through frequent contact and by providing free quality content-not just sales pitches With this book as your guide, you'll quickly discover how marketing across multiple channels can help develop quality customer relationships and improve the bottom line of your business.

In Seven Years to Seven Figures, self-made millionaire and renowned wealth coach Michael Masterson reveals the steps you can take to accumulate seven-figure wealth within seven years—or less. Seven Years to Seven Figures will give you the tools to increase your income, get the highest possible returns on investments, save wisely—and secure your financial future faster than you may have ever dreamed.

"History shows that people who save and invest grow and prosper, and the others deteriorate and collapse. As Financial Reckoning Day demonstrates, artificially low interest rates and rapid credit creation policies set by Alan Greenspan and the Federal Reserve caused the bubble in U.S. stocks of the late '90s. . . . Now, policies being pursued at the Fed are making the bubble worse. They are changing it from a stock market bubble to a consumption and housing bubble. And when those bubbles burst, it's going to be worse than the stock market bubble . . . No one, of course, wants to hear it. They want the quick fix. They want to buy the stock and watch it go up twenty-five percent because that's what happened last year, and that's what they say on TV." —Jim Rogers, author of the bestseller Adventure Capitalist from the Foreword to Financial Reckoning Day Advanced praise from bestselling authors "An investment book that will not only enlarge your investment horizon, but also make you laugh and thoroughly entertain you for a few hours." —Dr. Marc Faber, author of the bestseller Tomorrow's Gold "Financial Reckoning Day is . . . in the category of scintillating sex or good vision, something to be savored and enjoyed-before it is too late." —James Dale Davidson, author of the bestseller The Great Reckoning and The Sovereign Individual "A powerful and insightful vision . . . each paragraph stimulates a new rush of thoughts that fills in gaping holes in the investor's understanding of what has happened to their dreams . . . while prepping them to confront any new confusion that may arrive." —Martin D. Weiss, author of the bestseller Crash Profits

How the actions of a few in Europe destroyed the prosperity of the many (and how it's happening again now in America) After the fall of the Roman Empire, vicious barbaric tribes including the Hunds lead by Atilla, the Mongols, Charlemagne and the Vikings invaded Europe, plundering property and destroying homes. But, they didn't just steal and destroy property in the villages; they also stole and destroyed any prosperity the villagers had previously enjoyed. What's worse is the barbarians of the Dark Ages did all of this not out of any deeply held religious or political belief, but, rather, for the oldest reason in the book – their own personal financial gain. Some things never change. Barbarians of Wealth examines how the greedy, self-serving decisions of a select group of politicians and financial institutions negatively impacts the economy and, ultimately, destroys America's prosperity and the American way of life. Compelling and engaging, the book Details how Goldman Sachs peddled mortgage backed securities up and down Wall Street while secretly betting against their demise Discusses how Sanford Weill, founder of Citigroup spent $100 million lobbying for the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act that prevented the merger of commercial and investment banks and got his way. Examines Christopher Dodd, head of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, has enriched himself while driving down the prosperity of his constituents Offers up examples of other modern barbarians, including the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, Hank Paulson, and Timothy Geithner. Highlights greed driven tactics of Wall Street corporations including JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, and Salomon Brothers. Barbarians of Wealth is a timely must read for hard-working Americans concerned with their prosperity, as well as for those fascinated with the inner workings of Washington and Wall Street.

An actionable guide for quickly improving one's wealth, personal development, and happiness Successful people don't sit around waiting for everything to be "100%" right or to be "absolutely sure" they will succeed. They don't need absolute assurance, because they realize life doesn't provide any. To get what they want out of life, they set specific goals and put together a formal plan to achieve those goals, one step at a time. Successful people know that the cost of failure is modest compared to that of inaction. Failure means they are smarter the next time. Inaction means there is no next time-there's only a lifetime of regret. In The Pledge: Your Master Plan for an Abundant Life, author Michael Masterson reveals how to become successful-and not just financially, but in every area of life. The book Offers simple tips to making immediate changes and to establishing long-term goals Details strategies on becoming more productive at the office and defeating depression Explains why simplifying goals into four major ones makes them much easier to achieve The Pledge teaches readers how to start and finish projects they have been dreaming about for years, boost confidence, strengthen skills, build wealth, and enjoy life.

Just when you thought the dollar couldn’t sink any further, it continues on a downward spiral. And now, with this fully revised and updated edition of The Demise of the Dollar, Addison Wiggin returns to reveal the many ways you can capitalize on this opportunity. Picking up where the bestselling original edition left off, this engaging book examines the many reasons behind the dollar’s ongoing decline and provides you with the information needed to financially survive and thrive during the years ahead.

