Book Description

“Bernstein has become a guru to a peculiarly ’90s group: well-educated, Internet-powered people intent on investing well—and with minimal ‘help’ from professional Wall Street.”--Robert Barker, BusinessWeek

William Bernstein is one of today’s most unlikely financial heroes. A practicing neurologist, he used his self-taught investment knowledge and research to build a popular investor’s website. Now, in the plain-spoken The Intelligent Asset Allocator, he shows independent investors how to build a diversified portfolio—without the help of a financial advisor. A breath of fresh air for investors tired of overly technical investment tomes, this book will help investors:
• Learn the risk/reward characteristics ofvarious investment types
• Understand and apply portfolio theory for an improved risk/reward ratio
• Sharpen their focus, and take control of their investment programs William Bernstein (North Bend, OR) runs a website—www.efficientfrontier.com—known for its quarterly journal of asset allocation and portfolio theory, Efficient Frontier. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

An Essential Tool For Serious Investors
Dr. Bernstein's excellent presentation in this text of Modern Portfolio Theory (in particular, mean-variance analysis) and his three-step approach to asset allocation should not be overlooked by the serious investor or by investment advisors. While some background in statistics would be helpful to the reader, don't run away if you are not a mathmetician. Read the chapters slowly, one at a time, and you'll gain valuable insights into the all-important asset allocation decision. No other text I've read to date better explains Modern Portfolio Theory and the underlying theories of asset allocation to the lay investor.

Dr. B effectively presents additional arguments for value investing and tax-efficient investing. The last chapter also contains a very useful reading list, providing a synopsis of books by Malkeil, Bogle, Haugen, and a host of web sites which can provide valuable data and reading. Investors should not overlook Dr. Bernstein's own web site, which is frequently updated with his newsletters.

The very beginning investor should perhaps first explore Bogle's Common Sense on Mutual Funds, and then explore texts by Burton Malkeil, Larry Swedroe, and perhaps a few others. This text can then be dived into (patiently). Bruce Temkin's recent text, The Terrible Truth About Investing, should then follow, lest the individual investor believe that he or she knows it all.

I highly recommend this text as an addition to every serious individual investor's library, and to investment advisors desiring to explore the fundamentals of Modern Portfolio Theory.

Very good but with some inconsistencies.
This book is a very good read that kept my attention. The book focuses on low-cost index fund oriented investing across various types of investments and is a good companion book to A Random Walk Down Wall Street. The author looks at both investment theory and how the theory applies to actual market history. Although the theory can involve a little too much math at times for some readers, this is not a problem as the author's point comes across clearly.

Although the book was generally excellent, some of the author's points are inconsistent. For example, the author talks at length about how future returns are unpredictable but later states that stock prices are overvalued and due for a downturn. Additionally, the author stresses how periodic portfolio rebalancing is important in asset allocation but then says that there is a strong argument for never rebalancing due to tax consequences. However, these inconsistencies are insignificant to the work as a whole and I strongly recommend this book.

The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio
Bernstein has become a guru to a peculiarly '90s group: well-educated, Internet-powered people intent on investing well-and with minimal 'help' from professional Wall Street

Outstanding all the way around
I've read many investment books but this one is a cut above. Bernstein is a gifted author and lays a path for the reader to reduce investment risk while increasing investment returns though, what else, intelligent asset allocation. He covers the tradeoffs of mutual funds and stock picking but the real meat of the reading is the benefits of asset allocation (spreading your investments into classes that move independently of one another) and how one might implement such a strategy. He stops short of telling you which strategy but he does provide sufficient data for you to get started.

Bernstein is a gifted writer and a powerful, logical presenter of what should be an easily managable financial strategy. It should be the only book you need on investing.

Don't be scared
When you pick up this book and look through it the graphs my scare you. Don't let your math phobia kick in. William Bernstein does a great job of walking you through each chapter. In fact at the end of one of the first chapters he tells you to put the book down for a few days and just digest the information. I would rate myself as at least an investor with moderate investing knowledge. I found this book helpful and the charts held validate the points Mr. Bernstein is making. I suspect I will refer to it often when I have a guestion about investing. ... Read more

Book Description

EVERYBODY WINS

Inside stories and strategies behind the remarkable growth of RE/MAX, and how to use them for competitive success in virtually any industry

"This is a book about dreaming with your eyes wide open, a book about success and winning and leading, and most of all, it is a book that contains important lessons for all organizations that want to become great."
—Warren Bennis, author of On Becoming a Leader and Distinguished Professor of Business, USC

"I love the word 'Wow.' And though I've by now 'seen it all,' or most of it anyway, I found myself saying 'Wow' time and time again as I highlighted my way through Everybody Wins. The RE/MAX saga—the story of a huge industry turned upside-down and inside-out by an outrageously bold dream, incredible tenacity, and uncommon business sense—yields inspiring and practical lessons for all of us. As I said, 'Wow.' "
—Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence

"Everybody Wins is a must-read for any executive serious about sustainable growth and innovation. A powerful resource guide to the next generation of leaders focused on building great companies!"
—James D. White, Senior Vice President Business Development, North America, The Gillette Company

"When the business dream is applied with leadership, passion, a clear brand, and committed people, incredibly great sustained performance and growth occur. The RE/MAX story is one of those inspiring fairy tales where a dream and passion of the founder have led to an incredible success and one where there is a unique outcome—everybody does win!"
—Steve Steinour, Chairman Mid-Atlantic Regional Banking, Citizens Bank

"Everybody Wins offers valuable advice on how to build a culture that supports innovation, growth, and constant learning. The chapter on 'Pace Line Leadership' is essential reading for leaders who want to turn vision into action."
—John Hammergren, Chairman and CEO, McKesson Corporation ... Read more

Book Description

The stock market has always been a centerpiece of the American financial scene. With a balanced portfolio that includes stocks you can make a relatively quick profit or save for retirement—if you know what you’re doing.

Whether you’re a beginner that wants to take a crash course on stock investing or you’re already a stock investor who would like to review your current situation, Stock Investing For Dummies has valuable lessons to offer. 

