The Elephant in the Room [Hardcover]

Ed Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

The Elephant in the Room is a groundbreaking book that guides the reader along the journey to financial freedom. Travel with the main character, Michael Davidson, who despite having a healthy income and successful career, can't seem to accumulate any savings and is living paycheck to paycheck. Being frustrated about his lack of progress toward a successful financial future, he turns to a family member for "the secret." Regardless of where you are on the journey - The Elephant in the Room is a refreshing must - read that will inspire you and provoke you to ask the transforming questions - of yourself and your family -that will propel you to the next level of financial success

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ed Baker is not just one person.....he's the sum total of the experiences of hundreds of financial advisors and thousands of clients just like you, all wanting to realize their dreams and prepare for financial freedom

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: First Command (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979365406
• ISBN-13: 978-0979365409
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OK, now what? Make a plan, get some help or go it alone.... YOUR choice!, August 3, 2007

By 

L. J. Leyes (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Elephant in the Room (Hardcover)

The truth of the book: financial success doesn't come from buying the best stock or fund (or the cheapest). It doesn't come from minimizing expense ratios or P/E ratios. It comes from choosing to following a simple plan in a disciplined manner through (and in spite of) decades of life events. Yes, DECADES. Aunt Katherine doesn't travel because she won the lottery. She does so because they PLANNED and IMPLEMENTED. It's IMPLEMENTING a plan that produces results. How many of us have joined a gym, but don't go? How many $1,000 treadmills are sold at yard sales for pennies on the dollar? Figure out what's important, make a plan, and then IMPLEMENT your PLAN.

The Library of Congress page in the book tells us that Ed Baker is a pseudonym, and in the back of the book Ed is revealed as a compilation of many inputs including some advisors. So what? This does not diminish the power of the truth told within - BEHAVIOR DRIVES SUCCESS. I don't really care if this is a marketing tool. It's still a good story with an easy formula. Hire an advisor? Go it alone? In the end, that's YOUR choice. But the formula here works either way.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thank God I have an Advisor!, October 30, 2007

By 

Loving Life (GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elephant in the Room (Hardcover)

About the book: Excellent! There isn't anything else out there like it! Very unique! Keep on the shelf handy right next to "Who Moved My Cheese"! Because if you don't need it now - you will. There are so many 'do-it-your-self' books on the shelves, financial commentary, and technical writings about financial management and planning that it can be very overwhelming. But none of them address the ROOT of our money issues - behavior. The title is very fitting because it explores all of the underlying emotions and attitudes that surround our behavior towards money. The message speaks to everyone - anyone who says they are not guilty of behaving like the main character at one point or time is lying! Our average national saving rate (-1%) is proof of that!! The concepts in this book are very fundamental and inspirational. I definitely saw myself in this book but it has also reaffirmed why I seek out help from a financial advisor. The book is easy to read and perfect for our busy lifestyles. I've tried reading more lengthy books like the "Smart..." series, but I can't get through the whole book. I am in my 30's with two children, car payments, mortgage, and a full time job - I am living the "American Dream!" :) This book was perfect - inspirational and short. I would recommend this book to anyone (not just for young people) because it is never too late to start.
About the author: On the back of the book it states that Ed Baker is a pseudonym and that it was written by First Command Financial Planning and its advisors. Someone mentioned it was for marketing purposes or a secondary motive but the bottom line is: Who cares who wrote the book or why! Isn't every book a marketing tool? Books are the ultimate marketing vehicles to sell IDEAS. The real truth is the idea itself. In a sea of information overload this book had a very clear and simple message about one's values and behavior towards money. If First Command wrote the book for marketing purposes - Good for them! I'll buy into something promoting values. It definitely stands apart from all the other books sitting on the shelf that are thicker, more expensive, and less helpful. This is one way a company can brand themselves as different from the rest of the so called `dedicated advisors' out there who really only want the bottom line -your money.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book "Must Read", September 25, 2007

By 

David Schuler (Lake Stevens, Washington, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Elephant in the Room (Hardcover)

Reading this book was a perfect picture of me 18 years ago. Today with investments and insurance I am on my way to secure future. The book reveals the true nature of people and how they view the finances and future. The young generation need to think long term. Don't wait, don't procrastinate. Don't be fooled by the get rich and do it yourself scams. Find a trusted financial advisor and start today. Great book based on fact.