The Search for Income: An investor's guide to income-paying investments [Paperback]

Maike's Currie's book is a wonder of common sense and plain speaking. After all the horrors of bank-speak and obfuscation, Currie explains to the man or woman on the Clapham omnibus how to make the most of his or her money. In The Search For Income, Maike Currie demystifies the process of investment for even the most die-hard investophobes. While most ordinary people would rather not invest their money (and increase their returns) than trudge through the mire of the relative merits of equities, gilts, property and bonds, those who read Currie's book will feel heartened that the process is not as complicated as it seems. Readers will feel empowered to take control of their own finances. And empowerment is what this book is all about. Currie's use of empirical evidence and historical context is refreshing in a world of financial gobbledygook and hocus pocus. Somehow, Maike has managed to bring to life and make relevant what could otherwise be an unbearably dry subject --Lief Schneider, Managing Partner, Schneider Bartosch Communications

Maike Currie has taken a potentially complex subject matter and used her deep industry insight to produce a seriously comprehensive and engaging one-stop guide for income-seeking investors. Articulated with ease, worked examples and easy-to-follow explanations of financial theories, this book really is a must-have! --Erum Quddus, Kudus Corporate Writing Services

'The Search for Income is an easy to read foundation for anyone who is serious about not only surviving the current financial climate but also prospering in it. There is a serious argument to be made for not only making this recommended reading for financially minded adults but also having this material taught at school level, providing a deeper understanding of financial investments for school leavers. A must read.'
- Paul Harrison, The South Africa

'Maike Currie's book, The Search for Income, is essential reading for investors who want to put their money to work for them. Written in clear and concise language that has a conversational style, it is accessible for beginners yet is thorough enough to be valuable for experienced investors needing a reference guide on investing for income. Maike's professional experience in writing on personal finance issues clearly shines through as the language is jargon-free and easy to read, yet all of the technical issues of investing are covered without cutting corners. It is a true testament to her experience as a financial journalist.'
-Geordie Clarke, Deputy Editor & News Editor, Money Management, Financial Times

'I can't think of a more pressing personal finance need than that of the search for income. Maike's book is perfectly timed, comprehensive, full of useful information, easy to read and a must read for all income seekers.'
- Jeff Prestridge

One of the major pursuits for investors is the search for income. This ongoing search can be more difficult at some times than at others. For example, when interest rates are low and when companies cut dividends, traditional income sources come under pressure. However, the fundamentals of income investing remain in all economic conditions. These fundamentals can be learned and applied by investors thus improving their chances of finding and securing income. This guide begins by covering the basics, providing you with an essential platform for effective income investing by giving detailed explanations of the concepts of interest rates, inflation and yield. The focus then moves on to the investment assets themselves: cash, fixed interest, equities, funds including ETFs, property, infrastructure and timber. For each there is a careful explanation of its traditional income performance, how income is paid and how investors can use the asset in question as part of a broader income generating portfolio. Attention is also given to the risks involved when investing in each type of asset. In the final part of the book, the focus falls on asset allocation and portfolio construction; how investments from various asset classes can be bought and held together to create a successful and balanced income portfolio. This includes ideas on how to set-up and manage a portfolio along with example model portfolios for different risk appetites and age groups. The issues of securing an income from your pension in retirement and shielding your investment income from falling prey to more tax than is necessary are also covered. If you are in search of income this thorough and accessible book, written by experienced personal finance journalist Maike Currie, will prove to be an indispensable guide.

Maike Currie's 'day job' sees her writing about income on a weekly basis. She is part of Investors Chronicle magazine's personal finance team, one of the oldest magazines in the world, having provided private investors with financial analysis and advice since 1860. Maike started her journalism career in South Africa's tumultuous newspaper industry writing about everything from politics to crime and the Springbok rugby team, eventually finding her niche in personal finance. She moved to the UK just in time to witness the excesses of the boom years descend into an environment of low interest rates, high debt levels and the culling of dividends. She is in no doubt that the age of austerity has arrived but maintains that there is still income to be found - provided you look in the right places.