Even though the stock market is the heart of a country's wealth, and even though it enables everybody to be a part owner in the largest, most successful countries in the world, it's not taught in public schools. But be warned: the mainstream press often misrepresents the stock market.

Frankly, the best investing is boring investing. It's putting as much money as you can afford into many companies, and reinvesting dividends. And continuing to do so until you reach retirement age.

The best investing is not about trying to figure out what's going to happen in the economy or the markets tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.

Many financial writers try to make you think you have to work hard at investing. You must study stock charts every night. Read annual reports. Thoroughly analyze a company's financial statements. Read the financial press. Buy special software. Hang out in online investing forums. Not so!

Don't waste your time. This book takes modern financial theory to its logical conclusion. You can get the maximum long term benefit by following its simple plan. No tedious math or economics theory needed.

It's simple to set up. Then you forget about it. Pay no attention to the financial news. Just focus on making the most money you can in your career or business, that's all. And if you're starting small, we've got you covered, too.

You'll learn the various kinds of stocks and the various ways to invest in them, including tax-deferred retirement accounts such as an IRA.

Warning: the investment world is full of people who think your money should belong to them.

From out-and-out scammer brokers, financial advisors, newsletter editors, and to the managers of actively traded mutual funds, if you're not careful you'll help everybody get rich except yourself.

Uncle Sam also wants your money, so this includes a chapter on the tax consequences of investing - and how to minimize them.