Book Description

Reviews (5)

READ THIS BOOK
This book is great. The reviews who have criticized this book are very uninformed people, who clearly do nothing besides preserving the status quo. I can picture them now eating their caviar while rolling down Rodeo Drive in a BMW. Anyways, read this book. Read anything and everything by Kevin Danaher, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva, etc. Open your eyes to what is going on in the world. We, the people, can, and must, reclaim our power.

Self-Congratulatory, Self-Serving and a Waste of Time
One wonders what those who contributed to this one-dimensional effort to justify or explain the anarchy in the streets at recent international meetings did with their time before they took up protesting as a profession. Certainly not work in the field of development for a serious organization trying to make a difference in the lives of those in developing countries. Who appointed them to speak on behalf of these poor? This book is a waste of time for anyone seriously concerned about the three billion people who live in poverty. It is unintentionally revealing of a group of people who presume to criticize organizations owned and run by legitimate governments accountable to their citizens, operating in a transparent fashion with clear identification of where their funding comes from and where it goes. The irony is that these self-declared protectors of the poor have been elected by no one, operate in relative secrecy, are intolerant of criticism and do not publicly disclose the sources of their funding.

A good read
This is a very good book if you are just beginning to be interested in the politics and actions of the Bretton Woods instititions. It is one of the few books I have found in this area of criticism that does a good job of including actual data to back its claims without dragging the reader down in economic methodolgy.

I personally feel that every member of the developed world should read this book just to know how they are being indirectly represented abroad through their tax-dollars.

A splendid crash course
If you want to find out what the protests in Seattle (anti-WTO, December 1999) and Washington, DC (anti-World Bank and IMF, April 2000) were about, go for this book. Concise pieces of about five pages each written by leading figures of the movement for global social and economic justice, with pointers to books and organizations if you want to know more - this book is one of the best intros to the movement known to me.

Simple-minded rantings of self-righteous malcontents
This book is written by people who think moral purity is directly tied to poverty, and that anyone's moral worth is in direct inverse relation to their economic worth. They presume that without economic development created by capitalism the world would be a better place! If you think that is true, and that poverty can be eliminated by eliminating wealth, then you probably think that China and the former Soviet Union have eliminated poverty in their countries, and you will probably agree with the premises of this book. Otherwise, don't waste your time. ... Read more

Book Description

The fascinating story of this financial monolith which exerted great influence in its time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you think business isn't interesting, read this
This was truly a life-changing book for me when I read it 25-30 years ago. Up til then I had thought of myself as a kind of Bohemian, more interested in the arts and "higher things" than anything like business. At the time I was a penniless freelance writer, working in a library job that bored me. I was attracted to the book by the Renaissance Italy theme, but what I found was quite a revelation.

The Medici engaged in some of the same sorts of sophisticated financial transactions that people use today -- including currency arbitrage and venture capital. But since the objects of the transactions were very concrete, physical things (coins, precious stones, etc.), it's easy to get a good understanding of what they were doing. That's how I got interested in business, and ultimately into a career as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalist.

I also learned that many of the familiar masterpieces of Renaissance painting in museums around the world had been commissioned by branch managers of the Medici Bank. When the Medici found out that one of their managers had commissioned a painting, they figured his head had gotten too big, and they fired him. Very entertaining history! ... Read more

Book Description

Bigwig Briefs: Become an Investment Banker includes knowledge excerpts from some of the leading I-Bankers in the world on ways to become a investment banker, be successful, and rise through the ranks. These highly acclaimed I-Bankers from some of the biggest brand name financial companies in the world (such as the heads of investment banking from Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup and more) explain the secrets behind keeping your deal skills sharp, working with a team, empowering positive change within your group, working with your boss, utilizing your "special" banking talents, getting noticed, motivating others and additional important topics. A must have for every individual involved in investment banking, or wanting to get into investment banking, at every level.

