Investing plays a crucial role in achieving financial growth and security. By allocating resources into various investment options, individuals and entities can potentially generate returns, build wealth over time, and secure their financial future.
This page will talk about various investment opportunities available. In particular, the discussion will include:
- What are investment options?
- Types of investment options
- What are stocks?
- What are bonds?
- Offshore investment bonds
- What are mutual funds?
- Investment strategies
- Safe investment options
- Low-risk investment options
- What are alternative investments?
- Investment providers
What are investment options?
Investment options are financial securities or instruments that investors, may it be an individual, group, or institution, place their money into to earn profits in the short, medium, or long term.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
With the many investment opportunities available in the market, it’s important to distinguish each type.
Types of Investment Options
The investment landscape offers a myriad of options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), commodities, and more.
Each of these investment options comes with its own set of characteristics, risks, and potential returns. Understanding these can help investors make choices that best fit their investment strategy and goals.
What are Stocks?
Stocks represent ownership in a company. When investors buy stocks, they are buying a share of the company’s assets and earnings.
Stocks are known for their potential for high returns, making them a popular choice among various investment options. However, they also come with higher risk, as their value can fluctuate significantly.
What are Bonds?
Bonds are fixed-income investments where an investor loans money to an entity (corporate or governmental) that borrows the funds for a defined period at a fixed interest rate. Bonds serve as a more stable investment option compared to stocks, offering regular income through interest payments.
Offshore Investment Bonds
When investors grow their wealth, offshore investment bonds can act as investment vehicles or tax havens, offering certain tax benefits.
What are Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds pool money from many investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
This allows individual investors access to diversified, professionally managed portfolios at a lower cost, making mutual funds an attractive investment option for both beginners and experienced investors.
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What are ETFs?
ETFs are funds that track indexes like the NASDAQ-100, S&P 500, etc., and can be traded on stock exchanges similar to individual stocks.
ETFs combine the diversification of mutual funds with the ease of trading associated with stocks, offering a flexible investment option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
What are Commodities?
Commodities include physical goods like gold, oil, and agricultural products. Investing in commodities can provide a hedge against inflation and a counterbalance to stocks and bonds, diversifying an investment portfolio.
Hybrid Investment
Hybrid investments, such as REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) or balanced funds, combine elements of both equity and fixed-income securities. These investment options offer a mix of growth and income, catering to investors looking for a balanced approach to investing.
Hybrid Securities
Hybrid securities are unique financial instruments that embody features of both debt and equity securities.
They are designed to offer investors a blend of the benefits associated with each type of investment, such as the potential for capital appreciation typically associated with equities and the income generation commonly found in debt instruments.
Loan Notes
Loan notes, also known as promissory notes, are formal financial instruments representing a promise to pay. They detail the terms under which a loan will be repaid, including the principal amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and maturity date.
Loan notes can be used in both personal and business finance contexts and serve as evidence of a debt obligation.
Equity Funds
Equity funds are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in stocks. They aim to provide investors with capital appreciation over the long term by investing in the equities of companies across various sectors and geographies.
Equity funds can be categorized based on their investment strategy, the size of the companies they invest in (small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap), or their focus on specific sectors or regions (technology, healthcare, emerging markets).
What is Real Estate?
Real estate is the actual land and property in a particular location, including any buildings or natural resources that are part of it. It includes several types of property — commercial, industrial, and residential.
Considered an investment sector as well, it attracts attention from people and businesses looking to diversify their portfolios or generate income.
What are REITs?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer investors a unique way to engage with real estate investment options without the need to directly buy property.
REITs own, and in most cases, operate income-producing real estate such as office buildings, apartments, shopping centers, and hotels.
Investors buy shares in these trusts, which distribute most of their income as dividends. This investment option provides liquidity because REIT shares trade on major stock exchanges.
What is Direct Equity Investment?
Direct equity involves purchasing shares of companies directly through the stock market, offering investors a stake in the company’s ownership.
This investment option demands a more hands-on approach, as it requires investors to conduct thorough research, monitor market trends, and make timely decisions to buy or sell shares.
What is an Annuity?
An annuity is a financial product sold by insurance companies designed to provide investors with a steady income stream, typically during retirement.
This investment option allows individuals to deposit a lump sum or make periodic payments in exchange for regular disbursements that can start immediately or at a future date.
