We all know that in order to be a successful investor, we should buy low and sell high. In other words, we should pay a low price for our investment and sell it for a higher price.

So why do many of us do exactly the opposite? Why do we buy high and sell low?

To answer this question, I would like you to join me on a journey. As you read this book, you will realize some of the major mistakes we make as investors. You will discover why being liked does not make you a good investor, why our inability to not act might stop us from achieving the success we want, and why 88 percent of Swedish drivers believe they are safer drivers than most.

After we learn to recognize some of our mistakes as investors, we will go on to learn about the stock market and the psychology of its participants. Youll learn the true value of a company and that a stock is more than a ticker running at the bottom of a TV screen while an assortment of noises tells you what to do next. You may be surprised to learn that there isnt a single company ticker or even an actual company name mentioned in this book. However, many characteristics of good companies are discussed.

I will share with you the potent thoughts of some of the greatest investors of the last hundred yearsluminary people such as Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffett, and Charles Munger. You will learn about the three key areas to explore before acquiring shares of any company. You will also learn about an old man sitting under an olive tree with a wise lad, discussing the fundamentals of valuing a company.

I wrote this book because I believe understanding the fundamentals of investing is a crucial first step in making the right investment decisions, which today more than ever is mandatory for any investor who cares about his or her financial future.

I wrote this book also because I have seen too many people jump in to commit their hard-earned money without knowing the basics of investments, making the same mistakes over and over again and ending up with unsatisfactory results and even frustration about investing. I want you to know more.

This will be the first step in a long and enjoyable journey, during which you will learn how to think about yourself as an investor, some of the checklists youll need to go through when investing, and how to find a suitable investment at the right price.

I hope that by the time you finish this book you will be as enthusiastic as I am about continuing your education and the lifelong journey of being a value investor.