Stock Investing For Dummies will give you a realistic approach to making money in stocks. It offers the essence of sound, practical stock investing strategies and insights that have been market tested and proven from nearly a hundred years of stock market history. This book will help you succeed not only in up markets, but also in down markets. Easy-to-follow and reassuring, this guide will make you a better-informed investor through an exploration of:

• What stocks are and why you should invest in them
• How to create a successful stock portfolio
• The best ways to invest: conservative, aggressive, long-term, short-term
• Information gathering techniques you can use to research stocks before you invest in them
• Investing for growth versus income
• How to analyze industries, companies, and stocks
• Minimizing the tax on your capital gains
• Knowing when not to invest
• How to choose the right broker

Bull markets and bear markets come and go, but the informed investor can keep making money no matter what. Packed with tips for building wealth and holding on to it, Stock Investing For Dummies will show you how to buy and sell with confidence in no time! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Tight book
For some odd reason the book I got has a different cover. Nevertheless, this is a funny and helpful book.

Solid Easy to Read Foundation
I knew nothing about the stock market, but this book covered all the key concepts in a easy to read and understand format--highly recommended.

A GREAT REFRESHER COURSE FOR THE SEASONED INVESTOR
I read almost every book I can about investing. I have been investing since I was a paperboy at age 16. A man came to my parent's home and presented stock to purchase in an insurance company that was going public. My father, brother and I bought shares in that company. (I realize now that we made a very risky choice in purchasing stocks from a man selling door-to-door). Several years later, I sold my shares to pay college expenses. After college, I jumped into buying low-priced stocks. I later was introduced to a system of buying low-priced stocks of $3 or less a share by an investor named R. Max Bowser. Somewhere in the 1970s I began receiving free copies of a newsletter that he started. After a year, I remember having to subscribe in order to keep receiving the monthly newsletter. I have found his system to be profitable and easy to understand. In addition to the featured book, "Stock Investing for Dummies," I would also recommend R. Max Bowser's books. I have recently read Mr. Bowser's newest book which is based on his investing experience over the past 24 years. After buying "Stock Investing For Dummies," I would recommend getting hold of a copy of "Guaranteed Profits: The Only Stock Market Investment System That Comes With A $5,000 Guarantee," by R. Max Bowser. I have never known of another author making such a guarantee.

Very Basic Stuff
I thought that this book was very simple, too simple, almost to the point of being useless. It has all the basic stuff but it just seems simple and very basic. I think one needs more including the do's and dont's including some guidance or the investor could lose a lot of money - and quickly.

This is a competitive market with hundreds of books on the market. I like any book by John C. Bogle, the founder of the Vanguard Group of mutual funds or by William J. O'Neil. Another good source of books is the Bob Brinker reading list at www.bobbrinker.com.

This book just leaves me feeling like it is a bit light weight.

3 Stars.

Jack in Toronto

Great book on stock investing
I purchased this book in an attempt to decipher all the stock market jargon on the Internet. This book has helped me understand the vast majority of the terms, and gives solid information for first time investers (the author even explains WHEN NOT to get into stock investing). The layout and organization of the book is the reason I gave it five stars. ... Read more

Book Description

This leading textbook for the college introductory real estate principles course is a comprehensive, well written text known for its easy to understand and practical approach to the principles of real estate.Highlights include:
* Instructor Resources available online at www.dearbornRE.com, including a PowerPoint presentation.
* "Real Estate Today" advisory boxes analyze specific legal cases and controversial issues in the industry.
* A recurring case study is woven thoughout the book,highlighting the decision process in a typical real estate transaction.
* "Close Ups", "Legal Highlights" and "Case Studies" appear thoughout to provide "real world" applications of the concepts.
* Contains a student study guide CD ROM with interactive case studies. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Book lacks modern finance perspectives
This book is good for residential licensees perhaps but otherwise is out of date.

Real Estate Principles
The authors introduce the principles of real estate at an elementary level using an impressive organizational style. Covers all fundamental aspects of real estate with no bias applications (ex. State Laws, Personal Experience). Perfect for the beginner of real estate. ... Read more

Book Description

Real estate titan, bestselling author, and TV impresario Donald J. Trump reveals the secrets of his success. Over the years, everyone has urged Trump to write on this subject, but it wasn't until NBC and executive producer Mark Burnett asked him to star in The Apprentice that he realized just how hungry people are to learn how great personal wealth is created and first-class businesses are run.

In Trump: How To Get Rich, Trump tells all -- about the lessons learned from The Apprentice, his real estate empire, his position as head of the 20,000-member Trump Organization, and his most important role, as a father who has successfully taught his children the value of money and hard work.

With his characteristic brass and smarts, Trump offers insights on how to:

• Invest wisely
• Impress the boss and get a raise
• Manage a business efficiently
• Hire, motivate, and fire employees
• Negotiate anything
• Maintain the quality of your brand
• Think big and live large

Plus, The Donald tells all on the art of the hair! ... Read more

Reviews (147)

The Worst Book Ever Written
Yes, this is the worst book that I have ever read - I would imagine the worst book ever written. For someone that brags endlessly about being a perfectionist, he should be embarrassed. If you want to spend your money to have Trump brag non-stop and then ultimately learn nothing, this is the book for you. There have to be at least 30 pictures of the guy. He somehow manages, between headings and chapter spacing to add an extra 100 pages to the book. One word: pathetic.

Very good read but not exactly true to its title
This book is everything that you would expect it to be: well written, entertaining, full of insight into Trump and his accomplishments. However, it is missing one essential ingredient: any formula for how to get (financially) rich as the title states/implies. I use the word "imply" as well because the title does not specifically have to mean how to get financially rich. The underlying theme of the book is to find the field you are happy in and work hard at what you do. Of course, that in and of itself will not make everyone financially independent. However, throughout the book Trump continually speaks about the strong relationships he has with not only his family (ex-wives included), but with his employees, who tend to be very loyal to him and the Trump organization. But in the end, I was entertained and enjoyed reading the various stories and loved that each chapter was no more than a few pages, which helps prevent boredom on any particular subject that one may not find interesting.

Attention to detail and seeing the big picture...
Personally, years ago, the first time I read about "The Donald", there was something about him that I really liked - I couldn't actually put my finger on exactly what it was, but there was an instant admiration, and a clear, instinctive impression that he was straight forward, honest and tremendously hard working. A true American character.