How to safely, easily, and as tax efficiently as possible diversify and hedge against the dollar’s fall It's no secret–the U.S. economy is in crisis mode, threatening everything from personal savings to our overall prosperity as a nation. Panicking is not the answer. Having a clear game plan is. In this environment, investors must protect themselves from the immense financial uncertainties they face as a saver or an investor in the 21st Century. Investors need solid information about ways to recession-proof their retirement and investment portfolios. The Insured Portfolio offers that guidance revealing the major financial threats the 21st Century Saver and Investor faces and showing them how to build a strong portfolio and protect their assets. Written in smart, engaging prose, the book: Details ways to invest overseas, and specifically–how to use international private placement policies as a way to protect assets and reduce taxes Provides investors with the tips and tools needed to profit overseas with insurance, including how to bypass the international restrictions often used to keep investors from seeking opportunities in other countries For those seeking customized asset protection, a dollar hedge, global investment diversification, tax privileged growth and estate planning, there is not another single solution on the market today that can achieve all of these objectives at once better than The Insured Portfolio.

An updated look at the United States' precarious position given the recent financial turmoil In The New Empire of Debt, financial writers Bill Bonner and Addison Wiggin return to reveal how the financial crisis that has plagued the United States will soon bring an end to this once great empire. Throughout the book, the authors offer an updated look at the United States' precarious position given the recent financial turmoil, and discuss how government control of the economy and financial system-combined with unfettered deficit spending and gluttonous consumption-has ravaged the business environment, devastated consumer confidence, and pushed the global economy to the brink. Along the way, Bonner and Wiggin cast a wide angle lens that looks back in history and ahead to the coming century: showing how dramatic changes in the economic power of the United States will inevitably impact every American. Reveals the financial realities the United States currently faces and what the ultimate outcome may be Weaves together the worlds of politics, economics, and personal finance in a way that underscores the severity of the situation Addresses the events leading up to the implosion of the U.S. financial system Looks ahead to help you avoid the pitfalls presented by a weaker United States Other titles by Bonner: Empire of Debt, Financial Reckoning Day, and Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets Other titles by Wiggin: I.O.U.S.A., Demise of the Dollar, and Financial Reckoning Day The United States is heading down a difficult path. The New Empire of Debt clearly shows how this has happened and discusses what you can do to overcome the financial challenges that will arise as the situation deteriorates.

Invaluable insights into finding diverse investment opportunities in the emergent global economy From Brazilian farmlands to Colombian gold fields, from Chinese shopping malls to Indian hotels, from South African wine country to the boom/bust souks of Dubai, this around-the-world investing field trip explores the nooks and crannies for hidden investment opportunities. World Right Side Up: Investing Across Six Continents is packed with ideas to power your portfolio in the years ahead while teaching you a little fascinating history along the way. Fact is, the world's markets have changed in a big way. For the first time since before the Industrial Revolution, the emerging markets now contribute as much to the global economy as their more well-developed peers. Far from being an anomaly, this state of affairs is more in line with the bulk of human experience. For centuries, China and India were the world's largest economies. And so the world is turning...right side up. This change creates a wealth of opportunities for investors, in both the emerging markets and developed markets. World Right Side Up is your guide on how to take full advantage of this shift. Provides an entertaining view of various regions visited by the author, including South America, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East Explores specific investment ideas and themes, including opportunities in agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure and much more Includes five key takeaways from each region, an invaluable feature, offering resources to consult for more information and guidance While some people fear the changes happening now, the reality is that for the forward-thinking investor, these sizable new markets will create extraordinary new opportunities.

A fascinating exploration of which countries offer promising investment opportunities for Americans now and in the years to come Most emerging markets investment guides focus on financial metrics, but fail to provide the reader with new and relevant insights into the history of the countries, the views of the people on the street, and the financial shenanigans that go on behind the scenes, that make for truly informed investing. As a result, despite the growing interest in investing in these markets, investors are often missing key opportunities because they either have incorrect information about a country where they might invest, or simply don't know what questions they should be asking. Where In the World Should I Invest: An Insider's Guide to Making Money Around the Globe is here to help. Drawing on author Karim Rahemtulla's personal experiences traveling the globe and exploring the capitals where business is transacted, the book outlines the perils, pitfalls, and rewards of investing in "low float" markets. The essential resource for taking the right steps in exploring investment opportunities in foreign and emerging markets Expert advice from an author with 20 years experience covering emerging markets Commentary on the expectations of foreign investors, the fears of investing abroad, how to set up legal offshore accounts, and much more Packed with unique insights into twenty countries and regions around the globe based on the author's extensive interviews and travels, Where In the World Should I Invest is a must-read for anyone thinking of expanding their investment portfolio overseas.

