Customer Reviews:
 Does what it say on the cover - great for the beginner or risk averse investor May 19, 2008
Mrs. S. Davey
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book does not go into excruciating detail about all the potential returns that investors could receive if they chose to take risk with their investments. As the previous reviewer says, it written in a fairly straightforward manner, explaining how risk is inherent in most investment products in the marketplace. It then focuses on how the amateur investor can meet his or her financial needs through relying on inflation-protected instruments, and hence achieve a "worry-free" existence, as least with regards to investment.
It is not a book aimed at experienced and very knowledgeable investors, rather, it is particularly useful for readers who do not have the scope or desire to risk their monies, or those who have no idea where to start on investments. It is written in very digestible chunks, in laymen's language, with some rather humanistic stories, such as an elderly couple who find their longed for retirement postponed as a result of a market correction. And it does so in a simply set out 6-point plan.
A key message that comes across is that it's fine for people to give up some of the guaranteed return that comes with index-linked gilts/savings certificates/index tracking funds in order to try for a higher rate of return, as long as there is an understanding that they could get less.
So, in summary... it does what it says on the cover. What Worry-Free Investing does do, it does very well. Set out in a straight talking, no-nonsense manner, it provides background with some relatable examples, from young adult to almost-retirees, at least one of which would be a scenario that most readers can identify with, explaining what they need to do if they wanted a low risk approach to meeting their financial needs.
I've given my mother a copy.
 Useful, but lacks teeth March 29, 2008
F. Hamilton
This book explains how to make risk-free investments for retirement. The approach advocates buying index-linked gilts and savings certificates. That's fine in itself, and may suit some people who are very risk averse.
However, the book very biased and not particularly objective in its assessment of the alternatives, particularly equities (i.e. shares) as investment options. I concur with another reviewer who suggested to balance this book's advice with Tim Hale's superb book, "Smarter Investing: Simpler Decisions for Better Investing." Hale's book is a master-class in sensible investing, that makes your options clear.
While index-linked gilts may be "worry-free" the downside is that there is no opportunity for better returns as provided by a balanced portfolio of shares, bonds and index-linked bonds. Before going down the route suggested by Worry-Free Investing, you may want to consider alternative strategies - if nothing else, to understand what you might be giving up.
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