Book Description

This text is written for a one semester course in introductory accounting, generally titled "Financial Accounting," and is written for students who have no prior knowledge of accounting and accounting systems. This text is appropriate for the course where heavy emphasis is on concepts, with some mention of procedures also included. ... Read more

Book Description

This introduction to accounting and its significant role in making sound business decisions teaches readers how to be wise users, not necessarily preparers of accounting information—a strong user-based approach that is endorsed and supported by the AECC. The authors present accounting information in a broader business context-emphasizing what accounting information is, why it is important, and how it is used to make strategic economic decisions—coverage of financial and management accounting included. Specific chapter topics discuss business in the United States, economic decision making, the balance sheet, income statement and statement of owners' equity, accumulating accounting data, challenging issues under accrual accounting, financial statement analysis, the future of management accounting, classifying costs, determining costs of products, business decisions using cost behavior, making decisions using relevant information. evaluating capital expenditures, the operating budget, standard costing, and evaluating performance. For individuals with a future, career and interest in accounting.

Reviews (1)

A Great book with broad Perspects
This introduction to accounting and its significant role in making sound business decisions trains readers in becoming wise users. The authors present accounting information in a broader business context-emphasizingwhat accounting information is, why it is important, and how it is used tomake strategic economic decisions-but still include traditionaldebit/credit information as optional coverage. A great book for practicingoffice professionals, accounting clerks and paraprofessionals, and staffaccountants. ... Read more

Book Description

How to make accounting information the enabler of organizational activities and objectives is the crux of this powerful guide. By viewing financial and managerial accounting together as functions of internal reporting (managerial) and external reporting (financial), the authors lay the foundation for thinking more innovatively and effectively about accounting user support, information technology, and solving business problems. This essential work is a must-read for accounting and information professionals. ... Read more

Book Description

"Richard Flavell has a long association with the swap market from an academic and practitioner's point of view. Swaps and Other Derivatives is a compendium of practical information on the valuation, pricing, trading and structuring of swaps. It will fulfill an important role as a reference source for the market." Satyajit Das

Swaps and Other Derivatives is designed for financial professionals to understand, and ultimately to do themselves, how the vast bulk of OTC derivatives are used, structured, priced and hedged. Adopting a practical flavour throughout, the book describes how the pricing, valuation and risk management of generic OTC derivatives may be performed, in sufficient detail and with various alternatives, so that the approaches may be applied in practice. The book is supported by a full range of detailed spreadsheet models, which underpin all the tables, graphs and figures in the main text.

Swaps and Other Derivatives is ideal for risk managers, traders, financial engineers, product controllers and other professionals involved in the construction and management of OTC derivatives. In addition, it should be of interest to those involved in internal audit, risk control and IT within financial institutions. End users such as fund managers and corporate treasurers who use derivatives to manager their risk profiles should also find it of value. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

an excellent book for pricing swaps
give clear excel examples on how to implement swap calculation.

Excellent field guide
This is definitely the best book in the market for Swaps and related derivatives. The level of detail is extraordinary in comparision with other available books. Leaves very little gaps which means it is easy to apply the knowledge in practical situations.

Most books lean either towards the technical/quantitative side or the financial business side. Richard Flavell's books is a much-needed well rounded book on the issue. Definitely a much better book than Satyajit Das/Fabozzi books.

I wish Richard Flavell would write more. If you're buying one book on Swaps and related OTC derivatives, its got to be this one!

Flavell's book find the right balance
Whilst I have only read the first 100 pages or so of Favell's book so far, my impression is very favourable. This is simply an excellent book that finds the perfect middle ground between academic texts and introductory works, both of which usually leave out practical market issues such as day count conventions, business day adjustments, rounding rules, interpolation concerns, available market data etc

As a quant working for financial software company finding the detailed information required to write documentation to drive software development is often difficult. This book supplies the level of detail needed, and also contains excellent descriptions of different pricing methodologies for interest rate swaps.

Later chatpers on risk management and pricing of other derivatives look equally impressive, and I look forward to reading them.

This is the best book on swaps that I seen so far; a definite improvement on Das in my opinion. ... Read more

Book Description

Advanced Accounting, 8e offers the most authoritative, conceptually strong, and comprehensive coverage of advanced accounting topics of any text on the market. Completely updated to reflect all of the latest FASB pronouncements, it is an excellent preparation resource for the CPA exam.Advanced Accounting also provides students with the tools they need to pursue professional careers in a global economy.This is the only text on the market to utilize the horizontal approach to consolidations worksheets, the format most commonly used in the business world. ... Read more

Book Description

"The one, only, and by far the best book synthesizing psychology and investing. In addition to providing modern, scientific knowledge about psychology, this book provides a mirror into the mind and wide breadth of knowledge of one of the leading practitioners of brief and effectual cures. Will help to cure your trading and your life."
–Victor Niederhoffer, Chief Speculator, Manchester Investments
Author, The Education of a Speculator and Practical Speculation

"How refreshing! A book that rises above the old NLP model of the 80’s and provides insights on how our relationship with the market is indeed a very personal one. Not only has Steenbarger provided some fantastic tools for the trader to transform his mindset, but he has contributed unique trading ideas as well. Brilliant!"
–Linda Raschke, President, LBRGroup, Inc.

