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  • The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

  • The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns, 10th Anniversary Edition
  • Written by: John C. Bogle
  • Narrated by: L. J. Ganser
  • Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: Money & Finance, Personal Finance
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (82 ratings)

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Publisher's Summary

The best-selling investing "bible" offers new information, new insights, and new perspectives 

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is the classic guide to getting smart about the market. Legendary mutual fund pioneer John C. Bogle reveals his key to getting more out of investing: low-cost index funds. Bogle describes the simplest and most effective investment strategy for building wealth over the long term: buy and hold, at very low cost, a mutual fund that tracks a broad stock market Index such as the S&P 500. 

While the stock market has tumbled and then soared since the first edition of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing was published in April 2007, Bogle's investment principles have endured and served investors well. This tenth anniversary edition includes updated data and new information but maintains the same long-term perspective as in its predecessor. Bogle has also added two new chapters designed to provide further guidance to investors: one on asset allocation, the other on retirement investing. 

A portfolio focused on index funds is the only investment that effectively guarantees your fair share of stock market returns. This strategy is favored by Warren Buffett, who said this about Bogle: "For decades, Jack has urged investors to invest in ultra-low-cost index funds.... Today, however, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned. He is a hero to them and to me." 

Bogle shows you how to make index investing work for you and help you achieve your financial goals and finds support from some of the world's best financial minds: not only Warren Buffett but Benjamin Graham, Paul Samuelson, Burton Malkiel, Yale's David Swensen, Cliff Asness of AQR, and many others. 

This new edition of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing offers you the same solid strategy as its predecessor for building your financial future. 

  • Build a broadly diversified, low-cost portfolio without the risks of individual stocks, manager selection, or sector rotation. 
  • Forget the fads and marketing hype, and focus on what works in the real world. 
  • Understand that stock returns are generated by three sources (dividend yield, earnings growth, and change in market valuation) in order to establish rational expectations for stock returns over the coming decade. 
  • Recognize that in the long run, business reality trumps market expectations. 
  • Learn how to harness the magic of compounding returns while avoiding the tyranny of compounding costs. 

While index investing allows you to sit back and let the market do the work for you, too many investors trade frantically, turning a winner's game into a loser's game. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a solid guidebook to your financial future.
©2017 John C. Bogle (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good book for Starters and Intermediate Investors

A lot people would say that book has nothing to say except " Invest in Index funds"

But I think the book will light up some areas of mutual fund industry, their limitations, why simplicity works in markets rather than go-go approaches and most importantly why a normal person should go for an Index fund.

While soley talking about India, Index funds are limited and have not got the momentum. Till a good Index fund suitable to your requirement appears you might go for funds with "lowest expense ratio " and "lowest turnover ratio". And the fund should have reasonable life of good performance say 7-10 years.

You should totally read the book.

3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book and wonderful narration

I listened to this book on audible. I enjoyed it a lot, both in terms of the narration quality as well as the content of the book. Furthermore, the quality of writing is also wonderful. I think that I am now going to read everything by Bogle.

Maybe I am a bit biased in my rating since this is one of the first books on investment which I have finished. But the advices offered by Bogle are solid, and are buttressed by sufficient examples and detailed cases.

I especially liked the format of the chapters. Bogle introduces a concept at the beginning of the chapter, and goes on to give a detailed explanation about the introduction. Finally, he gives examples of what others have said too.

I would, however, be a bit cautious with the way he quotes people. We must understand that just because the people he quotes said what he quotes, they have not said the other things too. Therefore, while I enjoyed that part, I would discard it completely.

Another important thing to notice is that Bogle's approach is long-term. If you are looking at a 20-30 year horizon, it makes sense that you are looking at displacement and not distance (in terms of physics). If you are interested in earning by intra day trading or trading in general, this book is not for you.

I am going to write a detailed review on the chapter by chapter content by re-listening to this book again.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful read

Loved the book, talks about the simple index investment strategy through index funds. Very useful comparisons with other similar products like ETFs and sectoral funds was very helpful.

Ignore the numbers and tax related stuff, then this information is very much applicable to Indian markets too.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

I'm a beginner not knowing where to invest, this was a good start. But the basics here are to invest in index funds.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Sensible book for value investors

It's a great book for value investors to learn about stock market index funds. However for non us readers there are few boring or unnecessary chapters.
key takeaways for me are:-
1) importance of stock market index funds over actively managed mutual funds
2) lower investment cost for high return
3) best practices for portfolio management, best mix of stocks and bonds.
4) some useful tips onlong-term investing.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Index Investingg

it's more about low cost index Investing. The author details the benefits of passive investing for long term positive returns.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Common Sense Investing

Although many examples in this book are from US but basic principles of investing are same across the world. Must listen for Paradigm change thinking pattern of Investors. Although I have 15 years of investing experience but then also there was so much more to learn or rather I should say Unlearn. Happy Listening

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Gret book

I love the way he explained the index fund. It changed my perfection about it.
Thank you

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    4 out of 5 stars

good information for starters..

gave information about power of compounding but did not suggest investment modes where one can get compound interest .