Through the media we watched his well-publicised divorce from Ivana, and his near bankruptcy in the realm of 9.2 billion dollars. At that time, particularly here in Australia, we had our own 80's millionaires fall from grace, and the public at large loved every minute of it. As a society, we love to see the mighty fall; it seems to be in our natures. But unlike some of our fallen entrepreneurs, The Donald came back and came back with a vengeance, which was an astonishing feat, and for me, very inspiring. Unlike some of my friends and family, I enjoy watching the reality television show, The Apprentice - its value lies in its believable portrayal of the business world and the skill and personality required to survive in that world. This is what prompted me to read Trump's latest memoir, and without reservation, I was thoroughly impressed.

The book is organized in six parts: Business and Management, Career Advice, Money, The Secrets of Negotiation, The Trump Lifestyle and Inside the Apprentice. One can glean from these pages a wealth of advice to achieve success and potential wealth. This advice is from a man who has succeeded many times over, rising from the ashes of defeat like the proverbial phoenix. The writing style is breezy and chatty, as if you were sitting in front of the man in his office. Some of his anecdotes are entertaining to the point where I actually laughed out loud. My favourite chapter would have to be, A Week in the Life, written in a diary format hour by hour through a five-day week. From this one gets a true picture of the man's immense energy level and genuine passion for what he does every day. In fact I was a little exhausted after finishing the chapter and amazed at his capacity for work. And this is the secret: dogged hard work, attention to detail and grasping the big picture. I believe he would be a hard man to work for because he's such a perfectionist, but the experience would be well worth the time and potential anguish.

Because the writing is simple and flowing, the book can be properly read in a few hours. His advice is practical and can be applied immediately. Reading How to get Rich was absolutely an afternoon well spent. Highly recommended.

Thin gruel
Trump is a fascinating character and great at being a celebrity. He's a big believer in the American Dream, and one can't fault him for that. This book is interesting if you approach it wanting to hear his voice in your head and get a little inspiration to keep moving and working toward your own dreams. If you're looking for specific advice or detailed plans, go elsewhere. This is not a book for deep thoughts.

Great look inside Donald's business dealings
Short, concise, and to the point. That's the way the book is written and that's the way I like it. Get to the point, don't B.S., then move on. The brief sections makes it easy to read and reference. Just like his buildings, the layout and design of this book makes it enjoyable.
I don't believe he's given away all of his secrets, but it's very interesting to see what goes on in the day in the life of Donald Trump. I also beleive he was hamming it up a bit (probably to some perspective clients, lenders, and customers), but that's ok. I wouldn't expect anything less.
The way he describes handling obstacles that cross his path is actually inspiring. It kind of keeps things in perspective. He may deal in millions, but I figure anyone's obstacles can be overcome if they use his processes with dealing with them.
Even if you don't like him, it's fascinating to see how his life works (and that's just the part he let's us see). I, for one, appreciate the doors being open for others. ... Read more

Book Description

Suze Orman has transformed the concept of personal finance for millions by teaching us how to gain control of our money -- so that money does not control us. She goes beyond the nuts and bolts of managing money to explore the psychological, even spiritual power money has in our lives. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is the first personal finance book that gives you not only the knowledge of how to handle money, but also the will to break through all the barriers that hold you back.

Combining real-life recommendations with the motivation to overcome financial anxieties, Suze Orman offers the keys to providing for yourself and your family, including:

* seeing how your past holds the key to your financial future
* facing your fears and creating new truths
* trusting yourself more than you trust others
* being open to receiving all that you are meant to have
* understanding the lessons of the money cycle

The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is useful advice and inspiration from the leading voice in personal finance. As Orman shows, managing money is far more than a matter of balancing your checkbook or picking the right investments. It's about redefining financial freedom -- and realizing that you are worth far more than your money. ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Practical, useful, multidimensional, immediate use
Just finished reading this...and then immediately went into work and changed my 401(k) contribution to the maximum. Also am looking for a money market account and will begin managing my own IRA stuff...now that I feel more comfortable doing it. Plan to lend the book to friends, and called my parents to tell them to get a copy and start getting things in order...such as getting a trust instead of a will, getting LTC insurance, etc. I liked her straightforward writing style; she has a knack for explaining the "mysterious" world of investing and finance in a way you can quickly and easily understand. She makes you feel more confident...that you can indeed manage your money. In today's often confusing world, it was very helpful to hear that you can trust your intuition and you don't have to "fall prey" to financial advisors. Also, from personal experience, I know that her advice about "good brings good" and "respect of money will bring you more money" is true. My husband got in a serious accident a year ago and at the time we were in a bad bad financial position--no emergency funds, high credit card debt, prospects of little or no income. This "kick in the pants" helped me to take control of my money and now a year later our credit cards are paid off, we have 4 months of bills in the bank, and I am maxing out my 401(k). Suze Orman's book came to me just when I was ready for the next step, and I am putting it to good use. I highly recommend!!!

Financial Serenity
While this author describes 9 steps towards "Financial Freedom," I kept asking myself, "But what about ...?"

For those of who want a great primer into recreating your financial identity, this is an excellent beginning.

Suze Orman started out with a degree in Sociology (And she was attacked in the financial world for having "too much psychobabble").

Two events that compelled her to learn about and to be an expert on money:
1. When her father's store caught on fire, he desperately ran
into the store to grab his cash register. This caused him to
be badly burned. And it taught Suze Orman to learn about
investments, savings and related topics.
2. After college, she was a stock broker for Merrill Lynch.
This is where she learned the difference between what was
being told to the public, and what the truth about money is.

Through these events she discovered her life's work is telling people the truth about money.

Within this book Orman talks a lot about uncovering your money memories, and seeing where those money memories have led you to have the relationship to money that you now have.

She also covers many fundamental topics about retirement and investing in this book. But she does not take readers through the journey of earning a dollar, to growing that dollar into several millions - or to allowing that money to work for you.