"‘Investigate, before you invest’ was for many years the slogan of the New York Stock Exchange. I always thought a better one would be, ‘Investigate YOURSELF, before you invest.’ The Psychology of Trading should help you increase your annual investment rate of return. Mandatory reading for anyone intending to earn a livelihood through trading. "
–Yale Hirsch, The Hirsch Organization Inc., Editor, The Stock Trader’s Almanac

"This highly readable, highly educational, and highly entertaining book will teach you as much about yourself as about trading. It’s Oliver Sacks meets Mr. Market–extraordinary tales of ordinary professionals and individuals with investment disorders, and how they successfully overcame them. It is a must-read both for private investors who have been shell-shocked in the bear market and want to learn how to start again, as well as for pros who seek an extra edge from extra inner knowledge. Steenbarger’s personal voyage into the mind of the market is destined to become a classic."
–Jon Markman, Managing Editor, CNBC on MSN Money
Author, Online Investing and Swing Trading

"Dr. Steenbarger’s fascinating, highly readable blend of practical insights from his dual careers as a brilliant psychologist and trader will benefit every investor; knowing oneself is as important as knowing the market."
–Laurel Kenner, CNBC.com Columnist, Author, Practical Speculation ... Read more

Reviews (18)

This book is the Ultimate Treatise on Trading Psychology
Words cannot put to justice the astonishingly accurate, profoundly well-researched and lucidly written work of Dr. Brett. Using his real life clients as models The Good Dr. takes us on a journey through previously unchartered regions of the human psyche with painstaking detail. This book and the references contained in it set me on a path to self-discovery that I shall never backtrack on. I now see things with an awareness beyond which I ever thought I could attain.

It is really amazing as to how many people are sitting behind trading stations without the slightest clue as to the fiendish psychological challenges that trading presents to a human mind which is hard-wired to protect its ego at any and all costs. For those that are not brought up in an idyllic homestead with angels nursing their every psychopathological ailments trading is simply not somewhere to search for affluence and prosperity. As this applies to virtually everyone, those that intend to make money consistently must devote themselves to cultivating a superior level of self-understanding. Aspiring students of the markets must also increase their thresholds of pain exponentially since frustration & damper are the order of the day in this industry, at least initially.

The profitable trader must wield acute awareness, understanding of the underlying mechanism of the human brain and develop levels of self-discipline akin to the mythical Odysseus because the sirens of the market can be just as deadly. Dr Brett shows you step by step how the markets are relentless at exposing every one of our own individual emotional weaknesses, ferreting out every chink in our armor.Plentiful "screentime" and an objective mindset are the factors that go into the creation of a successful market player. Persistence without a doubt is the penultimate for it is their own painful battle scars that bring priceless wisdom to accomplished speculators.

This book should be on the shelf of anyone trying finish in the black on a consistent basis regardless of their level of sophistication. Thank you Dr. Brett for changing my life.

Trader: Know Thyself
An outstanding book for traders of all levels, even experienced traders will undoubtedly recognize some of their more subtle trading Achilles heels, and all of us have them.

If you're a system follower, you need this book. If you're a discretionary trader, you need this book. If you throw darts at the financial pages to choose your trades, you need this book (actually, in that case, you'd better get out of the markets altogether).

A lot has been written elsewhere, of course, on trading psychology, but Dr. Steenbarger, who apparently develops trading systems and trades actively himself -- so he puts his money where his mouth is -- shows how to integrate the quantitative and qualitative (i.e., human) elements into a coherent trading framework.

My trading results are up tremendously since I purchased this book, even though the market has been moving sideways the past few months. Thanks Dr. S!

Not bad, but not necessary
First, let me start by saying this book will not teach you how to trade (though you could probably see that from the title). I think the book is way longer than it needs to be. The author talks about many counceling events with clients in his life (most are non-trading related) and then tries to draw a parallel with them to trading. When he finally gets to his point about actual trading psychology, he has good things to say. But I think he could have said everything in one chapter. Nonetheless, I found that I was able to relate to many of the behaviors he discusses. I didn't feel like he really gave great help in trying to break the bad behavior, but at least being able to relate to it makes you think about it and pay attention when you are falling into it while trading. There are many other trading books I would probably read before this one. But if you're sick of all of the technical books that try to teach you how to trade, this book might be worth a read. It's actually one trading book that you could take on vacation with you.

Well researched and written, but not for the mass
The author's M.D. counsellor-trader identity did help him making this an uncommon trading psychology book full of "highly trading relevant" counselling records from both trader and non trader patients. The catch is: if you are not interested in or equipped with an intermediate level of knowledge about psychology or counselling, I doubt very much whether you can finish reading this 300 page book till its end.

To let you have a better grasp of my "worry" mentioned above, I would like to quote something from the last or conclusion chapter, which the author regarded them as 11 of the major themes explored in his book.