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

just coming sense. simplicity beats complexity. patience and stay the course! is the key. brilliant!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 20-02-18

Indexing trumps all

Story:
Basically 5 hours of being told that a low cost, low turnover index fund that tracks the S&P 500 is your best bet for long term investment success.

Performance:
Reading books on investing is always super dry. This guy does as good a job as one can to keep you awake.

54 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Matt
  • 31-01-19

One star for every point this 5 hour book makes.

Great point but he makes it over and over, at least 200 times in the 5 hours. Buy S&P500, simple funds, not managed. Now you don't need to buy the book.

53 people found this helpful

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  • Mumu
  • 06-09-18

1 piece of advice repeated for 7 hours straight

The book should be more accurately titled "only buy traditional index funds". the Author only teaches one lesson in the entire book and spends the rest of it explaining why he is correct. there are many approaches to financial success however the author leaves no room for doubt, and does not consider any other method to be valuable in any circumstance. this was ultimately a very long book with very little lean content. you learn everything you need to know in the first two chapters everything else is a colossal waste of time.

78 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Kushal
  • 21-09-18

Really good info but pretty repetitive.

Bogle makes a very convincing argument on how to invest: via index funds. He spends most of the book explaining why it is the best option. Unless your are very skeptical, you don't need all the extra chapters going in depth. Even if you are skeptical, a lot of it is repition.

I still highly recommend the book for the info.

16 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Eric
  • 21-03-18

Timeshare Presentation for Vanguard Index Funds

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. This book can be summed up in one sentence, any normal person wanting to invest should do it in a vanguard S&P 500 Index fund.

What was most disappointing about John C. Bogle’s story?

This was written by the person who founded Vanguard group. The entire point of the book is to get people to buy his index funds. Its like reading a timeshare presentation.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of L. J. Ganser?

Sounded like a shady salesmen, but I think that is more fault of the writing.

Who do you think would benefit most from listening to The Little Book of Common Sense Investing?

Those who want to invest for the very long term with little effort as possible. Not a book for those looking to understand stock trading.

Any additional comments?

This book is full of a bias view on Vanguard index funds. Its a timeshare presentation. Now I do agree index funds are great. I will put some of my portfolio into S&P 500 index fund. But I am also planning to get into stock trading. I do plan to put effort into it. This book assumes anyone outside of finance doesnt want to put in any effort into stock trading...nor should they. "Dont take my word for it!" Half the book is this statement followed by some story by some known investor celebrity. To sell the author's company index fund...of course.

36 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Korey M. Bell
  • 10-10-20

Arguably the Greatest Book on Index Investing of all Time

John C. Bogle is a legend for a reason, and this book is nothing short of amazing. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a must read for recent college graduates working their first job and individuals who are still invested in fee based mutual funds which carry expensive management fees.

The cost of traditional mutual funds is one of this book’s two central themes. The other is both the logic and/or wisdom in index investing; Mr. Bogle spares no opportunity throughout to prove this point. Other topics discussed are exchange traded funds, asset allocation, and the value of buying and holding.

What sets this book apart from other investment classics such as the Intelligent Investor, One up on Wall Street, Beat the Street, etc. is its focuses on index investing. As such, it is an invaluable financial read and it belongs in every investor’s personal library.


4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Bryan
  • 09-12-20

Accurately Titled Book

In short, do it yourself. Don't waste your time or money working with actively managed funds and their costly fund managers. Stick with index funds and play the long game. If this strategy works for you and you want to know more then read the book.

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Vikram Rajashekara
  • 22-10-19

Deeper dive on index funds

Good overall narration of index fund and how a investor needs to maintain disciple while investing

3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • T. Skinner
  • 04-02-18

Changing my Ways + you can access the pdf

Where does The Little Book of Common Sense Investing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Dec 2017 I had meeting with my investment advisor, my wife and I left the meeting and we both conferred (on the car ride home) that he seemed not his usual confident self. In the meeting he was presenting new fund family and investment company. There was some talk of DOL changes to advice regulations. All these factors immediate caused warning alarms in our common sense. Not that we thought he was bad, but made us put the brakes on moving ahead with any of his suggestions immediately. That's when I started asking others and reading and linking to books and authors. John C Bogle investment philosophy rings truest to my gut feeling. I selected this book because it is the Anniversary edition and figured it had the most info as it pertains to updated examples-2017economics-recent political climate. I am glad I have have found this book.Keep a notebook handy. There are a lot of references to other authors that you may want to read. I am going to pour through several other books but I suspect that there's going to be changes made in my investment philosophy. I appreciate John Bogle's life work that it has "waken" this blue collar worker to the reality that.... Arithmetic is the first of the sciences and the mother of safety and that costs makes the difference between investment success and failure.

Any additional comments?

From inside your Audible's Library page (I am on pc-not a mobile app) look in the Title column - You will see a hyper-link with the title of the book, look just below the title for "PDF", click on that link and it will open up the accompanying .pdf referred throughout the book.

10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • bryan
  • 15-01-18

Great book for anyone interested in investing

Everything in the book is great and with my research on investing beforehand this book confirmed my suspicions.