What are Index Funds?
Index funds are investment options that track a specific benchmark index, such as the S&P 500.
These funds aim to replicate the performance of the index by holding the same stocks in the same proportions. Index funds are known for their low expense ratios and broad market exposure, making them an efficient way to invest in a wide range of securities with a single transaction.
Money Market Funds
Money Market Funds are a type of mutual fund designed to offer investors high liquidity with a very low level of risk. These funds achieve their low-risk profile by investing in short-term, high-quality debt securities issued by governments, corporations, or banks.
Typical investments include treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and repurchase agreements.
The primary goal is to preserve capital while yielding a modest return, often slightly higher than a regular savings account but lower than long-term investment options.
Savings Account
A Savings Account is a fundamental financial service offered by banks and credit unions providing a secure place for individuals to store their money.
These accounts offer principal protection and pay interest on the deposited funds, although the interest rates are typically lower than those available through more risky investments.
Savings accounts are highly liquid, meaning customers can deposit and withdraw funds relatively freely, though some institutions may impose limits on the frequency of transactions.
Individual Savings Account
ISAs, or Individual Savings Accounts, are savings and investment accounts for UK residents that are exempt from taxes.
Government-imposed annual contribution caps for individual savings accounts can differ based on the specific ISA type. You cannot make any more contributions for that tax year after you have achieved your yearly ISA allowance.
Withdrawal limitations may apply to some forms of ISAs, such as fixed-rate ISAs and lifetime ISAs.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is a government-backed investment option available in some countries, tailored specifically for senior citizens, usually those above a certain age threshold (e.g., 60 years).
SCSS offers a higher interest rate compared to regular savings accounts, making it an attractive option for seniors looking to earn a steady income from their savings.
The scheme is designed to provide financial security and stability to older adults, with features like regular interest payments (typically paid quarterly) and the safety of being a government-sponsored program.
Hedge Funds
Hedge Funds are investment pools that employ a wide range of strategies to achieve high returns, including both long and short positions, derivatives, and leverage.
They are managed by professional investment managers who aim to generate positive returns in both rising and falling markets.
Hedge funds are known for their aggressive investment strategies and higher risk, seeking to achieve alpha, or excess returns above the market average.
Managed Funds
Managed Funds, also known as mutual funds or investment funds, pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
These funds are managed by professional fund managers who decide where to allocate the fund’s capital to achieve specific investment objectives, such as capital growth, income, or a balance of both.
Managed funds offer individual investors access to a diversified portfolio and professional management, which might be difficult to achieve through direct investment.
What is a Private Placement?
A private placement is a method of raising capital through the sale of securities to a small number of select investors rather than through a public offering.
This investment option is commonly used by startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that seek funding without the regulatory complexities of a public listing.
What is ULIP?
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) combine insurance coverage with investment opportunities, allowing policyholders to invest a portion of their premiums in various market-linked securities. This investment option provides the dual benefit of financial protection and the potential for wealth creation.
Bond Funds
Bond funds are investment options that pool money from investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of bonds issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations. These funds offer regular income through interest payments and the potential for capital appreciation.
What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a time-bound deposit offered by banks and credit unions with a fixed interest rate higher than regular savings accounts. This investment option locks in funds for a predetermined period, ranging from a few months to several years, with penalties for early withdrawal.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme offered by governments in several countries, known for its tax-saving benefits. This investment option encourages small savings by offering attractive interest rates and the benefit of compound interest over a period of 15 years or more.
Tax Saving Investment Options
Tax-saving investment options play a crucial role in financial planning by helping individuals reduce their taxable income and save on taxes. These investment options not only offer tax advantages but also contribute to the growth of your investment portfolio.
80C Investment Options
In India, Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows deductions on investments in various schemes up to a limit of 1.5 lakh per annum, making these investment options highly sought after for reducing tax liability.
The range of 80C investment options includes Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), and 5-year tax-saving fixed deposits.
Post Office Saving Scheme
Post Office Saving Schemes are a popular choice among investors looking for safe investment options with steady returns. These schemes, offered by the Indian Postal Service, are backed by the government, ensuring high safety of capital.
The range of schemes includes the Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificates (NSC), Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA), and the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), among others.
Income Fund
An income fund is a type of investment vehicle, typically in the form of a mutual fund or an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), that aims to provide regular income to its investors. This objective is primarily achieved through dividends or interest payments.