1. Behavior is patterned.
2. Your trading patterns reflect your emotion patterns.
3. Change begins with self observation
4. Problem patterns tend to be anchored to particular states. (When you enter a particular state thru emotional, physical, or cognitive activity, you tend to activate the behavioral patterns associated with that state.)
5. Our normal states of mind, which define most of our daily experience, lie within a restricted range of our possibilities. (Your immersion in daily routine keeps you locked in routine mind states)
6. Most trading occurs in a limited range of states, trapping traders in problem patterns. (Traders tend to place greater emphasis on the data they process than on the ways in which they process those data.)
7. People in general, and traders specifically, enact solutions as well as problem patterns.
8. Eliminating emotions is not necessarily the secret to improving trading. (Traders can utilize positive emotional experiences to identify constructive solution patterns and to create an anchoring of new, positive patterns.)
9. Success in the markets often comes from doing what doesnt come naturally.
10. The intensity and the repetition of change efforts are directly responsible for their utlimate success.
11. Trading success is a function of possessing a statistical edge in the markets and being able to exploit this edge with regularity.

In short, if you can appreciate or at least have a slight idea of what the above 11 points try to preach, this book suits you well. Otherwise, please give it a pass.

Don't let these reviewers fool you
In case you didn't notice, these other reviews are from the author circuit. I believe the practice is called log rolling. You review mine, I'll review yours - what a cozy little circle j***. Are any of them successful traders? Apparently not. Part-time prognosticators who have something to sell. Don't think that some nitwit psychologist can help you with your trading. Successful traders come in all shapes and sizes, and no amount of counseling is going to help you. ... Read more

Book Description

Will help any small business or financial professional master QuickBooks Pro 2004 or QuickBooks Premier 2004 quickly, and use it effectively. This comprehensive, highly visual course in using QuickBooks covers the full accounting cycle in both merchandising and service businesses. It has been fully updated for the latest versions of QuickBooks. Topics covered include: a basic introduction to computers and QuickBooks Pro (and Premier); sales and receivables; payables and purchases; general accounting and end-of-period procedures; payroll; and more. Readers will also walk step-by-step through computerizing a manual accounting system with QuickBooks. Appendices cover the basics of working with Windows, using QuickBooks' built-in letters, using QuickBooks Pro online, and more.For everyone who wants to learn QuickBooks Pro 2004 or QuickBooks Premier 2004, including millions of small and home office business owners, accountants, bookkeepers, and students. Will also be valuable to QuickBooks users upgrading to the newest release. With over 2.5 million users, QuickBooks is the world's #1 small business accounting package ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Financial Valuation

"The book has a wealth of detail, practice tips, examples, and extra information, plus sections on business valuation situations not addressed elsewhere. A valuable addition to the literature of business valuation."
–– Shannon Pratt, CFA, FASA, MCBA
Managing Director, Willamette Management Associates
Managing Owner, Business Valuation Resources, LLC

"The book sets a fine example in technical yet readable exposition. As the text flows, it is evident [the twenty-five authors] have taken great steps toward achieving uniformity reflecting the various opinions within the profession.This goes a long way toward reinforcing proven methodologies and validating their ‘real world’ application. The well-thought-through categories–starting with Standards of Value–and legal insights with ‘tried and true’ cases reveal and attest to the depth of [the authors’] experience in business valuation and litigation consulting.
"All of the topics appeal to practitioners of all levels. Value-adding ‘ValTips’ are quite helpful in stimulating broader consideration of each subject and elevating the reader’s perspective."
–– Parnell Black, MBA, CPA, CVA
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts

"This book takes the consensus of many talented appraisers and presents topics in a fashion that has not been seen before in any other valuation treatise.Many of the same old topics are presented, but this time, even I was forced to take a much closer look. This unique approach to many of these topics is a must for the well-rounded appraiser."
––Gary R. Trugman, CPA, ABV, MCBA, ASA, MVS
Trugman Valuation Associates
A Rachlin Cohen & Holtz Company

"This is a unique publication in that it brings together twenty-five nationally recognized names in the valuation industry to provide practitioners with their consensus ‘school of thought’ on many commonly encountered valuation issues. The author list includes analysts from all the valuation organizations with many current or former members of the AICPA Business Valuation Subcommittee and the AICPA BV Hall of Fame. An excellent reference source for CPAs looking for guidance from some of the top valuators in the nation."
––Thomas E. Hilton, MS, CPA/ABV, CVA
Chair, AICPA Business Valuation Subcommittee
Partner, Anders, Minkler and Diehl LLP

Coauthors: Mel Abraham, Jim Alerding, Terry Allen, Larry Cook, Mike Crain, Bob Duffy, Ed Dupke, Nancy Fannon, John Gilbert, Tom Hilton, Greg Koonsman, Eva Lang, Mike Mard, Harold Martin, Mike Mattson, Jim Hitchner, Steve Hyden, Ray Moran, Charles Phillips, Jim Rigby, Ron Seigneur, Robin Taylor, Linda Trugman, Don Wisehart, and Mark Zyla. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review of "Financial Valuation: Applications and Models"

