I consider myself fortunate to have developed an interest in investing and begun studying it starting in 2020. Learning investment principles and how to interpret the economy through books by various experts and economic YouTube channels has greatly helped me understand this confusing world. I’ve studied each market—stocks, ETFs, gold, and even cryptocurrency—practiced diversification, and personally experienced whether my hypotheses proved right or wrong. This book systematically organized what asset allocation investing means to me and elevated my understanding of each investment product to a new level.

I found the ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) section, which the author dedicated an entire chapter to, particularly fascinating. Dubbed ‘the most innovative investment product of the 21st century,’ ETFs are extremely useful for novice investors like me. This insight resonated deeply, especially when combined with my experience visiting an actual asset management firm for consultation. Bonds and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) were unfamiliar territories to me, but this book made me realize they are essential products to consider for stable retirement planning. While my investment style leans somewhat aggressive, this knowledge is crucial for long-term retirement planning.

I resolved to study constantly to avoid being distracted by speculative products chasing short-term gains, and to focus even more on my main business, the delivery service. It reminded me of the common sense that no market experiences eternal boom or bust, instilling a sense of urgency to always prepare for the end of a bubble economy. Last year, South Korea witnessed unprecedented stock market booms as real estate funds flooded in, while the cryptocurrency market continues to exhibit abnormal phenomena. However, adhering to the principle of asset allocation and maintaining a firm investment philosophy will enable one to survive even in this chaotic market.

This book served as an ‘investment manual’ that provided practical help to me, someone who seeks to understand the real economy through the parcel delivery business and to read the invisible economic currents through investment news. As soon as I closed the book, I immediately subscribed to the ‘Park Gomhee TV’ YouTube channel.