old, outdated, not worth the read

Reviewed by Robert Ridder, 2008-01-22

Basically lists a bunch of DRIP programs. DRIPs arent really worth it in my opinion. Most of the programs seem to have too many fees attached to them. Save your money and research DRIPs online instead of this book. You'll probably get more updated info too.

Helpful, But in Need of Updating

Reviewed by James Sadler, 2004-01-08

I first purchased this book years ago, and I have to admit at the time it was a revelation. I was trying to buy stocks and usually failed to do so simply because I did not want to pay broker fees and I was rarely in a position to buy 100 shares at a time (if you bought less, the stock price and the broker fee both usually went up). Back then, the book was a great aid. I still own a stock list in the book that I purchased thanks to this book.

But in many ways, this book has lost a lot of relevance. Now one can go online and purchase stocks in any amount with fees of as little as $3.00. And the fact that the book has not been updated since 1996 weighs heavily against recommending it be purchased by anyone today. Perhaps Carlson has not bothered to further update because of the ease with which stocks may eb purchased on-line.

Still, for someone who is a long term investor, it provides some choices as far as investing without involving a broker. And it is definitely an option if you have no desire to use the internet to make stock purchases. Just be aware that your options are limited; most companies do not offer direct purchase of their stock or Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) to the public at large.

Helpful for the novice investor

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2001-03-26

This book was written before the likes of Ameritrade and E-Trade came along, and therefore is rather dated. The fees associated with most plans today and their minimum investments make DRIPs less attractive today then they were five years ago. However, for those who want to buy stock in companies and hold for ten or 20 years, they are worthwhile. Carlson writes in easy-to-understand language that a person not well-versed in Wall Street can grasp. Plenty of information on the company's listed along with telephone numbers and websites. Different kinds of portfloios are profiled so the investor can see what they can do with whatever funds they have to invest. The pros and cons of this kind of investing are listed so a person can decide if it is for them. It is a worthwhile read.

Disappointed

Reviewed by D. Gaito, 2001-01-25

I bought the book hoping to learn a few more things about DRIP investing, and did not learn a thing! I am sure that the book was good when it was written (especially the first edition), but there is simply TOO much free information available today.

I gave the book a sympathetic 2 stars because Carlson is (or was) the DRIP guru.

Waste of Money. Out of Dated Investment instrument

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2000-11-28

I read this book and would say this is a non-sense book. Who would bother the hassle to read this book and buy stcok directly from a compay if an online transcation (e.g, datek, eTrade, etc) only costs you a tiny amount of money? The Price of the book allows you to execute two instant online transactions.

Don't buy it. Please. I have already wasted my money.