Jim Hitchner, a name well-known to ABVs and other valuation practitioners, conceived the novel idea of bringing together twenty-five highly visible and well-respected valuation professionals to present the group's collective views and positions on business valuation concepts and applications. Each of the authors is a coauthor of the entire book. The authors, many of whom are ABVs and instructors for the AICPA's national business valuation educational program, include Mel Abraham, Jim Alerding, Terry Allen, Larry Cook, Mike Crain, Bob Duffy, Ed Dupke, Nancy Fannon, John Gilbert, Tom Hilton, Jim Hitchner, Steve Hyden, Greg Koonsman, Eva Lang, Mike Mard, Harold Martin, Mike Mattson, Ray Moran, Charles Phillips, Jim Rigby, Ron Seigneur, Robin Taylor, Linda Trugman, Don Wisehart, and Mark Zyla.

The result of this collective effort is "Financial Valuation" - a text that presents a compilation of "best practices" for the business appraiser.

"Financial Valuation" covers the obligatory fundamentals found in most other introductory texts. What sets this text apart from others is its focus on applications and methods. The text contains numerous practical examples and discusses alternative approaches for tackling those complex issues that are often encountered in the real world of valuation practice. This focus makes "Financial Valuation" an indispensable tool for even the most experienced appraisers. Some of the text's highlights include:

Chapter 4, Income Approach to Value, discusses the alternative income valuation methodologies and includes a detailed example of the excess cash flow (earnings) method.

Chapter 5, Cost of Capital/Rates of Return, includes a comprehensive presentation on the application of Ibbotson data for determining risk premiums in discount and capitalization
rates.

Chapter 6, Market Approach to Value, discusses alternative market valuation methodologies and presents a quantitative method for using and adjusting guideline public company multiples for size and growth differences.

Chapter 9, Report Writing, presents a detailed valuation report with numerous comments on why certain items were included or excluded.

Chapter 12, Family Limited Partnerships, presents a detailed case study on the valuation of a Family Limited Partnership including the selection of discounts for lack of control and
lack of marketability.

Chapter 13, Court Case Issues and Review, includes synopses of over 40 tax court cases organized by major valuation areas of dispute.

Chapter 16, Valuation in the Divorce Setting, discusses the complexities of valuing ownership interests in closely held businesses for divorce purposes, including a discussion of relevant state case law, standard of value, applicability of discounts and premiums, etc.

Chapter 18, Valuation Issues in Professional Practices, provides an overview of the issues involved in valuing professional practices such as medical, law, and accounting practices.

Chapter 19, Valuation of Healthcare Entities, includes two detailed case studies: a surgery center and a hospital.

Chapter 20, Valuation of Intangible Assets, includes a detailed case study on an allocation of purchase price for a business combination under new SFAS 141.

Chapter 21, Marketing, Managing, and Making Money in a Valuation Services Group, presents practical guidance on how to operate a valuation practice.

Chapter 24, Valuation Views and Controversial Issues, presents a discussion of subjective and difficult areas of valuation in the form of a case study/report format.

The text also includes hundreds of "ValTips" which alert the reader to important and often controversial topics. The accompanying "Financial Valuation Workbook" provides a detailed case study, models, and exercises that can substantially reduce a beginner's learning curve and assist the experienced practitioner in better organizing the valuation process. The Workbook follows the valuation engagement format and is organized by standard, easily identifiable sections that allow for easy reference.

SUMMARY
"Financial Valuation" gets two enthusiastic thumbs up! ... Read more

Book Description

This widely respected financial accounting text captures the predominant market share among graduate, MBA, and higher-level undergraduate programs. With great clarity, it presents both the basic concepts underlying financial statements and the terminology and methods that allow students to interpret, analyze, and evaluate actual corporate financial statements. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition is written with two major objectives: (1) to help readers understand audit decision making and evidence accumulation, and (2) reflect changes in the profession by integrating assurance and attestation service as well as risk issues. This 6th edition introduces two new tools that practitioners use to assess risk and to identify assurance service opportunities: Client Strategy Templates and Balanced Scorecards. ... Read more

Book Description

The FASB current text is a topical integration of currently effective accounting and reporting standards. Material is drawn from FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards and FASB Interpretations, AICPA Accounting Research Bulletins and APB Opinions. Volume I (General Standards) contains those standards that are generally applicable to all enterprises. Volume II (Industry Standards) contains specialized standards that are applicable to not-for-profit organizations and enterprises operating in specific industries. Each year these manuals are updated to reflect changes in standards. Intended a supplement to a course in Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, or Accounting Theory. ... Read more

Book Description

Financial Accounting: A Business Process Approach attempts to bridge the gap between business and accounting. It starts out by setting the stage with a description of what a business is all about. This provides a framework in which readers can see how accounting relates to and reports on business activities. This book shows how accounting fits into business as a company is created, operated, and expanded. The traditional financial statements and the accounting equation are emphasized, but how accounting relates to business processes is at the core.This version of Reimers introduces debits and credits in Chapter 4 and then contains integrated treatment of debits and credits in all subsequent chapters. It covers merchandising and inventory; integrates statement of cash flows, business risks, and internal controls; emphasizes financial statements; and integrates Excel into every chapter.For financial statement users and preparers. ... Read more

Book Description

Our new book will show you how to...Maximize the market value of your company. Calculate that value easily at any point in time.Negotiate the best possible price when the company is sold.