I'd suggest that you read these seven books, after reading "Nine Steps to Financial Freedom":
1. "More Wealth Without Risk," by Charles Givens
2. "Financial Self-Defense," by Charles Givens
3. "The Millionaire Next Door," by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D., &
William D. Danko, Ph.D.
4. "Simple Abundance," by Sarah Ban Breathnach
5. "Creating Money," by Sanaya Roman & Duane Packer
6. "Girl, Get Your Money Straight!" by Glinda Bridgforth
7. "Open Your Mind to Prosperity," by Catherine Ponder

Where most financial books assume that you have money, and that you are not only ready to allow that money to work harder than you work, they also assume that you will be at peace with this.

Read "Nine Steps to Financial Freedom," to face your past, and to practice, for the sake of practicing to be a peace with your control over money.

Useful bits
I found this book to be sowewhat educational with a some good ideas here and there. With books like this, I try the philosophy "absorb what is useful". Some things are very helpful and some are just conceit in my opinion. I wouldn't pay too much for it, but every little bit of simple info helps.

Outstanding book Suze
The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is OUTSTANDING in presentation and content. Suze is indeed the Queen of personal finance and the most widely read financial author today.

In addition to this great book, I also recommend More Wealth Without Risk and Financial Self Defense by Charles Givens. Two books that gives even more OUTSTANDING advice that you won't find anywhere else.

Great books. Good luck!

My favorite personal finance book
Although Suze has written newer material, 9 Steps is still my favorite personal finance book. I believe it is the best personal finance book bar none.

These fans of Quinn need to get a life. If Quinn is so great, how come her book doesn't sell and those that bought it [myself included] were vastly dissappointed with it.

Besides, Quinn has her own place to write reviews. Why come over here unless it is a desperate attempt to drum up interest in her pathetic book. ... Read more

Book Description

Strategies for creating real estate wealth by star ting small--and always making the right moves

Nationally known real estate expert John Schaub learned his craft in the best way possible--on the job, and through every kind of market. Over three decades, he learned to bank consistent profits as he built an impressive real estate mini-empire. Building Wealth One House at a Time reveals how virtually anyone can accumulate one million dollars worth of houses debtfree and earn a steady cash flow for life.

Unique in that it focuses on buying houses in good-quality neighborhoods, Schaub's nine-step program includes:

• Renting to long-term tenants, with financial incentives to pay on time
• Avoiding the temptation of bigger deals, which invariably include bigger problems
• A 10-year plan to pay off debt and own houses free and clear

Reviews (7)

A practical guide by real estate expert John Schaub
The key to investing wisely in real estate is buying good houses in good neighborhoods - but there's more to it than that: buy at wholesale prices, properly fund an investment, and learn how to gain tenants who will increase a property's investment value in Building Wealth One House At A Time, a practical guide by real estate expert John Schaub, an investing expert whose program is taught through seminars and home-study courses. Plenty of similar-sounding investment guides promise wealth; this is one of the few to provide the step-by-step program on just how.

Its ok
I have high expectations for everything, and this book was just "OK".This is the first Real Estate book I bought and found that about 50% of the material I already knew.This is a good first book though for anyone who is wanting to start learning up on Real Estate Investment.

Definitely a keeper
I like this book.The author offers advice and strategies that I believe I can make work for me in the real world.There was nothing that I read in the book that I would feel strange or wrong about doing.In fact, I'm looking into making an offer using his methods.

The only conflict for me was that John recommends investing in your own area.He doesn't seem fond of investing out of town.I live in Southern California, and unless you are make large cash down payments, it's nearly impossible to be cash flow positive for a very long time.I'm going to adapt the information in the book and continue to invest out of town.

I'm definitely adding this to my investment book library.It's a keeper.

Covers the basic rules.
John Schaub has been a house investor, author, and speaker for over thirty years. He presents a senario of buying a house, renting it out for enough to cover its cost and maintenance, paying it off over a ten year or so period, building an investment portfolio of properties that will then provide for a good retirement income.

As with a lot of things, the devil is in the details. And most of the book covers things like finding the right house, negeotiating the price, a quick look at accounting, borrowing and everything else connected with the real estate marketplace.

The book is dead on. There are an awful lot of people who have made a lot of money this way. There are two or three he doesn't mention. One is buying houses at auction when they have been foreclosed, something you should investigate in your community, particularily if you live in a one commodity area that is subject to boom and bust. Another point is that most of the people I know who have build themselves this kind of business do a lot of their own maintenance. You can pay for things like cleaning and painting, but it's expensive.

Investing in rental houses is a business. Like any business it's subject to working hard, making the right decisions, and having just a bit of luck. If the earthquake finds your house ....

Good Advice
This is a fascinating book, with plenty of good advice for investing in rental properties and learning to live off the income produced by your investments. Schaub talks about finding deals, negotiating for better terms, using agents, managing your properties, and protecting your key assets. The paragraphs below briefly discuss three of his key points.

Schaub's chapter on learning how to work yourself out of your day job hit home with me. Isn't this a goal we all share? Schaub's plan is easy to understand, but not necessarily easy to follow. In my action plans, I first wanted to be able to pay my electric bill with income that had spun off my investments. After reaching that goal, I wanted to pay my phone bill, car insurance, etc. I kept working to build investment income sufficient to pay my bills. Eventually, I reached a point where my investment income has almost equaled my work income. I'm using the bulk of my work income to make investments. Schaub suggests using your investment income to replace your need to work. I suggest you keep working, and use you work income to make bigger investments.

Schaub's entire thesis rests on the concept of buying quality properties that you manage and control, and striving to pay them off within a ten-year period. When you approach retirement, theoretically you will have the income of these properties flowing into your bank account. This is a great idea, and certainly doable; however, maintenance, tax, and insurance expenses will never go away. So don't forget that maintenance alone may eat up to 40% of your gross income. Insurance and taxes will eat another 10-20%.

Schaub talks about owning property out of town, and this is important info for all investors. Your main concern is control. I learned my lesson the hard way here. I owned a home free and clear in a different state. However, my property manager seen to it that every month I had a significant maintenance costs, such as $325 for removal of used stove. $459 for removal of tree roots from pipes under house. Month after month I put up with these outrageous costs, that I would have handled for pennies if the home was within a hour's drive of my home.