Praise For Bigwig Briefs:

"...required reading...short, authoritative and worth its weight in gold..." Murray B. Low, Executive Director, Eugene M. Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, Columbia Business School

"An invaluable resource for executives and financial professionals." Graham D.S. Anderson, General Partner, EuclidSR Partners

Bigwig Briefs features condensed business intelligence from industry insiders and are the best way for business professionals to stay on top of the most pressing issues. Each brief is less than 100 pages, can be read in 1.5-3 hours, and represents the best way for executives to comprehend the most important information on a given topic in the most time efficient manner possible, while also having a valuable resource they can put on their bookshelf to refer back to over the years. Bigwig Briefs features knowledge excerpts from best selling business books published by Aspatore, other leading business book publishers, and essays written by leading executives for inclusion in a particular brief. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good book...do not miss.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone going into, or thinking of going into investment banking. I am now an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and this book was really helpful to me landing the job (and getting integrated)

The excerpts from leading investment bankers is extremely useful and really helps for interviewing or just getting integrated into a new investment bank. Especially useful was the chapter written by the head of investment banking from Merrilly Lynch.

The book is short and very easy to read. I highligh recommend it for anyone interested in investment banking.

Misleading title -- a disappointment
There is not much to this book - 80 pages of large print, double-spaced text. The book is organized into 10 sections - one for each "bigwig" that was interviewed. You get the impression that each contributor was asked to talk for 5 or 10 minutes about something - anything - that pertained to their job.

More disturbing is that the final 4 contributors are not investment bankers at all, but are venture capitalists (who talk about venture capital), so 40% of the book has nothing to do with investment banking.

Finally (and rather remarkably), I don't think the book gave any advice on actually becoming an investment banker - wasn't that the point?

Two stars is probably a generous assessment, but the book does shed some light on what investment banks actually "do," and the traits of good investment bankers - albeit very senior ones, since the job description of a junior banker is very different from senior one (read: crunching numbers v. generating M&A ideas & maintaining relationships with CEOs). ... Read more

Book Description

The revolution occurring in finance for low-income people refers to commercial microfinance—the delivery of financial services to the economically active poor on a large scale through competing, financially self-sufficient institutions.

Lessons from Indonesia, volume 2 of The Microfinance Revolution, examines in the Indonesian context the principles and practices of commercial microfinance that were explored and analyzed in volume 1.

The first country to develop profitable microfinance on a large scale, Indonesia is home to the world’s oldest and largest commercial microfinance institutions, as well as many others.

The book examines many financial institutions, with a special emphasis on Bank Rakyat Indonesia’s microbanking system, which in the mid-1980s was transformed from a failed subsidized credit program to a nationwide commercial financial intermediary that now profitably provides microfinance services—savings and credit—to more than 20 million people. Commercial microbanking remained stable and profitable in Indonesia even as the country's financial system collapsed during the recent crisis. This volume shows why, and offers crucial lessons for developing countries everywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Becoming operational in 2007, the Basel Capital Accord initiative is an effort to bring order to international capital markets and level the playing field for banks. Bottom line, officials hope to align capital with the risks faced by banks.However, despite the worldwide endorsements by regulators, the Accord may not be the sure thing everyone hopes it will be.It is very costly to implement and is not suitable for all banks.The question remains, though: Will it succeed? Gathering perspectives from the top minds in the field of international banking and finance, Gup's intriguing book The New Basel Capital Accord offers authoritative, provocative, and practical discussion and analysis of the impact of the Accord and discusses new opportunities for regulatory arbitrage. ... Read more

Book Description

"I have lost track of how many times over the years I have either reread this book in its entirety or dipped into it to refresh my memory of its wisdom."—From the Foreword by Peter L. Bernstein author of Against the Gods.

First published in 1873, this classic book is a timeless excursion through Lombard Street, the original district of finance and the birthplace of the money market. Written by esteemed British economist and historian Walter Bagehot, it delivers observations, insights, and truths that ring as true today as they did more than a century ago.

Acclaim for Lombard Street.

