The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing
Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer and Michael LeBoeuf
A complete, plain-English handbook on low-cost investing. The book to keep on the shelf and come back to.
By uFIRE ·
What the book is about
Written by longtime members of the Bogleheads community, which grew up around the investing ideas of Vanguard's founder, this book covers the whole picture of do-it-yourself investing.
It starts with living below your means and starting early, then moves through choosing an asset allocation, diversifying, keeping costs and taxes low, using retirement accounts, rebalancing, and, above all, staying the course. Each chapter stands on its own, so it works well as a reference.
Who it's for
DIY investors who want one thorough guide, and anyone who has read a short book on index funds and wants the next level of detail.
Maybe skip it if: Someone who wants a quick, inspiring read. It's thorough and steady rather than exciting.
What we liked
- It's comprehensive without being complicated. Most questions a new investor has are answered somewhere in it.
- The tone is modest and community-minded, with no hype.
- The emphasis on behaviour, especially staying the course, is right where it belongs.
What we'd push back on
- Tax rules, account limits and some product details change, so specific numbers in any edition will be out of date. Check current figures.
- It can feel like a textbook. Dip in by chapter rather than reading straight through.
Takeaways
- Choose an asset allocation you can live with, and write it down.
- Keep costs and taxes low, because they compound too.
- Rebalance on a schedule and otherwise leave it alone.
Want to read it?
Check your local library first. Many lend e-books and audiobooks you can borrow from home. If you'd like your own copy, it's easy to find.
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Education only. These are our opinions about a book, not advice. uFIRE is for education only. Nothing here is financial, investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. uFIRE does not sell insurance or investments. Please check any money, tax or insurance decision with a licensed professional.