Schaub suggests you Focus on making small deals that you can understand and control. For example, a small investor can earn sufficient returns from several single-family homes in good neighborhoods, without having to negotiate for malls and apartment complexes, or get over your head in partnerships and complex land development deals.
... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Can literally help save your life!
In today's world of hackers, stalkers, voyeurs, or just plain nosy people, privacy is of the utmost concern. It can literally mean being the target of a crime (such as identity theft or worse) or luckily being overlooked and out of reach of criminals. This book teaches simple, yet effective ways to protect yourself by being "invisible".

This book teaches how to do everything from just having your mail sent to different address to almost creating a whole new identity. Most people would only need minimal privacy enhancement to help them sleep at night, and this book accommodates that person. Surprisingly, though, it also accommodates the person looking to being as close to invisible as possible!

Overall, this book is a fast read that is sectioned off well. You do not need to read every chapter in this book, but can simply skip to each chapter that pertains to you. Most of all, it has the simple step-by-step methods that almost anyone can employ and help keep their personal welfare a little more secure.

THE guide for persons being stalked
As a woman who is being stalked by someone, this book is an absolute dream come true. Mr. Luna has presented an encyclopedia of information on how to make yourself as anonymous as possible, and has done so in a way that anyone can understand...and implement.

The techniques are all legal, which was important to me. I have only started and have a long way to go in order to begin to feel safe, but I'm grateful to have this book as my guide.

It's also quite interesting (and spooky) to learn just how much information is out there about you and how easy it may be accessed. If you are a person in a bad situation and recognize that law enforcement can only do so much, this is the book for you. It's well written, it's specific, and it tells you exactly what to do. Step by step. This is the book you need. It's worth every cent and more! Make sure you buy the latest edition, 2004!

Up-to-the-minute information!
I know of no other author in the field of privacy (and I have all the books) who answers many readers' questions on a day-to-day basis. If you don't believe this, go to www.howtobeinvisible.com and click on the "Questions" link.

I purchased Luna's orginal book in 2000, and his current revised edition. The original book was the best in the field and the new edition is even better. Unlike so many other books that advocate questionable (or illegal) procedures--false ID, offshore trusts, etc.--Luna opts for legal solutions. His tips on getting your mail at an alternate or "ghost" address are alone worth the price of the book.

Thorough, simple, legal
After reading the first edition, I was eager to read the revised addition. I was not disappointed by the many updates that have been included.

First, as before, I was pleased by the simplicity of what is taught. None of the "off shore" schemes promoted by others, and most important for me was the avoidance of anything illegal.

Mr. Luna provides readers not only with methods of keeping one's personal life private, but encourages readers to learn from those methods and develop their own methods that work best for them. But he doesn't stop with the book. Readers of the book are granted access to a portion of his web site that the author has REGULARLY updated for years. This area of his web site provides readers with updates-- very important considering how the world changes so quickly. He also responds personally to readers questions, and posts the responses online so we can all learn together.

It becomes very clear early on that the author has employed these techniques himself, so he knows what works and what doesn't.

He also provides resources-- actual names of people who the author trusts to help protect your privacy.

When one combines the information in the book, the resources, and the web site, one gets a complete privacy package.

I strongly recommend you get this book now-- even if you can't immediately forsee a need for privacy. The steps you need to take can't wait until after someone on the highway feels you cut them off and calls his friend of a friend at the DMV to learn where you live-- it's too late then!

The answer to your post September 11th Concerns:
I own both of J.J. Luna's "How to be Invisible" books, the original and the newly revised edition for 2004. J.J. Luna is an excellent privacy consultant and he keeps up on his trade providing you with correct and current information on protecting your personal privacy.

More info is available @ www.pcpitbull.com with feedback and advice. I have personally written Mr. Luna and one of his accomplices, "Senorita" with questions and suggestions and they have always responded in a quick and courteous manner. I believe this illustrates Mr. Luna's commitment to his readers; something most privacy advocates avoid so that no one can call their bluff.

In "How to be Invisible" the 2004 revision, Mr. Luna does more than just fill the gaps of his old book. He makes it a point to provide the reader with an overall sense of comfort in following his practices, holding your hand through the hard parts and sending you in the right direction to continue on living a private life.

In the beginning of the new book J.J. admits that the events of September 11th 2001 and the subsequent security measures enforced, changed or eradicated a large portion of the first rendition. The changes themselves though, were not very substantial. The theme is the same, the details are a little more detailed and overall I found this new revision to be more informative and helpful than the first. Mr. Luna filled the needed gaps and provided the missing links that every revision attempts to do, and he succeeded. The end result is an easy to follow, informative and moving guide to living a more private life.

Protecting your privacy is not something you should be ashamed of, it does not make you a zealot, it gives you the personal protection that you deserve in today's society. Mr. Luna's book gives you all the information you need to start sewing your modern security blanket. If you value your life and the life of your family, you owe it to yourself and to them to become informed. Start here! ... Read more

Book Description

The world is about to run out of cheap oil and change dramatically. Within the next few years, global production will peak. Thereafter, even if industrial societies begin to switch to alternative energy sources, they will have less net energy each year to do all the work essential to the survival of complex societies. We are entering a new era, as different from the industrial era as the latter was from medieval times.

In The Party's Over, Richard Heinberg places this momentous transition in historical context, showing how industrialism arose from the harnessing of fossil fuels, how competition to control access to oil shaped the geopolitics of the 20th century, and how contention for dwindling energy resources in the 21st century will lead to resource wars in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America. He describes the likely impacts of oil depletion, and all of the energy alternatives. Predicting chaos unless the U.S. -- the world's foremost oil consumer -- is willing to join with other countries to implement a global program of resource conservation and sharing, he also recommends a "managed collapse" that might make way for a slower-paced, low-energy, sustainable society in the future.

More readable than other accounts of this issue, with fuller discussion of the context, social implications, and recommendations for personal, community, national, and global action, Heinberg's book is a riveting wake-up call for humankind as the oil era winds down, and a critical tool for understanding and influencing current U.S. foreign policy.

Richard Heinberg, from Santa Rosa, California, has been writing about energy resources issues and the dynamics of cultural change for many years. A member of the core faculty at New College of California, he is an award-winning author of three previous books. His Museletter was nominated for its "Best Alternative Newsletter" award by Utne Reader in 1993.