"Walter Bagehot was a great economist and a great writer—though there is a question as to which was the greater. Lombard Street, first published in 1873, is more than ever timely in the age of Asian financial flu, Long-Term Capital Management, problems in Russia, Brazil, and on the horizon elsewhere. Central bankers and finance ministers such as Alan Greenspan and Robert Rubin in the U.S., along with leading IMF officials should each sleep with a copy under his or her pillow."—Charles P. Kindleberger author of Manias, Panics and Crashes

"The briefest and truest way of describing Lombard Street is to say that it is by far the greatest combination of economical power and economical delicacy that the world has ever seen."—Walter Bagehot

The English precursor to Wall Street, London's Lombard Street is the original district of finance and the birthplace of the money market. Fast-paced and highly-charged, it is a hotbed of financial activity whose impact is felt not just nationally, but globally. Though similar in many ways to its American counterpart, this "unequalled fund of floating money" nevertheless possesses a character all its own, the essence of which was brilliantly captured more than a century ago in Lombard Street.

The chef d'oeuvre of Walter Bagehot, Lombard Street began as a series of articles the esteemed essayist and financial advisor had written for the Economist during the 1850s. First published in book form in 1873, it is a vivid description of the money market that seamlessly brings together theoretical analyses, historical anecdotes, and incisive commentary on sociology, politics, and the Street's various personalities.

Sharing his invaluable insights and unique observations, Bagehot touches on everything from the mechanics of deposit banking within a fractional reserve system to the nature of foreign deposits in Britain. Along with a clear explanation of why economic growth and rising living standards are dependent upon a well-managed financial system, he offers straightforward guidelines for the function of lender-of-last resort; a penetrating look at the consequences of uncontrolled credit and speculation; and an in-depth examination of the role of the exchequer in the money market that includes a stimulating analysis of the interaction between the government's fiscal operations and the functioning of the Bank of England, the commercial banks, and the money market. Perhaps most importantly, Lombard Street features Bagehot's prescription for crisis management, which after nearly 150 years, remains the formula of choice for containing—and curtailing—financial crises.

Filled with descriptions of Lombard Street that still ring true today, this jewel of a book has withstood the test of time to become a true investment classic—one that will appeal as much to the readers of today as it did to those of years ago. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The human face of finance
Can a book about finance written in 1873 be helpful in a world with complex financial markets and plenty of information about how they work? The answer is yes. It is not that "Lombard Street" is a classic that one finds quoted many a time; the reader's interest should transcend historical inquiry or curiosity; "Lombard Street" should be read and revered by anyone interested in the underlying, abiding features of financial markets.

But what are those characteristics? Bagehot, then editor of The Economist, writes that credit centers on trust: "Credit means that a certain confidence is given, a certain trust reposed." And, banks always have on-demand liabilities that far exceed their readily available assets. In short, credit works on trust, and the system, in the absence of trust, can fall apart rapidly.

What follows from these premises is a careful examination of how the money market came about, what its uses are, how its operations are connected to trade and country's overall welfare, and, most importantly, how central banks can deal with financial crises. Written elegantly, "Lombard Street" is, at the same time, an introductory overview of the market and a trenchant analysis of its most salient features.

But what makes "Lombard Street" timeless is that it deals with finance in its human form. Bagehot talks about power, prestige and perception as much as he does about interest, discount, and credit. Trust is based on institutions and people: the human features of finance-trust, anxiety, mania, optimism-are timeless and apply to the financial markets of the nineteenth, twentieth, or twenty-first century. That is why "Lombard Street" is an ever useful introduction and guide.

A classic must-read
Walter Bagehot was the first editor of the now world-famous Economist magazine, which has in many ways remained faithful to the liberal philosophy (in a European sense)of its founder. Lombard Street might be difficult to read at first, but as with Charles Dickens once you get used to the style the tale is riveting. And his advice on how a central bank, as the lender of last resort, should behave in the face of a banking crisis remains valid to this day.

Very Thorough, yet Tough to Read
Wiley Investment Classics generally fall into two categories, tough and dreary reads full of information, and lively entertaining accounts which also educate. Unfortunately, Mr. Bagehot and Mr. Bernstein's text is the former. The book does an outstanding job of promoting the importance of a strong central banking system and the importance of strict credit control when combating financial crises. However, it does so amidst extremely repetitive and somewhat painful language. The authors provide outstanding quantitative and anecdotal evidence supporting their case, but they do so in such a way that makes the book a true labor to read.