And don't worry - you don't need an MBA to understand this book.Everything is spelled out in plain language and easy-to-follow steps.Plus, there's a special glossary that explains each financial concept in very simple terms.

The book also includes practical advice on...- Buying-out partners, or selling-back your own shares.- How to finance the acquisition of a business.- Negotiating the acquisition contract. - How to present your company to potential buyers.

You'll gain insight into the factors that account for business value, enabling you to manage in ways that will deliberately increase your company's value over time. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

By far, the best book I've found on the subject.
This is a great book. There are a lot of books on this subject, but the others I've seen don't fill the bill. I don't have a lot of time to waste with books that are poorly organized and written, even if the author is a real authority. "Unlocking the Value of Your Business" is not only authoritative and complete, it's easy to use and understand. I wish more books were written this well. The author certainly has a flair for conveying information effectively and efficiently.

great book; makes tough subject easy to understand
If you think you might ever sell your ownership in a business, this book is the best one around to learn how to increase its value, to calculate the value in any number of ways, and to negotiate the deal. Very highly recommended. With a very easy to read layout - not the onerous technical tome I expected - but it's got all the instructions you or your accountants could need. It has a great index, and a very helpful glossary that separately explains all relevant financial concepts that are referred to in the book. Plus, its a lot less expensive than other books on this subject that aren't as good.

Steady, stable advice.
In the late 90's, everyone wanted to use astronomical capitalization rates to value a business, claiming they were warranted by the high total returns from small cap stocks during that period. Horn said no, don't do it. This is a temporary phenomenon, a blip in time. Look at the market historically, as a whole, from 1929 until today. If you commit to deals based on those cap rates, you'll be sorry. Well, guess what? He was right and everyone else was wrong. We all got killed by following the herd.

There are a lot of books in print about this subject, and I've examined most of them. Most seem to be poorly-written knock-offs of Horn's work, to which they have added their own unfortunate personal notions about value, so I'd counsel you to stick with Horn's book - it's probably the best, most stable advice you can get on business value.

Very hard to read the font. But good information.
First I have to say what I HATED about this book. The head of every paragraph and a lot of highlighted sections were in a cursive font which I really had to struggle to read. I almost did not read it at all. And it's too bad because there is a lot of good information in there. I am not sure there is anything that isn't covered in "The Upstart Guide to Buying, Valuing and Selling Your Business", and at the high price I am really struggling about whether to keep this book. If you are really planning to sell your business, it is probably worth it. It does cover many valuation techniques and situations.

great book
This book is right to the point. In my work as a corporate banker, I am constantly reviewing valuation reports, so I know which parts are fluff and which parts are important. This book gives you everything that's important and only what's important. Other books on this subject will have you chasing down arcane aspects of valuation, on the hope it will contribute something to the bottom line, which is almost never the case. Besides, we usually disregard arguments for additional value that are based on more complex theories because if you have to try THAT hard to show value is present, then it probably isn't! Stick with this book and you won't go wrong. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Suze Orman's face and name are more prominent on the cover of her new money guide than its title, The Road to Wealth. And why not? Orman has parlayed her popular renown as both a New York Times bestselling author and video-age financial guru into an undeniable position of respect and trust when it comes to matters of dollars and sense. This time she presents an encyclopedic guide to the various components of one's overall financial life--from managing debt and owning a home to making investments and preparing to pass it all along--and she does so in the clear and confident style to which her fans have become accustomed. "Here is what you need to know," she writes at the outset. "Answers to the questions you have been asking, as well as the questions you should have been asking, delivered in the most complete, straightforward way I know." While the concise text moves logically from "creating a strong financial foundation to amassing assets and protecting them from common mistakes and periods of economic downturn," this is not meant to be read from cover to cover. Rather, it is a ready bookshelf reference for planning and sorting out common finance concerns, like how to calculate the mortgage payment you can best afford, determine what Medicare will pay toward nursing care, decide between retirement plan options, and similar matters of personal importance. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Financial answers for the rest of us.
The book provides us with a wealth of practical financial answers in a very sound, straightforward, honest, and easy-to-understand language. The core emphasis of the book is to help you create a strong, debt-free foundation to amassing assets and protecting them in periods of economic downturn; from buying a home to providing for loved ones; from investing with confidence and navigating the markets in good times and bad to securing reliable income for our later years. If you are interested or have any of these financial needs you need this valuable book. This is a book designed to help you take action-wherever you are in your life and whatever your needs. If you think all the advice you need is from your local bank then you have obviously missed the boat.

FinanacialNeeds.com

Follow Suze to YOUR Road to Wealth!
I have to admit that I didn't like this book all that much when it first came out. So I didn't buy it when it was originially released.