Reviews (31)

Up The Creek Without A Paddle!
This volume begins with a discussion of what energy is and how it has been used to develop our industrial way of life. Brief histories of wood, coal, and oil use are also included. Much of this book centers around the amounts of oil, coal, and natural gas remaining to be harnessed in the future, with several experts giving their predictions for the peak production of the world production of oil, not far away by most accounts. The United States had it's oil production peak in 1970 (predicted in 1956 by M. King Hubbert) and has been in decline since, with a slight temporary increase in the 1980's due to Alaskan oil.

As Richard Heinberg emphasizes continually in this book, the decline in world oil production seems imminent, along with the ensuing decline in national industrial economies which rely on oil, the United States being by far the biggest example. Per capita energy use by Americans is five times the world average, Heinberg writes, and he makes it abundantly clear that this waste and extravagance cannot continue much longer, and no number of Iraqi type excursions will make a difference. Heinberg writes that this decline of energy availability and use can be achieved peacefully with individual countries cooperating with each other, or violently with nations squabbling over the remaining oil. However, one thing stands out very clearly now, back in the 1970's during the initial problems with energy shortages due to the Arab oil embargo, it should have been a wake-up call to our leaders to develop sustainable energy sources then, it was not done, our short-sighted leaders failed us. But as Heinberg says, corporate leaders are also at fault, with their massive self-interest at risk, they could make less money if the country shifted more to alternate energy sources, and their lobby is very strong on Capital Hill in Washinton, D.C.. If that alternate energy program was began on a massive scale in the 1970's we would probably be in much better shape now, in terms of our energy future, but as Heinberg states in this book, at this late stage our options are limited. The massive industrial military machine the United States has is given attention here also, as Heinberg writes, this massive allocation of resources can and should be directed to more pressing concerns, the citizens of the United States do not need a military budget that equals the rest of the world combined (we are'nt going to fight the Soviets, that is now clear).

This volume also covers alternate energy sources today, and what they can do to help us in the future, again, as Heinberg says, we have began with too little and too late to prevent a collapse of our industrial way of life. How large of a collapse will it be? No one is certain. Heinberg also touches on the subject of overpopulation and immigration. Did you know that approximately 90% of the population growth in the United States over the next 50 years will be due to immigration? This is an area that has been neglected, and as Heinberg says, it is politically sensitive and politicians rarely stick their necks out in areas such as this. Also, in terms of overpopulation, have we, due to the use of oil in creating a large world food supply, exceeded the carrying capacity of the planet? This is another area Heinberg writes much about.

Heinberg envisions, after the world oil supply peaks and begins it's inevitable decline, a slower paced, more idyllic lifestyle, and as he says, probably a more agreeable one, at that, to most people.

Chilling Examination Of Coming Crisis In World Oil Supply!
As someone who now has the time and energy to watch current world events with interest, I have puzzled over what seem to be possible ulterior motives for our aggressive intervention in Iraq. Yet, given its rich supply of so much marker (or high quality) crude oil, this well documented book by author and academic Richard Heinberg book gives one a new perspective as to why we seem to be taking the actions we are to consolidate the stranglehold the Western world needs to guarantee a continuing and uninterrupted flow of it in its various forms. The author makes a strong and persuasive case for the notion that the world is running dangerously close to serious shortfall and consequent disruption in the overall supplies of crude oil for variety of reasons.

In "The Party's Over", Heinberg threads an argument that the world is quickly running out of inexpensive oil, and that the world economy as it is currently oriented around the premise of such cheap sources of oil is about to undergo a relatively sudden sea change. In fact, he argues, within the next few yeas the high mark of such oil production will peak, much to the dismay of consistently expanding requirements for ever more total production. Given this gradual but consistently greater historical requirements for oil and its products, momentary gluts on the world market are more representative of temporary relaxation of segments of the world oil market rather than indicative of an overall trend, which slowly but surely increases from decade to decade. To wit, Heinberg argues, the Western world is about to enter a new era, one that will dramatically change the nature of international commerce and the increasingly unified world economy, in which a sneeze in Asia gives Canadians a cold.

Thus, posits the author, even if the Western democracies are willing and able to initiate conservation programs and develop strategies for switching to alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power, the overall effect of the declining availability of crude oil over the coming decade or so will be to force a de-facto decline in the total availability of energy for overall consumption. Such a set of circumstances could prove to be a serious challenge to the attempts to grow the global economy, and may also seriously damage overall standards of living, especially in modern post-industrial societies like our own that are so intensively energy dependent. According to Heinberg, we may well be on the cusp of a new era as different from our current culture of extravagance and plenty as the times after the industrial revolution were from the feudal era. Yet this time the progress may be in the opposite direction.

What all this represents is a massive transition placed in its proper historical context, illustrating the several ways in which our long dependence on fossil fuels and its corollary development of corporate forces with immense geo-political influence may face a fractious and much more difficult future in the face of such dwindling sources of overall supply, including the possible of resource wars in the Middle east and elsewhere as well. Given our seemingly obsession with SUVs and all the other petroleum intensive products of modern life, the impact may be one that is especially difficult and troublesome for affluent societies such as our own. This is a troubling yet quite informative book, and one I highly recommend. Enjoy! .

Entertaining. . .
If I were rating this book solely on entertainment value, I'd have given it 4 stars. . . it was a very enjoyable read. That said, I'm not sure I could even give the arguments in the book 2 stars. I found it particularly ironic that while he repeatedly disparages economist, he liberally quote Paul Ehrlich, who was so thoroughly embarrassed in his 1980's bet with the economist Julian Simon.