This book would be very beneficial to anyone doing research on, or working for some kind of central banking organization. Otherwise, I would suggest looking to any of the other Wiley Investment Classics for a more interesting and educational read about finance. ... Read more

Book Description

The history of the microfinance movement in Latin America is brought to life through the lens of the Bolivian experience in MAINSTREAMING MICROFINANCE. Microcredit in Bolivia grew and became successful in only a decade, lifting an enormous segment of the country's population into the financial mainstream in the process. The example of its high-achieving institutions charted a course for the development of the international microfinance field.

Drawing on participant interviews, Elisabeth Rhyne details how Bolivia's special breed of social entrepreneurs found the keys to unlock the huge unmet demand of informal clients. She explores how these social activists shaped the character of the institutions that now dominate Bolivia's microfinance sector, and traces how these institutions proved that lending to microenterprises could become a commerical business. Rhyne investigates the transformation of NGOs into formal financial institutions, led by the creation of BancoSol, and closely examines microfinance under the conditions of commercialization and competition that have altered the dynamics of the new industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Are you ready to turn the way you think about investing upside down?

Ever think about how banks and insurance companies invest their money? Ever think about how much money they make on your savings or insurance premiums? What most people don’t know is that, for decades, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions have been enjoying high yield returns on their money with VERY low risk.They use the capital provided by the small investor and, in exchange for the use of that capital, they pay interest rates that are a fraction of their own return.How can you "cut out the middleman" so to speak and obtain those high rates for yourself?There is no real secret to safely obtaining these types of yields, if you know where to look.

Learn how to invest the way banks do. This book takes you on a step by step journey into the world of high yield low risk investing.

It has been said that in life timing is everything. As I look around at the precarious state of the economy, the roller coaster stock market, and the low rate of return on investments coupled with the still high cost of borrowing, I know that when it comes to the Tax Lien and Deed industry, THE TIME IS NOW. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Helpful "How To" Guide
This book has been extremely helpful in teaching me how to invest safely in tax lien certificates. I've been earning 18% annual interest in Florida and couldn't be happier with the results. The author does a great job of getting you started and answering your questions (even if you don't know anything about investing in tax lien certificates). Many other states around the country offer high rates of return to invest in liens against real property. If you want to learn how to make your money work for you...i recommend buying this book.

Great overview of the Tax Lien and Deed Industry
For anyone who wants to get a basic understanding of how tax liens and deeds work, how to discover where to find the sales and how to research and purchase them, this is the book. A quick read without a lot of puff and fluff it gives you all the info you need to get started.

great overview without the self-promotion
An easy to read concise look at the tax lien and deed industry with a really useful list of questions to ask when you call counties to find out about their sales. Most other books I've read deal with Lien OR deed purchase. This deals with both. I don't like to spend a lot of time reading I would rather do and this was definitely the book to get me doing. Very motivating.

pamphlet review #2
I agree with a previous reviewer, this is a booklet, not a book. My wife and I read this book separately and we both thought it was a waste of money for the content. Granted, there is a little bit of information that one could use, but not much. What's worse are the "forms" the author supplied in the book. Are they examples or are they for actual use? She would've been better off supplying a CD of them which would make them of some use to the reader.
I would get the 16% Solution, a way better, more informative book.