Audible where is the PDF!?!?

I’ll be buying a copy as a gift for a few people.

10 people found this helpful

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • MR TP HENSBY
  • 03-11-18

Good book - but where is the pdf?

This interesting book on the principles of passive investment is let down by the frequent references, in the audio narration, to an accompanying pdf which is not provided anywhere. I have emailed audible about this but only received an automated reply. Where is it?

32 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Mat Brunt
  • 20-01-20

Highly biased and could be 30 seconds long

This book can be summed up in a single phrase - "buy index funds". Instead it is 5 hours of repeating the same opinion over and over again.

My favourite phrase of the book was "if the data shows that index funds aren't better, the data is wrong". So the author essentially believes they are right and everyone else is wrong, regardless of what evidence shows. (note I have no prior belief whether index funds are better or not, I simply struggle with such fanatical bias).

10 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • MB
  • 21-06-18

Nothing new

For someone who has significant experience in the financial markets, this book offers no new insights. It does reinforce or reminds of some key truths about investing though. The book is also aimed at an American investor and some of the tenets praised by the author are not that relevant for someone living in a different part of the world. The book should be a must read for someone who is just making their first steps in the markets though.

10 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Mariyan Tashev
  • 29-06-20

Extremely repetitive

Let me save you some time. The whole book can be summarized with: "Buy ETF. Hold it. For a long time." Objectively this is a good recommendation.

However, there are a few annoying things in the book:
- *Extremely* repetitive. It drills down the same idea in every chapter. I am sure I heard the phrase "The Relentless Rules of Humble Arithmetic" at least 15 times.
- Cites lots of numbers, comparisons, studies, while recommending a defensive strategy for investment. I don't think people who are hooked on numbers, percentages, profits are defensive in nature.
- Doesn't address taking profits.

If you still want to hear the advice from the author - read or watch an interview with him. You will save about 5 hours this way.

7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mr. H.
  • 26-09-19

a great book for the layman investor

This book is a great synostosis about the principles of investing. However I would suggest to read the richest man in Babylon followed by the intelligent investor before reading this book. You will get a lot more from the principles outlined.

6 people found this helpful

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  • M. Watters
  • 06-05-20

A must listen/read before you invest a penny

Excellent listen, I wish I had of listened to this 45 days before opening a stocks & shares ISA with Hargreaves & Lansdown and sinking £12k into individual stocks and shares. This book offers the solution I was looking for which is indexing and the simplicity that goes along with it. I run my own business and I just dont have the time to research individual stocks so indexing is better suited to my needs, this book pointed that out with a big stick and I am now taking the indexing route with a Vanguard stocks and shares ISA. Thank you John G. Bogle.

3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • yuri
  • 22-01-20

Simple

Explain the difference ways to invest in a simple way and with a easy approach.

3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Peter Adeleye
  • 15-05-20

So much useful concepts

The narrator was great. made an already wonderful book worth it.
I would have never read this. Thanks to audible

2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Amazon Customer
  • 26-02-20

Great value for money

I have thoroughly enjoyed this charming, convincing, comprehensive and clutter-free little book of investing.

2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Amazon Customer
  • 09-02-20

pdf file was not available

great book but pdf was not available. so it was difficult to refer to certain aspects of the audiobook

2 people found this helpful

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Anand Kumar Singh
  • 04-05-18

Best book on stock market investing

This audiobook has changed my perspective in life and investment. Calculate fees is dollars and not in percent. Simple and Good plan is best plan. The more manager involved, the more risk and complexity. I can see myself getting maximum gain with minimum risk on long term. Thanks

5 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Rafi Al Kabid
  • 31-05-20

Little book with one simple message

The whole book can be summarised in one sentence: “invest in low cost Index Funds”.

3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Mohammed
  • 06-11-18

Nice book

not for beginners u better have some knowledge of stocks and investment expressions before listening still a very good book

2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 27-05-20

Great listen - gets repetitive

if I hear the term "index funds" once more I think I'll lose my mind.
Great listen and definitely some great takeaways nonetheless!
I feel the book could have been summed up in about 1/3 of the time though.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Jack
  • 24-03-20

Truly deserving of its title, perfectly sensible

One of the greatest financial minds of our time gives an incredible insight into the financial sector and how to survive a chaotic market throughout life

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Nik Z
  • 26-08-18

Content not suitable for an audiobook

The book is too long and overly verbose. The essence of it could've been told in a single chapter.

Reading is very monotonous and makes not a very exciting subject deadly boring.

Get a text version of you can.

2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 10-06-21

is ok

is a good book , I just not understand the language of stock market 🤣

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 30-03-21

A Simple Message Repeated Often!

A great guide to investing for long-term returns. I only wish I had read/heard it 30 years ago to take full advantage of the wisdom it holds. A very simple message, repeated often and supported by data and clear examples.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Caushik CS
  • 12-09-20

Excellent book on investing!!!!

This book has shown how simple and efficient is to invest in low cost index funds.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 27-08-20

Must read for all investors

Boggle opens up with why low cost Index Funds are the best investment vehicle for investors.