: He strongly favors low-cost index funds, suggesting that "aiming for average" is the most reliable way to succeed in the long run.

: Key "truths" cover the value of time in compounding, the actual investment value of a primary home (which he notes often barely outpaces inflation), and the importance of minimizing fees and taxes. Reviews & Reception

is a personal finance guide written by Jonathan Clements , a former longtime personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal . Published in 2009 as part of Wiley's "Little Books, Big Profits" series, it distills complex financial concepts into 21 straightforward rules designed for everyday investors. Core Principles & Content