A very informative book
This book is written in a very understandable way.It is especially good for beginners who want to learn how to invest their money to earn a very high interest rate. This has to be one of the best kept secrets. I look foreward to useing the information I've learned from this book. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is the first full length work in fourty years on the history of early American banking.It reveals new interpretations of early banking practices and why there was a need to change and progress with the times. This volume compares early banking with today's more advanced economic theory.Each section contains valuable research as well as contemporary findings and interpretations. ... Read more

Book Description

Charlotte-based NationsBank, formerly named NCNB, became one of the nation's leading financial powers following its acquisition in 1988 of First Republic Bank of Texas and its merger in 1991 with Atlanta-based C&S/Sovran. The authors provide a corporate history of this maverick financial institution. ... Read more

Book Description

Central banks can shape economic growth, affect income distribution, influence a country's foreign relations, and determine the extent of its democracy. While there is considerable literature on the political economy of central banking in OECD countries, this is the first book-length study focused on central banking in emerging market countries. Surveying the dramatic worldwide trend toward increased central bank independence in the 1990s, the book argues that global forces must be at work. These forces, the book contends, center on the character of international financial intermediation. Going beyond an explanation of central bank independence, Sylvia Maxfield posits a general framework for analyzing the impact of different types of international capital flows on the politics of economic policymaking in developing countries.

The book suggests that central bank independence in emerging market countries does not spring from law but rather from politics. As long as politicians value them, central banks will enjoy independence. Central banks are most likely to be independent in developing countries when politicians desire international creditworthiness. Historical analyses of central banks in Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Thailand, and quantitative analyses of a larger sample of developing countries corroborate this investor signaling explanation of broad trends in central bank status.

Book Description

The Teller's Handbook shows all front-line banking personnel how to handle customer questions, process every type of request, effectively cross-sell today's financial products, and more! A nationwide bestseller for nearly 30 years, and now completely revised, updated and expanded to encompass all financial institutions including commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions, this essential guidebook is packed with crystal-clear charts, graphs. . .even cartoons! But don't let influential author Joan German-Grapes' friendly, interesting, and humorous style fool you.

The Teller's Handbook delivers solid, no-nonsense answers to every important operational question. On top of the comprehensive, insightful information and "Bankability Basics" for whichthis book is famous, German-Grapes has added new sections on tips and strategies for doing your job well, making sure your best work is noticed, and landing that important first promotion; practical and profitable advice on successfully selling today's complex financial services and products to every customer as well as how to deal with the competition; cross-selling, and ways to identify which customers are sure to be the best candidates for each product; and becoming a trained salesperson who knows how to ask for the business and use the best "closes" for different situations; and ways effective teamwork can help. Don't get left behind!

With updated information about current regulations, rules on how to dress for success, and "red flags" for the newest fraud and theft tactics, The Teller's Handbook will show you how to carve out a promising career in today's high-pressure, but high-opportunity, world of retail financial services. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Must-have Handbook for Tellers
Its topics are superb in enhancing tellers' banking knowledge, or bankability quality. Not only it can be considered or drafted in part of the banking institutions' training manuals. It serves to boost your self-confidence in opting for this profession as your career prospect. You will definitely enlightened as I had; that changed my minds to remain in this frontline business rather than to some administrative position. You would not regret reading it or even to the extend of buying it for your library collection as I did. ... Read more

Book Description

Would you like to:
Legally avoid taxes?
Enjoy lucrative profits?
Protect your assets?
Raise capital?
Lower loan costs?

Arm yourself with the most powerful business tool known—your own offshore bank. Not just a tool for major corporations, international banks can be started and run by a mid-sized company or even a single individual. No matter what your experience, let expert Jerome Schneider, who's advised more individuals in starting their own banks overseas than any other person in America, show you step-by-step. From how and where to choose the best management company to identifying the best location for you, from protecting your assets to maximizing your profits, this book shows you how to take advantage of hospitable banking environments offshore.

Schneider, author of the financial bestsellers The Complete Guide to Offshore Money Havens and Global Investing for Maximum Profit and Safety, discusses the fourteen leading international banking centers. Learn about licensing fees, banking reputation, infrastructure, tax regulations, banking laws, start-up cash, and more required for these hot international banking centers:

Anguilla • Bahamas • Barbados • Belize • British Virgin Islands • Cayman Islands • Cook Islands • Grenada • Hong Kong • Nauru • Netherlands Antilles • Turks and Caicos • Vanuatu • Western Samoa ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good Primer. Too much self promotion.
There is a lot of information jam packed into this book. Mr.Schneider uses many examples, anecdotes, and political reasons for why you should own your own Private International Bank and how to go about doing it.