In Empire of Debt, maverick financial writers Bill Bonner and Addison Wiggin provide you with the first in-depth look at how the American character has shifted to accommodate its new imperial role; how we have abandoned the private virtues of personal liberty, economic freedom, and fiscal restraint; and how the government has gained control of public life and the economy.

"I have known Michael for over twenty years. He has one of the smartest business minds I know. When he gives me advice, I pay attention, and you should, too. Automatic Wealth is full of wisdom and insight filtered by a master and brought to you in a well-written and delightful style." -John Mauldin, Editor of the bestselling book, Just One Thing: Twelve of the World's Best Investors Reveal the One Strategy You Can't Overlook "I am not usually a fan of this kind of book. One entitled Automatic Wealth made me suspicious. But I am a fan of Michael Masterson, and when I read the book, I was impressed. Masterson manages to go beyond the theory to tell you exactly how real people make real money in the real world. That, I think, is his genius. He's able to open his own eyes and see for himself what actually works. The result is original, clever, and very helpful to anyone who is serious about building wealth." -Bill Bonner, coauthor of Empire of Debt: The Rise of an Epic Financial Crisis "Michael Masterson has been a great friend of mine for over twenty years. I know for a fact that the strategy he teaches is the exact same strategy he has personally used to amass extraordinary wealth and prosperity for himself. He's reduced a normally daunting process down to six simple and unfailing steps YOU can absolutely use to vastly and rapidly increase your financial situation, often times doubling and redoubling your wealth every few years. This book will become your financial bible." -Jay Abraham, author of Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition "Michael Masterson's book is brilliant and concise, packed with breakthrough insights and unique wealth-building tips. Best of all, it's practical because it combines proven investment and financial planning advice with street-smart business and real estate secrets." -Robert Ringer, author of Action!, Looking Out for #1, and To Be or Not to Be Intimidated?

Intelligent strategies for starting and growing a small business with minimal personal financial risk A comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs from one of the most successful business creators in recent years, The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Turning Dreams into Profits addresses the fears and misconceptions that many people have about starting their own businesses, walking prospective owners through the necessary decisions they need to make before even putting a business plan in place. Presenting solid, reliable strategies based on author Michael Masterson's own successful practices, and debunking some common illusions entrepreneurs have about their businesses, the book is a vital resource for anyone looking to avoid the pitfalls that threaten fledgling companies. Packed with insights from an entrepreneur who has launched and sold dozens of business, presented in a lively and conversational style Some 600,000 new businesses are launched each year and with an uncertain economy, more and more people are looking for a stream of income separate from their 9 to 5 job Filled with highly applicable advice that budding and professional entrepreneurs can start using immediately Essential reading for small business owners and both first time and established entrepreneurs, The Reluctant Entrepreneur presents the smart strategies on starting and growing a small business that can make launching your own company a cinch.

Tune into the news and you’ll hear stories of war, disease, natural disasters, corruption, violence, poverty, crime, nuclear proliferation, terrorism and political dysfunction in Washington.  Polls show many believe the American dream is fading, our children face limited opportunities, and the country is decidedly on the wrong track.  Yet this dour perspective – one recycled 24/7 by the national media – is a gross distortion of the world we live in today.  As national investment expert and bestselling author Alexander Green reveals in this engrossing and provocative new book, the human race has never had it so good.  In the West today, we work shorter hours, have more purchasing power, enjoy goods and services in almost limitless supply, and have more leisure time than ever before.  Living standards are the highest they have ever been. The human life span has nearly doubled over the past hundred years.  Literacy and education levels – even I.Q.’s – are at all-time highs. Technology and medicine are revolutionizing our lives. All forms of pollution – with the exception of greenhouse gases – are in decline.  Access to the arts has never been greater.  Crime is in a long-term cycle of decline.  And the risk of death by violence has never been smaller for most of humanity. By almost every measure, our lives today are wealthy beyond measure.  We are all heir to an embarrassment of riches.  Yet – thanks in large part the drumbeat of negative media coverage – most of us don’t realize it.  Green compares the average citizen to “a lottery winner whose ticket is lost in some upstairs drawer.” The consequences of adopting the cynical but popular worldview are many, including needless pessimism, missed investment opportunities, and – surprisingly – even poorer health. Yet An Embarrassment of Riches provides a powerful antidote.  Green begins with a robust survey of the many ways our lives are becoming longer, easier, safer, healthier and more prosperous.  He then embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of the ideas and the many men and women – both living and dead – that are still enriching our lives today. Among the many subjects explored are American exceptionalism, the extraordinary power of economic freedom, the lifesaving role of medicine and technology, the life-extending benefits of optimism, the radical theology of Thomas Jefferson, the keys to civility and greatness, the wisdom of Confucius and Aristotle, the ability of beauty to enrich our lives, and even one artist’s thought-provoking take on “how to defeat death.” In An Embarrassment of Riches, New York Times bestselling author Alexander Green offers a holistic approach to wealth – and offers a welcome perspective that allows us to live fuller, richer lives. 