Several weeks back while browsing my favorite book store, I cam across this book now in paperback, noticed it was updated and revised from the original version and found some good info that I had missed earlier.

Anxiously I took the book home and placed post it notes throughout the book to areas that applied to me. I was able to make substantial savings especially in the areas of insurance and credit card debt. I also started investing in my company's 401 (k) plan and am taking advantage of Pres. Bush's generous IRA provisions contributing the maximum to both retirement plans. Thank you Pres. Bush!

Overall, this is one of the best financial books that I have ever read. It is very complete and also very well organized.

I also recommend Suze's newest book The Laws of Money, also now available in paperback.

Thank you Suze Orman!

The Road to Wealth
The Road to Wealth by Suze Orman was extremely informational. Being 18 and very new to the world of finance I learned a lot from reading it. The way the book is set up in a question and answer format makes it easy to read on specific subjects. It would be a good idea to keep a copy in your house. That way you could read the different chapters as they apply to your life. I liked the section about paying for college best because I have to pay my own way through college, so it gave me some helpful tips. The Road to Wealth covers a wide variety of finance subjects all of which could be helpful at many different points in one's life. It covers everything from how to prepare yourself financially for when you retire to making out a will. I would recommend this book especially for people who haven't experienced much financially. It is a great way to learn about many different aspects of the financial world.

A Wealth of Infomation
My father recommended that I read this book, as he is a director of property tax and works in the business and finance world every day. I was scared at first at the size of the book, but it is actually very easy to understand and a great reference book.
It has a convenient question-and-answer type format that allows the reader to peruse over various topics, or to narrow in on one in particular.
I was greatly surprised at the immense amount of information that this book contains. Everything from the emotions of divorce and how it affects to finances to how to pay for college is covered throughout the pages.
I would highly recommend that this book be found in every household, as it is would be an excellent source to turn to with many small questions- about wills, investing, and any other sort of monetary question.
On a final note- Suze Orman also has her own tv show that is quite interesting and information as well. Just like the book, it is also not boring, but rather takes tough subjects and make them seem easy!

Another good book by the "Love Bug" Lady
Although I do not feel that this is Suze Orman's best book, it is certaintly better than most if not all of the other books out there.

I like the question and answer format of the book, makes it easy to look up information that is important to a individual.
The book is large and may be intimidating to some people, perhaps that is why there are some 1 star reviews. None the less, the material is fresh and interesting. Orman is also a great writer and makes you feel like she is talking to you one on one.

Check out Suze's newest book "The Laws of Money", just released in paperback and revised from the hardback version. It is a book suitable for the times and even better than The Road to Wealth. Some may want to buy both like my wife did.

Great books. Great stuff from Suze, the Queen of Personal Finance! ... Read more

Book Description

In this two-volume work Paul Wilmott, described by the Financial Times as a "cult derivatives lecturer", updates and extends - with 18 new chapters - his earlier classic Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering (also published by John Wiley). The new material includes chapters on technical trading, volatility modeling, utility theory, trader options, modeling dividends, real options, energy derivatives and analysis of recent derivatives-led fiascos.

Throughout the book's incredibly wide breadth, the author presents to the reader all current financial theories in a manner designed to make them easy to understand and implement. The reader will discover what the author thinks of certain theories, and where an existing concept is dismissed as impractical or unworkable it is always replaced with one of the author's own, alternative theories. Reviews of Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering.

"It is a serious work that takes the reader all the way from the simplest of notions to the most complicated of recent models. In short, it is the most comprehensive and up-to-date textbook on options that I have seen ... The style is jocular, but the content heavyweight. The aim is to use a mathematical approach at all times but to motivate the development of models with intuition and to use diagrams and spreadsheet solutions whenever possible. It sounds like an impossible mission. Whoever heard of a mathematician who could convey the intuition of a result to those with a less complete training in the subject? Wilmott is an exception: he knows when a result is hard to understand and treats the reader in a sympathetic manner. ... I cannot imagine any derivatives specialist in an investment bank who would not want to have the book available." The Times Higher Educational Supplement.

"...this book has all the qualities necessary to attract impulse buyers expecting the novel which does for/to high finance what Malcolm Bradbury's 'The History Man' does for/to literary academia. ...What the reader gets is a text which will probably come to rank alongside Fabozzi's collected works of Leibowitz as a comprehensive practical reference source for finance theory." Futures and OTC World "Paul Wilmott has succeeded in simplifying the mathematics of financial engineering and he deserves praise for that. Unlike any other mathematical texts, the book uses a crisp and accessible language, relying on plain calculus and avoiding unnecessary formalism of topology and measure theory. It is rich in illustrations and graphs, making it easy for someone with limited maths to understand." --Risk Magazine.