Some of the ideas for their use are never fully developed. It is also dangerous to just get started from this information alone. Owning your own bank has a lot of regulatory pitfalls both in the United States and abroad. He also never fully develops the ideas about captive insurance companies.

Now with the new United States scrutinization of offshore havens after Sept. 11th much of the information is outdated and many ideas are now useless. The two places he recommends Vanauatu and Nauru have come under intense scrutingy for their banking license policies.

Mr.Schneider's book is easy to read and does a great job of pumping you up. It reminds me of an infomercial in that respect.
The primary detractor of the book is the constant selling of Mr.Schneider's services and other products.

Interesting read, I have been a financial advisor for 11 years and I have written several books on my area of expertise, but at the end of the day, when my clients ask me about going offshore I always discourage it.

There is nothing "new".
This is the first time in I life I thought of returning a book I got online. A lot of bla-bla, but the real information in this book, is ZERO, if you are really after a how-to book. To my humble opinion what the title creates as expection from this book and what actually this book could offer are several miles apart.

Thanks,

Spiros,
MEng, MSc, MMath

Quick and easy overview to owning an offshore bank !
I found this book to be a fast-reading, informative overview to owning an offshore international bank. Its 12 chapters cover topics ranging from how these banks work, privacy issues, risks and tax-benefits, to asset protection, case histories and how and where to begin. I'm interested in finance, but do not currently have my own offshore bank. There's plenty of useful information in this volume, but reading it is just the beginning. Anyone venturing into this area of banking should certainly personally obtain the assistance of an "expert" in the field. If you're considering such a venture, reading this book is an appropriate start.

0
I think the book is helpful if you are in a early stage of setting up a offshore bank and need more information about different jurisdictions and examples of bank operations.

The book is rather out of date when it comes to some jurisdictions though. The most interesting jurisdiction today (if you ask me), Republic of Montenegro, with only USD10K in capital requirement is not mentioned at all.

I have already set up a Montenegro bank of my own (through...) and the irony is that this book is promoted from that site.

An Infomercial that YOU Have to Pay For
Like his other books, this offers some information, but is woefully shy on useable details except when it comes to the "Schneider Approach." For approximately $40,000 Jerome will set you up in little known jurisdiction like Vanuatu or Nauru in a bank that will cost you plenty. The question is, what can you do with it? For the vast majority of offshore investors, an offshore bank is very expensive and only useable for those who want to conduct actual global banking business. Translation - If you are an international banker with an experienced team, a correspondent bank and millions of $ behind you, a bank makes sense. For all others, it probably doesn't.

I have found many better books on the market for those who are looking to venture offshore.

... Read more

Book Description

'Regulation and Compliance in Operations' looks at how regulation affects the operations function by focusing on regulatory issues and drivers.As regulatory demands ever increasing, it is important for operations teams to be aware of the important regulatory issues which exist globally.




Like any other part of an organization in the financial services industry, operations has rules and regulations to comply with. Although many view regulation as being about rooting out rogue traders and controlling speculators, its role is much more profound than this, and without it many more 'scandals' would undoubtedly occur.

The problem for the regulator is that unless total oversight of every transaction, account, business and individual can be made, there will always be rogue traders or more recent examples like Enron and World.Com. As such intense oversight is not practical, the regulator can only do so much, with most of the responsibility resting with the firms and organizations themselves.

For operations teams their role in protecting the firm stems from their ability to manage critical processes like reconciliation, asset position agreements and the nostro accounts efficiently and effectively. Regulators need the help and support of the businesses to have a 'business-friendly environment'. When some abuse the trust placed in them and the regulatory environment, a 'scandal' or worse occurs, with the result that the majority are penalized as regulators react to criticism and apply more onerous regulations.

It is often the operations teams that bear most, or at least some, of the repercussions of greater regulatory oversight of the business.It is therefore vitally important for operations teams to have a firm understanding of the regulatory issues and drivers. This book will help you gain that understanding, as well as looking at the important regulatory issues in the various global markets in which your business operates.