Learn how to invest, relax, and let your money do the work with this incredible guide Fully revised, updated, and expanded for the first time since its New York Times Best-Selling debut in 20TK, the legendary Alexander Green's essential guide for individual investors spells out stock-market success for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. The Gone Fishin' Portfolio: Get Wise, Get Wealthy…and Get on With Your Life, Second Edition delivers a long-term investment strategy that lets you reap the rewards of financial success with a simple, yet sophisticated, strategy that increases returns, reduces risk, and leaves you with time to enjoy the finer things in life. You'll learn about the fundamental relationship between risk and reward in the financial markets and get a trading insider's view of how the investment industry actually works. With The Gone Fishin' Portfolio, you'll also discover: How to take your financial future into your own hands How to invest in a way that doesn’t require you to spend every waking moment worrying about your money How to avoid the most common traps the investment industry sets for you Why skilled investing doesn't have to be complicated Perfect for individual investors who want to put their money to work for them, The Gone Fishin' Portfolio gives you all the tools you need to manage your own money and maximize your investment returns today.

2016 Book of the Year award winner by the Institute for Financial Literacy "Set it and forget it" investing, with less risk and higher returns Get Rich with Dividends is the bestselling dividend-investing book that shows investors how to achieve double-digit returns using a time-tested conservative strategy. Written by a nineteen-year veteran of the equity markets, this invaluable guide shows you how to set up your investments for minimal maintenance and higher returns, so you can accumulate wealth while you focus on the things that matter. Using the author's proprietary 10-11-12 system, you'll learn how to generate the income you need on a quarterly or even monthly basis. You'll discover the keys to identifying stocks that will return twelve percent or more every year, and how to structure your investments for greater security and financial well being. This method is so easy to use, you'll want to teach it to your children early to set them up for financial independence and help them avoid the problems that plagued many investors over the past decade. Dividends are responsible for 44 percent of the S&P 500's returns over the last eighty years. They represent an excellent opportunity today, especially for investors who have been burned in recent meltdowns and are desperate for sensible and less risky ways to make their money grow. This book describes a framework that allows investors to reap higher returns with a low-to-no maintenance plan. Set up an investment system that requires little to no maintenance Achieve double-digit average annualized returns over the long term Focus on other things while your money works for you Increase returns even with below-average growth in share price Market risk is high and interest rates are low, making it a perfect time to get started on a more sensible wealth generation strategy. With expert guidance toward finding and investing in these unique but conservative and proven stocks, Get Rich with Dividends is the only book on dividend investing you'll ever need.

The latest entry in the best-selling guide to dividend investing In the newly revised third edition of Get Rich with Dividends: A Proven System for Earning Double-Digit Returns, bestselling author and investing strategist Marc Lichtenfeld delivers a proven and reliable guide to realizing substantial returns—without taking on undue risk—using dividends. You’ll learn to generate significant income with the author’s sensible and low risk 10-11-12 System. In the book, the author demonstrates techniques that won’t require you to babysit each and every investment, freeing you up to enjoy more fulfilling pursuits as your nest egg and income streams grow steadily. You’ll also find: Proven techniques to generate 12% average annualized returns over the long term Ways to make dividends the cornerstone of your investment and income strategy Methods for reducing risk and increasing returns at the same time An essential resource for retail investors everywhere, Get Rich with Dividends: A Proven System for Earning Double-Digit Returns also deserves a place on the bookshelves of anyone interested in the financial and stock markets, as well as readers with an interest in business.