Income funds are particularly suited for individuals seeking steady cash flow from their investments, such as retirees or those nearing retirement. They may also appeal to conservative investors who prefer lower-risk investments.
However, investors seeking significant capital growth may find income funds less attractive due to their focus on generating income rather than maximizing returns through capital appreciation.
Options and futures
These are financial derivatives based on an underlying asset. Futures contracts compel the buyer or seller to acquire or sell an asset at a future date, while options offer the holder the right but not the duty.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow you to lend money directly to individuals or small businesses, earning interest on your investment.
UCITS Meaning
A regulated investment fund known as UCITS enables investors to pool their funds and purchase a variety of securities, including equities and other financial instruments. These EU-regulated options are structured as open-ended funds.
Some Well-Known Investment Options
John Lewis Investment Options
John Lewis, a renowned retail company, offers investment options through its partnership with financial institutions, providing opportunities for customers to invest in funds and savings products.
Vanguard Funds
Vanguard Funds are renowned for their low-cost, high-value investment options, offering a wide range of mutual funds and ETFs. Vanguard’s investment philosophy focuses on long-term growth, minimal costs, and broad diversification.
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Schwab Investments
Schwab Investments offers a comprehensive suite of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Known for its innovative financial services, Schwab aims to make investing accessible to all by offering low-cost solutions and robust educational resources.
Investment Options in 2024
The best investments for 2024 as per US News include:
- Dividend stocks – Companies whose stockholders get dividend payments regularly are known as dividend stocks.
- Growth stocks – Companies with growth rates that outpace the market standard are known as growth stocks, which are preferred by capital gain investors.
- High-yield bonds – Bonds that provide a fixed income but have credit ratings lower than investment grade are known as high-yield bonds.
- International stocks – Companies abroad issue international stocks.
- Large-cap stocks – Generally speaking, investors feel more comfortable purchasing large-cap stocks from enterprises with larger market caps.
- Long-term bonds – Long-term bonds offer fixed income, wealth protection, and inflation hedge, with a maturity of at least 10 years.
- Short-term bonds – Short-term bonds offer fixed income, liquidity, and safety, but with shorter maturity at 12 months and below.
- Small-cap stocks – The greater the risk, the greater the potential reward with small-cap stocks, which are distributed by businesses with smaller market caps.
- Value stocks – Investors looking for consistent returns often favor value stocks, which are companies that are supposedly discounted in the market.
Investment Strategies
Safe Investment Options
Safe investment options are essential for conservative investors who prioritize capital preservation over high returns.
These options typically offer lower risk and provide steady, albeit lower, returns. Government bonds, fixed deposits, savings accounts, and treasury securities are prime examples of safe investment options.
Low Risk Investment Options
Low-risk investment options cater to investors looking to balance safety and returns. These options typically involve minimal risk of capital loss while offering the potential for modest returns. Examples include corporate bonds, money market funds, and fixed maturity plans.
Short Term Investment Options
Short-term investment options are ideal for investors looking to invest for a period of up to three years, with the aim of achieving quick returns or meeting short-term financial goals. These options include liquid funds, ultra-short-term debt funds, and short-term fixed deposits.
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Long Term Investment Options
Long-term investment options are designed for investors looking to invest for a period of more than five years. These options, including equity mutual funds, index funds, and direct equity investments, offer the potential for higher returns over time, albeit with higher risk.
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Options as a Strategic Investment
Options trading can be a strategic investment for experienced investors looking to leverage their portfolio or hedge against market volatility. Options allow investors to buy or sell a security at a predetermined price within a specific period, offering flexibility and strategic opportunities.
Using options as a strategic investment requires understanding options contracts, including calls and puts, and how they can be used to speculate on market movements or protect investments.
What are Alternative Investments?
Alternative investments include assets like real estate, hedge funds, private equity, and commodities, offering diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds.
These investments often provide a hedge against inflation and have a low correlation with traditional markets, potentially reducing overall portfolio risk.
However, alternative investments often involve higher fees, limited liquidity, and higher risk, making them suitable for more experienced investors with a higher risk tolerance.
Retirement Investment Options
Retirement Investment Options in the US
Retirement planning in the U.S. offers a variety of investment options designed to secure a financially stable future. Traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k) plans, and pensions provide frameworks for saving that benefit from tax advantages to maximize growth over time.
