The Coffeehouse Investor

In 1998, after thirteen years of providing investment advice for Smith Barney, Bill Schultheis wrote a simple book for people who felt overwhelmed by the stock market. He had discovered that when you simplify your investment decisions, you end up getting better returns. As a bonus, you gain more time for family, friends, and other pursuits.

The Coffeehouse Investor explains why we should stop thinking about top-rated stocks and mutual funds, shifts in interest rates, and predictions for the economy. Stop trying to beat the stock market average, which few “experts” ever do. Instead, just remember three simple principles: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. And save for a rainy day.

By focusing more on your passions and creativity and less on the daily ups and downs, you will actually build more wealth—and improve the quality of your life at the same time.“It is a wonderful book. Indeed, I’m tempted to say, ‘It looks like I wrote it myself.’ Now, if people will not only read Coffeehouse but act on its message.”
—JOHN C. BOGLE, founder of The Vanguard Group

“The best investment book you’ve never read.”
—THE SEATTLE TIMESBill Schultheis is a partner and fee-only financial advisor with Soundmark Wealth Management and a former broker for Smith Barney. The first editon of The Coffeehouse Investor was published in 1998, and he has lectured and led seminars about it since. He lives in Kirkland, Washington.