* This book completes the popular Securities Institute Operations Management Series
* Explains the role of regulation and compliance in UK, US and global financial markets
* Provides a valuable perspective from the operations department viewpoint without getting caught up in the minute details of regulations ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Banks want you to over draw your account!
Great Book!

My favorite, is the fact that the banks invented ATM and debit
cards so that you would accidently overdraw your account.The banks accutually love it when you do that.They get to charge
you for this little error.
Actual cost of overdraft of a check:

Computer Cost: 0.25
Employee's Processing cost:0.50
Mailing cost of OD notice: 0.32(not current rate)

Total1.07

Now is that what they charge you no, they make a tidy profit
about $24.00 if the charge was $25.

He tells you ways to find the best mortgage, how to find an alternative checking account, and better ways to save that just letting the bank hold it for you.

He states how to negotiate with the bank IF you choose to get a loan there.He tells you how points on a loan are like addiditional dealer profit that car dealers charge you for doing nothing!

He also says how most banks' safety deposits can be jimmed with a screw driver and other reasons not to use them.

He gives a few phone numbers on where to purchase mail order checks at half of what the bank charges.

He also gives ways to find out if your bank is safe.But what about the FDIC.He gives reasons why that little FDIC sign at the bank should not be helping you to sleep at night.

IT is a must read for anyone that uses a bank!

There is so much more in the book, this is just the tip of the
iceberg!

IF YOU'RE A BANK CUSTOMER , YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
This has to be the best book ever written on the subject of consumer banking. It deserves more than five stars.It was given to me as a present from my father with a note that read, "This should be read by every bank customer in America and taught in every school." With that grandiose prelude I was expecting to be disappointed - I wasn't. No matter what the service, it's covered in detail. And most importantly, it's not just what I call a "gripe book." In addition to explaining how we're being ripped off, the author shows us how to fight back. Since I read it I now receive virtually all my banking needs for free instead of being nickel and dimed to death. Last month I purchased a new car. Following the advice in the book I saved over $1,000 on the bank finance and product charges that were first offered to me.I realize now, after reading this book, that banks depend on us (the consumer) not knowing how they play the game - and because we don't understand, and are often intimidated, we are grossly overcharged for services. That's not going to happen to anyone who reads this book.One last thought - this is the first financial book I've ever read that I enjoyed and could completely and totally understand and put into immediate use. As I said, this book deserves more than five stars.

Perfect introduction to financial institutions
I understand that financial analysts or banking professionals may disagree, but the information in this book is priceless to someone who knows little about how banks *really* operate and view the banking customer. After reading this book, I never want to use the "services" of a bank again.

True, i'm often highly suspicious of any institution with ties to the government, but with this book I was finally vindicated of my concerns.

It is safe to say that, to the layperson - someone who isn't biased(works for a bank) - they'll never see the banking system the same again after reading this book. It is a MUST HAVE if you have ever wondered why YOU have to pay (in some cases) THEM for a checking account. After reading this book, my thoughts changed from "$10 is cheap" to "they should be paying ME to let them hold my paychecks." It is also a must is you have ever wondered why you feel submissive to THEM, in dealings with your bank.

I had many "run-ins" with a bank last year, and although it didn't save me the pain from dealing with them (too late, unfortunately), it was an awakening and explanation to their banking practices.

I'll never open a checking or savings account again. It paid for itself in the first few pages.

This book is liberating!!!

Leo - out of the system now.

Stay away!
This book is riddled with faulty analysis and inaccurate information. Theauthor doesn't understand simple concepts (like the time value of money andthe home mortgage interest tax deduction). You're better off reading"The Truth About Money" if you want a good financial guide.

Excellent! Should be required reading for college/H.S.
What a informative book. Where do I click to give a 6 stars rating?I have a limited knowledge of the banking world.I will certainly use the information for my first home purchase.I am so happy he wrote a book likethis. He should receive a medal from Consumers' Union. ... Read more