Beyond these accounts, annuities offer another retirement investment option, providing a steady income stream in retirement.
Target-date funds, which automatically adjust the asset mix as the retirement date approaches, offer a hands-off approach to retirement investing, making them a popular choice among those seeking simplicity in their investment strategy.
IRA Investment Options
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) present a flexible retirement investment option for U.S. savers. Contributing to an IRA allows investors to access a wide range of investment options, including individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and certificates of deposit.
Self-directed IRAs expand the investment options further, allowing for investment in real estate, private businesses, and other non-traditional assets.
HSA Account Investment Options
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a unique investment option for individuals with high-deductible health plans. HSAs not only allow for tax-deductible contributions but also tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, making them a powerful tool for healthcare savings.
Many HSAs offer investment options similar to those found in retirement accounts, including mutual funds, ETFs, and bonds.
To maximize the benefits of an HSA, individuals should consider contributing the maximum amount allowed each year and investing any funds not needed for short-term medical expenses.
Choosing Good Investments
Good investments are those that not only offer the potential for lucrative returns but also align with your investment horizon and risk tolerance. Real estate, for instance, provides a tangible asset that can appreciate over time and generate rental income.
Index funds and ETFs offer a cost-effective way to gain exposure to a broad market segment or a specific industry with a single investment.
Bonds and fixed-income securities can provide steady income and serve as a buffer against stock market volatility.
Good stocks to invest in are those that belong to financially strong companies with solid growth prospects, competitive advantages, and a track record of delivering shareholder value.
What to Invest in Right Now
The best investment options right now balance growth potential with risk management. Stocks, especially in technology and healthcare, offer attractive growth opportunities.
However, with market volatility, it’s also wise to consider defensive sectors such as utilities and consumer staples, which tend to be more stable.
ETFs and mutual funds focusing on high-growth areas or specific themes, such as sustainable energy or digital transformation, are also compelling investment options.
Investment Accounts
These are financial accounts used for storing and handling different kinds of investments.
The major goals of investment accounts are to preserve cash, provide income, or expand assets over the long term. They are utilized for long-term objectives like retirement or saving for education, as well as financial planning.
Some of the top investment accounts with no minimums include Fidelity Investments and Vanguard.
Investment Providers
Investment providers are essential in guiding individuals and organizations to grow their wealth through the financial markets. These providers offer expertise in asset management, strategic investment advice, and access to a variety of investment vehicles.
Investment Companies
Investment companies offer individuals access to a broad range of investment options. They manage mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles, providing investors with professional management and diversification.
Leading investment companies like Vanguard, Fidelity, and BlackRock offer a variety of funds catering to different risk profiles and investment objectives.
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Investment Firm
An investment firm specializes in asset management and investment advisory services, catering to individual investors, institutions, and corporations.
These firms provide expertise in portfolio management, financial planning, and investment strategy.
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Asset Management Firms
Asset management firms are specialized financial institutions that invest pooled funds from clients to create a return.
Companies like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street are among the largest asset managers globally, offering conservative fixed-income portfolios or aggressive equity strategies.
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Brokerage
Brokerage firms act as intermediaries in the financial markets, facilitating the buying and selling of securities for investors.
They range from traditional full-service brokerages, which offer comprehensive investment advice and portfolio management, to discount brokerages that provide tools for self-directed investors to execute their trades at lower costs.
Examples include Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and Robinhood. These firms often provide additional services such as market research, financial education, and retirement planning.
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Hedge Funds
Investment banks, asset management businesses, and hedge fund management companies are some of the organizations that create and oversee hedge funds.
Prominent hedge funds include Bridgewater Associates, Renaissance Technologies, and Citadel.
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Insurance Companies
Insurance companies offer investment products such as annuities and permanent life insurance policies that combine investment returns with insurance coverage.
Major players in this space include MetLife, Prudential Financial, and New York Life.
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Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate across a range of property sectors.
Investors can buy shares in a REIT, offering them a way to invest in real estate without having to buy or manage properties directly.
Well-known REITs include Simon Property Group, Realty Income, and American Tower.
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Credit Unions
Credit unions, while primarily focused on providing banking services to their members, also offer investment services.
These not-for-profit organizations can provide a more personalized approach to investment advice, retirement planning, and wealth management.