"Paul Wilmott has produced one of the most exciting and classic reference volumes on derivatives which is a must for both students, practitioners, risk managers and the misunderstood."-- Global Trading.Volume 1: This first volume of Paul Wilmott on Quantitative Finance incorporates Parts I-III of this two-volume, seven-part publication. This new book by Paul Wilmott is an extensively updated and expanded edition of the bestselling Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering. The first third of this volume (introducing the classic financial and mathematical concepts) remains largely the same as in Derivatives, with the remaining two-thirds incorporating the majority of the updating and expansion, plus the addition of a number of completely new chapters, including: Technical methods for predicting market movement Utility theory Derivatives and stochastic control The exercise of American options at non-optimal times Stochastic volatility and mean-variance analysis Dividend modeling.

The author has included numerous Bloomberg screen dumps to illustrate in real terms the points he raises, together with essential Visual Basic code, spreadsheet explanations of the models, the reproduction of termsheets and option classification tables. In addition to the practical orientation of his new publication the author himself also appears throughout the text - in cartoon form only, many readers will be relieved to hear - to personally highlight and explain the key sections and issues discussed. And if that wasn't enough, there is also a movie quiz hidden within the pages...

Volume 2 This second volume of Paul Wilmott on Quantitative Finance incorporates Parts IV-VII of this two-volume publication. Throughout this volume, many of the chapters which also appeared in the first edition - Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering - have been extensively expanded and updated and in addition there are 11 completely new chapters, including: Mortgage-backed securities Pricing and optimal hedging of derivatives Increased uses of non-probabilistic interest-rate models Valuing a firm and the risk of default An analysis of financial crashes The modeling of bonus compensation for traders Real options Energy derivatives. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Wilmott is now the quant to beat
Who should buy this book? The real question is who shouldn't buy this book. For the Phd Quant this book is a tour de force in how to explain technical topics clearly and concisely. For the newbie, this is simply the lowest barrier to entry available.

Interestingly, QF does not "replace" a bookshelf of quant books -- rather it nicely compliments many that you're likely to have such as Taleb, Neftci etc. As sales of QF increase, it is likely that readers will be less likely to buy a derivatives book that is over their head.

Volume 1 covers 37 chapters of the equities/currency derivatives world, While Volume 2 covers the Fixed Income World, Risk Measurement , Miscellaneous Topics and Numerical Methods.

Chapter 10 has an excellent and all too rare discussion of Probability Density Functions and First Exit Times, whilst Chapter 14 has an outstanding Trading Game invented by one of Paul Wilmott's former students.

Chapters 16 through 21 cover the Path Dependent world while the balance of the chapters cover extensions to Black Scholes.

Its in these sections that Wilmott delivers some surprising thoughts and insights into Stochastic Volatility Surfaces that are currently the rage.

Throughout both volumes I continue to be astonished at how clear, concise and effective his explanations are. The icons are not annoying at all -- rather I found myself skimming the icons to find out what was required to be committed to memory in each section versus what was background.

As obvious as it sounds, a glaring weakness in Derivatives texts is the inability of authors to elucidate what must be memorized as rote for the student to make further progress. Paul's easy to follow icons lay out a precise plan of study.

I can't say enough about what a leap this is over competing texts.

In Volume 2, Chapters 38 through 50 cover models that Wilmott likes as well as ones that he doesn't [again, a rather novel approach]

Some surprises in Chapters 51 and 52 are an excellent overview of Portfolio Management and a survey of Robert Merton's Asset Allocation in Continuous Time.

Sprinkle in outstanding chapters on Derivatives Fiascos, Real Options, Energy Derivatives and 5 chapters on Numerical Methods and an astonishing survey of Quantitative Finance is complete.

Throughout the books Paul's practical use of Term Sheets and quick and dirty VB code and spreadsheet tricks [you just have to see his Excel shortcut for approximating the Normal distribution] leave the reader constantly wanting to rev ahead.

To round out a tremendous effort, Wilmott also pays homage to authors that he's found helpful and he's generous with suggestions on further reading. This builds sorely needed confidence when attempting new material.

The comparison with Richard Feynman is apt but misses an important detail...Feynman was not noted for turning out hordes of talented understudies. Paul Wilmott has turned out enough talented graduate students that maybe he will be a bona fide cult leader someday.

Insufficient
This is not as good as Wilmott's earlier work, and even that could have benefited from better definition of terms. Wilmott needs to brush up on the latest techniques and talk to some practitioners to learn how to apply math to real world examples. It seems there is a lack of depth of understanding evidenced by the writing. The sections of self-expose are an embarrassment.

Old Material
This is recycled Wilmott, but not even as good as earlier work. His first book was better, probably because his co-authors talked some sense into him. His personal anecdotes demonstrate a low emotional IQ. It is as if Wilmott thinks that if readers agree with the finance they must agree with his incessant and juvenile self-regard. My reaction to the inappropriate self-expose was: "Who cares? Get some friends, they might help on the financial aspects of this book".

Wilmott's financial IQ is only average, if this book is to be the evidence. It seems Wilmott isn't up on the latest techniques, or can't be bothered to research them. Stochastic calculus for example. Lack of real world practical examples demonstrates lack of knowledge of how financial instruments work in practice.