Read it then Judge
Notice how almost all of the criticism of the book is not directed at what is said in the book but at some doomsayers from 30 or so years ago. Since the 1970's technology has given us a much better handle on what we have in the ground. We know from such innovations as 3-D seismic mapping that only 40% of the world's land and oceans have any potential for oil discovery and that there is a 50% chance that less than 1 trillion barrels of recoverable oil are in this 40%. This is something we had no clue about before the 1990's. As technology has enabled us to become more efficient at extracting the oil we know we have, it has ominously showed us how little is actually left. Heinberg's greatest success is in showing how the energy returned must exceed the energy spent when analyzing a source of energy. Hence it does not matter how cheap all these renewables get. Since oil is needed to build solar panels and ethanol plants and nuclear plants, we will not have enough cheap oil to upgrade the infrastructure in time to prevent a collapse.

a huge oversupply
...of bad books on the coming shortage of oil. Other reviews point out the flaws in the book including a lack of adaquet knowledge of alternative sources of fuel. For example, many reading this book may not realize that the cost of renewables has gone done 50% each decade since the 1970s. The energy future is much brighter than Heinburg portrays, and his book will soon stand next to my copy of The Coming Collapse of 1993! ... Read more

Book Description

A CFP® Study Guide that delivers what you need to succeed!

This quick study guide for candidates preparing to take the CFP® Certification Examination covers the bare-bones essentials needed to pass this challenging exam in a logical and easy-to-absorb manner. Covering some of the most important disciplines of financial planning–– insurance, employee benefit, investment, income tax, retirement, estate, and general planning–– this text provides a no-nonsense approach to studying that includes:

• A highly logical and efficient format
• An in-depth outline of core essentials
• Explanations of all relevant exposures complete with solutions and practical examples
• Key points, exam tips, multiple choice, and mini—case study questions
• Mnemonic devices and study techniques to reinforce key points
• A format that directly parallels the CFP Board’s topic requirements

For students who have been through the traditional CFP® educational programs and want a book that brings it all together, Rattiner’s Review for the CFP® Certification Examination, Fast Track Study Guide keeps students organized, on track, and focused on what they need to succeed. In addition to its value as a quick-reference guide to supplement all CFP® texts and self-study materials, the Guide also serves as an important one-stop resource for financial services professionals who want information in a hurry.

"Jeff Rattiner has developed yet another valuable addition to our profession. Rattiner’s Review for the CFP® Certification Examination develops an excellent, comprehensive framework to prepare a student for the CFP® exam. The breadth and thoroughness of this book encompassing all 101 topics necessary for mastery will help students excel in their test preparations. "
–Stephen P. Wetzel, CFP®
Program Director and Adjunct Professor, New York University’s CFP® program

"I commend Jeff for providing relevant information in a clear and understandable manner for anyone in or thinking of entering the financial planning field. The book brings the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards education required 101 topics into focus. I definitely recommend the book to anyone preparing for the national certified financial planner examination."
–Kenneth M. Huggins, PhD, CFP®
Chair, Finance Department
Director, Financial Planning Certificate Program
Metropolitan State College of Denver ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Used This Book To Pass The CFP Exam
I found this book to be an accurate and concise review of the 101 topics covered on the CFP cerfifcation exam. This book was written in a great "review notes" format, much like I would take notes on a complex subject. I would highly recommend this book as a great CFP certification exam review. It is filled with only what you need to know- no extraneous commentary.

Very useful book
This book is an incredibly detailed outline covering the vast selection of topics included on the CFP exam. Because of the outline format, I wouldn't recommend trying to use this book as a way to learn material for the first time. What it is ideal for is as a reminder of details and distinctions, improving your recall of topics learned in some prior class or self-study, but in much more detail. Because this book is updated each year, it references up-to-date tax dollar amounts you'll need for the exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Recently, reorganizations, restructurings, and bankruptcies have replaced IPOs as the common financial vehicle of the times. However, these distressed companies can still provide an avenue for profitable investing. This eagerly anticipated new reference helps guide you through this treacherous landscape in order to master the multi-move chess-like strategies required to achieve financially advantageous results for your portfolio. It is the most up-to-date and comprehensive book on the market to deal with the myriad of issues surrounding a distressed company.

Providing theoretical and practical insight, Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors presents a conceptual, but not overly technical, outline of the financial and bankruptcy law context in which restructurings take place. The book covers the broader financial environment of the reorganization and the basic process of investment analysis and investment strategies. The author uses numerous real-world examples and case studies to emphasize important concepts and critical issues.

The developments that have created these extraordinary investment opportunities have also created tremendous demand for professionals with experience and knowledge in the restructuring process. Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors addresses the complete knowledge needs of investors and professionals in the burgeoning world of financially distressed companies. It is perfect for bankruptcy departments of law firms, restructuring advisory groups, turnaround consulting firms, and reorganization and distressed securities departments of investment banks. ... Read more

Book Description

Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments presents the essential concepts, principles, and tools for the analysis of commercial real estate (income producing) from an investment perspective. The book integrates relevant aspects of urban and financial economics to provide learners with a fundamental analytical understanding of real estate investments. In addition, it bridges the gap between mainstream finance and the cutting edge of professional real estate practice, in order to address the implications of their key difference. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great text - solid presentation - just undertand its focus
I think this is a wonderful text. However, let me state up front this is NOT a general book about real estate as an investment vehicle in the broad sense. It is a text that provides the knowledge and techniques to ANALYZE commercial real estate as a financial investment. So, yes, the book is heavy on financial analysis and the many way markets and techniques that exist for investing in commercial real estate.

You won't learn a thing about how to pick or manage properties. Those are topics for other books and courses. This great book does have a rather specific focus, but it needs that because the topic it does cover is so large and there is a great deal to learn.

I find the book to be clearly written with the bare minimum of mathematics to make the content extremely valuable. Because the authors have a practical focus the reader is not overwhelmed or bogged down in abstruse topics or arcane formulae.

The book has thirty chapters grouped into eight parts. The eight parts are 1) Into to real estate economics, 2) Urban economics and real estate analysis, 3) Basic financial economic concepts and tools, 4) Real estate valuation and investment analysis at the microlevel, 5) Completing the basic investment analysis picture, 6) Mortgages from an investment perspective, 7) Macrolevel real estate investment, 8) Real estate development and other selected topics.

From this list of topics you can understand the nature of this book. If these are issues you are interested in I think you will find this book really delivers the goods and I am glad to have on my shelf of valued business texts.

The Best Real Estate Text I've Ever Read
This book is not for the faint-hearted or for readers who want to skim a few paragraphs and then think they'll get rich quick.