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Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms invest in private companies or buy out public companies to take them private. These firms seek to improve the performance of their portfolio companies and sell them for a profit.
Leading private equity firms include Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo Global Management.
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Venture Capital Firms
Venture capital firms provide funding to startups and small businesses with high growth potential. In exchange for capital, they often receive equity in the companies they invest in.
Notable venture capital firms include Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Benchmark.
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Investment Companies
Investment companies play a crucial role in offering individuals access to a broad range of investment options.
These companies manage mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles, providing investors with professional management and diversification.
Leading investment companies like Vanguard, Fidelity, and BlackRock offer a variety of funds catering to different risk profiles and investment objectives.
Online Investment Platforms
Robo-advisors design and manage diversified portfolios automatically; online trading platforms provide manual stock, bond, and ETF trading.
Banks
Many banks offer investment options and other related services. Savings accounts allow interest earnings on deposits, while CDs offer set-term time deposits with interest.
Government Entities
Investing opportunities are provided by several government bodies. Governments have the option to form investment businesses or invest in strategic investment funds.
Practical Investing Guides
What is investing?
Investing involves committing money or capital to an endeavor with the expectation of obtaining additional income or profit. It’s not merely saving but actively seeking to grow one’s wealth through a variety of investment options.
The significance of investing for income lies in its potential to outpace inflation, increase wealth, and provide financial security for the future.
Expat investing allows mobile investors to cast their nets among wider opportunities.
Investing for Beginners
For those new to investing, starting with a solid foundation is key. It begins with setting clear financial goals, understanding risk tolerance, and learning about the different types of investment options available.
Beginners should focus on building a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk while exploring investment opportunities that match their long-term financial objectives.
How to Invest
Knowing how to invest money wisely is important in any personal financial planning process.
Start by opening an investment account, such as a brokerage account or an IRA. Educating yourself on different investment options and market fundamentals is key.
Consider starting with a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Automated investment platforms, or robo-advisors, can offer a hands-off approach to investing, while actively managed funds allow for more tailored investment strategies.
Regularly contributing to your investments and reviewing your portfolio’s performance are critical steps in the investing process.
How to Invest in Real Estate
Real estate investing can range from buying rental properties to investing in REITs. Direct investment in property involves purchasing residential or commercial real estate to generate rental income or capital appreciation.
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How to Buy Gold
Gold is a popular investment for its potential to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Investors can buy physical gold in the form of coins or bars, invest in gold ETFs, or purchase shares in gold mining companies.
Investment Advice for Australian Expats
Australian expats should prioritize investment options that offer tax efficiency, currency diversification, and flexibility to adapt as their living situation changes.
Investing in Australian property remains a popular choice for expats, providing a tangible asset in their home country and potential rental income. Yet, expats should also explore international share markets to diversify their investment portfolio.
Superannuation is another critical consideration for Australian expats. Maintaining contributions to your superannuation account, even while working abroad, ensures you continue to build your retirement savings.
Canadian Expat Investment Options
Canadian expats face unique challenges and opportunities when investing abroad. One primary concern is managing investments across different currencies and navigating the tax implications in their host country and Canada.
Real estate in Canada can be a stable investment option for expats, especially if they plan to return.
Tax-efficient savings accounts, like the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), remain valuable investment options for Canadian expats.
Expat American Investment Options
American expats have a broad array of investment options, but they must navigate the U.S. tax system, which taxes citizens on worldwide income.
One key strategy is investing through U.S.-based brokerage accounts, which simplifies the tax reporting process for American expats.
Retirement savings is another area where American expats must tread carefully. Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) are critical considerations for American expats. Investing in foreign financial accounts requires careful reporting to avoid penalties.
Fixed Income Investments
Fixed income investments are a type of investment that provides returns in the form of regular or ‘fixed’ interest payments and the return of the principal when the investment matures. Unlike variable-income securities where payments can change based on some underlying measure, such as short-term interest rates, the payments of a fixed income security are known in advance.
Conclusion
Continual education and staying abreast of changes in the investment world are crucial. Markets evolve, and investment strategies that were effective yesterday may need adjustment tomorrow.
Consulting with financial professionals can provide personalized advice, ensuring that your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
The journey to financial security is ongoing. By actively managing your investments and seeking out the best investment options for your situation, you can build a robust financial foundation that supports your aspirations and lifestyle in the years to come.
Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