The first resource
I own 'most' of the standard texts, oddly enough, this was one of my most recent purchases. Now, whenenver I need to find out about some concept I am unfamiliar with, or brush up on something, this is the first reference. Very often the other books don't get a look in.
Luckily I work from home. They aren't the sort of books you would take home from the office for bedtime reading, unless you did weightlifting as a hobby.
Pity the martingale approach is missing. Ignore the ridiculous comment by another reviewer who dismisses the martingale approach as useless. The approach is hard, that's all. It would be great to see it boiled down in further volumes.

Not practical or academic enough
The finance market is flooded with paper, but much is redundant and some isn't even very useful. This book manages to be both. "Market Models" by Carol Alexander is a fabulous resource. There are a lot of books and articles on quantitative finance and if you want only that, look through the literature and choose, but this book won't give enough comprehensive coverage to make it a buy. ... Read more

Book Description

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What does it take to be a successful fee-only financial planner? According to John Sestina, acclaimed "father of fee-only financial planning," the only special qualifications are a genuine desire to help people, an ability to listen, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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For professionals wondering whether fee-only financial planning is in their future, or for anyone in financial services who wants to stay current, Fee-Only Financial Planning is an eye-opening introduction to one of the financial world’s freshest, richest entrepreneurial careers. ... Read more

Book Description

Brinks Modern Internal Auditing, Sixth Edition is the updated edition of the respected reference in internal auditing addressing the increasingly important role internal auditors are playing in corporate America. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Focus on taxes and accounting concepts
I loved this book and it helps me move toward my goal of obtaining my Master's of Accounting. Although some of the concepts are very in depth, you can basically follow the author's direction and what he is trying to say. A great book for Accounting majors. ... Read more

Book Description

Project financing is an innovative and timely financing technique that has been used on many high-profile corporate projects, including Euro Disneyland and the Eurotunnel. Employing a carefully engineered financing mix, it has long been used to fund large-scale natural resource projects, from pipelines and refineries to electric-generating facilities and hydroelectric projects. Increasingly, project financing is emerging as the preferred alternative to conventional methods of financing infrastructure and other large-scale projects worldwide.

The intricacies of project financing are formidable, and can easily be misunderstood and, consequently, misused. While project financing structures share certain common features, by necessity, they require tailoring the package to the particular circumstances of the project. That is where both the benefits and the challenges lie.

As an investment banker currently with Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin, John D. Finnerty has a wealth of experience in project financing. Now, he brings his considerable expertise to a comprehensive exploration of the facts, figures—and potential faux pas—surrounding Project Financing.

What distinguishes project financing from conventional direct financing is that rather than looking to the firm's entire asset portfolio to generate cash flow, in project financing, the project is "a distinct legal entity" and the financing is tailored to the cash flow characteristics of the project assets. Such a structure can yield a more efficient allocation of risks and returns than conventional financing, but careful financial engineering is critical.

With actual examples and case studies, Project Financing takes you through the process step by step. It covers the rationale for project financing, how to prepare the financial plan, assess the risks, design the financing mix, and raise the funds. Along with cogent analyses of why some project financing plans have succeeded while others have failed, you'll find detailed information on:

• Designing contractual arrangements to support project financing
• Issues for the host government—legislative provisions, public/private infrastructure partnerships, public/private financing structures
• Credit requirements of lenders, and how to determine the project's borrowing capacity
• How to prepare cash flow projections and use them to measure expected rates of return
• Tax and accounting considerations
• Detailed case studies—including Euro Disneyland and the Eurotunnel Project—that illustrate how to apply the analytical techniques described in the book

From funding sources and contract options to security arrangements and legal requirements, Project Financing provides the most complete coverage available today.

Project financing is one of the hottest topics in corporate finance. As an effective alternative to conventional direct financing, it is being used more frequently—and more successfully—on a wide variety of projects. In this comprehensive new book, John D. Finnerty, Editor of Financial Management, takes an in-depth look at this important financing technique.

Praise for PROJECT FINANCING

"Owing to his teaching as a finance professor and as an experienced investment banker, John Finnerty brings to his book, Project Financing, an insightful perspective, blending the theoretical with the practical."—Zoltan Merszei, Former Chairman, President, and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company

"Finnerty has managed to distill the complexities of project financing with its myriad components and variations. Clear, practical, and in-depth, Project Financing is a valuable user's guide for project sponsors, regulators, host governments (local and foreign), and financiers alike."—Ricardo M. Campoy, Managing Director, ING Capital Corporation

"Project Financing warrants a place in the essential libraries of corporate financial managers, their advisors, senior strategists, bankers, large private investors, government officials, and anyone who aspires to master innovation in corporate finance."—Robert F. Bruner, Professor of Business Administration, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia

"This book is the first comprehensive treatment of project financing. It provides an invaluable contribution to financial management literature and practice."—Andrew H. Cohen, Distinguished Professor of Finance, Southern Methodist University ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Amazing finance tool.
One of the best books I've ever read. Extremely useful and updated. Strongly recommended.

good
do you have any book store in p.r.china? since i can't remit money abroad. but in china, i can do so. tks ... Read more