If you read this book, chapter by chapter, and do the exercises at the end of each one, you'll probably know more about Real Estate Finance than many people in Real Estate boardrooms. This will take a few weeks as a minimum, but it will have immense value.

The writers Geltner and Miller really choose to go "in-depth" with each topic, almost to the point of annoyance when you're reading it, but afterwards you realize why, and importantly, realize what you've learned by doing it.

This book is immensely valuable, and requires some work to achieve that value. It's value will be with you permanently however, because you will have absorbed the true principals of what's going on it real estate and the associated financial markets, and not just have memorized some glib cookbook answers which many people may instead be hoping for.

This is a book for thinkers and practicioners who want carry lasting value with them.

Very good text
This is a very good book. It covers urban economics and market analysis very well. The chapter on real estate and portfolio theory is more than worth the readers time. Text also covers commercial mortgages very well. This is not a get rich quick book but if you want to learn about commercial real estate, then this book is what you are looking for.

Great!
This is an excellent book for developing an analytical view on commercial real estate markets. It is not suited as a "commercial real estate analysis" step-by-step guideline for the average real estate professional, but it is great as a textbook in a university master course. Complex concepts and principles are described in an easy-to-understand way. The book has a broad scope, with chapters written from a finance, investments or urban economics perspective. One of the best books for an academic real estate course.

Worthless!
My rating is based on two criteria: (1) The authors can't write readable prose. They do not even know how to constuct a coherent paragraph, let alone build a coherent full-bodied narrative. Mostly academic jargon. (2) The authors say that you can view commercial real estate from many perspectives, but they emphasize financial economics. Unfortunately, anyone who restricts their view to fin econ cannot make sensible decisions.This perspective renders the book useless. It's clear the authors have no practical knowledge of commercial real estate -- or if they do they're keeping it a secret. Written primarily to impress their buddies in university econ and finance departments. ... Read more

Book Description

This updated, compact desk reference book defines and explains more than 4,000 terms related to investment. They include types of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, as well as terms that apply to banking, corporate finance, and tax laws, including the most recent revisions in income tax law. The book also features helpful charts and graphs. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

More Than A Book
Expect this little work to be exactly what it is titled, "Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms". It does not contain a story, or financial advice, or commonly used terms. It is a financial dictionary. Its binding is "professional softcover" and has very thin pages- required due to 600+ pages. I notice some reviewers' felt it was not worth the money. Where else can you find a professional dictionary of specialized terms for under $12 ? I found the book so useful, I purchased Barron's Investment Guide, which includes the dictionary. I recommend both of these books (...)

If your looking for an enthralling read, the Finance Dictionary is not that. If you're looking for an inexpensive, professional little reference book, full of pertinent terms and explanations, this one will definitely earn its keep.

Not Perfect, But Very Useful
When I first got into the financial field many years ago, I kept a copy of this book (an earlier edition) close at hand at all times. As I read The Wall Street Journal and Business Week, this book proved indispensible to help me understand concepts and jargon. Today, it is dog-eared, wrinkled and dirty, but I still turn to it occasionally. Yes, some of the definitions are outdated or incomplete. Yes, some terms are missing. But this is the best dictionary of financial terms I've ever seen, and I recommend it to anyone who needs an easy-to-use reference guide.

Great Tool When Dealing with Finance or Investment
Unless you work in finance and investment, it is virtually impossible to keep apprised of the terminology and jargon. Even if you do, it's probably fairly easy to come across some word that you do not know the meaning of or are uncertain as to its meaning. This handy reference book is perfect for both professionals and non-professionals who find themselves confronted with the often arcane verbiage of the finance and investment world.

This book has frequently been of personal use to me in reviewing contracts for clients, as well as helping me when I stumble across some unknown term while reading. This is a nice little tool that should be on your shelf or in your pocket the next time you talk to someone about finances, investments, or even insurance.

Not a panacea but extremely useful
I find myself somewhat amazed at the financial analysts and brokers who find this book unsatisfactory. The poignant analogy coming to mind is offering the book "Accounting for Dummies" to a CPA. Of course it is unsatisfying. A book like this is not aimed at seasoned professionals in the field; rather, it's intended audience is grounded in those with little or no exposure to the securities/financial fields.

I have been involved in securities litigation consulting for almost a decade now. As my consulting practice has grown, I have hired many individuals, most of whom are not well-versed in securities/financial jargon. In significantly all cases, these new employees feel ill-at-ease initially when reviewing case files and documentation due to the learning ramp and educational abyss. I have found if I offer them a copy of the DICTIONARY OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT TERMS (DFIT) on their first day, the learning curve is flattened and becomes much shorter in duration. As a matter of fact, several of my employees have taken the initiative to take their DFIT home to look for particular words/phrases common to their daily routines. By derivation, this makes the employee feel much less out of place and instills some level of motivation relative to their work (this has been a definite intangible benefit to my practice).

I keep one in my office and although I don't crack it very often, there are times when I'm not as familiar with a word/phrase and then, I rely on DFIT. This is similar to the situation of reading a book, seeing a word you can pronounce and know but aren't quite certain of its EXACT meaning. Let's face it, with over 5,000 entries in DFIT, most professionals, even those entrenched in the field, will find themselves fuzzy on certain words and phrases.

While DFIT is not a panacea, it certainly fills the void. I would recommend this book for anyone new to the finance/investment fields and most professionals who deal on the fringes of these industries. ... I don't really see how one can go wrong here (particularly given that many reference offerings go for hundreds of dollars).

Endorsed by an elected treasurer.
As the elected treasurer for a Califonia county we have had this wonderful little book since its 2nd edition.

Of all the reference and resource books we have at our disposal, this book ranks the highest.

The book is updated quite often and is worth its weight in gold! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Book!
Mr. Heavens certainly knows his stuff when it comes to how to make your house look nice! Look at the back cover of the book with Search Inside the Book, and Mr. Heaven's credentials are certainly worthy of one's trust. The really cool thing about Mr. Heavens, however, is that his knowledge does not just stop at home renovation but he is truly a polymath. With this book and this great writer, renovating one's house raises from the level of a fun skill to a true art form; but of course, as you are drawn into the art, you will also learn more fun tips than you can find anywhere else.

You will not regret buying this! ... Read more