Book Reviews – The Search for Income

The Search for Income

‘The Search for Income’ is a step-by-step guide to income-paying investments and to the construction of an income-generating portfolio. It is aimed at longer-term investors. The book focuses on the UK and so on are based on UK rules, but in other areas the contents of the book apply equally to other countries.

Currie opens with a brief description of why income matters in investing and follows with chapters outlining inflation and interest rates, and how they can affect investments. I think it is fair to say that these sections in particular are aimed at newbie investors.

Roughly two-thirds of the book is given to explaining various income-generating products. Cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, funds, property and alternative investments all have their own chapters. Each is succinct and well written and offers a good introduction to the product.

In the final portion of the book, Currie explains her views on how to construct an income-generating portfolio, discussing the different perspectives required for different age groups.

In summary, this is a well-written and easily understood guide to income investments, aimed at novice investors. While it contains nothing particularly groundbreaking, the explanations, as well are the underlying beliefs, are sound.